On 7/29/2016 12:57 PM, The Greatest! wrote:

> SB is "consistent", e.g. I can always get the exact iced tea or Thai Chicken Wrap or Rice Krispie treat or whatever that I like, plus they've got reliable wifi and are open very early, e.g. 5-6:00 AM and stay open until 9-10:00 PM...
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> I rarely go there just to "hang out" anymore, but SB is a boon sometimes. This past summer has been hot so when I do my shopping at Trader Joe's I'll hit the adjacent SB's for an iced drink and some frigid A/C as a break between TJ's and lugging the vittles home (I am car-less, walk or public transit everywhere)...same in winter, can be a cozy and warm break from doing errands during our arctic winters.
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> There are of course TONS of coffee places around, especially small independent ones. But many have wierd hours, their service and product can be quite variable. Tried a new one recently, people raved about it, but when I proffered my debit card to pay for the iced coffee, I got the "Sorry, we don't accept cards for purchases under $5.00...BUT there is an ATM across the way at the 7 - 11..." So I simply turned heel and exited, I'm not going to make a special trip to an ATM just because the owner is too cheap to accept small card charges.
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> And I gotta tell ya, Dunkin' Donuts has TERRIBLE coffee, have bought containers of it several times for the office, it never fails to not satisy...
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> For my iced home brewed coffee - and iced is all I drink, even in winter - I use Cafe Bustelo, a 10 oz. brick/can is like $2.78 at Aldi's. It's a spectacular product, rich and flavorful and strong AND at a give - away price. The yellow and red artwork is very cool, too, I have in fact a Bustelo canister on my desk, it holds office supplies. Cafe Bustelo is one of my "favorite things to buy"...
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I like to go to some of the independent places, but there is a risk/
Some are very good, but there are many rather poor places. Crap shoot.
The chains and franchise operations are a good bet usually clean too.

I see the $5 or $10 minimum posted in many places. Up to $10 is legal.
I see it a lot, but prefer cash for things under $50 or so. Too much
time to reconcile the account with a lot of little charges..