The Gourmez

The Looking Glass
601 West Main Street
Carrboro
French Press Coffee: $2.50–$5.00
Bagel Panini: $4–$5.50
Burritos: $6

The Looking Glass is a newer coffee shop in Carrboro that I think is pretty fantastic. It’s not nearly as popular as Open Eye—which is great if you are looking for more assured laptop and outlet real estate. The space is very open and features the relaxing trickle of a fish aquarium inside and a boutique  with incense, skateboards, and some other assorted items for sale.

Outside, the porch is large and inviting and hosts a row of fun, red lanterns. I’m a sucker for huge lanterns. Board games (a list is on their whiteboard), a pool table, and a foos ball table are all available if you are looking to chill with friends. If you’re focused on computer activities, there is also free wireless.

This coffee house is just focused on coffee—no espresso machine. They mainly offer French press coffee with tasting notes on a changing list of ten or so different beans. They also offer at least one drip coffee option a day if you prefer to purchase by the cup rather than vat of hot water. Smoothies, italian sodas, and various iced teas are also on hand.

Foodwise, the pasty case is pretty to look out, but I haven’t found the contents that exciting yet-all a bit stale to my taste. I’ve had the spongy, shortbread type of cookie, a cranberry scone, and an everything bagel thus far. Those desserts might be winners, though.

Interestingly, they have a row of cereal boxes on display, so I think that’s an option if you’re feeling munchy. They also have various burrito options and pressed bagel sandwiches.

This is a genoa salami panini on an everything bagel with cheddar cheese and salsa. It was pretty good, though the salsa and cheese could have been hotter and meltier.

This locale isn’t really about the food, however. It’s about the mellow atmosphere and variety of good beans to try. I think it’s a great coffee house and am glad my writing group started meeting there on Friday mornings. Oh yeah, if you wander in on a Friday morning, you may find me in the back reading something aloud for critique. Say hi!

3 stars

Reviewed 4.16.10.

Posted: Tuesday, April 20th, 2010 @ 11:20 am
Categories: Coffee Shop.
Tags: bagel, board games, carrboro, coffee house, Coffee Shop, french press, porch, the looking glass.
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