181 Cabrini

Location: 854 W. 181st St. @ Cabrini Blvd.

Phone: 212.923.2233

Web: 181cabrini.com
Music: Live Jazz on Monday nights (no cover)

This is a nearby joint and I'm really not sure why I don't come here more often. It's always a relaxed atmosphere inside and there's nothing in the neighborhood that even comes close to competing with the free jazz offered on Monday evenings.

Last Monday I stopped by for a Maker's on the rocks and listened for a short time. Good tunes. Didn't catch the name of the quartet (else I would mention them specifically,) but they were good and the it was a nice place to be.

I didn't eat then, but I've been here before for grub. Always tasty. I typically just come here for a drink or two — it's a great place to bring a date, or a single friend or two for conversation. Once I met Mr. Wikipedia and his wife here. He had dragged her along convincing her it doubled as a juice bar. Unfortunately is was not. But it is both a great bar bar, as well as coffee bar — and restaurant.

Lucky to have it up here. Lucky to have it. Now if only the could make outdoor seating in the summertime happen, the place just might be perfect.

Starbucks (181st St. & Ft. Washington)

Location: 803 W. 181st St @ Ft. Washington
Phone: 212.927.4272
Web: www.starbucks.com

What can I say? It's a Starbucks.

However, I suppose I will say that I do not like this location very much and in fact it's probably one of my least favorite Starbucks in the city, aside from any of the Times Square locations. On the whole, the staff is either short or rude to me every time I go in - at least the male staff. I can't remember any female baristas ever offending me.

But again, it's a Starbucks. I still go there. Often buy a pound of coffee there.

Stupid corporations.