Cafe Intermezzo

And continuing with coffee shops, here’s perhaps Atlanta’s most popular one by far – Café Intermezzo. It’s a European bistro in suburban Atlanta. They call themselves the largest Espresso/Cappuchino machine in the world, quaintly fashioned from small town Vienna. They boast a scintillating array of coffees, from the unassuming Mocha to the nutty Gianduja. The desserts are as scrumptious as their coffees are eclectic. My favorite by far is the Tiramisu, no one makes it like they do. The best part about Café Intermezzo is that it wakes up when the rest of Atlanta is asleep; literally. It’s probably the only place that’s still bustling at 2:00am on week-ends.

So, for that after midnight kick, when the only other option is a decrepit Waffle House, Café Intermezzo is definitely the place to go!

Java Monkey

Like all the different neighborhoods in Atlanta, Decatur too has its own, very inviting, coffee shop. It’s called Java Monkey; an organic coffee house and wine bar. This petite café could almost be your grand mom’s kitchen, with the well worn couches, home-made cookies and truffles, freshly baked cakes and of course the warm and welcoming smell of coffee beans wafting all through. There’s a coffee bar, an outdoor patio and a cozy living area. I think the best part of Java Monkey is its location. Right outside the little shop, is a beautiful piazza. With the quaint shops all around, the old-fashioned street lights, the benches and the gazebo at the far end, you’re definitely treating yourself to a little more than just coffee when you’re at the Java Monkey.

Oh! Did I mention that the latte was pretty good too…..

Apres Diem

Apres Diem is a coffee house tucked away in the little known parts of Midtown. Their tag line states 'International coffee house and bistro' and that is exactly what they are. Just like the more famous Cafe Intermezzo, they boast an assorted variety of coffee with accompanying desserts. I'm not a big coffee person and therefore cannot make a recommendation. An overwhelming variety always prompts me to stick to the traditional 'Cafe Au Lait', you can't really go wrong with that! The desserts are all very scrumptious and you have to walk over to the bar to make your selection. Words will never be able to do justice to them.

I like Apres Diem because it has the dark, cosy, romantic feel to it. Candles, curios on the wall, tiny vases, tables wedged close together, the lazy European undertone, the mid-towners and the constant chatter make this place a perfect after-dinner hangout.

Mimi's Cafe

We've been to this place several times; not for the food though. We go there for the dessert; one particular item on the dessert menu in fact - The Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie. It's as rich and decandent as a dessert can possibly get. It's an all-time late-night-dessert-binge favorite. Even Mom loved it where she here.

Mimi's Cafe is actually a chain but the menu's are tailored to different states so I'm not sure if you can find their pie anyplace out of Georgia. But for all the Peachtree Street people, you gotta try this! The picture alongside is straight off their menu, it probably doesn't do it justice, go taste it and let me know.