What's In A Name

A rather interesting place we came across in Seattle was SoulFood Books and Cafe.  I use the term interesting because this place had far too many things going on and it had almost nothing to do with its name. Let me explain.

The building from the front, is small and a little dark.  There is an additional side entrance with an overpriced, independently owned toy store across the walkway.  The first thing you see when you walk in is the “bookstore” section of the cafe.  There is a handful of bookshelves with maybe 150 books, and most of them are spiritual books.  Hardly a bookstore.  To the right is some seating and a children’s play area filled with toys.  The center houses an area to buy incense, body oils, cooking oils, coffee, candles and jewelry.  In front of that is the cafe and behind that is a stage for performances such as open mic night for musicians.  While there, at a tall table where the books were, a palm reading was going on.  To me, having a palm reading in the same place as a children’s area, a stage, and a shop, seems like it wouldn’t be an accurate reading.  The noise surrounding would cause them to lose focus.

At the cafe counter, there is more incense and jewelry to purchase.  Odd but ok.  The staff was nice.  They have a whole counter of syrups so they can make just about any drink (hot or cold).  I ordered the Irish cream chocolate espresso, pretty good.  The bestie ordered the barista's choice which tasted like caramel and chocolate.  And the husband ordered a London Fog.  Overall, good drinks but probably not a place we will go to again. It's theme is overwhelming and it's focus isn't on high quality coffee but to profit from the sales of random stuff. 

This is the ceiling in the back space by the stage.