Printer’s Inc. Café
320 S. California Ave
Palo Alto, Ca 94306
It is a slightly chilly day with hints of fall in the air as I sit outside at Printer’s Inc Café in Palo Alto, CA. I have armed myself with a mug of black currant tea brewed from loose tealeaves. The Printer’s Inc. had an alluring sound to an English major such as myself. I had envisioned a cozy coffee shop with heavy wood tables, a leather couch or chair, newspapers on the walls and deep bookshelves containing slightly dusty tomes. Instead, I was slightly surprised to find a bustling café with a feeling similar to a Panera Bread or Le Boulanger. It seems to be a popular spot, offering a full range of salads, sandwiches, and soups as well as a coffee and tea menu. I tried the French Onion soup. It came with a hearty chunk of baguette and a pat of butter. At first I was appalled at the seeming omission of cheese, however I discovered it was on the bottom. I do rather prefer my cheese upon the top, but to each his own. If you like onions you will find yourself in onion heaven with this soup. Overall, it was most sustaining. J
As the lunch hour rolls into full swing the quiet study-ers have been replaced by the meet-ers. What appears to be a group of businessmen on their lunch break are clustered around two mismatched tables they have pulled together. Beside them sits another group who seem to have just met each other for the first time with the purpose of discussing what sounds like a mission trip or similar excursion to another country. Off in the corner sits a couple studying companionably. Occasionally a patron hails a passer-by who stops to chat. Inside the tables are equally filled with similar groups; people here to meet over some matter or other, downtown on their lunch break, and the occasional study-er mixed in amongst the rest.
It is a pleasant spot, even if it is not a coffee shop according to my strict standards. They do offer free Wi-Fi. However, if you bring your computer make sure you have a nice battery life, as outlets seem to be non-existent.
For those of us who consistently forget to carry cash on our persons- be aware that while they do accept Visa and MasterCard they require a $5 minimum purchase.
Now finding the restrooms feels something like a snipe hunt. You begin by looking around and not seeing signs for such a facility anywhere. Upon asking (and let’s be honest – by now you’re dying), you are told you have to walk through the art gallery located behind the café. (Yes, there is an entrance from inside the restaurant.) Okay – the restrooms are in the art gallery. You stroll nonchalantly into the gallery and encounter a wall of displays. Don’t be daunted; continue around the display and you will find a door. You will have to eat a piece of mushroom so you can shrink small enough to fit through the door, and then consume something in a bottle when you come back to return to normal size. Ok, just kidding. Just go through the door, past the shelves of pottery seconds and – wha la! (Wow! After that hunt, I think I need a danish!) Actually, once located it is a respectable accommodation. The germ conscious need not fear.
The Printer’s Inc. is more a restaurant than a coffee shop. That being said, though, it was a spot I would consider revisiting. (Although, a tad bit pricey…) Next time, I shall actually try the coffee, which I understand is locally roasted.
