Manon Cafe, 74 Trinity Place, New York, NY

Coffee:****

Overall: ****

Coffee sampled: Illy French Roast

Offerings: Coffee, pastries, juices, PLUS Leonidas Belgian Chocolates.

Unique Drinks: Hot Chocolate made with real Belgian Chocolate.

Interior: The blue and white walls remind me of a doll house. The shop is huge with a second level that is also available for private parties. There are ornate mirrors and pretty decorations all over the walls and even the "no smoking" signs are framed.

Music: Classical or contemporary music from a local radio station.

Clientele: Young Wall Street professionals and tourists.

Free WiFi: No.

Credit Cards: Yes

Barista: Friendly young people who always have smiles on their faces.

Extras: Leonidas Belgian chocolate is also sold at Manon cafe. For a larger selection of chocolates, you can visit the main chocolate store at 485 Madison Ave.

Notes: The chocolates come directly from Belgium and are also available online at http://www.leonidas-chocolate.com

Has-Beans Coffee and Tea Co. 620 5th Ave. Park Slope, Brooklyn

Coffee:*****

Overall:*****

Coffee sampled: French Roast

Offerings: Coffee, tea, pastries, juices, whole bean coffee, loose teas, fresh fruit, slushys, and cool accessories.

Unique Drinks: Mexican Hot Chocolate

Interior: Laid back atmosphere. The wooden tables and chairs and the checkered floor tiles remind me of an old school diner. The warm brown and yellow tones make you feel very relaxed. The walls and shelves are filled with coffee memorabilia and you could spend a lot of time just looking around. A great place to go to study or relax without loud noise and huge crowds.

Clientele: Mixed age group.

Barista: A friendly young lady who greeted all the customers with a smile and asked how their day was.

Extras: Has Beans is also an internet cafe that offers internet access at $8.00 an hour. You can also purchase coffee and tea accessories such as French presses, coffee mugs, tea infusers, filters, and travel mugs.

Notes: Has Beans started as a local chain in San Francisco in 1976.

Dora's, 60-50 Myrtle Ave, Flushing, Queens

Coffee: *****

Overall:*****

Coffee sampled: French Roast

Offerings: Coffee, Crepes, Pastries, Cakes

Interior: Beautiful brown tones everywhere. Although the shop is new, it feels like it has been a staple in the neighborhood for years. Coffee memorabilia decorates the walls and steaming coffee cups are carved into the backs of the chairs.

Music: Contemporary music from a local radio station.

Clientele: Neighborhood Locals

Free WiFi: No

Credit Cards: yes

Barista:Gabriel and Wife, Dora

Notes: There are so many types of crepes to choose from that you won't know where to start!

Saurin Parke Cafe, 301 West 110th Street

Coffee: *****

Overall:*****

Coffee sampled: Costa Rican Fair Trade

Offerings: Coffee, Espresso beverages, beer, wine, sandwiches, salads, soup, tea, and soda.

Unique Drinks: David and Goliath (coffee, steamed milk, Starbucks coffee liqueur)

Interior: Very nice place to relax. Wooden interior gives you the feeling of being in a European pub. French beer posters on the walls add to the old world charm. On one side there is a long, comfy bench with wooden tables, with more tables in the center and at the front of the shop. The tables are placed far enough apart that you don't feel crowded. There are seats at the bar as well. The windows on the front doors let in lots of light. In the summer, these doors are open and you can sit and watch life go by.

Music: Bob Marley live

Clientele: Multiethnic crowd. From young students with laptops to couples having a romantic moment and people sitting alone enjoying a book.

Free WiFi: Yes

Credit Cards: Yes

Barista: Young lady with a great bob. Knew all the regulars.

Extras: Full bar, bookshelf, open storefront in summertime, pretty paper lanterns that hang over the bar.

Notes: The only annoying factor is that you have to go the bar to get a code for the bathroom lock keypad.