There's a theory that coffee houses changed the course of history. They were certainly in existence in 16h century Damascus and Cairo, and by 1652 they had reached London and not long after, Paris. The major figures in the French Enlightenment met over coffee, businessmen and artists in Vienna could comingle over a stimulant, and in the US what Martin Mull once called "the great folk music threat of the 1960s" was cultivated in coffeehouses.
Nowadays the espresso house has become an essential part of the American community. Some people call this the "Starbucked" effect, and with the advent of wi-fi many the independently employed can turn their neighborhood café in to a public office.
In our two towns there are half a dozen such coffee houses, and for this week's Patch Readers' Choice we ask you to choose your favorite. Show some love for your favorite spot, not only with a poll vote (one per reader, please) but by leaving a great review and a positive rating on its Patch Directory page. Just click the highlighted names to see the directory page for each place in the contest.
- (645 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo)
- (4 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax)
- (57 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax)
- (546 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo)
- 9896 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo)
- (701 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo)
- The Java Hut (760 Center Blvd., Fairfax)
By Facebook request, we've added Java Hut - although it's primarily a drive-through location and not a "coffee house" it does have a cadre of loyalists who hang out there, so we'll count that. As always, if we've missed someplace else, please tell us in the comments and we'll add it ASAP.
The poll goes away after a few days, but the positive reviews and ratings stay forever — plus they count heavily in the contest judging. So if you love one (or more) of our contestants, be sure to leave a rating and a review.
Because this poll is not scientific, it is not the sole consideration in choosing a winner. The winner will be determined by the Patch editor, based on poll results, comments and reviews on the listings in our directory. Leave reviews for as many listing as you wish, but please vote only once per survey, per Patch. Complete contest rules are attached.
