Filter Coffee House

Filter is a local independent coffee shop that I love to support (drinking a yummy latte here right now, in fact). Here are a few reasons why:

The people who work here are super nice.
They are very dog friendly. There is a water dish and sidewalk patio outside, AND they go out of their way to let pet-owning patrons know that they can bring their dogs INSIDE!
They open up two of the walls for a breezy open-air feel during the summer.
They have some covered parking in the back.
I haven't tried their desserts but they look AWESOME.
They're open 24 hours.
Free wi-fi (you have to ask for the password)
Really fun, eclectic feel with funky mismatched furniture and artwork by local artists.
Buy 10 Get 1 Free cards
Real mugs.
And I may just be imagining this part but it's worth mentioning… This place has great energy and every time I come here I get more done than anywhere else.

Only four stars because the prices are a bit higher than average, and parking can get tricky in Hillcrest during peak hours. And it is so far from my house :(

I've been looking for a new place to get work done during the weekends and it's been a struggle to find a place with free parking, WiFi, flexible hours, power outlets, and good eats and drinks. My friend suggested that we check out the popular, pet-friendly, 24-hour Hillcrest cafe known as Filter. Weekend parking is free and I managed to find a space out front so we cruised right on in. The first thing you notice is the great patio and totally open windows that make the whole place feel welcoming. People hang out with their dogs there all the time and the while Hillcrest area is extremely pet-friendly.

We decided to try their iced java chip and ice mint chocolate blended drinks as we planned to spend the rest of the day working there. At $4.95 each, they're definitely not the cheapest drinks in town, but they sure were tasty and were a great pick-me-up to power me through the work ahead.

If there was a 24-hour cafe near campus when I was a student, you'd be able to find me studying there all the damn time. Unfortunately, there isn't, and students are relegated to their lonely dorm rooms. There are definitely not enough of these gems around town and this is one I'll be holding on to with both hands. I plan to be here almost every weekend so be sure to say hi!

Food: 8/10

Service: 7/10

Price: $

Atmosphere: 8/10