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(310) 396-8566
212 Pier Ave
Santa Monica,
CA
90405
33.9985
-118.4799
Neighborhoods: Ocean Park, West LA
What People Are Saying About The Novel Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short – This casual, coastal coffeehouse doubles as a used bookstore and village square, where local literary types come to type, talk, log on or read without being bothered by the trendy, Main Street masses. Secluded nooks in the upstairs lounge offer enough peace and quiet for writers to freely commune with their muses. Lunch fare includes the veggie sandwiches and turkey roll-ups. Sweets like pies, chocolate cake carrot cake are also available.
02/16/09
Whatever Happened To Curteous, Friendly, And Polite Customer Service?
by DavidGlen1010 at Citysearch
Sure, the Novel cafe is a quaint place to hang out, drink a coffee, and have some decent chow at a very reasonable price while you are working on your next blockbuster script or studying for an exam. That is why I have been a regular customer for at least a decade and spend several thousand dollars in the cafe each year on food, beverage, and tips.
So why does the short order cook "Martin" feel he has the right to continually be rude and insulting to myself and other customers. And, when asked about why he is rude reply, "I joke like that with everyone."
I have never had a problem with any of the other cooks or counter people. Most of them are very personable, friendly, polite and professional in their conduct. The Novel Cafe makes a great Mediteranean Plate, great chili, and great turkey quesadillas. It is generally a relaxing down to earth place to eat and study.
Unfortunately, it only takes a dozen or so insults from a short order cook to sour a long term customers taste for an establishment. I for one no longer feel comfortable ordering food when I see Martin is at the grill. If he is openly rude to a long time customer out front , what might he be doing in the back?
Hopefully preparing food properly, but I'm not taking a chance. Maybe he will get some retraining on polite and friendly customer service in the near future.
Besides that, I would recommend the Novel Cafe to anyone. The prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere relaxing, and the customer service is just fine most of the tiime!
10/22/08
Great Place to Get Some Work Done
by ItsNotDelivery at Citysearch
So I stumbled upon this place in Santa Monica off of Main Street. I wish it were in a better spot. Its not out of the way, its just that nobody can really see it from the road. But I guess that is to my advantage because if it was, it would be PACKED. There are books lining the walls. I go sometimes now just to pick up a random book and read for a few hours. There are tables both inside and out. Usually busy but never too crowded. They have great drinks, really anything you could want and a good selection of sweets and sandwiches/small meals. If you are looking for a spot to plug in your laptop, grab a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, and peacefully get some work done, this is it. I heard that there are book clubs held there as well.
- Pros: Wi-Fi, Books, Quiet, Plugs everywhere
- Cons: Parking
03/15/08
Great Food, Inexpensive, Wonderful easy going college coffee house feel.
by ravendreamer at Citysearch
I really enjoy coming here. It reminds me of the Coffeehouse on Illinois State's campus back in a time when Starbucks didn't exist and you could spend all day tasting different foods, coffees, and listening to the world go by. I don't come here enough because I forget about it due to its location but coming across it today, I definitely will come more often! Don't change!
- Pros: Tasty food, fresh, nice coffee, fantastic atmosphere and inexpensive. Great breakfast!
- Cons: parking.
The Details on The Novel Cafe
The Extras:
Internet terminals are available for a small fee. Wireless Internet is also available.
Know Before You Go:
This is a cash-only establishment but there is an ATM on site.
