Reds Espresso Gallery, 1017 Rosecrans Street, San Diego

 My advice: start in the bathroom.  You'll be embraced by an underwater mural of a topless mermaid and laughing dolphin, with sea currents rising up the four walls and swirling around the ceiling.  The rest of the Reds Coffee Gallery is similarly exuberant in décor: a photo gallery, wire sculptures, displays of local funky jewelry, candles to promote longevity and creativity, and some inscrutable anti-communist t-shirts.  Throw in black-and-red wall paint, skylights and a piano – and you've got a café that makes you happy to lose a few hours or a whole day.

Reds was recommended to me by locals as "THE place for muffins" and in fact the food is superb.  But, more importantly, their 100% organic coffee varieties are to die for.  Nothing turns me off of a coffee shop like lousy lattes, miserable mochas, and crappy cappuccinos.  Reds never serves an inferior cup of coffee.  Whether you want a 4 shot Hazelnut Soy Mocha or a small cup of joe, you'll get what you're looking for and you won't be disappointed.  All the coffee is roasted in-house and lattes arrive with a little heart swirled into the foam.  The fact that they buy only organic, sustainable coffees means the price of a pound is rather high ($12 and up) but the quality and consistency make it worth the investment.

However, a word of advice for the hurried and harried coffee consumer: quality cannot be rushed.  The baristas will take their time creating the perfect drink for you.  If you can't stand to wait, head back to the coffee pods on the back table.  Drop your cash, grab your drink, and leave.  It's that easy.

Review by: Rainey Reitman

Posted: Sunday, January 27, 2008