Linnaea's Cafe — Restaurant in San Luis Obispo

This is the most rustic and cute coffee shop in SLO. Back in the '80s and '90s, garden Street was the communal hubbub spot of the punk rockers and goths. Linnea's was a central point of that awesome cultural melting pot. For the longest time it was owned by my friend's mom, Marianne, a super nice lady. The new owners she passed it off to a couple years ago are very sweet people. The first time I was in there, the owner Alex went around pouring people complimentary cups of this delicious loose leaf tea. The last time I was in there he gave me a little discount just because he was happy to see a friendly face. These people are super awesome and what they offer to the community is just great, both in the quality of their food, tea and coffee, as well as their energy. This coffee shop has the most history in SLO, and the patio outback is one of the most peaceful places you could go to do your homework or business or play board games or write in your journal, you know any of that good stuff. I wholeheartedly recommend! Five out of five stars on...

I knew the original owner, and I've known the owners subsequent..

They've all held up the bargain of the original game plan. To be a hold fast, a hole In the storm. To provide good service and care, and a break for anyone coming through.

Even through covid, they held up and followed regulation, sacrificing 70% of their business, and surviving.

I knew that place as a place to organize peaceful protests. From the original building of Diablo to the deforestation of the redwoods. Meanwhile it was the meeting point of the original Surfriders foundation and the place everyone met for the deforestation of the central coast.

Political meetings, aside, it's where I learnt checkers, chess, risk, and pente the first times, and learnt the difference between regular goldfish and Koi.

It has always been a meeting house of ideals, a study spot, and a beautiful, serene place for reminiscence with a cup of Joe (or tea, however you like it), a freshly toasted of tbagel,...

I don't get this place? I will say it has a nice atmosphere, decent food, and average coffee. All of those together I could probably recommend this place. BUT, negative points for customer service...just terrible! I have been here numerous times because people I know like this place, and to no exaggeration, every time I have witnessed a near complete lack of caring by the employees. Today was the worst. Ordered a regular coffee. Noticed all of the self serve coffee was empty. Told the baristas. Twice. Meanwhile, one of the two baristas is pulled out back and is being talked to by the owner/manager, while one up front is being swamped with orders. What kind of example is that?? Ended up waiting over 20 minutes for a new batch to brew! Luckily I had a flexible schedule and could wait it out. Oh, and they have a $5 minimum for credit card purchases, which is posted nowhere. This place could be awesome, if only the customer service...