Four Star Coffee Bar   

Juan Valdez may not handpick the coffee beans, but they are roasted in a vintage 1911 Royal Roaster named "Duke" -- and that gives you an idea of the kind of down-home friendly atmosphere and easy-going personality you'll find at Four Star Coffee Bar on Seventh Street. Opened in 1995 at the site of a former fish market, Four Star serves coffee (12 light roasts and 12 dark roasts), including blends and decaffeinated and flavored coffees, espresso, tea, baked goods and desserts daily. Fruit smoothies, which will cool your tongue if you sip too much too soon, provide a refreshing caffeine-free jolt. Stop in for a stimulating drink, a lively conversation with friends, a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, and on Friday and Saturday nights, settle in with a cup of Four Star Blend or Mocca Java and groove to some live acoustic music from 9PM-midnight -- and there's no cover charge. Adding to the lighthearted atmosphere, large, colorful, whimsical murals, painted by local artists, adorn table tops and walls. Slip off to the Reading Room for some quiet reflection with drink in hand, or take a package of coffee or tea home and brew it yourself. -- Gary Taylor