Description
Look past the hype and hipsters who are loyal to their skinny bones, and you’ll find that Café de Leche in Highland Park attracts customers from all over, who swear by this coffee shop's horchata con espresso, or maybe its Mexican mocha or agave latte. There's also a list of “classicos,” like cappuccinos, macchiattos and iced drinks. But rather than pair your hot (or cold) cup of java with pastries, try the planchita, Romanian flatbread stuffed with different fillings. (If you’re looking for a proper meal, owners Matt and Anya Schodorf also run a sandwich and salad spot, Schodorf’s Luncheonette, just down the street.) This is a mom-and-pop coffee shop that, like many, doubles as a community hub. So instead of laptop-ing, try perusing the stack of travel books or local art on the walls – especially the suspended orange bicycle – or the piles of flyers advertising neighborhood gigs. As if Eastsiders needed more reasons to keep it local. — Siran Babayan
