Halcyon

I’m in a coffeehouse at 4^th and Lavaca. It has a cool little porch/sidewalk outside, but it’s kind of cold and no one’s out there. This place has that relaxed atmosphere that makes it a good hang out. The clientele is pretty eclectic. A couple of guys are wearing suits, but most people are casually dressed. There’s a good representation of different age groups too. They were playing Radiohead a while ago and then the Decemberists I think. I don’t recognize this one.

I don’t want to turn this into a full-blown restaurant review but I got the hot chocolate and it’s really good.

This is the kind of place where people people-watch. The patio would be great for that only there’s not much foot traffic right now. The way this stretch of sidewalk’s set up, you have to walk up a few steps and back down a couple of times as you pass different shops and bars. It’s kind of cool, but it almost feels like you’re trespassing at times. A couple of businesses (like this one) have outdoor seating, and you have to walk between the front door and the tables even if you’re just passing through. If the tables are full of people-watchers and you just want to get to the corner you’ll be forced to walk up onto the porch right under the close scrutiny of all those people-watching people-watchers, probably judging you or something. And you’ll feel intrusive because you’re more inside than out. You’re disconnected from the street by tables, a handrail, and a three foot drop.

People-watching is kind of strange generally speaking, but people-watching indoors is sick, messed-up stuff. I caught a guy unapologetically staring at me three times. There’s a reason this stuff is usually relegated to the curb, where the watched can keep walking until they’re out of the watcher’s field of vision. I just had to wait for this guy to leave. It’s really hard to read when you think someone’s spying on you.