Ultimate Guide

Ultimate Indie Coffeehouse

By Julie Garisto
Published June 28, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Times photo: Luis Santana] Cafe Bohemia is one of the few coffeehouses that has great atmosphere and great coffee. The full winner's list Every week for six months, tbt* asked its loyal readers to vote on their favorite bars, restaurants, personalities and attractions in Tampa Bay. And now we've compiled the winners into this collection of 25 ultimate choices.

Cafe Bohemia, St. Petersburg

There are coffeehouses that specialize in providing a cozy social setting, and there are coffeehouses that specialize in good coffee. Glory hallelujah - Tampa Bay now has a place that does both. Plus, it serves inventive and freshly made sandwiches, soups, salads and wraps, too. Owner Matt Neal, 35, grinds espresso beans for every cup at his Grand Central haunt, and he knows how fine the grind should be and how to pack it. He also maintains his state-of-the-art machine in tip-top shape and will show you what the froth at the brim of your cup should look like. All of Neal's painstaking care results in coffee that tastes as fresh and robust as the brews at cafes in Italy and France. The cafe is small with funky decor. Reading materials and living room furniture provide some lounging capabilities. Wi-Fi connection provides work capabilities. Cafe Bohemia: 937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (727) 895-4495. Open 8 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday. Closed Sunday. Major credit cards accepted.

How you voted

Cafe Bohemia, St. Petersburg: 68%

The Globe, St. Petersburg: 23%

Other: 3%

Sacred Grounds, Tampa: 2%

Bean There, Tampa: 2%

Cafe Denali, Ybor City: 1%

[Last modified June 28, 2007, 14:32:14]