Coffee shop for a job interview?

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

This is a request for a rather specific recommendation. I've been interviewing with a company that does research related to the arts; they're opening an office in the Boston area early next year. I've had several phone interviews that have gone quite well, and I'm meeting with my potential boss (a former Harvard student) on Friday afternoon. They don't have local space yet, and she says she misses Davis so we should meet at a coffee shop near me. I'd generally default to the Diesel, but I'm concerned about both finding a table and about getting interrupted (because everyone I know hangs out at the Diesel). Any thoughts? Starbucks seems a bit too corporate. Maybe Mr. Crepe?

ETA: The interview is at 2 pm on Friday. Not primo coffee shop activity hour.

ETA: Thanks for all the awesome selections. I've opted for iYo for a few reasons: 1) She specifically requested a coffee place in Davis Square; while there are plenty of awesome suggestions below which are either not in Davis or not coffee houses, I did want the opportunity of showing that yes, I am capable of quickly, efficiently, and competently doing what is requested of me (it's a client-facing job, this is an important skill to have and demonstrate), 2) several people whom I know and respect have suggested it, and 3) I've never been there before.

Comments

[real-green-tea.livejournal.com]

Depends what time of day etc.
True story: I was initially interviewed for a job that (kinda, ultimately) changed the course of my life, in the DS starbux

[audioboy.livejournal.com]

I've been enjoying iYo. There are plenty of tables, as well as a smaller backroom. People seem to like the coffee and the new chef is fantastic.

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

Excellent. I've never been there, which I can say, so I have a good out if it's sub-optimal.

BTW, if you see me there, more dressed up than I usually am, feel free to nod, or even stop by with a quick hi, but please don't engage me in conversation. I'll be busy trying to get gainful employment.

[trowa-barton.livejournal.com]

I too recommend IYo. You have the bonus of either a red velvet frozen yogurt or waffles covered in gummy worms. (Though, for an interview, I'd stick with just the coffee.)

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

I kind of like the coffee/waffle/frozen yoghurt place down past where Namaskar used to be... They even have a back-ish room sort of...

Also: WAFFLES!

[lbmango.livejournal.com]

Ah, AudioBoy beat me to it. iYo, that's the place.

[miss-chance.livejournal.com]

Although it's not Davis, I use Bourbon Cafe in Porter Sq. for such things. It's a little corporate looking (looks like a Panera inside, I'm not sure why) but it's cleaner and quieter than Diesel (which I prefer for all things social).

[ron_newman]

If you're both willing to go to Ball Square, I'd suggest True Grounds. But iYo sounds like a great choice too.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_ming/]

iYo all the way, forever. And yeah, the back room would be great, it even has a community chalkboard and is across from the "art gallery," so that may be something to talk about!

[preraphaelite.livejournal.com]

I second True Grounds -- quietish and funky.

[totient]

I had a job interview at Diesel once and got hired (there was also a "real" interview in there). But it was a bit of a distraction running into quite so many people I knew, so I'd go with someplace a little less of a social nexus.

[samcoren.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I had an interview at Diesel too, but bumping into people wasn't the issue. It gets super noisy there with the high ceilings, so I had a hard time hearing my soon-to-be-boss at normal conversation volume.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

While not a coffee shop, the Blue Shirt Cafe is conveniently located and has plenty of room.

[nonelvis]

It sounds like you've got lots of good suggestions already (I'm fond of True Grounds myself, though it's more of a shlep for you than iYo), so mostly I just want to wish you good luck on Friday!

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I've already had a couple of phone interviews, and I have back-to-back Skype interviews tomorrow with the company founders (who are the highest ranking folks in the company). They are clearly very interested (and incredibly thorough, according to the people I've spoken with they go through this with all new hires because fit is very important to them). It really does seem like just about the perfect job for me, and from the job listing, I'm just about the perfect person for them to hire. So it's really mine to screw up - which I do NOT intend to do. :)

[rmd.livejournal.com]

good luck!

[ron_newman]

Hope all goes well!