Week In reviews

Strange Brew, the 24-hour coffee shop on Manchaca, "has developed a very happening scene," according to Kate Thornberry at the Austin Chronicle. The space boasts a "viable, inviting performance venue," "quiet rooms for studying, writing, surfing the net, and subdued conversation" and a lounge "where espresso drinks and sandwiches are made to order." The food itself? Is "just about as good as it can be, given that what the staff has to work with is one panini press and an espresso machine." [Austin Chronicle]