Back when I was at school in Madison, if I wasn't home, in class, or at work, I was at ERC. I mean this in the most absolute, literal sense - people would come looking for me there because, chances were quite good, I would be there. The teas are pretty decent, the espresso drinks are almost always good, and the house blend coffee is delicious. Some might argue that point, but they're just wrong and/or dumb. It's delicious. During the summer, when they offer it, the peach rooibos tea is probably the best tea I've ever had (and I work in a tea shop so I know my tea) - get it and love it. Well, just get it. You will love it.\n\nIn terms of atmosphere, well, it depends what you want in a coffeeshop. Some of the regulars are super elitist hipster types, as are some of the employees. But at least as many of each groups are wonderful people. Did I meet my best friends there? No. But I did meet some cool people to add on Myspace or Friendster or whatever, and I was able to chat with them and have fun. The music is, by and large, great. It's pretty typical indie rock fare, but it's still generally good. If you don't like the stuff on the O.C. (because it's that kind of indie rock) or Pitchfork (it's also that kind), bring your own music.\n\nSo, the food offerings are always an important factor when people come into the place I work, and while I choose coffeeshops based on coffee, I know that not everyone else is the same way. The food is so-so. The cookies and brownies and everything are good, because hello they're cookies and brownies and stuff! They used to have these really amazing peanut butter brownies, but the recipe changed or something - they're not the same. The black and white cookie is so good though! Get that one when they have it. It's like the food version of the peach rooibos iced tea.