In June, I reported that the ol’ Gypsy Trader/Gypsy Java had new owners, and that in the future there would be a new menu. And now there is. Plus, another new name: The Gypsy Cafe and Pub.
Co-owner Ben Steele contacted Wallyhood last week to tell us about some of the changes:
“We bulked up the menu by adding Boar’s Head meats, some new sandwiches and other items and designed a new handout menu. We are now open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and are trying to create a relaxed atmosphere where people can enjoy adult beverages (and our full menu and espresso drinks) without the craziness and crowds of some of the local bars. We are also featuring live music every weekend.”
The new menu, though, claims that the cafe is in “Fremont, WA” — which I would imagine some friendly neighborhood cajoling will quickly correct. That, and “esspresso drinks.”
I dropped by Saturday evening and am pleased to report that the lighting and furniture were perfect for a little evening-time hang out. I was able to hear the conversation I was having, and the eavesdropping was excellent (3 married men, bragging about imaginary conquests). It would’ve been nice for the band, The Smoke Wreck Kings, to have had the overhead music turned off while they did their sound check, but otherwise it was a comfortable spot to hear a small local band. Gypsy Cafe and Pub has converted the former comic book store to a small stage, and it works nicely.
Food service needs a little work, though. I ordered the Crispy Cucumber sandwich, and was served two heels of bread (very dryly toasted) with little on them. My dinner partner tried the new Chicken Chipotle Guac and had this to say:
“Very flavorful, first 2 or 3 bites were spectacular, but over the course of eating the whole sandwich the guacamole became a little bit overwhelming.”
The best part, though: the coffee. I love a mellow latte, and their Caffe Vita espresso drinks hit the spot on a cold night. As for beer, the menu says they’ve got cheap cans (and I’d like to add, Olde English 800 forties) and “the best in microbrews” — but they don’t have anything on tap, so be prepared to order a can or bottle. They also have wine by the bottle/glass, and those wonderful old-fashioned Cokes in glass bottles.
Gypsy Cafe and Pub is open til midnight Saturday and Sunday, and 7:30-5:30 Monday-Thursday. Sundays 9-3. Check out the menu here.
i loved the former owners – glad to see this place reimagined rather than reinvented. I’ll stop in soon for sure!
Hadn’t been by in a while so I thought I’d stop by to check out the changes. Honestly, the place seems to have gone waaay down hill since the last time I was there. My espresso was burned and served in a not so clean looking cup, the service was slow and not very friendly. It’s sad to see the new owners not taking pride in their business.
I must’ve got lucky with my coffee the night I was there. Mornings have been rougher…