"Next door to Cafe Beaujolais is The Waiting Room, a snug spot that feels like Mendocino’s communal living room hangout. Vinyl is always spinning, there are velvet chairs by the fireplace in the corner, and it’s easy to get chatty with the barista at the bar. During the day, espresso drinks are on hand, along with house pastries like madeleines, scones, and olive oil cake that deserves to be honored with a county landmark. When evening comes around, you can swing by for happy hour specials, a half-beer-half-cider combo called the “Beauj Bite,” and olives." - Julia Chen