David K.
Yelp
Hardly anybody reads books anymore. Of those that do, most read them on a "device". Or, like me, borrow them from "libraries". Either way, bookstores need an edge to survive.
Sandy's has not one but three edges; 1) its book selection is fantastic, funky and extensive, having entire shelves devoted to weird categories you've never even heard of but are sure to get you to linger a while. The interior is welcoming, with a layout in keeping with its having been converted from a two-story house, bookshelves filling the space; even the hallways. Absolutely no mildew smell, a characteristic of some lesser bookstores ('cause nobody's buying the books).
2) Their cafe, with offerings that are diverse and eclectic. You can get coffee (locally roasted) and a little sweet to go with it, a breakfast item, lunch sandwiches, salads, soups, and probably more. Even alcoholic beverages, to include beer, wine, hard cider, and mead. Everything looked really good, and I would have loved to try some of the baked goods; they looked rustic, nutritious, and yummy.
3): Regularly scheduled musical events. Browse for weird books, have a coffee and a snack, and listen to local music all at the same time; how cool is that?
But we were only passing through and just came for a quick lunch. We ordered at the counter. The staff was friendly and exuded a youthful hip vibe: funky earrings, misplaced piercings, ben&Jerry's tee shirts. I had a bowl of soup. In keeping with the pattern here, these were offered in an eclectic variety. Mine was a Manhattan Fish Chowder: tomato-based with flaked white fish and vegetables in a hearty broth, laced with layers of aromatic seasonings. More like a stew than a traditional manhattan clam chowder. Basically perfect; my only complaint was the bread that it was served with (homemade and quite good) was buttered; leave that for the customer to do if he so desires please.
The wife ordered a grilled-cheese sandwich with apple slices inside. An intriguing variation on a classic. Here's where the problems lay. After placing our orders at the counter, we had been sitting at our table for a while and wondered what was taking so long. I went to the counter to inquire. It turns out they had completely forgotten our order! (Seriously? How does this happen? We were sitting at our table close to and within full view of the counter, and the place wasn't exactly busy.)
After initial confusion they remembered the order, apologized, and set to work making our lunch. A few minutes later they brought a cup of tomato soup for my wife, as compensation for their mistake. Ok, a nice gesture, and appreciated, but not really sufficient in my opinion. Rather than a cup of tomato soup, they should have offered her a soup of her choosing, and it should have been a bowl, not a cup.
The grilled cheese sandwich, when it eventually arrived, was a disappointment. After all that time, it wasn't even cooked properly: too light on one side and too dark on the other side; just a shade under burnt. And the wife was disappointed by the apple slices: green rather than red would have worked better with the cheddar.
I'd give them another chance if passing through this town again. Or, if staying close by, maybe come for a musical event. And next time - I promise - I'll try to buy a book or two.