Great Coffee In A Tiny Parkparks; food and drink

There’s a small triangular park called Mariano Plaza where you can loiter with a friend, sip coffee of all kinds and enjoy the passing scene. Smoothies, tea, cookies and muffins are also available.  Gloria Jean's, the small chain has iron tables, chairs and umbrellas all set up for you.  It’s at 1031 N. State at Bellevue where State and Rush converge.  You won’t believe how civilized this place is! A friend told me that on a very wintry day she was waiting for a #36 bus adjoining the park when a young man rushed out of Gloria Jean’s to present her with a charming gift, a cup of hot chai!  Hours are 7AM-11PM every day.  This tip courtesy of Barbara Manning.