I very rarely cross the doors of the coffee chains: Insomnia, Starbuck’s, Cafe Java, Cafe Sol, and the rest. I’m rarely inclined to buy coffee, I prefer to support the independent outlets, and I think the food in most of these places, especially the sandwiches, are always profoundly disappointing.
Last Saturday afternoon, howcver, I found myself on Upper Baggot Street after a very enjoyable walk along the canal. Upper Baggot Street is a little bit unsettling outside office hours: it’s quite empty and there’s an unpleasant feeling that all the shop, cafe, and bar staff are just waiting for the (ever-diminishing) crowd of office workers to return.
My friend Marc and I wanted a coffee, but a lot of places were closed, so we drifted into Insomnia. My latte was lovely and generous: sweet and nutty as coffee should be. But it was the special offers that really struck us, especially the muffin or cupcake with any hot beverage for €3.50. Order a large coffee and you’ll be saving at least €1.50. Or look at it like this: upgrade your coffee and get a muffin for 60c. Sadly I can’t comment on the cake quality: I felt giddy with the shininess of Christmas so got a mince pie for €1.25 instead.
Have you found any good coffee offers lately?
Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at 11:23 am
Em, thats not great value at all. You can get a coffee and homemade bun for €2.50 in most places in Cork. And dont get me started on the “pannini offer.”
Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at 11:39 am
I won’t comment on the other offers, but I reckon €3.50 is pretty decent, as you can get a very large coffee for this price, and I’ve never seen decent cakes for any less than €2. Plus we’re in Dublin, not Cork!
Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at 11:58 am
Location is no excuse at all; the prices in Insomnia are the same countrywide. I have to admit though, their lattes are lovely and creamy.
Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at 12:11 pm
It’s quite a good offer for Dublin prices, but who would want a cupcake or muffin for breakfast? I much prefer Café Sol’s offer of a home made scone or pastry (i.e. croissant or danish) with any coffee for the same price.
The Rhubarb Café has a 3 euro offer for coffee and home made scone (gorgeous ones with that)
Wednesday 16 December, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I love the insomnia hot chocolate, well, in some branches it’s better than others. coffee is good too. the chocolate muffins are good, but the cupcakes are a bit overrrated
Thursday 17 December, 2009 at 10:27 am
Peter’s completely right, €3.50 is a decent offer by the standards of Dublin cafes.
Thursday 17 December, 2009 at 10:41 am
I agree that these offers are great – and €5 is exactly what we should expect to pay for the likes of a sambo and a hot drink. And I love their double choc chip muffin if i’m feeling bold. But Cafe Sol are doing a great price (not a deal or promotion) of simple sambos for €1.50 – like tuno mayo or ham. And wonderful paninis for only €2.75 – blt, smoked salmon (nyom). And their ‘home’ soup (usually tomato and basil) for only €1.50/2.00. Excellent prices for a very cheap and cheerful lunch.
Thursday 17 December, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Some of those Insomnia offers don’t contribute towards their loyalty card scheme, which I think is shabby. Can’t read the fine print on the bottom of your picture though.
Sunday 3 April, 2011 at 12:35 pm
If you have trouble falling asleep at night and feel like you are the only suffering from this condition, you are definitely not. There are millions of insomniacs suffering right along with you that are desperate for solutions to treat insomnia. To rule out any medication ailments, it is always a good rule of thumb to visit your doctor first for an in-depth checkup.