Book Trader Cafe

I ordered the Fear and Loathing in Lox Vegas, a bagel with lox and capers, and settled down to find a new read. Large tables, a patio, and wraparound window seating provide a variety of options for people to read, plug in a computer, or visit with friends. It is a peaceful place to eat and read, as the dining room is in the center of a set of high bookshelves, which offer a smattering of used books across categories. When I ventured into the stacks, I found that each section was clearly labeled, and their fiction section was much larger than I expected from the store’s small size. I was only in town for the day, but I would recommend this bookstore to anyone looking for a book to read on the train and a bite to eat.

I loved this cafe and used to go there at least twice a week because it's on the Yale campus... but I'll never come back. I was in the Book Trader Cafe 10min ago, eating and working quietly when a homeless guy entered in the cafe asking people for money. A guy from the staff spoke to him like a dog, saying "get out of here" and showing him the door with the arm. It's unacceptable to treat someone like that, are you crazy?? Is it so difficult to stay polite and to assume that if someone asks for money in a cafe, that person might be in distress?

I love browsing through the used books (mostly literary fiction and popular histories) with a cup of spiced chai latte. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are comfortable and well lit, if packed during the lunch rush. I'm less enthusiastic on the food front: the gluten free sandwiches are way too expensive given that they're made on udi's bread. For almost $10, I want something made in-house.

One of my favorite places in new haven. Part coffee shop, part used book store, part (human) greenhouse. There's no type of room I like more than one that has windows for walls, so I might be partial to this building. The staff is really nice, they have hundreds and hundreds of books on everything- I love to come in and browse before working. Food is pretty good, good variety of options and can fit your dietary needs.