In-Tacoma.net

The Mandolin on a Saturday morning

Parking lot full? Don’t let it deter you; it’s normal and it’s worth the short walk.

The Mandolin Cafe, located at 3923 South 12th St., is one of Tacoma’s little gems. Emilie at One Foot on Shore puts it well: “the dinky exterior completely camouflages a cavernous and cozy space.”

Step inside the Mandolin and you are surrounded by eclectic artwork in a soothing palette, all kinds of interesting furniture, and live music of all varieties. Oh, and don’t forget those mandolins, sitting on shelves and painted into artwork on the walls.

There’s always a place to sit in this cafe, despite the crowds that typically gather for a live music performance or a group meet-up such as the Tacoma French Club. Inspiration and great conversation aren’t hard to come by here.

The Mandolin is unassuming, comforting, and laid-back. On any given Saturday morning, friends gather, writers tap away on their laptops, students study, and the French club fills the air with conversation.

The loose leaf tea is fresh, the coffee is local, and the pastries are delicious. If you’re lucky enough to score a seat on the couch, you’ll have the best seat in the house during a live performance–and the first chance to drop a tip into the ceramic cavity of a Greek head statue.

Roxanne was born in Tacoma and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2007. She is a writer, photographer, and copy editor.
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