Write Around Tampa

Danny’s Coffee & Friends
6800 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 188
Tampa

I found Danny’s while on my way to visit a friend in the hospital. They’re located in what seems like an office or medical strip-park. I thought I was discovering a hidden gem, but upon entering I found Danny’s crowded with a gaggle of happy diners. Here’s my experience:

Quality and pricing of food and drink:
It doesn’t come much more reasonable than Danny’s. A full breakfast—two eggs, choice of side and protein and beverage—for $9.95. I got the breakfast potatoes and corned beef hash, which was a Cuban hash, made with onions and green chiles. I love a traditional hash, but this variation was both unexpected and delicious. Eggs cooked perfectly, all in all the whole platter more than I could eat. Hot chocolate hot and spot-on, just the right amount chocolate, no cloying sweetness.

Are there enough outlets?
Not really, but who cares? I sat at the two-seater directly in front of the counter, where there is an outlet.

How’s the wifi?
No wifi.

Will my muse come out?
That all depends on what expectations you place on her. If you’re looking to proofread or write a little something set amid hubbub with colorful characters she’ll appear. I kind of felt like I was in New York, which can be gratifying for a writer. I’m the type who can whip out the computer anywhere, anytime, work on a novel, short story, op-ed, or one of my many lists or spreadsheets.

How long can I park it?
The place is well-worn and comfortable but not cozy (it’s a reliable pair of beat-up leather work boots, not slippers), so you probably won’t want to stay long. Plus without wifi you can only do so much work (that is to say, construct queries but not send, write op-eds or blog constructs but not post). It’s not very large—at one point all ten or so tables were occupied—and can go from humming with activity to a slow, sip your coffee kind of vibe. This is definitely a place to eat and get out if you’re solo and in a hurry, or kill a small amount of time if you’re in-between errands or meetings. I wouldn’t come back here to park it and write, but I certainly would to eat—solo or with friends or even fellow writers—and catch up on some reading or quick editing.

Final rating: 2 out of 5 laptops (as a writer)
5 stars for the food and friendly, want to hang out with staff

Rachel Remick’s fiction and non-fiction stories have appeared in various magazines, among them Rosebud, Bluestem and ellipsis . . . literature and art. A frequent contributor to women’s magazine Sasee, her writing has also been published in several volumes of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books. She lives in Tampa, Florida.