Until public-transit officials make our dream of commuting to work by rollycoaster a reality, we'll have to settle for the adrenaline rush of traditional pick-me-ups. Percolate perkiness with today's Groupon: for $5, you get $10 worth of café fare and drinks at Coburg Coffee House, near Dalhousie University.

Independently owned Coburg Coffee House is a Dalhousie staple, offering locally sourced, home-cooked café cuisine and a slew of 100% Arabica bean brews from around the globe. Local art adorns the walls of Coburg, where Tuesday-night open mics, cozy couches, free WiFi, and a history of heated four-day Yahtzee tournaments have established its reputation as the neighbourhood's living room. Sip a mug of mocha from Colombia, jam on a jolt of Kenyan java, or express yourself with an Ethiopian espresso. Wake up to Coburg's wide selection of savoury breakfast foods, served till 11 a.m. daily, or take a bite out of hunger pangs with a signature sandwich, so plenteous with palate-pleasing piquancy that, as with a crumbling drawbridge, toothpicks have to be surgically inserted to keep things from totally falling apart.

Reviews

Yelpers give Coburg Coffee House an average of 4.5 stars:

• Another thing I love is the outreach that this cafe provides for local talents. Open mic nights have been a frequent, popular affair, and the catchy artwork depicted on the walls are [sic] the handiwork of local artists. – Brittney K.
• In addition to the food selection offered, my personal favorite menu item is the cherry flavored ice cold Italian Soda. – Kris O.