I see your point with the coffee. I'm not a fan of coffee, but if I were, I'd want it fresh and not stale.

I like chai, but I'll make my own at home and take it with me if I want it at school. OR I'll buy Pacific Chai powder and make it at school. I've had chai at different places (mom and pop shops and chains) and was never thrilled with it. Always too sweet. Always too fake. When I make it at home, I can regulate how long I steep the chai and how much milk and sugar I add. Maybe if I made decent coffee at home I'd like it. I love the smell, but coffee itself just seems to upset my stomach.

I do like the house latte at Panera. It's mostly milk, has maybe a shot of espresso in it, not sure what exactly is in it, but like I said, mostly milk. And honey. If I have anything other than tea there, that's what I get. I've taken to making my own paninis at home as well. I can put on what I want, and it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg.

I guess what a lot of it comes down to is really quality of what we want and quality of service. If the one of the local mom and pop places doesn't suit me, I can always find another one. The Lehigh Valley has a ton of options, thankfully. That may not be the case in other areas I guess.

I am still a fan of a really good diner though, lol. My favorite here was just renovated and made into a regular restaurant. It ticks me off. It was the best place to go at 2am to get breakfast or whatever you were hungry for. Are diners as prevalent in other places as well?? We have a TON of diners in the Lehigh Valley.