A couple months ago, I wandered around my neighborhood of Astoria and came across yet another tucked away spot. A coffee shop called Freeze Peach. Free-zePeach, get it? (Took me a little while to).

The place is far from the typical coffee shop. Filled with computers, the shop has free wi-fi and use of the computers for one half hour. And after that, the rate is still lower than any internet cafe. Plus, the spot serves a delicious selection of coffees and teas. My favorites are the Chai Latte and the Chider (cross between Chai and apple cider, very tasty). They also sell loose tea leaves in all different flavors, my favorite being Rose Garden.

Freeze Peach has a cosy basement-type decor. Comfy couches, brick walls filled with photographs by a local artist, along with a window lining one side of the shop, adding light and a cheerful atmosphere. The computers run Ubuntu, an open-source (free) operating system, which is easy to use. A coffee table next to the couch has a collection of business cards from local businesses and artists.

Despite the fact that there’s a Starbucks one block away, this place is pretty full at all times. All in all, it’s a great atmosphere with great coffee run by very cool people. I highly reccommend it.