Taco Bravo, the bold holdout of the halcyon days when Campbell was a club-town, still holds forth INTO the wee hours. Serving it's staple americanized mexican fast-food, it's not much to look at and the food is just passable unless smothered in their own hot sauce. (Which, by the way, can be purchased in beverage-sized containers and makes a FAB quick marinade for meats.) So what makes it so popular? It's the perfect after-drinking fare, and it's open till 3am. Do I have to draw you a picture? Best experienced after 10pm and after a pint-or-three. Be ready for sassy service, and play along nicely and nobody will get hurt.

Maybe this is biting the hand that feeds me, since I am often found there long after my double-espresso has been consumed. Orchard Valley is where I hang out at least 2 mornings a week, so I feel qualified to comment.

The quality of the espresso is lackluster, and the baked goods are about the same. I often need to wear headphones to sheild myself from the icky smooth jazz warbling from the satellite music channel. (Kenny G Christmas music as we speak... Gaaaghh!)

That being said, it's comfortable place to sit, and they provide an invaluable social center for the neighborhood, and I of course love the free wireless internet access - I just wish it was a bit better executed, warmer and more personal.

--------- UPDATE! ------------

With the new ownership, the place appears much cleaner and the service is far better than before. Ordering espresso is still risky business, but the Americano blend of drip coffee is quite good.

Occasionally someone mercifully changes the music channel to something less annoying, but smooth Jazz is still a bad force to be reckoned with.

.75 cents for a package of cream cheese is still highway robbery.

The improvements have brought me back from my self imposed exile to Starbucks.