Flying Star

Flying Star Review

Flying Star has become a staple and mini-phenom here, and although it's a chain, it's locally owned and—just like at its Satellite Coffee spots around town—each outpost offers something a little different. The cavernous downtown branch is a favorite for its striking setting inside the historic Southern Union Gas Co. building and its unexpected modernist motif; the North Valley locale is notable for its comfy and shaded outdoor patio. At Nob Hill the crowd is hip, and the space tighter. The concept works on many levels: it's a newsstand, late-night coffeehouse (there's free Wi-Fi), and an order-at-the-counter restaurant serving a mix of creative Asian, American, and New Mexican dishes (plus several types of wine and beer). Options include Greek pasta with shrimp, green-chile cheeseburgers, Thai-style tofu salad with tangy lime dressing, turkey-and-Jack-cheese-melt sandwiches, and an egg- and chile-packed "graburrito." Desserts change often, but count on a tantalizing array. For a winning pick-me-up, employ some strong hot coffee to wash down a tall slice of the fantastic coconut cream pie. We list a few of our favorite locations.