In a world overflowing with high priced, over brewed lattes and mochas, there likes in limbo the corner coffeeshop—the kind of coffeeshop that asserts its name proudly amongst the commercialized clones. Although Marie et Cie may not take the fight to stay alive that far, it is a strong contender in the race. Nestled on the corner of Colfax Avenue and Riverside Drive, Marie et Cie’s is a gem of a neighborhood find. Half coffeeshop/cafe and half antique store, it offers two things most people to do—eat and shop.

Under the trellis of vines and overhanging wood beams, outdoor tables are available for those who want to take their seat along the street and enjoy the day. More outdoor, covered chaises, tables and couches line the cafe offering plenty of seating even on a busy afternoon. Inside the cafe, a chilly case of various gelatos and sorbets look inviting as the summer weighs in, and the pastries—scones, cookies, cheesecakes and danishes to name a few—are definitely mouthwatering behind their thick glass enclosure.

A multitude of sandwiches and salads are available as well for the lunch time crowd looking for something more substantial. Being that it is a coffeeshop, a varied selection of coffees and exotic teas, along with cases full of cold drinks, round out the beverage selection. In addition, if you’re craving a little snack to go, take your pick of healthy energy bars or a never-seen-before chocolate bar.

Prices aren’t outrageous either. Somewhat average, but a tad cheaper than most mainstream shops. But have you ever heard of a coffeehouse with a happy hour? Well, Marie et Cie must be a head of the curve because on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm, you can get two coffee drinks for the price of one. That should make coffee feins happy. And then there’s the furniture…

Along the right side of the shop lies a land of trinkets, knick knacks, collector paintings, antique furniture, music, books and unique candles, incense and fragrances to suit any mood. If you’re looking for a way to find that certain je ne sais quoi to enhance your already superb decor, it may be worth it to peruse through their unique selection of interior decoration.

There’s so much stuff nestled in these small walls that you have to comb through each and every piece because you’re bound to miss something the first time around. Prices for furniture and gifts can run on the higher side, so you have to search hard for the bargains. Considering many items in the shop are antiques and collectors items, the price range is expected. Occasionally there’s a local musician playing on the indoor piano, so perhaps that soundtrack is a soothing way to persuade you into buying that magnifier and letter opener set for $75.

Something about the European aura of the shop and the inherent low key, chill Valley vibe mix to create something special and creative about this local hangout. But every spot has to have its downsides, and we did find them. The mini parking lot is almost always full, but there is fairly ample street parking. Get there early or scope out a spot on a nearby corner. If you’re only in the mood for a quick coffee or cookie, then bring cash. You have to rack up $5 in order to use a debit card, but with so many tasty treats and platters, we don’t think that’s such a hard thing to do. Plus, you can buy re-loadable gift cards which make the minimum a moot point anyways.

Open from 6:00 am-10:00 weekdays and 8:00 am-8:00 pm on the weekend, you’re likely to find that this is not just a place to grab your caffeine fix before work, but it’s also a place of substance to spend lazy days and a few dollars. A place where you can find the rare novelty of a painted Japanese style lamp, a maple scone and African rooibos tea all in the same location. Even on the worst day, one of the three will be enough to cheer you up.