Bulldog Coffee: the name alone evokes images of motorcycles and angry men in leather.

But don’t let your imagination fool you. This place is all bark and no bite, with its low-key side-street patio, usually populated by well-to-do freelancers.

It’s not a place I visit regularly, but I do like it here. The servers are super efficient, and it’s a nice replacement for the tiresome Second Cup / Starbucks experience. With their side-street patio, too, it’s a perfect place for breaks if you happen to work or school nearby.

In terms of service, it depends on who you are: if you’re a normal, nice, respectful person, which I hope you are, Bulldog nuzzles up to you and gives you endless kisses. Be prepared for the love.

However, should you dare enter their doors with attitude or mumble your coffee order while noisily blabbering on a cell phone, face an onslaught of sassiness and verbal “bites” back…

And even though that throws the notion of the “customer is always right” into the garbage, Bulldog’s attitude is genuine and is pretty much how I like my service: real and respectful.

So, Bulldog, despite being rough around the edges, I do like you. Keep it up. I’m on your side.

(PS. The chocolate croissant, even if it’s more of a stuffed donut loosely shaped like a croissant, ain’t too shabby.)