Grey Gallery & Lounge: caffeine, cocktails & art

Yesterday was a grey day. Walking down Pike street in the drizzle. Too early for Countdown with Keith Olbermann. Too late for the cheapy matinee show. Totally not the day to look for work. And then we saw the sandwich board: Grey Gallery and Lounge. Something new to try—perfect. We were greeted by a friendly hello when we walked in. Zero pretense. The micro bar in back was serving up cocktails and espresso. We went for the latter. Two double-shot mocha demis that were beautiful to look at and creamy-delish going down. And plenty of places to get comfortable, including the loft. We sat. We chatted. We read our horoscopes in The Stranger. And then we took a look at the current show, Tough Love: Colin Burns and Travis Lindquist of the Goldmine Shithouse. Loved the work and dug the way it was presented. Overall affordable art with some pieces under $100. A couple hours of pure art-viewin' espresso-drinkin' nirvana for six and change plus tip (two people). Seattle should be full of places like this, right? Go tell Paul Allen that. Grey Gallery and Lounge, 1512 11th Avenue, 206.325.5204.