Very basic, but cheap and hospitable. Hammocks by the night and really cheap private rooms. Look out for the ama de casa, she's a little intense. Eat breakfast or dinner here for a cheap, filling meal.

This was a reliable favorite for me and my buddies in college. Cafe has awesome appetizers and desserts for decent prices, and really good coffee. The bookstore is cool, too. I lost many hours just browsing there. Don't miss a trip to the bathrooms, they're pretty wild. If it's too crowded, or you want a quieter spot, just go a few blocks further from Du Pont Circle to Cosi's.

La Chicarronera is a cool bar near the east end of the Central Ave pedestrian section and just south of Parque Espana. It's got a little cafe thing with a couple tables in front and the bar itself has 15 or 20 tables and a nice stand-up bar, too. The prices are decent. Usually has some good live music for a reasonable or cheap cover charge. The crowd is an interesting mix of young/old, students/working, foreigners/locals. Very relaxed vibe.