Because, despite today’s spring-like weather, the world still sucks and we wanted to say something mean about someone, we dropped in at the Housing Works Bookstore and Café’, located on Crosby Street, and our faith in humanity was slightly restored. Main floor and mezzanine look more like an eccentric—though literate millionaire’s library. And, just like Barnes and Noble (which, we’re told, is mean to puppies), in the cafe section tables awaited and we read and we ate—knishes, quiche, sandwiches, soup, pastries, cake, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and more.  Best of all, our money went to an organization that gives medical services, housing, and employment to more than 2,500 homeless HIV-positive New Yorkers.

Housing Works Bookstore and Cafe: 130 Crosby Street.