Cuisine and scene: In keeping with its ice cream-parlor origins, Zoey's Cafe is reliably cool in summer's swelter. Deep booths against wide windows are ideal for people-watching, while low, leather chairs around a coffee table invite reading, texting or Web browsing. Located in the center of downtown, the cafe serves cups of late-night coffee as well as cones. Friendly staff are ready to suggest their favorite flavors.

Recommended: House-made calzones, particularly the "brekkie" with scrambled eggs, ham, pesto, mozzarella and provolone, an unusual combination of ingredients whose flavors marry perfectly; Rogue Valley pear ice cream is even better mixed with candied ginger ice cream, all churned at BJ's in Florence.

Alternative diets: Vegetarian lasagna, sandwiches and wraps; ice cream made with antibiotic- and hormone-free milk; soy milk available for beverages.

Beverages: Specialty coffees; smoothies, shakes and other blender drinks; teas, strawberry lemonade, orange juice and sodas.

Price range: Breakfast items, $2.79 to $6.99; calzones and lasagna, $5.99 to $7.99; sandwiches and wraps, $6.99 to $9.99; croissant "melts," $7.99 to $9.99; soups, $4.99 to $6.99; salads, $6.99 to $10.99.

Extras: Free wireless Internet; kids' menu; outdoor seating at umbrella-topped tables among pleasant trees and shrubbery; street parking or in pay-station lot above Ashland Springs Hotel across East Main Street.

Serving: From 8 a.m. to midnight daily. Breakfast served until noon; lunch until 3 p.m.

Info: 199 E. Main St., Ashland; 541-482-4794.

— Sarah Lemon