e.t.g., the smallest coffee shop in Fremont, has been around for more than two decades. There is only room for one table at the café, whose initials stand for Espresso To Go, but the atmosphere more than makes up for its confined quarters. Out of the ordinary artwork decorates the walls and original librettos are on sale at the counter, giving the place a more personal touch.

"Most of the art work is from friends or friends of friends," said Theresa Lefebvre, whose mother opened the espresso shop in 1981. "I've been here for what seems like my whole life, working here and living in and out of Fremont."

Lefebvre has seen Fremont grow and change, and the shop has adjusted accordingly.

"Just a little while ago we started accepting [credit/debit] cards," Lefebvre said when she looked at the card reader situated next to an antiquated cash register. "All of a sudden we started making a hundred dollars more a day, and for a little coffee shop, a hundred dollars makes a big difference."

e.t.g. generates a substantial amount of foot traffic from the boutiques surrounding it, making it a convenient place to stop for a quick cup of coffee or biscotti to nibble on as you continue shopping.

— Arla Shepard