Moscow is full of coffee shops. Much like the Starbucks phenomenon in the States, chain coffee shops dot nearly every street in Moscow. And as with the coffee situation in the States, it is often the smaller, independent coffee shops that turn out to be the real find.
On Tverskaya, about halfway between the Pushkinskaya Metro and the Kremlin, Coffee Bean stands out as one of the best coffee shops in Moscow. The shop itself is actually quite large, with lots of wooden tables of all sizes, stools, and couches. Coffee Bean is well-lit, with enormous windows that face the street. Since Tverskaya is a large, busy street, this location is perfect for people watching. The wooden counters, furniture, and wall panels create a very cozy, comfortable atmosphere, perfect for lounging, studying, chatting with friends, or just gazing at the Russians who walk by. It is frequented by Russians and tourists alike, so the mix is very interesting.
The menu at Coffee Bean is in Russian, and I found that the baristas typically don't speak English. However, it is very easy to point, and knowledge of a few Russian coffee words will suffice. Coffee Bean also offers a wide selection of wonderful desserts, ranging from chocolate tortes to pecan pie to chocolate chip cookies (sigh). All of the desserts are displayed in a glass counter, so it is not at all difficult to order. One can expect to pay prices similar to those at a Starbucks or another similar chain. However, the drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and are always delicious. It is well worth the price.
Although I do not think that Coffee Bean offers wireless Internet hotspots (as opposed to the large but less tasty Shokoladnitsa chain), it is nevertheless one of my very favorite spots in Moscow.