MARY WISNIEWSKI
Assistant Living Editor
Hannah Ehrig/Staff Photographer
A coffeehouse is the American version of a Parisian cafe, but instead of inhaling smoke from cigarettes, you are inhaling espresso shots from lattes. In neither case is it about the cigarettes or coffee. It is more about the atmosphere and random people watching.
Cozy coaches, interesting interior themes, and small venue artist performances are some of the requirements to make a good coffeehouse. And with finals around the corner, it is important to know where to turn to find a good old cup ‘o Joe that makes for a practical study haven as well as a place to socialize.
So for those who are tired of Payson Library, here are a few suggestions of some of the best coffee places in the Los Angeles area.
Sometimes, time is an issue, and traveling farther than Malibu may be out of the question. Although Malibu does not boast any independent coffee shops, there are at least other alternatives to Starbucks.
Diedrich Coffee:
Although it is being mutated into one of Starbucks’ minions, Diedrich Coffee has not transformed yet and with its warm-hued walls, and several sofa seats, it is easy to make this a study getaway. Plus the Internet is free for customers, so there is no need to try to steal a signal from somewhere else.
For now, the vanilla lattes will never disappoint and neither will the comings and goings of students. Be warned — many Malibu locals frequent and some view it as a pick-up place. However, if chess is a passion, there are many playmates that can be found at this joint on a regular basis.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:
This place is more for those on the run. After all, indoor seating is very limited — There is just a bar. However, outside, has a nice selection of tables where there almost always is an open seat except for Sundays.
If tea is your poison, then there is no better destination in Malibu. Tip: Make sure the honey stick for the tea is pointed in the right direction because they have been known to shoot up at customers in the face.
There is another location in Calabasas for those who live through the canyon: 23635 Calabasas Road.
For those willing to put a little extra mileage on their cars, Los Angeles is the place to go. Actual artsy cafes exist that boast a variety of products and an even more bizarre clientele.
Urth Caffe:
Perhaps not always the best study environment for those who need quiet, but certainly one of the most scenic coffee joints that has a location not only in Santa Monica but also in Hollywood and Beverly Hills.
The cafe only serves organic drinks and food, and the lattes are some of the best in the city — even the foam has shapes such as trees and hearts on it.
There is also a great selection of salads, soups, sandwiches and desserts, too. A top pick is the chicken curry salad.
Senior Katie Carroll said she loves the Urth Caffe.
“They even have good food, and the atmosphere is precious,” she said.
Be ready for this place to be packed, but no matter, service is fast and there is valet. This is the ultimate people watching spot too. Be prepared to witness car protest and electric bicycles zoom past.
The Novel Cafe:
This is the quintessential study joint on Main Street in Santa Monica. The shelves are filled with books that will inspire even the most illiterate human being. The clientele is interesting, too, in both their dress and conversation, and everyone seems to actually be studying. The downside is the Internet costs money but the coffee more than makes up for it as well as the vanilla chai. Writers can often be found in this joint.
Groundwork:
Hands down, this is the best coffee to be had in the Los Angeles area as well as the shop that generates the funkiest crowd.
There may be no place to sit in the Santa Monica location, but the Groundwork in Hollywood more than makes up for this with its selection of tables and chairs.
On occasion, the coffee shop has musical artists who perform on weekend evenings and expect all organic products.
Either for taking a break, meeting a friend or hitting the books, the coffee shop is a perfect getaway. Not only will the coffee stimulate you but so will the environment.
11-16-2006