If you were a lot smarter, this two-story lending library-café could be your living room, where chess players congregate and several writers have taken up residence.

It's small, a little grungy and the wi-fi may or may not be working on any given day, but the vibe at this Tiki- and Martian-themed Westside coffeehouse and late-night hangout is pure cool.

Bob Dylan may not own the place (as has long been rumored), but this roomy, wood-and-brick, old-timey coffeehouse is pretty cool nonetheless.

A homey, colorful, art-laced coffee shop patronized by everyone from local parents and their toddlers to students soaking up free wi-fi along with the caffeinated drinks, the Talking Stick is a virtual community center.

The definition of a neighborhood joint: If you see someone getting an organic coffee there one week, you’ll probably see that same person doing the same thing every week thereafter.

Joni Aragon runs this legendary coffee shop in Marina Del Rey, which swirls with good vibes and friendly people seven days a week.

You might miss this tiny storefront cafe tucked into a nook just off Santa Monica Boulevard if you're not among the initiated -- or if you come too early (the shop doesn't open until noon).