Do as the trendy throw-back wall mural says and “Follow the Crowd.” Consort with screenwriters, copy writers, poetry majors and newspaper beat reporters at the Downbeat Café. Named after a popular jazz magazine that still idolizes the 1950s, the Downbeat affects hipster street cred like Martha Stewart affects docile domesticity. Caffeine-laden beverages, fresh fruit salads and semi-recognizable indie-rock stars combine to make the Downbeat an Echo Park institution.

A little coffee shop with a seriously cool reputation. L.A. scribe Jerry Stahl writes about hanging out at Tropical in his drug-addled memoir "Permanent Midnight" and Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis is rumored to have attended the weekly alcoholics anonymous sessions held in the back room. But you can just sip cafe con leche while mucnhing on cheese and guava pastries and penning your memoir.

Despite its name, Lost Souls Café is not a haven for outcasts and otherwise directionless folks. In fact, it is quite the opposite. On a typical day, a colorful crew of local artists, musicians and writers are stationed at the café’s collection of retro tables and vintage couches. The café also acts as a community center of sorts hosting an almost nightly line-up of stand-up comics, live bands and spoken-word poets. Housed in a cavernous, high-ceilinged space with mosaic floors in the swiftly gentrifying Old Bank District, Lost Souls has all the coffee shop requisites: Strong espresso, baked goodies and a steady soundtrack of jazz greats. Souls who get lost easily should beware, however, as the café is hidden at the end of an alleyway off Fourth Street (hint: look for the sidewalk sign.)

The staff is friendly, the coffee is strong and the chairs are comfy making this a decent place to study for finals or hammer out your next screenplay. The only downside is they tend to play music a little too loud. Swork boasts a small gelato bar but doesn't serve much food beyond a typical selection of pastries, bagels and biscotti. Fortunately, you're within walking or driving distance of any number of great local eateries: Oinkster for a pastrami sandwich and fries, Auntie Em's for coconut cupcakes or the Fresh 'N Easy supermarket for a ready-made salad.