Java Monkey in Decatur, Georgia - Espresso, Eccentricity and Entrees

No matter what city you live in, there seems to be a Starbucks on every corner. And as if every corner weren't enough, there's one inside almost every supermarket, airport, and train station you go to as well. Since this is the case, it's all the more important, nowadays, to patronize your local coffee house.

If you happen to live in Decatur, GA, said coffee house might be Java Monkey, located on W. Ponce and Church St. As opposed to Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, or any of the other corporate offshoots, Java Monkey is independently owned and operated; one visit there will help this fact ring true.

Even from outside the establishment, one can see that it's not your run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter cappucino stop. Its front window is decked out with hand-painted designs, flyers, and Christmas lights (up year round.) Passersby will notice the small patio situated out front as well, whether or not they are planning on stopping. On any given day, this area is populated with students, musicians, parents, children; you name it.

If the decor and rustic appearance aren't enough to draw you inside, the aroma of fresh-brewed espresso will be. At any point, you can expect a decent-size line at the counter. Of course, this isn't to say that your wait will be lengthy, or that service is less than superb. Many of the servers are twenty-something, looking every bit as hip as the patrons.

Java Monkey is an ideal place to bang out a term paper, study for your economics final, or peruse the pages of The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. Unlike most chain establishments, even when crowded, the noise level never becomes overwhelming. If you're not a bookworm, you can always break out the laptop and conduct whatever business is necessary; J.M. offers free Wi-Fi, and there's no need to sign up on a website or pay an extra fee, unlike at some other institutions (hint hint).

Adding to the already stress-free atmosphere is the abstract art that staggers across the walls; the conveniently low lighting; and the cushiony couches that are ideal for study or chatter. As far as the coffee itself goes, Java Monkey uses only organically grown coffee beans; not to mention the coffee is made fresh throughout the day, again trumping the chain franchises that let their grounds sit for hours on end.

During the evenings, there are frequently events going on in the above-mentioned patio area. These range from poetry readings to concerts to performance art. One of the most popular events, held on Sunday nights, is "Java Monkey Speaks," hosted by the charismatic Kodac Harrison. Harrison, unlike some hosts that simply announce the acts, takes a turn at performing as well; in a gruff voice befitting of Tom Waits, he often recites tales from his travels and romances, or picks up his guitar and strums out a folksy tune. The event, which generally lasts from 8-11 PM, is an opportunity for poets of any age, color, and nationality to bring their words to life. Just a fair warning: this ain't your English teacher's poetry.

You may hear blank verse ranging from tortured breakup poems to humorous folktales; spoken word to straight-up rap; and lighthearted romance to explicit sexuality. It's best to approach with an open mind. Not only that, but the performers are as varied as the poetry itself: you may see young men with lengthy dreadlocks, free-spirited women in denim skirts and flip-flops, or sixty-year-old men in button-downs and slacks leaving their emotions bare before the audience. Who knows, you might even see a middle-aged guy imitate Judy Garland (wink.) And, like so many artists before them, a number of the poets use pen names, like ArtikulateR, Cyncopated, or Medusa Jones. Were this the sixties, in California, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Allen Ginsberg might even drop by.

Though it may seem out of place, spoken word crowds do not necessarily stay quiet during a performance; in this case, that's a good thing. Cleverly placed ironic lines or funky rhymes will most likely be met with cheers of approval. Marc Smith (the Chicago native credited with inventing the poetry slam in 1984) would be proud. And usually around 10:00 or so, a "feature" poet will perform a brief show for those in attendance; often, they'll carry self-authored books and/or flyers, in case you're craving more.

If you enjoy this spectacle, you'll love the poetry slams that are held once a month, in which the most outspoken among the wordsmiths go head-to-head in a fierce battle of verbs, venom, and vitriol. Scores are calculated by judges picked from the audience, and the top performers move on to the next round. Finalists then compete to see who will represent Atlanta at the National Poetry Slam. For any transplanted Manhattanites in the area, the competition is similar in style to that of the Nuyorican Poets' Cafe in the East Village. Here, however, the audience is often more respectful.

For the adults, besides having your usual coffee shop fare, there is a bar in the adjacent room, where you can have your Captain Jack, your Sex on the Beach, or your Long Island, in true Decatur fashion. Even while the slam is taking place, you can stop here during intermission for some fuel. All the more reason for you anti-Starbucks street preachers to stop by.

I repeat: if you're un-intimidated by a few tattoos and nose rings, Java Monkey just may become one of your favorite roosts. Come for the coffee, the charisma, and the characters; you are welcomed.