Orange County Coffeehouses for the Bohemian at Heart

Do you love hunkering down in a relaxing and quaint coffeehouse that is reminiscent of the bohemian days of yore? Are you tired of the same old corporate, one-on-every-corner, overpriced coffeehouse that you can find everywhere in the world? If you live in Orange County, these one-of-a-kind coffee places are becoming harder and harder to find. I reluctantly share with you three gems that are currently some of my favorite places to go to sip the java, read, write, hang out, or simply soak up the artsy vibe. I say reluctantly because I don't want them getting overly populated; but, each of these establishments are unique in their own right and I'm delighted to be recommending them to you.

First up, nestled near the center of the suburban community of Aliso Viejo, CA is the charming Neighborhood Cup, located in the same building as the Aliso Viejo Public Library. The Cup is not just a place to spend a Saturday afternoon doing some reading. This distinctive shop is a viable part of this neighborhood's community. They host a variety of activities that include poetry readings, open mic nights, yoga classes (can you believe it? Yoga at a coffeehouse?) and classic car shows. They also house an art gallery which displays work from local and national artists alike.

The food is delish! Not just pastries and coffee, The Cup also provides a varied menu for breakfast, lunch and even cool stuff just for kids like mini corn dogs and mac and cheese. As for drinks, they offer a wide assortment of coffee concoctions, as well as smoothies, teas, and iced alternatives as they call them.

So, if you're in the neighborhood, check out the Neighborhood Cup. Their prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is cheerful and the staff is friendly and hospitable. They are located at 1 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA. Operating hours are Monday through Thursday, 6AM-9:30PM, Fridays 6AM-11PM, Saturdays 7AM-11PM and Sundays 8AM-5PM. For more information and a calendar of events, you can go to their website at www.theneighborhoodcup.com

Moving a little further south towards Dana Point, I discovered another fun and favorite spot that the residents of this beach community have known about for a long time. JC Beans was established in 1994, and according to their website, "is one of the few remaining successful independent coffee retailers in the solar system." They are located at 34114 Pacific Coast Highway right in the heart of beautiful Dana Point. And one of their many perks is that they offer drive-through service starting at 4AM.

But from my perspective, the whole point of visiting JC Beans is to take advantage of the charismatic ambience of this little cottage coffeehouse by the sea. Inside, along with the cozy fireplace that warms the air on a cool morning, or wintery night, the walls are loaded with bookshelves; the books courtesy of the Friends of the Dana Point Library. (Are we seeing a pattern here? Libraries and coffeehouses, hmmmm...)

JC Beans, like The Neighborhood Cup displays the work of local artists as well as hosting events such as children's storytime, monthly block parties and live music.

The menu is limited, but the coffee is top-rate, and the baked goods are prepared fresh daily.

So next time you want a great cup of coffee and a huge assortment of books to peruse, take yourself to JC Beans in Dana Point. You can also visit them on the web at www.jcbeans.com

Finally, I am leaving the best for last. The Gypsy Den, with locations in both Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, is no big secret, but it is one of my favorite places to frequent. According to their website, "...as both gathering place and eatery, the Gypsy Den is a place for artists and bankers, vegetarians and meat eaters, punk rockers and therapy shoppers to sit down next to one another and enjoy local talent, great food, and good living." I couldn't agree more.

The Gypsy Den is truly a sanctuary for bohemians young and old. If you are wandering into the Den for the first time, you will definitely feel like you're not in Orange County anymore. There is an earthiness, an artsyness, and a hipness about the place that feels more urban than Orange. Vintage décor covers every bit of space and transports you back to the days of beatniks and free-spirited flower children. I love it!

The menu is divine. I've eaten there a lot, and loved everything I ever tasted. From the hobo bowl for breakfast (fruit, yogurt and granola) to the vegetarian chili, it is comfort food at it's best. There is a wide array of items that include sandwiches, salads, soups, casserole dishes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and a nosh. The carrot cake is to die for. It all tastes so fresh and delicious and you just feel good eating this stuff.

The Costa Mesa location at 2930 Bristol Street in the LAB anti-mall, is slightly smaller than the Santa Ana downtown Arts District location at 125 N. Broadway, but both places offer indoor and outdoor patio dining.

The Gypsy Den simply wouldn't be the Gypsy Den if it did not include the requisite open mic nights, poetry readings, and local musicians doing their thing. Be sure to check out their website for events at both locations at www.gypsyden.com

So break out of the corporate mold. Support these local and inspirational businesses. And take some time out to smell the roses, read a book, drink some coffee, and be a bohemian!