Praise the Lords - The Java Lords to be Exact

Little Five Points is Atlanta's answer to the East Village. It's festooned with coffee shops, bars, record stores, and thrift shops. Therefore, it's only proper that it should have a coffee stop you can't find anywhere else.

Java Lords is it. This spectacular little nook on Euclid Ave. is one hangout you'll want to frequent again and again. Of course, the next question may be...why?

For starters, J.L. has an incredibly inviting atmosphere. The staff are friendly (not to mention cool), and the establishment has a relaxed vibe. Even when more on the crowded side, the line never feels rushed; and it's unlikely that you'll see many irate customers here.

But take a step back; there are quite a few coffee houses in the Atlanta area. You have Java Monkey and ChocoLate Coffee in Decatur, and java u in Dunwoody; each has its own character and ambiance. Java Lords, in general, has a more "adult" feel to it. For one, they serve alcohol. Java Monkey has its own bar as well; however, you'll find different selections at J.L.

This particular bar serves just about any kind of liquor you can think of, including alcoholic coffee beverages. Like Black Gold, or Irish Coffee? Chances are, they carry it. To boot, there's a small patio in the back where you can have a smoke, and sip your beer. And because it usually doesn't get overcrowded, it's a great spot to study, read, or simply unwind.

According to its homepage, http://www.javalordscoffeehouse.com, Java Lords' coffee is "100% fair trade and organic, fresh roasted locally...delivered to us the next day, we order twice a week so our coffee is never old." Some customers have said that at the chain locations, the coffee tastes as if it has been sitting for awhile; if you're not picky, you might not be able to tell, but the connoisseurs always seem to know. It's a bit like telling the difference between brands of beer without looking at the label.

Of course, one thing that may determine the difference between a good coffeehouse and a great one are its events. Every Tuesday, Java Lords has an open mic night, in which anyone is invited to perform. As described on the site, "Anything goes, anarchistic open mic up your ass!" So yes, profanity is allowed. The managers say that most of the time, the acts are musical, but there are occasional poets as well.

Unlike its competitor Java Monkey, Java Lords does not hold a monthly poetry slam; on the bright side, however, that means the pressure's off if you perform. Some of Java Monkey's patrons have said that they'll abstain from performing if a competition is being held.

A highly unusual event, held every Wednesday, is "YouTube Viral Video Night," in which a laptop is projected onto a large screen, and a series of random (generally hilarious) videos from YouTube are displayed for your viewing pleasure. Requests are also accepted, but fair warning: you are in for some of the most insane, off-the-wall humor you'll ever encounter! (May 8's showing included Fiona Apple's "Not About Love," in which heavyset, bearded actor Zach Galifianakis lip-synchs the lyrics; and "Food Fight," a depiction of American wars with your standard Burger King menu.)

It's also worth mentioning that "The Bosses," Rob Thompson and Dennis Baldwin, are not your average coffee shop managers. Both are incredibly hip, funny, and have a great rapport with their customers. If you're a repeat visitor, they may even become your bar buddies. Thompson, in particular, has a "rock star" appearance to him, what with his long hair, thin beard, and variety of tattoos (he also runs Holy Mother Tattoo, nearby on Euclid Ave.) And he is a member of the FisMits, which is a Misfits cover band (who sometimes perform at the spot.)

Baldwin, though he may appear dressed in a suit, is every bit as laidback as Thompson. If you get to talking, he may even tell you a few crazy tales from his younger days. At the bar, you're also likely to meet Naomi Lavender, a striking young lady who knows her drinks, as well as her music. On the open mic nights, she is more than likely to perform as well (and happens to have a lovely voice.)

If you live in Little Five Points, or even if you're just passing through, these folks would be happy to have you. Drop in for a coffee, a cigarette, and maybe a song.