Coffee District

Coffee District has the neighborhood Starbuck's by the tea bags. To complement the District's constant flow of coffee, it's got a roomy floor plan, enough alcohol to sedate even the perkiest barista, and a stage that is regularly furnished with a stock of local musicians and poets. The art district brings in the artsy types — willing, on a moment's notice, to shed their emotional skin and bare their innermost thoughts on love and life. Some use a guitar; others rely on a righteous tone of voice and a sense of humor. Clearly, most people come in to see a show. Thursday is open-mic night. Karaoke is the star on Fridays, but on Saturdays, it's the live acts — which range from the psychedelic (Psychedelic Mist) to indie hip-hop (Lil Droppa). Most people here have a kind of performer's swagger — it's a hint of cockiness that's probably a requisite to take the mic in front of a houseful of strangers. I'm no performer, so I'm here for the microbrews and draft beer. The Wall of Beer is an impressive selection, but Dogfish Head and Seadog is all I need. For the more refined, try the Sideways Pinot Noir. Slip in during happy hour (Monday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.) and get twofers. Poker much? Stick around Monday after 7 p.m. for a tourney. The No-Limit Pub Poker Tour drops by 4 to 8 p.m. Sundays. And of course, if any of this drinking leaves you with a hangover, swing on by the next morning. They're open at 7 a.m. and remember, they do specialize in slinging coffee.