Elixr in Beverly Hills on Melrose Avenue is a unique space where the seating is mostly outdoors in a tranquil and cozy Japanese garden. Teas are served along with perfectly-blended mineral water and juice drinks.

In Riverside, a couple of coffeehouses stand out.

Back to the Grind is nicely cosmopolitan and Bohemian and includes a basement art gallery along with a large mezzanine that serves as a stage for local bands. The trappings of typical shabby-chic coffeehouse design are married with some very special art pieces in a cavernous, yet cozy historic building with exposed bricks and twenty-foot-high bookcases.

The Coffee Depot occupies another historic building, the original Santa Fe Railroad Station for the city. The Coffee Depot goes one step further and features an entire concert hall, as well as several rooms and niches that are great places to while away the time.