* Cornerstone Cafe ~ 1907 Harbor Blvd. ~ Costa Mesa ~ (714) 646-5776 ~ With its studied beatnik atmosphere, you'd think this place was designed with Kerouac in mind. The wall art is creatively funky, complementing the most unusual window drapery in town - an old fire hose. but the true reason to stop here is the mocha frappe, a cool blend of coffee, ice milk and chocolate topped with whipped cream. Indoor seating features mostly squeaky-clean early-twentysome-things and board games, while the board tables overlook a busy Triangle Square intersections. ~ Open Monday-Thursday 6:30a-11p ~ Friday-Saturday 6:30a-midnight ~ Sunday 8a-5p ~

* Diedrich Espresso Cafe ~ Crystal Court, 3333 Bear St. ~ Costa Mesa ~ (714) 750-2233 ~ Since taking over the former Bear St. Cafe, Diedrich has added seating so you can enjoy a full menu of eats and drinks inside, outside or even on the mall floor. ~ Open Monday-Friday 6a-9p ~ Saturday 7a-6:30p ~ Sunday 7a-6:30p ~

* The Gypsy Den & Reading Room ~ 2930 Bristol St. ~ Costa Mesa ~ (714) 549-7012 ~ With its eclectic mix of art and antique furniture and rugs, this jewel in the Lab anti-mall lives up to its name. If the darkly intriguing musical selection get to you, there are plenty of table outside in the shadow of Tower Alternative Records. The staff serves up some of the best coffee in town, but if you're in the mood for something cool, try a blended banana mocha. Live Music fills the room on weekends, and on alternate Mondays cult classics are shown for your viewing pleasure.

~ Open Monday-Thursday 7a-11p ~ Friday 7a-midnight ~ Saturday 8a-midnight ~ Sunday 8a-10p ~