Five great coffeehouses

BRENTWOOD
Literati Cafe. A thinking person’s coffeehouse eschewing bohemian decor in favor of the upscale. Its menu offers everything from Belgian waffles to herb-crusted salmon to 14 kinds of homemade soup. $; 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat-Sun. 12081 Wilshire Blvd.; 310/231-7484.

EAGLE ROCK
Swork. Specialties here include Truck Driver Blend coffee and gelato drinks ― from a gelato bar. Bring the kids; Swork features a children’s play place and kids’ beverages such as Mint Chocolate Dinosaur. $; 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun-Thu, 6-midnight Fri-Sat. 2160 Colorado Blvd.; 323/258-5600.

LOS FELIZ
Alcove. Less than a year old, this classy space in a converted 1916 duplex boasts a capacious front patio and excellent coffee. Visitors may sample cheese and olives at the adjoining cheese shop. $; 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Wed, 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Thu-Sat, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 1929 Hillhurst Ave.; 323/644-0100.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD
Aroma. This tastefully appointed cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner: standards include panini and very large salads. An attached bookstore welcomes browsing diners. $; 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Mon-Sat, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 4360 Tujunga Ave.; 818/508-6505.

VENICE
Cow’s End. Deli counter, homemade pastries, and wide selection of coffees and teas highlight this eclectically furnished locals’ favorite. All this just a short walk from the beach. $; 6 a.m.-midnight daily. 34 Washington Blvd.; 310/574-1080.