Claire de Lune Coffeehouse, San Diego

This big coffee "lounge", housed in an appealing 1929 building, has helped revitalize its North Park block with coffee, light food and entertainment. Its late and extremely early hours appeal to shift workers, students and the creative fringe of all descriptions. The atmosphere is like a neighborhood full of living rooms combined into one huge space, with comfy couches and upholstered chairs, wood tables of varying heights and patterned carpets covering the bare floor. Coffees, teas and desserts are the most popular items, along with sandwiches and soups. - deTraci Regula