It's time to take the coffee shop - a historically social establishment for communities - back from the creeping prevalence of laptop jockeys clogging up great places like Somerville's Diesel Café by manning the tables as their own personal study hall. (Word to the wise: the pool tables are often available.) Make it a night at a coffee shop where caffeine can stimulate conversation, and stay out late at some eclectic locales where the java runs wild, the wireless is free, and the chairs are comfortable.
Andala Coffee House, Cambridge Stepping into this cavernous establishment feels like taking tea in the lovely dining room of a fancy aunt. The walls are a cheery yellow, there's a porch and a downstairs with tables, and the hours are great. Groups meet there for knitting nights and studying and the place is big enough so that even when it's jumping, there are still pleasant corners that can be claimed. The waiter service is laid back and a little confusing, but it adds to the charm. Try a Turkish coffee ($2.50) and see where the night goes. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Andala Coffee House, 286 Franklin St., Cambridge. 617-945-2212
True Grounds, Somerville This Ball Square joint has great sofas, plenty of board games, and a cozy, homey vibe. While it can get crowded, it's a lovely place in which to hang out and serves George Howell's Terroir coffee, which is yummy, fantastic stuff. The menu also features some great sandwiches, like the Willow, a grilled Portobello mushroom, mozzarella, and tomato masterpiece. Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m; Sun. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. True Grounds, 717 Broadway, Somerville. 617-591-9559. truegrounds.com
J.P. Licks, Jamaica Plain The original J.P. Licks is an ice cream palace and social center on bustling Centre Street. However, this particular branch also does double duty as a great cafe, with its working fireplace, comfortable chairs, and coffee made from beans that are roasted right on the premises. Most importantly, it's open until midnight. Daily 6 a.m.-midnight. J.P. Licks, 659 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617-524-6740. Jplicks.com
"The Night Is Young" runs every Friday. Got an all-ages or 18+ activity? E-mail Elisabeth Donnelly at elisabethdonnelly@yahoo.com.
