Apres Diem International Coffee House & Bistro

The Scene
This busy hangout is equal parts coffee house, lounge and bistro. The inside space divides into comfortable rooms that feature dark paneling, deep couches and heavy louver blinds to shield you from the strip mall outside. In fair weather, the action spills over onto a large patio. It's the ideal place to sip espresso, smoke cigarettes and pretend to dig through ''Ulysses.''

The Food
Known for its coffee drinks, desserts and bar scene more than its main menu, Apres Diem works best as a cool meet-the-friends place or a low-key late night date. Coffee drinks are a specialty, and the variations include seductive titles like Mochaccino Blanc (espresso, white chocolate and steamed milk) and White Gold (steamed milk with honey on the side). A well-stocked cake counter in one room vies for your attention with an equally well-stocked bar next door. Snacks--baba ghanouj, hummus and calamari--are a better option than pastas or entrees.