WHAT TO DO AFTER DARK : COSTA MESA : Coffeehouses Offer Quiet Time to Patrons

Tired of having to shout to talk at bars? Worried about drinking past your limit?

Many county residents are congregating at coffeehouses to socialize. And Friday and Saturday nights--prime bar nights--are when these coffeehouses are packed.

“In the bars I know, there is a lot of attitude,” said Bob Courtney, a regular at Rock-n-Java, a popular coffee spot on Newport Boulevard. “But you can come here just to sit and relax.

On a recent Monday night, that’s precisely what most people at Rock-n-Java were doing. Music--not too loud--played indoors, where about 20 people sat on comfortable chairs and couches.

Outside, more people gathered under space heaters. Some played Ping-Pong. Chess, backgammon and playing cards are available inside.

“It’s just a place to kick back,” said Anthony Durazzo, 20, a literature major at UC Santa Cruz.

A few patrons had books on their tables, but Durazzo considers it a fashion statement. “People come here to pretend they’re reading,” he said.

Agreed, said Colleen Gillis, 25, a nursing student. “I wish I’d brought a book of poetry, because that’s what the cool people do,” she said with sarcasm. “And who even likes coffee?” she added.

But Courtney, who brought the 1994 issue of “What Color is Your Parachute”--a job skills evaluation book--said the heated outdoor area of Rock-n-Java is a perfect reading spot. “I really do read here,” he said. “I could sit and read at my house, but it’s very closed-in.”

Three to four nights a week, Courtney walks from his house to the coffee spot.

Regular customers are common, said Michael Park, a Cal State Fullerton business student who said he drops by four to five times a week. Sometimes it’s just to see his friends. “You don’t need to buy something,” Park said happily.