Friendliness and Other Coffeehouse Perks

As an alternative to the bar scene, coffeehouses have become the place to be. It’s a new kind of club-hopping, to meet people, boost spirits through caffeine and actually have a conversation without blaring bands or black lighting that turns your teeth green.

Among the slew of comfy caffeine havens is The Boom Boom Room, located on the quiet corner of Riverside Drive and Colfax Avenue and named after a play about a young dancer who tries to find herself. This is a quaint place with a friendly neighborhood vibe.

THE SCENE: Mismatched tables, chairs and a couple of couches flood most of the floor space. Local artists display their work on the walls on a rotating basis. Christmas lights strewn along the ceiling give the room a warm and festive feel. Behind the counter are foods for the organically aware: fat-free treats, deli sandwiches and soups, along with a variety of coffees and teas. Also for sale are candles, jewelry and herb and vitamin concoctions that claim to heighten awareness and sensual pleasures. One of the regulars makes the rounds doing Tarot card readings while other people play games borrowed from the house collection, such as Monopoly or Sorry. Every Monday night there’s a backgammon tournament. Owner Richard Giorla keeps the place lively by offering backgammon tips, telling jokes or making introductions. His two pet dogs run through the place looking for attention or they stand guard out front, just like home.

THE CROWD: Folks from twenty- to thirtysomethings pour in around 11 p.m. Dress is casual, mostly jeans and T-shirts, trendy attire but not snobbishly hip.

THE MUSIC: Although the scheduled band canceled at the last minute on a recent Friday, a couple of Boom Boom Room regulars picked up the slack. Perched in the front window enclave, the duo of “Robert & Kevin” managed to deliver some heartfelt blues with a harmonica and acoustic guitar. Friday is live music night, ranging from blues and jazz to rock and pop with both full bands and acoustic acts.

THE GOOD: Both the place and the people have the attitude of a friendly neighborhood watering hole. You get the feeling most people are regulars and know each other, but newcomers are made to feel welcome. It’s a more-the-merrier kind of place. For Stuart Porter, The Boom Boom Room is “relaxing, not a lot of pretensions like some coffeehouses. This one is comfortable.” His wife, Dawn, agreed, adding, “It’s nice to get out of the house and not have to get dressed up.”

THE BAD: The amount of furniture can make the place a bit of an obstacle course, but judging from the size of the late-night crowd, every seat is needed.

THE WORD: Written on the menu board, it changes daily. A recent night’s word: “Truth,” and that’s no lie.

The Boom Boom Room, 11651 Riverside Drive, North Hollywood, (818) 753-9966. Hours: 8 a.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.