Feeling Groovy at The Happening

It might sound like just another caffeinated Valley watering hole, but take one step into The Happening in Sherman Oaks, and you’ll be transported to Haight-Ashbury, circa 1969. The coffeehouse is adorned with tie-dyed cloth and trippy paintings of such ‘60s and ‘70s figures as Sharon Tate and Tina Turner. The smell of incense wafts through the air, tickling your nose as you chug down one of the many coffee beverages available. Although most cafes these days seem to cater only to the college-age-and-older crowd, The Happening draws from a broad range, everyone from teeny-boppers discovering java for the first time to honest-to-goodness dreadlocked hippies.

THE SCENE: This place has devoted itself to being totally groovy. There’s a distinctly Northern California feel to The Happening, with its wood counters, assortment of New Age-y stuff (herbal energy pills, sticks of incense) for sale and lots of old, beat-up chairs and sofas for a little hanging out.

THE CROWD: There’s a huge crowd of high schoolers scampering around, ecstatic to find a place that’s open until 2 a.m. on the weekends. But The Happening seems to be happening for all ages: On Friday night, a family of three sat at one table, while a duo of biker dudes sauntered by.

THE ENTERTAINMENT: Although there’s seldom live music, The Happening is not without its entertainment. Every Sunday is open-mike night, when the local bards and comedians come to show off their stuff. Wednesday night is truly special, featuring “the incredible stage hypnosis show by the master of suggestion, Kevin Stone!” And the music piped over the sound system is always ‘60s and ‘70s.

THE GOOD: The Happening understands what it means to be a coffee enthusiast, as evidenced by their two house specialties: the “1969,” a blend of regular and hazelnut-flavored coffee and a shot of espresso, and the high-voltage “Ampiccino,” a triple shot of espresso with a bit of foamed milk.

THE BAD: If you’re tired of the retro scene, stay far away. Especially from the Groove Room, a black-light-and-candles lounge in the back, curtained off with Indian-print cloth.

THE WORD: “It really brings back the original coffeehouse feel,” said Wade Sheeler, a Happening employee. “It’s got a good cross-section. A lot of the young people never experienced the ‘60s.”

The Happening, 4495 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Open 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. (818) 981-9331.