A Few Nostalgic O.C. Joints

When we think of coffeehouses, one of two images usually comes to mind: a slick chain restaurant where executives pick up cups of java on their way to 4 o’clock meetings, or a rustic little dive with mismatched chairs, bongo drums and a heavy aroma of freshly ground beans.

Thankfully, in an area as diverse as Orange County, both of these scenes are still common. Back in the heyday of the Beat Generation, no coffeehouse was complete without poetry and guitars. At Alta Coffee Co. in Newport Beach, this is still the case. Every second Wednesday of the month, the Factory Readings series brings in poets and musicians and leaves the mike open for local scribes. In between rhymes, the shop brews its coffee with beans imported from Africa, South and Central America and features a large supply of bread, scones, sandwiches and more. Alta Coffee Co., 506 31st St., Newport Beach, (949) 675-0233. Mondays-Fridays, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

True to its name, Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery is the most family-like coffee stop around. Ever since 1969, Balboa Islanders have gathered there to eat, drink and be merry, and in 1976 they officially formed the Dew Dads social club. They define themselves as having “nothing to prove to each other except friendship, and that should not have to be proved.” And those who miss the old buck-or-less cup of coffee will be pleased to pay only 85 cents for a small coffee. Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery, 318 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, (949) 673-8686. Daily, 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Watson Soda Fountain & Lunch Counter in Orange is nostalgia of a different kind: It’s an authentic 1950s-style eatery, with red-and-white tables and an old-fashioned soda machine on the counter. Apart from the malts and shakes, Watson offers Diedrich Coffee at just $1 a cup.

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Watson Soda Fountain & Lunch Counter, 116 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, (714) 633-1050. Mondays-Saturdays, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.