Best of 2003: Best East County Caffeinated Evening

Zodiak CafŽ
9158-A Fletcher Parkway, La Mesa
619-466-9055

The eclectic living-room theme draws all ages, but especially teens and young adults. The Tuesday Open Mic Nights at 8 serve as public forums for musicians playing a wide range of styles including "Scandinavian Goat Calls" on a fiddle (though the goats never came) and "Juice of Life" on a mechanical fruit juicer. If you're hungry, pick up a panini (sandwich) named after one of the 12 Zodiac signs (Pisces and Leo are favorites) or a gourmet pastry. Hot and cold beverages include the Hammerhead (coffee and four shots of espresso) and blended caramel mochas (hot or cold). Don't forget the one-drink minimum.