Club Review--Un-Urban

Tomm Carroll
(5/28)

"Death Before Decaf!" cries the colorful mural on the outside wall of Santa Monica's hip hang for the caffeinated crowd, the Un-Urban Coffee House. "Happy Moka's Day," another banner proclaimed for that most maternal of mid-May Sundays. It's that sort of good-natured humor that characterizes this pleasant cafe, not far from the West L.A. border.

The Buzz: A popular Pico dark-watering hole, the Un-Urban is conveniently located nearby to one of Santa Monica's best known music clubs, McCabe's Guitar Shop, so it's in good company. And it's even got live entertainment itself.

The Look: Thrift store funky, but with a quaint, comfy, living room feel. The four separate rooms in this corner space are painted in bright multi-colors and house a delightful mismatch of couches, cushioned seats and all sorts of tables and chairs for eating, drinking and reading. Photos and artwork adorn the walls.

There are well-stocked bookshelves and magazine racks, as well as piles of board games to enjoy during a visit. The entrance room houses the ordering counter (with the kitchen behind it), while another is set up like a gift shop, offering everything from greeting and post cards to jewelry, t-shirts, hats and all sorts of silly little knick-knacks and novelty items -- like O.J Simpson Trial Toilet Paper. The entertainment takes place in the big front room, with the curtains drawn on the front windows as a stage backdrop.

The Clientele: The young coffee crowd, be it locals, visitors, regulars or newcomers. A good smattering of post-college types too. Lotsa readers -- and writers -- along with folks stumbling in after a night at the rock clubs in order to sober up with a cuppa joe before headin' home. Kids are welcome, and there are plenty of games to keep them occupied.

It's a friendly group, including the pierced-but-polite gals behind the counter, which only complements the comfortable surroundings.

Where There's Smoke: Out the front and back doors, where there's also a few tables and chairs. The no-smoking law seems to be obeyed -- probably because tobacco junkies can take their (non-alcoholic) drinks outside with them.

On Tap: It's tea and coffee, and all their imaginable permutations on the brew list, not beer. An alcohol-free cafe, the Un-Urban's liquid menu also includes fruit drinks, smoothies, Italian sodas and even rice and soy milk.

The Eats: Great healthy, homemade food (to go along with the homey atmosphere) including turkey loaf, Cajun chicken and roasted eggplant sandwiches, salads, eggs, pasta, soups and a copious selection of pastries, cookies and assorted goodies, including fat-, wheat- and dairy-free snacks. And you can eat/drink your food anywhere you want!

The Entertainment: Live music, comedy and occasionally poetry comprise the non-edible menu of treats on most nights, all of it cover-free. There's usually as many as four different local singer-songwriters performing on Saturdays, and three on Fridays. Monday nights are open mike for musicians, while Wednesday evenings offers the same access to comedians.

Club Facts: The Un-Urban Coffee House, 3301 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, 315-0056, live entertainment Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, no alcohol, no age limit, no cover.