Best Cafes for Writers - by Sari Heifetz

Here is an article I wrote for the LA Times:

Cure writer's block at a cafe
By -- Sari Heifetz Sarah.Heifetz @latimes.com
April 24, 2008

IF you're a writer, spring is the time to venture out of the solitude of your dark cave (and your procrastination-friendly Internet connection) and experience the sights and sounds of real people! Let the creative energies of these L.A. cafes stir your juices:

The popular Literati Café (12081 Wilshire Blvd., [310] 231-7484; www.literaticafe.com) caters to writers of all kinds (even vegans) and sees that they're well caffeinated and fed in this Brentwood cove.

And should you find yourself in Beverly Hills (home to the big agents, i.e. the antithesis of a creative environment), head to a fireside table at the Urth Caffé (267 S. Beverly Drive, [310] 205-9311; www.urthcaffe.com) -- just make sure that the lit agent eating at the next table notices the way you wield your mouse with confidence and precision. You'll know it's time to leave when you start worrying about the viability of your screenwriting career.

If and when this happens, head to the charming and often inspiring Susina Bakery & Cafe (7122 Beverly Blvd., L.A. [323] 934-7900; www.susinabakery.com) to solve Act III and enjoy a decadent slice of cake, or to the gothic-inspired late night spot Insomnia (7286 Beverly Blvd., L.A. [323] 931-4943).

Head farther east and you'll find that the energized atmosphere and world-class espresso of Sabor y Cultura Café (5625 Hollywood Blvd., [323] 466-0481; www.saborycultura.com) makes it the ideal Hollywood writing spot.

Spread out various drafts and notes on the large mosaic tables at the Coffee Table (2930 Rowena Ave., [323] 644-8111) in Silver Lake. Its extensive menu, outdoor seating area and tolerance level for writers make this a great all-day writing spot.

And after all of your hard work, celebrate a printed draft by sitting back with a rich latte and reading your genius at the Los Feliz sidewalk cafe Figaro (1802 N. Vermont Ave., [323] 662-1587).