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Get a little juice with your java

By Ron Bishow | Special to amNewYork

2:58 PM EDT, July 17, 2008

You deserve a break: Apples in Stereo (right) and Tracy Chapman (left) at Housing Works Cafe. Coffee from Grumpy's.

It's hard to justify ordering a $4 latte. But if you're going to do it (and that's pretty much a given in this caffeine-run city), you should at least get a side of entertainment with your java.

Sure, chains are convenient for grabbing a quick cup en route to work, but when you're not in a rush, New York's various small shops offer way more than hot beverages. (Plus, uber-chain Starbucks is closing 600 locations over the next year, with one so far in NYC). Live music, art displays and readings make it easy to spend an entire day at a coffee house -- as opposed to waiting on line all day for your coffee.

The Perch Cafe Perch offers distinct afternoon and evening scenes. During the day, the cafe is bustling with toddlers and families (or nannies) participating in sing-a-longs and other kiddie activities, as well as patrons working on their computers or having business meetings. At night, an unpretentious scene of 20- and 30-somethings takes over, and so do more age-appropriate amusements: live music, literary readings, an open-mic night on Sundays and cocktails. (356 Fifth Ave., between Fifth and Sixth streets, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-788-2830)

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe Sure, most Barnes & Nobles and Borders have coffee shops in them, but they are nothing compared to Housing Works. The cafe looks more like a library than a place to drink coffee, with 45,000 new, used and rare books, plus spiral staircases. Better yet, it's run by Housing Works, a nonprofit that provides support and services for homeless New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS, and all profits benefit the foundation. (126 Crosby Street, between Jersey and Prince streets; 212-334-3324)

Cafe Grumpy The coffee at Cafe Grumpy will make you anything but. The casual Chelsea spot offers free cupping classes, which are like wine tastings but for coffee. For an hour, participants smell, taste and take notes on various types of coffee. Grumpy has another location in Greenpoint, though cupping classes are only offered in Chelsea. (224 W. 20th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues; 212-255-5511)

Homage Do you like extreme sports with your coffee? Homage serves coffee, organic juices, smoothies, snacks and designer skateboards. The shop also offers skateboarding school on Sundays and various skating contests. (151 Smith Street at Bergen Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn; 718-596-8151)

Zanny's Cafe Zanny's is a great spot for a mid-day Joe break, but it's best known for its Wednesday night movie night and prix fixe dinner. For $13, you get dinner, a bottle of beer, a dessert and admission to a film. It's hard to beat that deal, even if it has nothing to do with coffee. (975 Columbus Ave., between 107th and 108th streets; 212-316-6849)

B Cup Two words: free wireless. If that isn't enough to get you hooked, this cozy coffeehouse boasts solid drinks, sandwiches, comfy seats and live music. (212 Avenue B, between 12th and 13th streets; 212-228-4808)