A latte, a cappuccino, a mocha, an espresso, a caf? au lait- oh, yea, and a cup of coffee. Some years ago, a late-night cup of coffee meant a trip to Steak `n’ Shake or some other all-night eatery. But now, thanks to the global war-like expansion of Starbucks and some classier locally owned coffee houses like Aesops and Coffee Cartel, cups of coffee can be consumed at all hours and at numerous locations around the city.

So when did this boom of interest, this sudden sensation to leave the bars behind and head for the place with the nifty couches and live one-man bands take place? Probably some time in the early ’90s, just about the time the TV show Friends took off. Every week, the Friends cast would solve all its problems over a delicious and energizing (nobody drinks decaf) cup of Joe.

America soon fell in love with the idea of taking the everyman drink and adding milk and a fancy name to it. But no matter what your personal feelings are on the whole coffee-drinking society, you have to admit that coffee does taste good.

And maybe more important is the fact that a coffee house gives people something to do after dinner, after a movie, or for those that wish to leave the age-old bar scene behind.

Many coffee houses have come and gone since the boom, but two independent, locally owned caffeine stations have stuck around: Aesop’s Coffee House and Coffee Cartel.

They have survived the wrath of Starbucks based on their quality and unique ambiance.

Aesop’s Coffee House was one of the first to open its doors in St. Louis.

The coffee house is still located on Clayton Road, across the street and a block east of the Esquire movie theater.

The current owners, Chris Tros and Sherry Rouhnoi, took over the business in 1998 and have made it a fixture of the late-night crowd. It is simply the perfect place to sit and chat with someone after dinner or a movie.

Aesop’s carries a full line of coffee drinks. It also carries Pepsi products and St. Louis’ own Fitz’s root beer, cream soda and other varieties. If you can’t decide between those quenchers, try the tea from The Republic of Tea.

One of the nice perks about Aesop’s is that it also serves food. The menu items range from simple salads to chicken wraps. Other menu items include soup, sandwiches and pizza. Aesop’s offers a lunch special from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. during which the customer can get a meal that includes a drink and a side for a reduced price.

The combo of the side salad and tomato zucchini or potato soup looks to be a winner.

For the sweet tooth, Aesop’s serves locally owned and operated Hank’s Cheesecakes.

The turtle, a cross between a Snickers bar and cheesecake, is sinfully delightful.

The ambiance of the coffee house is simply ravishing. Old hardback books are spread out at the tables inviting the customer to sit a spell and simply relax.

On one side of the room is a giant mural dedicated to the famous fables. Aesop’s also has a patio, keeping the inside smoke free and allowing one to enjoy the summer evening.

Whatever the occasion may be, a trip to Aesop’s is definitely worth the time. Across town, another wonderful coffee house exists for the late night conversationalists-The Coffee Cartel. If the conversation is going so well and you never want it to stop, no problem, because the Cartel stays open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And to top it off the Cartel is located at Maryland and Euclid in the Central West End, where you’ll be in the heart of the action.

The Cartel is divided into two rooms with plenty of places to sit in each. One of the rooms is for smoking.

The relaxed style of the place might be just what you need in those wee hours of the morning.

A full line of coffee drinks are available at the Cartel along with other beverages for those noncoffee drinkers. The Cartel also serves sandwiches, nachos and desserts like cheesecakes and Edy’s Ice Cream.

Since the kitchen never closes, the Cartel is a great alternative to late night fast food. The Coffee Cartel is a spot that has its regulars but is always open for new members.

Next time the question “What do we do next?” comes up, try a late-night coffee house.

Even if you do not prescribe to the whole coffee-drinking society, coffee houses like Aesop’s and The Coffee Cartel do provide something for everyone.

They offer a classy and relaxing spot for a couple to try and get to know each other or for a group of friends to ponder on the previous events of the evening.

And they serve better coffee than Quik Trip and a better atmosphere than Starbucks.