For those of us who love coffee and enjoy good music there's no reason to keep these two beautiful things apart. Luckily, we possess coffee shops in Tacoma that regularly put on open mic nights and full performances of varied artists. To name but a few establishments, the Mandolin Café, Commencement Bay Coffee, and the Antique Sandwich Co. all offer a diverse menu of music as well as food and drink. Each has its own style, atmosphere and music experiences. It just depends on what gloriously intoxicating combination you're in the mood for.

Here's some information to help with your decision.

ANTIQUE SANDWICH COMPANY

Antique Sandwich Company is legendary for its musical performances. This blurb is for the rest of us, who somehow don't know about the Antique Sandwich Company. Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. in Ruston, citizens flock to the café to take in the sounds of the local music scene, produced by Victory Music. You can expect mostly acoustic folk music on these nights. The prospect of your music being broadcasted live via KVTI, the Clover Park Technical College radio station, adds to the excitement of attending Antique Sandwich's Tuesday open mic night.

If you're looking for something more hi-brow visit on a Sunday afternoon to eat, drink and listen to classical performances.  

The performers and audience alike enjoy a relaxed environment to share their talents. Families are more than welcome to these all-ages shows; it's worth the cover charge. The acoustics are amazing and the stage is set at eye level for your full viewing pleasure.

There's something for everyone in this spacious, friendly café.

[The Antique Sandwich Company, Tuesday open mic 7-10 p.m., Sunday classical music 3-5 p.m., regular business hours 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, 5102 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, 253.752.4069]

THE MANDOLIN CAFE

The Mandolin Café is a vastly expanding music and dining endeavor. The cafe showcases a wide variety of bands and solo acts practically on a daily basis. Check their Web site, www.themandolincafe.com, for a full calendar of acoustic, folk, blues, Jazz, indie and more musical genre performances.

Sip fine wines, beer or expertly crafted coffee while listening to all the talent. Nothing beats a full line up inside a richly decorated coffee house. Get cozy with your neighbors, though, because it gets packed at show time.

From a performer's standpoint it's also quite a squeeze in the conference room, which doubles as "backstage."

Rejoice, for there is no cover charge. Just a ceramic head of a goddess for tips to support your aspiring Tacoma artists.

[Mandolin Café, Sunday open mic 6-9 p.m., varied performances weekly, 3923 S. 12th St, Tacoma, 253.761.3482]

COMMENCEMENT BAY COFFEE COMPANY

Commencement Bay Coffee Company is known for its great soups, sandwiches and, of course, excellent coffee. However, they will also provide a venue for local musicians. Beginning Thursday, Feb. 4 there will be open mic night every first Friday of the month.

The large vintage building is homey yet professional, perfect for business meetings, but on open mic night the café will be transformed into a concert hall.

[Commencement Bay Coffee Company, first Friday of the month 6-8 p.m., regular business hours Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2354 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.1173]