The new hot spot for local java addicts and live music enthusiasts in Sacramento is the True Love Coffee House, a discreet cafe set inside an old Victorian-style house in midtown Sacramento. Located at 2406 J St., this live music venue brings in a variety of people. Perhaps what makes this coffee house so unique is the positive vibe that permeates the cafe, and the comfortable ambiance it provides.

I ventured into the True Love Coffee House twice, once on a Thursday night around 9 p.m., and again on a Saturday night around 10 p.m. Both times I paid a $6 cover charge and walked straight into a long line of coffee fans that stretched from the counter all the way to the front door. When I asked what the dress code was, the worker there said anything goes, “as long as you wear clothes.” Since you have to purchase something in order to hang out, I waited in the line.

There are many things to see throughout the house. Various couches, tables and chairs are set up inside; some spread out into a more open space, while others sit in secluded corners. This is one place where you cannot say that there is nothing to do. Not only are there live bands performing, but there?s also a shelf full of board games available to play with friends while enjoying a drink.

At other couches, you may find yourself playing with the magnetic poetry board on the table or coloring a picture with the crayons and paper provided. If you are an art fan, scan the walls of the cafe to find exclusive paintings and art sculptures for sale. Each time I went, they had different art on the walls. For true fans of the coffee house, there is merchandise for sale as well, such as “True Love” tank tops, g-strings, mechanic shirts and other paraphernalia. The menu has quite an assortment of pastries, coffees, teas and sodas. I tried the Peanut Butter Mocha the first time I went, which was absolutely delicious. It was hot, not too strong and the peanut butter in it tasted amazing. The second time, I tried an Iced Coffee Toffee, which had Skor bar chunks inside of it. This was my favorite of the two by far. The coffee was quite reasonable, with prices ranging from about $1.35 to $3.95.

The acts that played Thursday night were Bobby Jordan, John Conley and John Gutenberger. The environment was comfortable for the customers as well as the performers.

By 10:30 p.m. it was very busy and crowded inside, but many patrons went straight to the outside patio area to hang out. The patio is covered and decoratively lit. There are many tables and chairs set up for people to socialize, smoke and enjoy their drinks.

On the Saturday night that I went, there was an event called Norcal Noisefest 2001. The crowd on this night was a bit more “alternative” than the previous crowd, and it was packed. The age group was mixed, ranging from teenagers to adults in their late forties. While most of the crowd was younger, it was interesting to see the variety in age groups that came out to enjoy the show.

Ajow Debro is a member in Control R Workshop, a band that came from Oakland to perform.

“The way they set it up is great, because each act represents individual sounds,” Debro said.

There are other events besides live music shows at the cafe. One event called “Monday Night Crudo” is a live talk show hosted by a pro wrestler from Sacramento, while Friday and Saturday nights, after midnight, bring the famous waffle feed. When the clock strikes midnight, the “Waffle King” song begins to play and the Waffle King himself parades around the cafe as customers sing along and cheer.

The waffles are huge, and at about $3 a waffle with 25 topping choices, it?s no wonder customers stop here to satisfy their midnight hunger. Even Sacramento State Professor Paul Duax was among the crowd, having tea and talking about the waffles. Big enough to share, these waffles definitely hit the spot.

Perhaps the only thing that could be improved about this cafe is the restroom situation. There is only one toilet, and the line was always extremely long. There are so many people who come to the cafe to hang out that with one bathroom it becomes quite a hassle.

The True Love Coffee House is a truly unique experience, and something fresh and new for locals to do. With so many activities going on at once, one can never be caught bored or uninterested.

“We are not corporate. We are more down to Earth, we stay open later than most coffee shops, and we are low-key,” owner Kevin Seconds said.

This is a great place to go to if you want to relieve stress and relax, or even just to hang out with friends and talk with people. The friendly atmosphere and ambiance made me a fan, and I will definitely be returning for more good music, delicious waffles, coffee and a good time.

The True Love Coffee House is open 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.