The ultimate in healthy tonics, herbal teas and natural medicine, this teahouse is a refuge from the stresses of modern life. (Slash new-agey pickup spot.)

Across the street from Urth Caffe, Elixir is everything Urth ain't: Introspection and hipster zen-outs trump preening and audition talk. Inside the entrance is a quaint room filled with yoga books, astrology tools and loose-leaf teas to go, as well as a small counter where sweet tonics can be ordered to enjoy out back. The rear porch and courtyard, arranged around a central garden, is filled with bamboo, babbling water and thunderous peace and quiet; yoga, poetry readings and a wide variety of special events are also regular occurrences. It's the perfect way to recover from the stress of trying to get a freakin' table at Urth. —Lonny Pugh