in SV proper? head by the Hacker Dojo. You can bring your laptop and work, but there is a whole lot of social interaction going on there, too. It's better, I think, than a coffee shop for social interaction because it's expected that people will start talking to you. It's better than most parties or other social situations, 'cause it's completely acceptable to bring your laptop, and to mumble something about a deadline or needing to work whenever you are tired of talking.