WAKE UP AND SMELL THE NITRO

Your happier hour can happen before work —— L.B.

LOS ANGELES

Instead of: Being stuck in traffic on the 101 southbound Try: L.A.’s new Metro

Expo line. It runs from Santa Monica to downtown and takes about 50 minutes. $1.75; metro.net

HOUSTON

Instead of: That same-ol’ iced tall skinny vanilla latte Try:

Nitro coffee. The traditional brew is infused with nitrogen gas, giving it a frothy texture. District Roasters in nearby Tomball ($4; districtroasters.com for Houston vendors)

serves it bottled, and Starbucks is adding it to 500 locations this summer.

CHICAGO

Instead of: Another sleepy jog on the treadmill Try:

Taking your workout to the roof. Shred415 hits the top of the Park Hyatt Hotel for its fat-burning routine (cardio drills, strength training). Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m., 800 N. Michigan Ave. $25 per class; shred415.com

NEW YORK

Instead of: That boring bran muffin Try: Slurping up Ivan Orkin’s breakfast

ramen. (Think dashicheddar broth.) It’s served starting at 8 a.m. at his Slurp Shop, 600 11th Ave. $13; ivanramen.com

PHILADELPHIA

Instead of: Listening to your kids complain about their homework Try:

Attending the Philly chapter of CreativeMornings, a nationwide lecture series that brings creatives and audiences together for talks over breakfast. Free; creativemornings.com