Let me preface this with a simple fact: I’m addicted to coffee, not caffeine. But definitely addicted.
If you ever find yourself in LA, and you’re jonesing for something lightyears ahead of Starbucks/Peet’s/Coffee Bean/etc., then you’ve found the right list. Without further ado, here are my favorite coffee shops, from least to most favorite.
- Funnel Mill
- high-brow atmosphere
- they have a pricy designer siphon coffee menu
- lots of interesting coffee choices
- “no cellphone zone”
- I’d go back mainly to try the interesting siphon coffee choices
- Bru
- relaxed industrial atmosphere
- has a loft area
- ELABrew Santa Monica
- small shop, good for on-the-go or lunch break
- good house blend drip coffee
- pourovers
- best I’ve tried within the Santa Monica music business district
- Intelligentsia Silverlake
- hipster vibe, but that’s fun for people watching
- hard to find parking
- very extensive whole bean coffee selection
- obviously, they only brew Intelligentsia-roasted coffee
- Cafe Americano
- small shop, very laid-back atmosphere, great for long conversations
- downstairs and upstairs lounges
- friendly baristas with excellent coffee knowledge
- they roast and sell their own coffee, and it’s really fresh and good!
- Paper or Plastik Cafe
- has a loft area, great for people watching
- no computers during weekends
- they roast and sell their own coffe
- also sell other roasters’ beans
- Sqirl
- Silverlake staple
- excellent coffee
- known for their food/jam as well
- it’s a small shop but it’s fun!
- Intelligentsia Venice
- very nice atmosphere, must be experienced
- interesting people watching
- parking can be tough
- very extensive whole bean coffee selection
- obviously, they only brew Intelligentsia-roasted coffee
- Alfred
- no pourovers
- serve stumptown espresso/drip only
- pleasant, laid-back and relaxing atmosphere
- plenty of seating
- good for long conversations on the patio
- Coffee Commissary
- my favorite!
- cool contemporary/industrial atmosphere
- excellent pourovers
- excellent people watching (it’s almost always busy)
- excellent whole bean coffee selection
- knowledgeable and friendly bariastas
- very dog friendly (outdoor seating, lots of dog owners)
Places I’ve never been:
- C+ Coffee (punk + coffee in glendale)
- Handsome Coffee (roasters + shop)
- Coffee Conservatory
- many more!
Well, that does it for today folks. My next coffee-related post will be on the subject of my favorite roasters. Stay tuned. Until next time, have an awesome coffee shop experience!
Sathya