Welcome to the land of glitz and glamour, Los Angeles, where star sightings are commonplace and creativity thrives. But beneath the city's glossy exterior is a robust coffee culture that's been brewing (pun intended) since the 1960s. As one of the epicenters of the third wave coffee movement, Los Angeles has seen an influx of eclectic coffee shops that go above and beyond the usual espresso shot. In this blog post, we're taking you on a caffeinated tour of the city of angels, sharing our picks for the top 9 best coffee shops that are worth a visit.
Our selection process was meticulous, and we considered several factors to compile this list.
How we selected the coffee shops:
- We evaluated the quality of their coffee. As this is the heart and soul of any coffee shop, we sought out establishments renowned for their brews.
- We took into account online customer reviews and online customer ratings. We wanted to know what coffee aficionados had to say about these places.
- Lastly, we looked at the environment of the space and whether it was suitable for work or socializing.
Among the many coffee shops we've explored, Coffee Connection and Alana's Coffee Roasters certainly stood out. Coffee Connection offers unique, hand-crafted coffee blends from around the world, and its cozy ambiance, complete with rustic and modern decor, is perfect for reading or working. On the other hand, Alana's Coffee Roasters serves house-roasted coffee and delectable croissants. With a chilled out vibe, ample outlets for laptops, and a pleasant patio, it's an ideal spot for both work and relaxation. But that's just a teaser, continue reading to learn more.
A Deeper Look at Our Picks
Coffee Connection
Coffee Connection LA is a non-profit community café embedded in the local community's culture. Unlike businesses established by giant corporations, Coffee Connection is driven by the community from which it was created. As such, a key focus is to invest back into the community with a portion of its profits while maintaining excellence in its product offerings. While its café serves certified organic, fair trade, shade-grown, and carbon-free coffee, it stands by more than just its beverages. The café seeks to provide a safe space that promotes community connection through events such as summer movie nights, street fairs, and supporting local schools and businesses.
Beyond serving coffee, they're also committed to several notable causes, donating a part of their proceeds to organizations such as Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which fights childhood cancer, and Forte Animal Rescue, which promotes responsibility for animals. So when purchasing coffee from Coffee Connection, you're getting a great cup of joe and contributing to multiple good causes.
Alana's Coffee Roasters
Alana's Coffee Roasters is a much-loved local spot with a welcoming vibe for quality coffee. The espresso served here is claimed to be the best by its regular customers.
Among their most-loved offerings are delicious croissants and overnight oats complementing their rich coffee. The café has a relaxing atmosphere perfect for studying or working, with plenty of power outlets for laptop users. The popular venue is well-maintained and boasts a modern, hip style.
The staff is renowned for their super friendly and chilled attitude. However, it's worth noting that Alana's can get pretty packed, especially at peak times.
Cafe Ruisseau
Cafe Ruisseau is a black-owned family business that has poured its passion for coffee, people, culture, and community into its services since 2005. It's more than just a coffee shop; it represents the hard work of farmers, the artistry of roasters, and the individuality of baristas, all culminating in a bespoke experience for every customer.
They aim to provide a space where people can genuinely connect, a haven away from fast, impersonal, mass-produced mainstream alternatives. Their shop offerings extend beyond coffee beans encompassing various roasts - including their Miseducation Dark Roast and the Illmatic Light Roast. Their eco-friendly coffee cups and trendy apparel, such as hoodies and baseball caps, are also available. You can experience Cafe Ruisseau's passion at any of their Beverly Hills, Playa Vista, and Santa Monica locations.
Aquarela Coffee - Chinatown
Aquarela Coffee in Los Angeles is a popular spot beloved by both regulars and newcomers. This shop is known for its delicious and unique specialty drinks, such as the Sabotage, reminiscent of a spiced mocha with a touch of orange. They also offer a fascinating drink called the Batida, which has intrigued even those who don't usually drink coffee.
In addition to exceptional drinks, Aquarela Coffee offers stunning service to baristas who often remember their regulars' orders in advance. Some patrons note its steep prices, but many insist that the experience and quality are worth it. In terms of food, the chicken croquette and cheese bread with guava jelly come highly recommended. Combining a friendly ambiance and distinctive, flavorful drinks, Aquarela continues to make a mark on the Los Angeles coffee scene.
Homegirl Café
Homegirl Café, a remarkable social enterprise of Homeboy Industries, provides transformational professional opportunities, delectable food, and a unique dining experience. Known for its comfortable and safe environment, the cafe has reopened with indoor and outdoor dining and pickup services.
The café is cashless and aims to support females, many of whom have experienced domestic violence or the trials of single parenthood, in addition to the hurdles related to gang involvement and incarceration. By providing a supportive environment, Homegirl Café ensures its clients receive on-the-job training, helping them begin their first "real jobs".
Moreover, it molds solid female leaders who continue to mentor others. So when you choose to dine here, you are not just buying a meal but positively impacting lives.
Constellation Coffee
Constellation Coffee, established in 2017, is a café in La Cañada Flintridge, California. The café aims to foster community and connection by offering more than just a warm cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea; it is a haven for imagination and inspiration.
In addition to their classic and specialty coffee and tea offerings, customers can indulge in pastries or an affogato; a delightful treat of espresso poured over a double scoop of ice cream. The café is not only a place to satisfy your cravings but also a space where you can unwind, maybe think of a new idea, meet up with friends, or enjoy your alone time.
Jurassic Magic Coffee
Jurassic Magic, in the heart of Los Angeles, is not just any ordinary coffee shop but a hub where culture brews love in your local neighborhood. Less of a simply caffeine-fix spot, and more of a social club, this is a place where people can explore love and identity through curated moments with friends. It's more than just about the coffee; it's about the vibrant atmosphere that blends the local culture with a cozy ambiance.
Here, you can sit back, relax, and connect with friends in a setting that invigorates you with homely comfort. The meticulous selection of coffee blends and their artistic decor make every moment at Jurassic Magic an expression of art and creativity. But that's not all – the coffee shop also curates some enticing merch such as the "Snail Pet T-Shirt" and a "Life Finds A Way" collection. Jurassic Magic is more than just a coffee spot; it's where one can best express: "I cannot tell you—how I love this place”.
Eyes Peeled Coffee
Eyes Peeled Coffee is a cozy coffee shop located in Los Angeles. In October 2022, they celebrated their first anniversary. For the occasion, they even had a merch drop, a special lunch pop-up featuring Chef Preston's fried chicken biscuit, and offered everything from free stickers to acai parfaits. Not just a coffee shop, they've hosted themed events, including a Halloween weekend where they served hot chocolate and pumpkin spice donuts.
If you're in town, swing by for a cup! They have a casual, friendly vibe, with something new brewing often.
Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai
Bohemian House of Espresso + Chai, located in Los Angeles, is a welcoming coffee spot where you'll feel instantly at ease. This small, casual coffee house is highly-regarded for its artisanal chai and quality espresso drinks. They also serve vegan smoothies, light bites for breakfast and lunch, and vegan sandwiches - perfect for those mornings needing something on the go.
Not only are the food and drinks top-notch, but the owner and baristas are widely praised for their friendly and hardworking service. One customer describes the owner, Blackie, as putting "love into every cup he makes".
As for the drinks, besides the famous chai, don’t miss trying their unique date-seed coffee latte. It's made from roasted and ground date seeds, serving as a nutritious coffee alternative.
A Historical Snapshot
- Founded in 1781, Los Angeles is a city rich in history, with roots extending back to Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, Mexican rule, and finally American incorporation.
- The city is located in the southern part of California, on the Pacific coast. It is the second most populous city in the United States, with a population of about 4 million people.
- The Hollywood sign, a worldwide symbol of the American entertainment industry, was erected in 1923.
The Birth of Los Angeles' Coffee Culture
- Los Angeles has a long-standing love affair with coffee. The first wave of the coffee movement hit the city in the late 19th century, with the arrival of European immigrants.
- Since then, the city has never looked back. Today, Los Angeles is recognized globally for its vibrant and innovative coffee culture.
Top Neighborhoods
- Silver Lake: Known as the "Hipster Capital of Los Angeles", Silver Lake is filled with trendy coffee shops and cafes.
- Downtown LA: With its blend of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, Downtown LA is a hotspot for coffee aficionados.
- Venice Beach: With its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and coffee joints, Venice Beach is a favorite destination for coffee lovers.
Reflecting on the Los Angeles Coffee Scene
The city's vibrant coffee scene is a testament to Los Angeles' diverse cultural heritage and innovative spirit. It is a microcosm of the city itself. Los Angeles' coffee shops offer more than just a cup of coffee. They are community hubs where people from all walks of life gather to connect, converse, and celebrate the simple joy of a well-crafted cup of coffee. So, if you're a coffee lover visiting Los Angeles, take the time to explore its coffee shops. You might just discover your new favorite!
Meet the expert
My coffee journey spans 15 years of diverse experiences. Starting from those first sips, my passion for the industry has grown steadily. I've enjoyed working at a local coffee shop, exploring cultures worldwide, meeting incredible farmers on plantation tours, and helping launch a family member's coffee roasting venture. Throughout this journey, discovering and buying coffee from local roasters to support community businesses has been a pleasure. Through Roast Love, I aim to create content that informs, raises awareness, and helps you, the reader, buy and brew that perfect cup of coffee.
