Guide to Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles
“But first, coffee.” A motto that all of Los Angeles lives by... from Downtown LA to Malibu, this whole city is rich in coffee shop culture. Throughout this guide, I will take you through the best places to stop and refuel throughout your busy day, based on your location pin- most of which are IG worthy too! Check out my favorites below:
📍 Pasadena
Located Northeast of Downtown, Pasadena is a town known for its striking historical features such as the Huntington Library and the Norton Simon Museum. Pasadena is the home of the Rose Bowl and is also famous for its quaint and cozy downtown, filled with shopping and dining. Rich with history and beautiful scenery, Pasadena is the perfect spot for a fun afternoon and evening.
Again Café- Again Café is a cafe by day and a ramen stop by night, making it a must stop for first time Pasadena visitors. Between the hours of 8am and 3pm, guests can order bakery items, including their famous organic charcoal waffles. When you visit Again Café, make sure you try their rose latte. You won’t regret it!
Copa Vida- Copa Vida is one of my favorite coffee shops in Pasadena to refuel at because of the cozy vibe. If you want to get work done and get caffeinated at the same time, Copa Vida is a must-stop! Don’t forget to try the avocado toast while you’re there… it’s to die for!
Lavender & Honey- Lavender & Honey is a boutique coffee shop that serves coffee and the best pastries. This coffee shop is known for their lavender latte and their extravagant breakfast toasts. Swing by Lavender and Honey for a quick refuel in the Pasadena area!
📍 Downtown LA
Hidden among high-rises and architectural landmarks, Downtown Los Angeles is the spot for cutting-edge restaurants, hip bars and renowned museums. Within Downtown, you will find other small communities like Chinatown, Little Tokyo and the Arts District, each offering rich culture and amazing sightseeing elements.
Verve Coffee Roasters- When visiting downtown, I love going to Verve Coffee Roasters. Not only does Verve have some of the best coffee I’ve tried, they also have the cutest patio to sit on when the weather is nice. Surrounded by greenery and amazing coffee, Verve is a great spot to get work done or just enjoy a nice latte.
Zinqué- Near the Ace Hotel, Zinqué is surrounded by shopping and dining. It's known for its Parisian staples, pastries/coffee in the morning to salads and sandwiches for lunch. It offers ample casual seating inside and is the perfect location for an early morning coffee meeting.
Il Caffe- Located just a few blocks from the fashion district, Il Caffe is a spot for working professionals, students or just the avid coffee drinker. My favorite thing about Il Caffe is that it gives off a sense of home and makes me feel welcomed every time I visit.
📍 Arts District
The Arts District in Los Angeles is a neighborhood that can be found on the outer edge of Downtown. This fun area is filled with amazing restaurants and art galleries that will leave you in awe. As you’re exploring this area, you will come across outdoor murals and beautiful landmarks.
Maru Coffee- Maru Coffee is a open-spaced, minimalistic style coffee shop that offers types of espresso drinks and delicious pastries. Maru Coffee is a great spot to zone in and get work done or also to relax and enjoy your coffee. A huge perk for this coffee shop is that parking is very easy to find!
Stumptown Coffee Roasters- Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a must-stop for avid coffee drinkers. They offer a full espresso bar, drip coffee and also cold brew on tap. Surrounded by some of the best street art, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is the place for sightseeing and a cup of coffee that will leave you speechless!
Blue Bottle Coffee- Located in a sleek and industrial space, Blue Bottle Coffee sells pastries and a variety of espresso drinks. Blue Bottle is famous for their New Orleans drink, try it with Oat Milk for an extra frothy taste!
📍 Silver Lake
Silver Lake is an eclectic, hipster area of Los Angeles that is home to some of the best coffee shops, vegan eateries and trendy boutique and music venues. Along with that, this area also includes rich historical architecture and family-friendly parks.
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea- Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea is a great environment that has indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for hanging with friends and enjoying the gorgeous Southern California weather. This coffee shop reflects the neighborhood with its eclectic style, making visitors feel right at home. Intelligentsia has amazing espresso and coffee, making it a perfect place to get your morning started at!
MatchaBar- This coffee shop is a perfect stop for all Matcha lovers. Not only is this spot extremely Instagrammable, it has the perfect ambience and aesthetic that reflects this neighborhood’s values. I love MatchaBar because it’s so charming and tastes so good!
Dinosaur Coffee- Dinosaur Coffee is such a fun spot to hang at because of the open and airy space complete with greenery and white walls. My favorite drink at Dinosaur Coffee is their Coconut Cold Brew. Make sure to hit up this spot when visiting the Silver Lake area!
📍 Los Feliz
Los Feliz is a gorgeous hillside area in Central Los Angeles. Located close to Griffith Park, there are endless opportunities for outdoor activity and fun events. This area is so fun for hanging out and enjoying time with my family.
Go Get Em Tiger- This bright coffee shop is the perfect first stop once you arrive in Los Feliz. This coffee shop reflects the atmosphere of this area and will make you feel like you belong. I love the flavor of their coffee along with the pastries that they serve.
Bru Coffeebar- Anytime I’m in the Los Feliz area, I make sure to stop by Bru Coffeebar. The baristas are so friendly and each cup is brewed to order. Their two-story, quaint shop offers an outdoor patio and free wifi so make sure to check out this spot!
Standing Egg- I love Standing Egg because it is truly a local coffee shop. Amidst all the other trendy coffee shops in the area, Standing Egg stays true to what they know--coffee. Instead of decorating with trendy marble and white walls, they aim to be more like a market for business people and locals in the area. They serve strong coffee that’s perfect to start a long day!
📍 Echo Park
Located in East LA, Echo Park is a lively area known for its Indie music venues, trendy nightlife spots and vibrant street murals. Echo Park Lake can be found in the heart of this area, offering paddle boards, quick eats and picturesque views of Downtown.
Woodcat Coffee Bar- Located in the heart of Echo Park, Woodcat is a specialty coffee bar that serves some of the best lattes and pastries. Stop by this spot while visiting Echo Park to get a feel of the neighborhood and sip on delicious coffee.
Tierra Mia Coffee- Tierra Mia is a Latin-inspired coffee shop that serves up delicious drinks and desserts. While visiting Tierra Mia, you must try their Horchata Latte and their Tres Leches cupcake, it will not disappoint!
Triniti- This small coffee shop located in Echo Park offers large flavor that will leave you very satisfied. If you don’t mind cramped tables and a fast-paced vibe, this coffee shop is a must-stop for you! Go to Triniti for caffeine, but also try their delicious pastries and snacks!
📍 Glendale
Located about ten miles north of Downtown, you will find a quaint residential area with a lively downtown and many scenic views. This area is famed for the Museum of Neon Art, Brand Park and the Doctor’s House Museum and Gazebo. Visit this town for a hike or an night spent in Downtown.
Highlight Coffee- This coffee shop, located in the heart of Downtown Glendale, is such a cute stop to sit and enjoy a latte. Although this is a small coffee shop, they have done an amazing job of making it feel homey and cozy. When I’m in Glendale, I make sure to stop by Highlight Coffee to grab a delicious butterscotch latte.
Swork Coffee- This classy and modern coffee shop is the perfect stop to grab your morning coffee and a bite to eat. Not only do they have amazing coffee, but make sure to grab a bagel sandwich to enjoy with your latte!
The Juice- This raw and organic juice bar is the perfect stop to refuel after a long day. Grab an energizer juice and take in all of the scenery of picturesque Glendale.
📍 West Hollywood
West Hollywood is a centralized area located in the middle of Los Angeles. This fun and trendy area is famous for its lively nightlife and noteworthy restaurants. Commonly referred to as WeHo, this area is home to the Sunset Strip and will never lack excitement.
The Butcher The Baker The Cappuccino Maker- The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker is a cafe and brunch spot that offers European influenced dishes, fresh baked goods and a variety of coffee beverages and craft cocktails. While visiting this spot, order a color explosion latte for a fun surprise!
Joe and the Juice- Joe and the Juice is a juice bar and coffee shop that has a fun and fresh vibe. This place is great if you want a smoothie or a latte to boost your energy and refuel you for the day. I love ordering the Energizer smoothie to give me a midday pick-me-up!
Carrera Cafe- Carrera Cafe is a must-stop spot for the perfect Instagram latte. At Carrera Cafe, you can get almost anything printed into the foam of your latte, from a picture of yourself to your favorite quote. Along with personalized lattes, you can also order delicious salads and sandwiches.
📍 Hollywood
Hollywood is an area that is located in the central region of Los Angeles and it can considered home to entertainment industry. Surrounded by the famous landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this area is rich in culture and fun alike. Throughout the area, you will find shopping, dining, bars, nightclubs and more. Hollywood is an area that has must-sees for the whole family!
Rubies+Diamonds- This coffee shop is a hit for creatives and avid coffee drinkers. This experimental coffee shop on Sunset Boulevard uses technology like nitro-intrusion to create the perfect foamy latte. Head to this coffee shop to grab a cold brew and enjoy the scenes of the heart of Hollywood.
Tiago Coffee Bar + Kitchen- I love visiting this coffee shop when sightseeing in Hollywood and in need of a midday pick-me-up! Tiago Coffee Bar offers an extensive coffee menu and a light snack/meal menu. This is a perfect stop for coffee lovers and foodies alike!
Lifehouse Tonics + Elixirs- A little different from the rest, Lifehouse Tonics and Elixirs is an amazing juice bar to stop by when you’re in the area. Grab a house-made smoothie, delicious juice or a made-to-order probiotic drink to give your body a little help throughout the day!
📍 Beverly Hills
Home to many stars, this area of Los Angeles is the spot for all upscale shopping and dining. This iconic area contains famous landmarks such as the Beverly Hills Hotel, the illuminated Beverly Hills sign and the 1920’s Greystone Mansion. I love visiting this area for all things shopping, eating and also just hanging out!
Aharon Coffee & Roasting Co.- This trendy coffee shop offers some of the best on-site roasting and they also sell beans to roast at home. I love this spot because it’s a great place to focus and get work done. A huge plus is that they have delicious pastries and amazing coffee.
GREENDOOR Powered By Intelligentsia- This is one of my favorite coffee shops to visit in the area because they have amazing donuts. What could be better than eating a donut and sipping on coffee?! Stop by this coffee shop and get an iced matcha latte and a rainbow sprinkle donut!
Comoncy- I love Comoncy because not only do they have great coffee, they also offer a full menu with delicious options! Their French Toast and Avocado Toast is out of this world. For great vibes, coffee and food, visit the Comoncy in Beverly Hills!
📍 Brentwood/Westwood
In this quiet, yet upscale Westside neighborhood, you will find quaint streets lined with palm trees and beautiful homes with gorgeous scenery. While in Brentwood, stroll down San Vicente Boulevard and you will find delicious Italian eateries and warm cafes and coffee shops. Brentwood is the perfect area to grab dinner and browse through a few boutiques.
Espresso Profeta- This cozy, brick-lined coffee shop has a homey feel that you won’t want to miss. Stop by this coffee shop for a super-friendly and welcoming staff and an amazing cup of coffee!
Ministry of Coffee- This Australian-born coffee shop is known for having amazing coffee and offering a full selection of fresh produce. Along with that, it is their mission to make this coffee shop feel like home, no matter how little time you spend there!
Nekter Juice Bar- Nekter Juice Bar is a favorite stop for me and my family while were in the area. I love grabbing a quick juice or sitting down and having an acai bowl and enjoying the views of the area. You don’t want to miss out on this spot!
📍 Malibu
This beautiful town, located west of Los Angeles, is a picturesque spot of the West Coast beaches and breathtaking scenery. In Malibu, you will find wide and sandy beaches and the most beautiful sunsets. On the stretch of the coast you’ll find Zuma Beach, El Matador Beach and Leo Carillo State Park. All of these West Coast sites are ones that you won’t want to miss while visiting this area!
SunLife Organics- Located in Malibu Country Mart, SunLife Organics has many healthy options to prepare you for your beach day. My favorite thing to order at SunLife is an acai bowl. Grab your smoothie then head to the beach for a fun day on the water!
Malibu Farm- This picturesque spot is a must-stop when visiting Malibu. Sit on the pier and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean, all while sipping on a world-class latte. You won’t want to miss out on this spot!
Le Cafe De La Plage- After a long beach day, stop by Le Cafe De La Plage for delicious handcrafted ice cream. I love this spot because they offer vegan and classic ice cream, so you’ll be guaranteed to find something you like at this spot!
📍 Santa Monica
This coastal area of Los Angeles is one of the most fun and beautiful spots. I love Santa Monica because of the views and the culture in the area! When we’re in the area, I love taking Jadyn to the pier and visiting Pacific Park amusement park! Our favorite activity to do in this area is riding bikes from Venice all the way down to the Pier. You will never fall short of finding things to do in Santa Monica!
Dogtown Coffee- This fun cafe has a surfer and skater vibe and brews local coffee, making it a great place to hang out while visiting the area! This coffee shop is so laid back which is so nice to do after walking around and sightseeing all day. Stop by this spot to refuel and sip on some coffee!
Primo Passo Coffee Co- This is my favorite spot in Santa Monica to stop and get tea. The aesthetics of this coffee shop are very minimalistic and makes it so easy to focus and get work done! I love grabbing their Hibiscus Berry tea on-the-go when I need a pick-me-up!
Kreation- I love stopping at Kreation in Santa Monica before a beach day to grab some sandwiches and smoothies. Kreation has a great and healthy menu that makes you feel great! While I’m at Kreation, I always pick up a few wellness shots to make sure I am staying healthy!
📍 Venice
This buzzing and trendy beachside town is known for its culture and bohemian spirit. Filled with street artists and colorful murals, you will always find something interesting and fun in this spot! Stroll through Abbot Kinney and find foodie hot spots, trendy boutiques and coffee shops. This town is a must stop for anyone visiting Los Angeles!
Gjusta- Gjusta is a fun and creative spot that you will find tons of people hard at work. Because this coffee shop is a warehouse-like space, there will never be a lack of spots to work at. If you find yourself working late, Gjusta offers a great dinner menu that you should definitely check out! Intelligentsia
Coffee Venice Coffeebar- This coffee bar is one of my favorites in Venice. It’s a lofty space that portrays the beachside vibes of the neighborhood! Grab a pastry and enjoy the atmosphere of this great coffee shop!
The Rose Venice- This boho-chic coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor patio seating, which is perfect for beautiful Southern California days! They offer amazing coffee and a full menu that is so yummy. Stop here for a quick refuel and a cold brew!
📍 Culver City
Culver City is such a fun spot to visit for nightlife, shopping and dining. This town is rich in movie history which makes it so fun for sightseeing and learning about the culture. While in Culver City, visit the Downtown area for a fun and trendy vibe!
Cognoscenti Coffee Bar- This hipster coffee bar is always a favorite to visit while in the area. Not only is the coffee brewed in-house, the pastries are amazing and the vibe is even better. I love stopping by this coffee bar after dinner for a quick cappuccino.
Destroyer- This monochromatic-styled coffee bar is unlike anywhere else you’ve ever visited. They serve all types of coffee along with flavored tonic water and a delicious menu. Grab a quick bite and sip on some coffee in this trendy Culver City coffee shop.
Bar Nine- Bar Nine is a favorite of all the locals in Culver City. The open layout of the coffee shop makes it a great place to work from or catch up with a friend. Grab a latte at Bar Nine and make sure to get it with hazelnut milk!
xx
Brittany
