I get asked many times from friends and family who are visiting LA on where they should go for coffee and while many who are probably already familiar with Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, I hate to disappoint but they’re not even on my list and I rarely step foot in these chain outlets every time I’m in LA.
So from a local resident perspective, here are the spots that I’d vouch for (preference are not in the order of favorites, I’d go to any one of these places any time I can).
1. Blue Bottle Coffee | 15 locations
For travelers who’s been to Japan are probably already a fan of this coffee brand and it doesn’t need further explanation. Boy was I glad when they decided to open one in Abbot Kinney and West Hollywood, a few years later they have expanded to 15 locations. Woohoo. My fave spots are the ones in Beverly Blvd and Westfield Century City.
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2. Verve Coffee Roasters | 3 locations
I discovered Verve Coffee Roasters because their location on West 3rd Street is right next to some of my favorite eateries and it’s a great spot for people to work on their laptops (me included).
3. Alfred Coffee | 4 locations + 1 Alfred Tea Room
This one is one of those LA-must visit-establishments that most Indonesians already know about. My guess because it was made famous by Hollywood celebrities (enter Kendall Jenner, Justin Bieber, every Jonas Brothers etc) who are often seen picking up their coffee here (Melrose Place location is the most popular).
Alfred Coffee To Go on Melrose (Source: Alfred)
4. Go Get ‘Em Tiger | 4 locations
This was one of my local coffee shops with a quaint outlet on Larchmont Blvd, a local neighborhood located a few shops away from the famous ice cream Salt & Straw. A few years back GGET’s won the award as “The Best Coffee in North America” and still getting other types of awards I hear – now that’s something to live up to.
5. Toms Coffee | Abbot Kinney Blvd
This joint is actually one of my best hidden ‘hang-out’ gems that I was a little hesitant to share because it’s ‘my secret’. But sometimes good things are meant to be shared. Grab some food truck meals on Abbot Kinney (there are different ones every week) and bring it in and hang-out inside the mini-lawn area behind the Toms Flagship Store. Great for kids too!
6. Intelligentsia Coffee | 3 locations
Intelligentsia is one spot I love visiting because of their awesome outdoor area in Abbot Kinney Blvd. I’d never miss a visit here when I’m in Venice Beach.
7. Groundwork Coffee | 6 locations
Groundwork Coffee has been around for a while with great locations around LA. Unfortunately I have no memorable experiences here but I do have to appreciate the coffee.
8. 10 Speed Coffee | Calabasas
This is a spot I had to include just because I love the place and coffee and I went there almost everyday after a workout every morning. Located in the suburbs of LA, Calabasas is where all the Kardashians/Jenner live, so just in case you’re into celebrity stalking, here’s a good spot for you to start.
You can easily find the addresses and exact location of the coffee shops in Google Maps. Oh did I mention all of these coffee places are instagram-worthy?
Happy Caffeine-hunting!!
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