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We can’t start our day without coffee and believe it’s your god-given right that you shouldn’t have to either.
From Tokyo to Los Angeles, we love coffee shop design almost as much as we love their artisanal brews. The third-wave coffee movement has us enamored (hello, @coffeeshopcorners!) with local, boutique roasters and they get bonus points for good design.
Best Coffee Shops In Los Angeles
From minimal to boho, here are our picks of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles for every type of coffee lover:
Alfred Coffee
Alfred Coffee is actually trademarked “But First, Coffee” and that’s a mantra to which we can relate. We love Alfred because of their fabulous eye for design: walking into any one of their locations feels like being dropped into a Louis Carroll novel.
As in black and white tile line every corner, plenty of outdoor space, and, at our favorite location (Melrose Place), they’re adjacent to another LA local Compartes Chocolate. Could any two things pair better?
Blacktop Coffee
DTLA is home to a few of Los Angeles’ most beloved coffee shops, but Blacktop is but a nook of a coffee corner. Proving big things can come in small packages, the boys behind the bar pump out a solid coffee program, supported by easy, simple small plates.
There’s the obligatory (but delicious) avocado toast, alongside kumquat granola or poached eggs. Laptops are not recommended; instead, snag a seat underneath the shaded ivy canopy on a tree stump and contemplate the finer things in life.
Flowerboy Project
At this independent outpost, you’ll find Venice locals snagging bouquets of exotic florals along with their morning iced coffee. This coffee shop cum flower boutique has a chic, organic vibe, and oftentimes you’ll find the owners there to welcome you.
We adore the Australian brand of coffee they use, Vittoria, and not just because of their distinctly gorgeous floral cups (in assorted patterns). The Flowerboy Project is an amorphous blend of lovely things, including a selection of gifts (think: gold paperweights and canvas Apolis bags) supplied by LA favorite, Alchemy Works.
Verve Coffee
Santa Cruz-based staple, Verve made no short order of their LA expansion. Through the lens of high design, lush outdoor spaces, and a fine roasted product, what’s not to love? Their outposts dot Los Angeles and include DTLA, West Hollywood, and West 3rd Street. Insider tip: when you’re all caffeinated-out, out but still want a cool place to meet opt for the juice flight (with partner Juice Served Here) for a glorious, rainbow of shot glasses served on a simple wooden tray.
Have Us Plan Your California Trip
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency that specializes in California vacation planning? If you’re looking to plan a trip to California, our California trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Photo Credit: Opening photo by Daniel Kim
