Myths, Buddha & Gentrification: LA Coffee Houses In April

Each coffee shop one really surprised me by either its location, décor, menus, or combination of these attributes. I hope this post inspires you to visit at least one new coffee shop in Los Angeles.


Most Relaxed

Urartu

119 N Maryland Ave.
Glendale, CA 91206
I really enjoyed the calming music, golden couch, tuxedo Frappuccino and wall painting depicting a scene from Armenian  mythology. A nice place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Brand Blvd. and the Americana. Urartu is surrounded by great restaurants on Maryland and there is free 90-minute parking in the structure at the end of the cul de sac.

Most Interesting Mix of Food & Drink
Fresh Roast

308 S. San Gabriel Blvd.
San Gabriel, CA 91776
This coffeehouse transports you to a different time and place.  Unlike its gleaming steel, pine wood, and white-walled  brethren, Fresh Roast has a distinct Asian influence. From its dark wood décor, Buddha painting, items in its lighted curio cabinet, and its interesting menu, you know you're not on the Westside anymore. Fresh Roast has the typical sandwiches and coffee drinks, but they also have egg waffle sandwiches, coffee with a fried egg on top, and other interesting foods and drinks. I really enjoyed my egg waffle pastrami sandwich and coconut coffee. Definitely a place to take you out of your regular coffee zone. But not too far out. As I walked out, a young guy walked in sporting beard and boots with his girlfriend dressed in a flannel.

 

Nicest Patio
Go Get Em Tiger

4630 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Go Get Em Tiger has a nice tree-shaded outdoor patio that they share with McConnell's Fine Ice Cream. They also have a delicious breakfast/brunch menu and are very popular so finding a chair may be a challenge. I was surprised that I didn't see a stand for sugar and creamer. When I asked for sugar, they gave me an organic syrup sweetener. Very WeHo. When you see the long line for Home State you know you're in the right area.

Largest Contrast Old vs. New
Civil Coffee

5629 N Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Civil coffee is the epitome of the gentrification that is happening in Highland Park. It's three neighbors are a brand-new bowling alley, high-end organic minimarket, and a Home State. Yes, somehow I unwittingly visited two coffee shops this month that are next to a chain of one of the busiest taco shops in Los Angeles. Outside of these neighbors are the older establishments of Highland Park from dollar stores to salons and even the Highland Park Theater across the street. The contrast is stunning. That being said, Civil Coffee makes a great cup of coffee, has plenty of seating, food options and a great tagline "It's a good day to be civil."

 

Cup Of Life: Pasadena Coffee Houses

In January, I visited interesting Pasadena coffeehouses and one in Silverlake. Two specialized in Spanish hot chocolate drinks causing me to deviate from my usual coffee beverage. I hope the reviews entice you to try some place new.

Best name
Copa Vida

70 S Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Lots of people here including tourists as it is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Good place to grab a coffee before taking a stroll along Colorado Boulevard. The back room behind the order counter is a little more laid back for working or studying. They also have a number of hot and cold food items if you plan to stay long. Parking in the city structures is free for the first 90 minutes.

Most Latin flavors

Amara Chocolate & Coffee

55 S. Raymond Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

While they sell coffee, I would say their specialty is the variety of hot chocolates from South America and fresh churros.  The cacao latte I had was bitter and went well with the sweetness of the churro. The space is very small, but I did see one person working on a laptop. Like Copa Vida, Amara's is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena so you can walk off the calories with a stroll along Colorado Boulevard.

 Most activities

Jones Coffee Roasters

693 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Lots of art installations on the walls and even the ceiling. The coffeehouse looks like it is in an old warehouse so there's plenty of space to spread out and talk or work. They hold coffee tastings and various events. Last week they had a tango dancing dinner night.

Best Latin décor

Zona Rosa Caffe

15 S El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
The other name for this locale is Zona Rosa Coffee. I had a Zocolo Con Platano - cold Mexican hot chocolate blended with banana. It would appear that this month my coffee cravings were curbed by unique latin chocolate offerings at two of my coffee house visits. The drink was very good. ZRC has a Latin décor and second floor seating. ZRC sits adjacent to the Pasadena Playhouse and stays open until 11pm most nights.

Homiest feel

Silverlake Coffee

2388 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
It has a very homey intimate appeal with couches, tables and chairs with slightly dimmed lighting. Out front is a nice patio. Aside from coffee drinks, they sell smoothies, sandwiches and pastries. Most people here were studying, working or reading. Very chill vibe.

Motorcycles, Cats and Bricks: LA Coffee Houses in December

I have visited over 15 Los Angeles coffee shops over last few months and am amazed by how different each one is. Here are descriptions of seven coffee shops I visited in December to help you choose where to grab your next cup of Joe:

Largest variety of places to set up shop
Bricks and Scones
403 North Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
What I like best about this coffeehouse is the variety of areas to work or relax.  Depending on your mood you can be on the tree-shaded patio out front,  upstairs hidden away in one of many nooks, or in the communal room in the back relaxing on a couch. They also have a good-sized food menu.

Great breakfast burritos
Cofax Coffee
440 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
I think half the people came here for the breakfast burritos and the other half for the coffee. The burritos which are one of the only things on the food menu are really good. This place was very busy. It is not a place to sit down and relax as there's minimal seating and a sign that says there is no Wi-Fi "Pretend it's the 90's." It is really a place to grab your drink and burrito and explore the cool shops in the area like Ripndip and Supreme across the street.

Oreo on top
Coffee by the Books
509 E Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91101
This is a small place with friendly servers who seemed to know many customers by name. They have a rewards program which tends to be hard to find in your independent coffee shops. I had a delicious Oreo blended coffee beverage. It even had an Oreo cookie on top.

 
Most unique vibe
Deus Ex Machina
1001 Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
Part motorcycle apparel shop that sells surfboards and part coffeehouse, this locale was definitely unique with a fun vibe. The music was a mix of jazz, classic rock and new age. The coffeehouse extends from inside the store through a big opening in the back wall that led to a nice size patio. Most of the seating was around large communal tables which seems to be a trend I am noticing more and more. While our drinks were good, my acai bowl was amazing.


Quaint coffee shop in South Pasadena

Kaldi's Coffee & Tea
South Pasadena, CA 91030
Very laid back coffee shop across the street from the tree-covered South Pasadena library. Crowd was primarily locals getting their daily cup of Joe. There are few tables and couches inside and a few tables and chairs outside. If so inclined you can take your coffee and sandwich across the street and sit on a bench or on the grass under the giant trees surrounding the South Pasadena library. Nice place to a take a load off.

Most potential for entertainment
Open Space Café and Theater
457 N. Fairfax Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Just up the street from Cofax, this little coffee house is full of surprises.  Not only does it have the usual drinks, but great looking pastries and a community room in the back that hosts comedy shows, speakers, musicians and more.

Most high-end coffee shop
Verve Coffee Roasters
8925 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
People here were dressed very well here, perhaps because it is on the border of Beverly Hills. Verve has a very sleek coffee bar and really nice outdoor patio. It was busy when I went on a Friday afternoon and the only space left to sit was along a long outdoor banister that overlooked Melrose. The seating turned out fine as I was able to  watch people come and go and find a question about love.  (See photo) My Kenyan coffee was good, but I couldn't figure out why the almond milk was bubbling to life.