Zweeting Roasted Vegan Dinosaur - LA Coffee Shops In May

Four coffee houses to try this month: one with outstanding mochas, another with amazing pies, another created for writers, and one with horchata lattes.


 Best Mocha

Stamp Fine Foods

4500 Los Feliz Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90027
One of the best mochas I ever had. Very creamy. This coffee shop in the Los Feliz area also has a pretty large breakfast and lunch  menu. The décor has lots of wood giving the place an old timey feel. I couldn't resist ordering a meal here seeing the customer's plates around me. I had the vegan banana buckwheat pancakes. Good stuff.

Best Pies

Dinosaur Coffee

4334 Sunset Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90029
Yes, there is a dinosaur in the bathroom. Hearing about this is one of the reasons why this coffeehouse piqued my interest. Another was the excellent reviews on the coffee. The reviews were correct, the coffee is good. They also have a pie or two brought in daily by Nicole Rucker. I had a delicious slice of blueberry pie. Also across the street is the LA County Store - all things made locally. It is where I purchased my coffee cash wallet.

Writer's Paradise

Zweet Café

4682 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
While I enjoyed my mocha here, I really liked the vibe. When I walked in, there was a writers group meeting at one table, a black board field with "inspirational" coffee quotes, and many interesting items to gaze at as you think about the next line in your novel. An added bonus was that after 3:00, a number of pastries are priced at a dollar for that little extra sugar push to get you over the edge.

All Types Here
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters
260 Allen Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91107
This coffee shop has a special drink menu. On the day in May I went in, they had a creamy iced horchata latte which had lots of yummy cinnamon in it. Jameson's had a good flow of people coming and going from students to professionals to firefighters. I liked their cool mood music and the fact that they had a rewards program with specials on your birthday. It is also away from the hustle and bustle of Old Town and PCC.

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."