Specialty Coffee in Los Angeles
LA Coffee Culture
Everything that can possibly be said about LA has probably already been said. Yes, it’s an absolutely massive city with millions of people. Yes, it has plenty of coastline with beautiful beaches (even though very few actually go there). Yes, it is home to celebrities, movie stars and an endless parade of those moving to the area to become one of them and accomplish their dreams. Yes, it has the best Mexican food this side of the border. All of these things are great, but you know what’s even greater? Spoiler alert: it’s coffee. As if I would have said anything else. The best of the best tend to hit it big in LA and although the trendy coffee joints are a dime a dozen, if you seek out specialty coffee, you will find some of the best in the world here. To learn more about the city and what to do after you’ve had your coffee in Los Angeles, visit the blog for a look behind the scenes.
Best Pour Over Coffee Shops in LA
Dayglow
Dayglow has it all. Top notch pour over with single origin beans from roasters all over the world? Check. Crazy, creative espresso drinks? Check. Multiple locations to provide an accessible cup of coffee in LA without sitting in hours of traffic? You get it. Try this place out and bring a bag of beans home.
What to order: Pour over, cold Warhol
Address: 3206 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Kumquat
Kumquat Coffee deserves the Honorable Mention award here for their single origin cold brew, which has more nuance to it than a typical dark roast cold brew blend. I personally don’t like chocolate, but I have it on good authority that the single origin mocha is something to experience as well.
What to order: Single origin cold brew, Single origin mocha
Address: 4936 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
endorffeine
Simple, elegant styling and a no nonsense coffee experience is what you’ll find at endorffeine. Of course the expected array of milk+espresso drinks are here, but I urge you to look past that. You can see that Jack tapped into his biochemistry roots to start endorffeine both in the precision of his pour over coffee and the way he has expertly evolved the craft of espresso, as well as the sleek environment you consume it in.
What to order: Single origin espresso, Pour over
Address: 727 N Broadway #127, Los Angeles, CA 90012
goodboybob
Perhaps first known for its Tool virtual reality ownership group, goodboybob has made a major splash on the LA coffee scene with this incredible Santa Monica shop. Don’t worry about the lack of parking. It’s worth the effort for a shot of single origin espresso or a top notch pour over. What makes a visit extra special is that goodboybob rotates a monthly selection of rare beans for their pour over coffee. The combination indoor/outdoor space is welcoming shine or rain too. Check it out!
Address: 2058 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
The Boy & The Bear
Every once in a while, you’ll come across a coffee roaster that is focused on a single country of origin. The Boy & The Bear does this specifically with Colombian coffee beans, and its attention to detail and defined scoped helps them bring the best out of Colombian coffee. With themed black, grey, white and green stores, you are sure to find the atmosphere you’re looking for.
What to order: Pour over
Address: 12712 Washington Blvd Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Be Bright Coffee
Be Bright’s owner is the reigning 2024 US Barista champion. While that on its own is guaranteed to bring plenty of attention, rest assured that this coffee shop is happily unassuming while occupying its spot on Melrose. While I of course suggest a pour over, I have also tried one of their seasonal espresso tonic conoctions that remind you of a carefully designed cocktail. Make no mistake, this one is worth the drive wherever you’re staying when you visit LA.
Address: 7311 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Maru Coffee
Maru has it all. On-site roasting, single origin beans from all over, excellent pour over as well as single origin espresso and creative not-too-sweet drinks like the cream top, and great pastries to boot. They know what they’re doing and they do it all well. In addition to my preferred East Fashion District coffee shop, they also have an always popping location in Los Feliz which is great to get you going with some caffeine before you go for a hike or other outdoor excursion in Griffith Park.
Address: 1019 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
Verve Coffee Roasters
Although Verve Coffee Roasters is based in Santa Cruz in Northern California, it also maintains 4 locations in LA and continues to offer some of the best and most versatile specialty coffee on a regular basis, no matter which shop you walk into. Verve has something for every type of coffee drinker and never disappoints.
Address: 8925 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Sightglass Coffee
Sightglass Coffee is based in SF, but this location in LA is a fun experience. While it unfortunately only offers pour over coffee on weekdays, the vanilla paste latte is excellent for anyone looking for something sweet to go along with the food also served in this shared market space.
Address: 7051 Willoughby Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
What to Experience with Coffee in Los Angeles
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