Los Angeles, with its sprawling landscape and laid-back vibe, might be known for its beaches, Hollywood glam, and iconic palm-lined streets, but for me, it’s also a city with an exciting and vibrant coffee culture. On a recent trip, I made it a point to explore some of the best coffee shops that LA has to offer, especially those beloved by locals. Whether you’re looking for a cozy nook to work in, a community hub, or a quick caffeine fix before exploring the city, LA’s coffee scene won’t disappoint.
Here’s a personal account of my journey through some of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles, filled with rich brews, delightful atmospheres, and unique spots that made me feel like I was sipping in style, just like a local.
1. Intelligentsia Coffee – Silver Lake
One of my first stops was Intelligentsia Coffee in Silver Lake, a neighborhood famous for its hipster culture, indie stores, and bohemian spirit. I had read about Intelligentsia before arriving in LA, and it lived up to the hype. The coffee shop itself is an architectural gem, with a sleek, open-air layout that invites you to linger for hours.
The baristas here take coffee seriously, and as soon as I entered, I knew I was in for something special. I ordered a Cappuccino, and the balance between the creamy milk and rich espresso was perfection. As I sipped my drink, I found a spot on their outdoor patio to watch the eclectic mix of locals pass by. It was an ideal place to relax and soak in the artsy vibe of Silver Lake.
What I loved most about Intelligentsia was the communal energy. People were working on laptops, chatting with friends, and simply enjoying the moment. It’s not just a coffee shop—it’s a part of the neighborhood’s social fabric.
Location: 3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
Must-try: Cappuccino or single-origin espresso
Ambiance: Artistic, community-centered, perfect for people-watching
2. Alfred Coffee – Melrose Place
If there’s one coffee shop that’s become synonymous with Instagram in LA, it’s Alfred Coffee. Nestled on the ultra-chic Melrose Place, Alfred is where the fashionable LA crowd goes to get their caffeine fix. The famous slogan, “But First, Coffee,” is plastered on the walls and perfectly encapsulates the vibe of the place.
Walking in, I immediately noticed the trendy décor and buzzing energy. This is a place where fashion meets caffeine. I decided to try their Iced Vanilla Latte, made with their house-made vanilla syrup. The combination of the smooth espresso and sweet syrup was just what I needed for a sunny LA afternoon.
After grabbing my drink, I took a stroll down Melrose Place, window-shopping at the high-end boutiques nearby. It was the perfect way to spend a stylish afternoon, and Alfred Coffee was the ideal place to recharge between browsing.
Location: 8428 Melrose Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Must-try: Iced Vanilla Latte
Ambiance: Trendy, stylish, and ideal for an Instagram shot
3. Verve Coffee Roasters – Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles has undergone a renaissance in recent years, and Verve Coffee Roasters is a testament to that revitalization. This modern coffee shop offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The industrial-chic interior is filled with natural light, which immediately gave me a sense of calm.
Verve’s baristas are true artists, and I decided to try their Pour-Over Coffee, a method that takes a little longer but is worth the wait. The coffee was vibrant, with notes of citrus and chocolate. As I sat by the window, sipping my coffee and watching the downtown crowd, I couldn’t help but feel like I had found a little oasis in the heart of the city.
Verve is the perfect spot if you want to slow down, savor your coffee, and maybe even get some work done. The Wi-Fi is fast, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the coffee is top-tier.
Location: 833 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Must-try: Pour-over single-origin coffee
Ambiance: Calm, minimalist, ideal for remote work or quiet conversations
4. Menotti’s Coffee Stop – Venice Beach
After spending the morning strolling along Venice Beach, I found myself at Menotti’s Coffee Stop, a beloved local gem just a stone’s throw away from the boardwalk. This place has a cool, vintage feel, which fits perfectly with the quirky, artistic vibe of Venice. The baristas here are not only friendly but incredibly skilled at crafting the perfect cup of coffee.
I ordered their signature Cortado, a small but powerful espresso-based drink that was smooth and perfectly balanced. Menotti’s doesn’t try to impress with flashy décor or complicated menus—it’s all about the coffee and the laid-back atmosphere.
With my cortado in hand, I wandered over to the beach to watch the surfers and skateboarders doing their thing. If you’re looking for a coffee shop that embodies the relaxed, creative energy of Venice, Menotti’s is the spot to visit.
Location: 56 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Must-try: Cortado
Ambiance: Beachy, relaxed, ideal for a quick coffee before hitting the sand
5. Go Get Em Tiger – Los Feliz
Los Feliz is one of my favorite neighborhoods in LA, and Go Get Em Tiger fits right into the community vibe. Located on a quiet corner of Hollywood Boulevard, this coffee shop is where locals gather for top-notch brews and lively conversation. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a strong focus on community.
I opted for their famous Almond-Macadamia Latte, made with their house-made nut milk. It was creamy, smooth, and slightly nutty—unlike any latte I had ever tasted before. Go Get Em Tiger is the perfect spot to sit down and people-watch or catch up with friends after a hike in nearby Griffith Park.
The outdoor seating is a nice touch, especially on those sunny LA days. I spent the afternoon chatting with a couple of locals, learning more about the area, and feeling like I had truly experienced a slice of LA life.
Location: 4630 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Must-try: Almond-Macadamia Latte
Ambiance: Friendly, neighborhood-centric, perfect for catching up with friends
6. La Colombe Coffee Roasters – Century City
Located inside the Westfield Century City Mall, La Colombe is a coffee shop that offers a little escape from the busy shopping scene. What sets La Colombe apart is their Draft Latte, a cold, creamy, and nitrogen-infused latte that’s unlike anything I’ve ever had.
After a few hours of shopping, La Colombe was the perfect place to sit down, relax, and enjoy an indulgent treat. The draft latte is smooth and frothy, almost like a dessert in a cup but without the overwhelming sweetness. This is a great place to take a break during a busy day of exploring LA’s more modern side.
Location: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Must-try: Draft Latte
Ambiance: Chic, modern, ideal for a shopping break or a quick coffee fix
7. Demitasse – Little Tokyo
For a taste of something truly unique, head over to Demitasse in Little Tokyo. This quirky, independent coffee shop is known for experimenting with flavors and brewing techniques. The staff here is friendly, passionate, and always eager to introduce you to something new.
I tried their Turmeric Latte, which had a beautiful golden hue and a subtle earthy flavor. It was warm, spicy, and incredibly comforting—a nice break from the traditional espresso drinks I had been enjoying throughout my trip. Demitasse’s intimate setting makes it the perfect spot to sip something adventurous and savor the eclectic energy of Little Tokyo.
Location: 135 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Must-try: Turmeric Latte
Ambiance: Creative, cozy, ideal for adventurous coffee drinkers
Los Angeles is a city that knows how to do coffee right. Each neighborhood offers something unique, and each coffee shop I visited had its own distinct vibe and flavor. From the artistic streets of Silver Lake to the bustling energy of downtown LA, these coffee shops became more than just places to grab a cup—they were spaces to experience the local culture and connect with the community.
Whether you’re an LA local or a traveler like me, exploring the coffee scene here is a must. Next time you’re in the city, skip the big chains and dive into one of these local gems.
