Los Angeles is a haven for coffee lovers, with a café scene as diverse as the city itself. From hidden gems to trendy hotspots, the best cafes in LA provide more than just a caffeine fix. They offer unique environments and experiences perfect for starting your day or taking a break during your city adventure. Here’s your guide to some of the top cafes you need to visit in LA.
Blue Bottle Coffee – Arts District
Located in the trendy Arts District of Downtown LA, Blue Bottle Coffee is a must-visit for coffee purists. Known for its minimalist design and dedication to brewing the perfect cup, this café serves some of the best pour-over coffee in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a rich espresso or a refreshing cold brew, Blue Bottle’s meticulous approach to coffee-making ensures a flawless experience.
The Arts District location has a spacious, open-air vibe, perfect for sitting down with a book or getting some work done. The outdoor seating makes it an ideal stop if you’re exploring the area on foot.
Intelligentsia Coffee – Silver Lake
If you’re looking for one of LA’s trendiest coffee spots, head to Intelligentsia Coffee in Silver Lake. This iconic café has been a staple in LA’s coffee scene for years and is famous for its hipster atmosphere. Located on Sunset Boulevard, the café features stylish décor and a bustling environment.
Intelligentsia is known for its expertly roasted coffee, offering a variety of single-origin options and seasonal blends. Whether you prefer an expertly crafted latte or a pour-over, this café is perfect for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality brews. The outdoor seating is a great place to people-watch while you enjoy your drink.
Verve Coffee Roasters – West Hollywood
For those looking for a sleek and modern café, Verve Coffee Roasters in West Hollywood should be on your list. Verve prides itself on sustainability and high-quality coffee, offering a rotating selection of single-origin beans and signature blends. The café’s clean design, complete with large windows and natural lighting, makes it a great spot to unwind or catch up with friends.
Verve also offers a delicious menu of pastries and small bites that pair perfectly with their coffee. Whether you’re in the mood for a cappuccino or a nitro cold brew, Verve’s baristas deliver perfection in every cup.
Alfred Coffee – Melrose Place
Alfred Coffee has become an LA institution, and its location on Melrose Place is one of the most popular. Famous for its “But First, Coffee” tagline, Alfred offers a chic and stylish environment that appeals to both locals and tourists. The café has an upscale, boutique feel, with trendy décor that’s perfect for snapping a quick Instagram photo.
Alfred serves a variety of espresso drinks, iced coffees, and teas, along with a selection of tasty pastries. The Melrose Place location is surrounded by designer shops, making it a convenient stop during a shopping trip. Don’t forget to try their famous matcha latte, a local favorite.
Groundwork Coffee Co. – Venice Beach
Venice Beach is known for its bohemian vibe, and Groundwork Coffee Co. fits right in. This organic coffee roaster has been serving the LA area for over 25 years, with a commitment to sustainability and fair trade practices. Their Venice Beach location has a laid-back atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to grab a cup of coffee before heading to the beach.
Groundwork offers a variety of organic coffee blends, including their signature Bitches Brew, and a selection of teas and cold brews. The friendly staff and cozy environment make this a must-visit for anyone exploring Venice Beach.
La Colombe – Downtown LA
In the heart of Downtown LA, La Colombe is known for its premium coffee and industrial-chic design. Located in a repurposed warehouse, this café offers a minimalist, yet welcoming atmosphere that attracts both coffee aficionados and casual drinkers. La Colombe is famous for its draft lattes, a creamy, cold coffee drink that has become a customer favorite.
The large, open space makes it ideal for working remotely or catching up with friends. Whether you’re in the mood for a draft latte, a cold brew, or a cappuccino, La Colombe’s coffee is sure to impress.
Café Gratitude – Larchmont
For those who want a café experience that focuses on health and sustainability, Café Gratitude in Larchmont is the place to go. While known for its plant-based food menu, Café Gratitude also serves up excellent coffee. The serene and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for a quiet coffee break or a leisurely brunch.
Their coffee menu includes organic options, from drip coffee to espresso drinks, and they offer various plant-based milk alternatives. Café Gratitude is a great spot to recharge, enjoy healthy food, and sip on some of the best coffee in LA.
The Sycamore Kitchen – La Brea Avenue
Located on La Brea Avenue, The Sycamore Kitchen is a neighborhood favorite for its delicious pastries, food, and top-notch coffee. This café has a rustic, casual vibe, with plenty of outdoor seating in its lovely courtyard. It’s a perfect stop if you’re near the Mid-Wilshire area.
The Sycamore Kitchen offers a selection of Stumptown Coffee, served alongside a full menu of breakfast and lunch items. Their baked goods, including their famous salted caramel pecan babka roll, are a must-try. This is an excellent spot for a leisurely brunch or coffee break during your day.
Cognoscenti Coffee – Culver City
Culver City’s Cognoscenti Coffee is a hidden gem in the LA coffee scene. This small, minimalist café is all about the coffee, with a rotating selection of beans from some of the best roasters in the country. Whether you’re in the mood for an espresso or a pour-over, the knowledgeable baristas at Cognoscenti will guide you to the perfect drink.
The atmosphere is quiet and unassuming, making it a great spot to grab a quick cup of coffee or sit down with a book. If you’re in Culver City, Cognoscenti Coffee is well worth a visit.
Discover LA’s Cafes in a Rental Car
Los Angeles is full of incredible cafes, each offering its own unique charm and exceptional coffee. Whether you want to visit a trendy hotspot or a cozy hidden gem, exploring the best cafes in LA is a breeze with a rental car. For easy access to these top spots, you can rent a car from Value Rental Car, with convenient locations in Inglewood near LAX and in Pasadena. With the freedom of a rental car, you’ll be able to discover all of LA’s finest cafes at your own pace, making the most of your coffee adventures in the city.