By 
This post was originally written on October 26, 2020.
Living in a big city like Los Angeles comes with the perk of having a plethora of amazing coffee shops in every neighborhood. While many cities in the US also boast a great coffee scene, the sheer amount of coffee shops that have been popping up in Los Angeles has been astounding to say the least.
Back in late 2015, when I moved to LA, I used to go religiously to Urth Cafe, Joan’s On Third and Alfred Coffee. Although these places are main fixtures in the LA coffee scene, if I’m going to get coffee in 2024 I’d rather do so at an independent coffee shop.
I wanted to compile a list of independent coffee shops in LA. Whether it’s the aesthetic that draws you in, or the top-notch quality, getting coffee goes beyond a sensory experience in LA. You can go from getting coffee at a tattoo parlor to getting coffee in the mountains of Topanga Canyon. Please note that it would be impossible to visit every single coffee shop in LA, since there is literally one at every corner.
Coffee is so universal; it brings people together and is a medium for building connections. These business owners come from different walks of life, but their reverence for coffee is such that they wanted to create a space where they could share that love with people. How beautiful is that? With this being said, I encourage you to support small businesses!
Canyon Coffee
📍 1559 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
This coffee shop is hipster galore! After supplying their coffee to different shops around LA for years, Canyon Coffee finally opened their brick-and-mortar in Echo Park in 2022. This is one of my favorite places in LA, and although I don’t live in Echo Park, I love the neighborhood feel. At Canyon Coffee, expect to find delicious pastries, toasts and beautiful ceramics. Make sure you get their pistachio matcha latte!
If you’re planning on going there on the weekend, keep in mind that it’s very busy and seating might be tight. I was able to snag a chair at the counter, where I had my matcha and my toast while people-watching. It was like watching a fashion show! Everyone looked so stylish. If you’re going to have a hot drink there, let the employee know that you want it in one of their beautiful ceramic mugs! 🙂
Cafe Nido: Coffee & Books
📍 2810 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Silver Lake is my favorite neighborhood in LA. I love the greenery, the different types of houses, and the close-knit community feel. Luckily, I found a coffee shop that seamlessly blends these three elements. At Cafe Nido, you’ll feel like someone invited you to their house in Silver Lake to lounge around in their private backyard.
The space was specifically designed for people to hang out and foster a sense of community. With beautiful tiled benches, lush greenery, a mini van with books, top-notch specialty drinks and small dishes, Cafe Nido provides a tranquil respite from LA’s urban jungle. You won’t want to leave!
Their menu offerings include coffee beverages, a bevy of alternative milk options, croissants, pastries, and even fresh coconuts!
Make sure you also check out their greatly curated Spotify playlist (here). Since their space is so aesthetically pleasing, they also use it for events.
How’s It Going to End?
📍 2111 Verdugo Blvd, Montrose, CA 91020
Founded by the same owners of Dinosaur Coffee in Silver Lake, How’s It Going to End takes the aesthetic of a coffee shop to a whole new level. As a sucker for mid-century architecture, to say that I love this coffee shop is a huge understatement.
The space is located in a former dry-cleaner, and I love how they enhanced the interior with minimal yet warm touches. Some photos on their Instagram are blurry, hinting at the nostalgic goneby era of VHS and camcorder cameras. Overall, if you want to feel like you’re sipping your coffee in Palm Springs, you must make How’s It Going to End a mandatory stop. Will the drive across town be worth it? 100% yes! Their menu includes unsweetened cream tops, espresso drinks and matcha! Don’t forget to order one of their pastries.
Jurassic Magic
📍 1865 S Mansfield Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90019
Jurassic Magic is one of the most beautiful coffee shops I’ve ever been to! It’s located on Mansfield Avenue, off of Washington Blvd. Once you make a right turn onto Mansfield from Washington, you’ll be met by striking panoramic views of the hills and the Hollywood Sign. The coffee shop is surrounded by greenery and lush foliage, and I loved the combination of the green plants and the red and white patio umbrellas.
The interior is filled with beautiful artwork. I thought it ended there, but there’s more to the space! Further down, there’s a bookshelf that leads to a mirrored corridor, and once you walk past it, more greenery awaits you!
Community Goods
📍 710 N Edinburgh Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
This coffee shop opened in February 2023. Since its opening, Hailey and Justin Bieber have been seen frequenting the coffee shop multiple times. For Hailey’s birthday, Rhode, which is her beauty line, partnered with Community Goods to release a latte in late 2024.
I cannot find information about the founder, but based on the comments from the first IG picture from @thecommunitygoods, the owner is a pseudo celebrity in the entertainment industry.
The interior is very no-frills and their pastry menu is very limited. The seating consists of a long wooden bench and small stools! Besides coffee, you will also find pantry items and vinyl records. Seeing the picture below, you’d think everyone is sitting at the front row of a fashion show!
Cafe Santo
📍520 Whittier Blvd #D, Montebello, CA 90640
This beautiful cafe in Montebello sources Mexican coffee from the region of Oaxaca. They offer unique handcrafted drinks, like Oaxacan Mocha, and other typical chocolate-based drinks from this Mexican region. To share the Mexican culture in the community of East LA, Cafe Santo works in tandem with Latino food vendors and small business owners.
Canyon Coffee at the Laurel Canyon Country Store
📍 2108 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
This hippie bodega is frequented by Laurel Canyon’s residents who don’t want to make the trek over the hill to get their coffee fix. Besides being a convenience store, Laurel Canyon Country store serves coffee and other delicious baked goodies. It is definitely a hidden gem! If you’re not familiar with Laurel Canyon, you will pass this place in the blink of an eye, so if you plan to go, keep your eyes peeled!
Dinosaur Coffee
📍 4334 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
I remember I would drive here religiously from 2017 to 2019 to get my coffee fix. Like I said above, the owners opened How’s It Going to End? in Montrose last year. It’s no wonder why Dinosaur Coffee also boasts a uniquely decorated space.
This attention to detail permeates beautifully into their high-quality coffees and drinks. The menu on the suspended wood slats reminds me of a dinosaur fossil exhibit in a Natural History Museum.
Terra Mia Coffee
📍 Multiple locations
Terra Mia specializes in Mexican coffee. Although it is a franchise, I had to include it on the list. My friend and I met at this place after I found it by searching coffee shops in the Highland Park area. We were both pleasantly surprised by how good the coffee was! I also loved how the soothing Spanish-language music in the background evoked an immersive experience by transporting you to Colombia or Mexico. I later read that Terra Mia is well known by locals on the Eastside. When we went there, people came in and out every two seconds because it is that good! Terra Mia is only available in East LA and South LA, which explains why it does a great job flying under the radar. One of their famous specialty drinks is their horchata frappe!
Civil Coffee
📍 5629 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Civil Coffee serves a handful of speciality drinks and a great selection of pastries, like Maria cookies, which bring me back to my childhood in Spain! I love the touches of wood and the printed floor tile. The design of the place looks straight out of Architectural Digest. On top of this, they have a very extensive breakfast menu. Civil Coffee is also one of the few places in LA that lets you assemble your own toast!
Alana’s Coffee Roasters
📍12511 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Alana is a West Side neighborhood staple. They roast their own coffee beans daily in-house. Although the pastries are not made on the premises, they are freshly made at nearby bakeries. What makes this place unique, besides their coffee, is the beautiful ambiance, with ample indoor and outdoor space. Another standout element is the charming patio with an Airstream trailer in the back, which is a nod to the 60’s California hippie scene.
Go Get ‘Em Tiger
📍Multiple Locations
GGT is very well known among coffee lovers in LA. Originally, they opened their first location on Larchmont Blvd. Thanks to word-of-mouth and the masterful preparation of their drinks, they’ve expanded into more locations. After all, the founders are award-winning baristas of the United States Barista Champion Awards, which is like the coffee version of Top Chef. Another standout element is their bar-style service. All their locations sport the same enriched wooden accents and expansive white walls, which makes for a very relaxing vibe.
Maru Coffee Silverlake
📍1936 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Best green tea matcha latte ever! Maru Coffee’s quality is the reason why patrons make daily trips to this small coffee shop. Their consistency in delivering quality coffee is undeniable. Although the space is fairly small with limited seating, the interior is decorated beautifully with very minimal touches. Their matcha is one of the best in LA.
Neighborhood (La Brea)
📍133 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
This coffee shop was founded by brothers Matthew and Darin Friedman, who had an undying love of coffee, and who also happened to live in the area! Neighborhood delivers exceptional coffee in a quaint and warm environment. Stepping into Neighborhood feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy La Brea Avenue. I love the interior details such as the beautiful marble countertops and rose gold accents. Their street-facing bar is also great for people-watching while enjoying your coffee.
Verve Coffee Roasters
📍Multiple locations
Hailing from Santa Cruz California, Verve coffee has three signature locations in LA. All their locations are equally well-designed, but my favorite is the one on Melrose Avenue. Not only does this location have a spacious interior, but they also sport a beautiful patio with abundant lush greenery and ample seating. Before COVID-19, this place was always filled with people working on their laptops. You could feel the air of creativity as soon as you walked in. The coffee at Verve is really strong but not overbearing. Verve also boasts a great selection of teas. Additional amenities include free wifi and plugs that are available indoors.
Highly Likely Cafe
📍4310 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
📍 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042 (Highland Park) – New location
This aesthetically beautiful coffee shop is located in the gentrified area of West Adams. I cannot speak for the food, but the coffee was very strong and robust. The space is so nice, with upholstered booth seating and a big plant smack dab in the middle of the coffee shop, which emanates an organic and calming atmosphere.
Flowerboy Project (Venice)
📍824 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Flowerboy Project is a beautiful Black-owned plant store that doubles as a coffee shop. Stop by and enjoy their delicious brews and specialty lattes, like Rose Girl or Lavender Boy, while perusing their gorgeous array of flowers and goodies. For being in an upscale location such as Venice, this store is very budget-friendly. They also have plenty of seating available for those who may wish to order some food or work on their laptops. I highly recommend ordering their salmon bowl.
10 Speed Coffee
📍Calabasas
Frequented by famous patrons like Miley Cyrus or Megan Fox, 10 Speed Coffee is the best coffee shop in Calabasas. The business is so spacious and the wooden beams add a nice rustic touch to the place. 10 Speed Coffee also has decorative bikes on display, hence the logo. It’s also semi hidden by trees, which makes the shop even more charming. This is one of the best places in LA to get a flavorful almond milk latte.
All Time Café
📍2040 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
There is a reason why all the celebrities that live in Los Feliz can be seen at All Time Cafe on any given day. Although their coffee is pretty pricey, it checks all the boxes of how a good quality coffee should be: invigorating, rich in flavor and fresh. The last time I was there, I saw Jeremy Sisto from Clueless enjoying his iced latte in the seating area with a friend. I admired him from afar while I waited in line.
Cofax
📍440 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
After going all out at Jon & Vinny’s, I always make Cofax a mandatory stop. Although Cofax is mostly known for their famous pastrami breakfast burritos, they have one of the best iced almond milk lattes in LA. Expect to find quirky Dodger’s knicknacks on the wall shelves. Just a warning, parking is very challenging in this area.
Black Elephant Coffee
📍3195 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
I found this place through Brad Pitt! He was photographed leaving Black Elephant after going to his friend’s painting studio nearby. Black Elephant Coffee was founded by two Chileans who felt a strong connection to use the elephant as the logo due to their behaviour. Elephants are naturally community-oriented animals and that’s what the founders strived to create, a community-driven coffee shop. Their almond iced latte was spectacular. In addition to coffee, they also serve a wide selection of loose leaf organic teas. A portion of the coffee shop’s profits go to the World Wildlife Fund.
Little Ripper Coffee
📍4155 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Aussie owned! You can definitely feel the surfer vibes that Little Ripper Coffee emanates through the logo, a wave silhouette. If you want to grab something to eat, get either their scrumptious avocado toast or their lox sandwich! You can’t go wrong!
Wolf’s Brew Coffee
📍 4145 Norse Way, Long Beach, CA 90808
This is definitely a local’s only coffee shop! Tucked away in Long Beach’s Alamitos Beach neighborhood, Wolf’s Brew Coffee, which also doubles as an art gallery, has one of the highest quality coffees in the LBC. They have vegan donuts as well! My friend Philip works in the art gallery and he says that besides their incredible coffee, there’s also a very strong sense of community, which I could tell as soon as I stepped in.
Demitasse
📍Santa Monica
📍 Little Tokyo
Demitasse should be on everyone’s list, especially if you are a coffee geek! With two locations in LA, Demitasse stands out from other coffee shops in LA given the fact that they let the baristas have artistic freedom in their drinks. They have so many different styles of coffee available: espresso, drip, pour over, and even iced slow drip, which involves a stylish coffee tower! It’s very tedious yet fascinating to watch the brewing process.
Endorffeine
📍727 N Broadway #127, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Endorffeine is one of the most unique coffee shops in LA. Tucked away in a Chinatown shopping arcade, Endorffeine is not a place you just casually stumble upon. Raised in NY by Thai parents, owner Jack Benchakul actually used to be a biochemist, which explains the use of flask glasses. His out-of-the-box beverages include a whiskey iced latte. His love of coffee is so big that he only uses Modbar to prepare his drinks, not espresso machines. These machines are more expensive, and to properly use them requires a certain level of expertise and precision.
Expect to find a no-frills, minimal decor. At Endorffeine, the coffee is truly the star of the show. The cold brews are served in glass bottles.
Copa Vida
📍70 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Located in Old Town, Copa Vida is an Asian-owned coffee shop which has been a staple in Pasadena since 2013! Part of the reason why their coffee is so good is because they roast their own beans!
Here’s what owner Steve Chang shared with Voyage LA regarding the backstory: “The idea for Copa Vida started in a friend’s kitchen in Costa Rica. My wife, Elena, and I were visiting long-time friends after exiting our last business (noodles and pasta production) and looking for our next adventure. The visit led to a serendipitous meeting with the General Manager of a coffee cooperative named Coope Dota in the Terrazu region and began our journey into starting a specialty coffee company.”
In the interview, Steve also says that he wanted to emphasize the food as much as the coffee and tea: salads, bowls, toasts, pastries and burritos! Come for the coffee and stay for the food.
Found Coffee
📍1355 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
From what you have read so far, many of the best coffee shops in LA can be found on the Eastside. Located right off the freeway in Eagle Rock, Found Coffee offers tasty espresso blends, brews, specialty teas and exquisite pastries.
Laveta Coffee
📍 318 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Laveta is probably one of the most beautiful coffee shops I’ve ever been to in LA. The minimalist concrete interior gave me Kim and Kanye’s Bel-Air mansion vibes. Most people come for the coffee but end up staying for the food. In addition to serving exquisite coffee, Laveta offers a wide array of menu items such as their cauliflower bowl and chicken salad. The best thing about this place is that it has its own parking lot, which is always a blessing in LA.
Regent Coffee Roasters And Brew Bar
📍249 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203
Make sure to read the beautiful story of Leon, the owner, and the touching story behind Regent Coffee! His passion for coffee is so inspiring. Prior to opening Regent Coffee in LA, Leon used to work as a banker in China. With this daring move, Leon is the purest example of quitting your job and take a leap of faith to follow your dreams. He says: “I experimented laboriously with roasting, and, as time passed, became even more fascinated and excited by coffee. Today, that same excitement is at the heart of my newest cafe here in the United States.” Check out Regent Coffee’s Instagram and website.
Someone said on a Google review: “This place has the best coffee I’ve ever tried in California. The flavor is rich and perfectly balanced. Every cup feels like it’s made with care and expertise.”
Little Barn Coffee House
📍3329 Division St, Los Angeles, CA 90065
There is something unique about coffee shops that are located on residential streets. This Latinx-owned coffee shop is located in Mount Washington (Glassell Park), a neighborhood that reminds me so much of Mexico, with its bungalow houses perched atop the hilly streets. I didn’t think it could get any better until I saw the lovely patio they have in the back. Little Barn Coffee House is vegan so if you want to grab a bite, they have amazing vegan breakfast staples as well. It’s definitely out of the way and it will take you a while to get there, but oh, will the trek be worth it! Their iced coffee is so good!
Bricks and Scones
📍403 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004
The first time I walked into this coffee shop I was truly mesmerized by the beautiful and eclectic interior, with its majestic chandelier and wraparound staircase that led to a very cozy upper level. Their outdoor seating area might be the most spacious one I have seen at a coffee shop. Whether you want to wind down and bring a good book while enjoying a latte or you just want to get work done in your laptop, Bricks and Scones’ unique atmosphere and vibe will make for a divine experience. Their pastries are baked in-house everyday!
Cafecito Organico
📍534 N Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Silver Lake)
📍2985 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039 (Atwater Village)
Located in beautiful Silver Lake, Cafecito is another neighborhood staple. It feels like you’re in someone’s backyard! Like I said above, this area of LA is my favorite because of the juxtaposition between the lush greenery and the colored bungalow houses on the steep streets, but I digress. The coffee at Cafecito is very invigorating, perfect to either start off your day or after a nice meal.
Supersweet Tattoos and Coffee
📍1345-1347, Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
This might be the most visually stunning tattoo parlor I have ever seen! Supersweet Tattoo and Coffee opened during the pandemic, and yes, this tattoo parlour also doubles as a coffee shop. I swear, in terms of the coffee scene, LA is pretty hard to beat creatively. Women-owned, good vibes, dog-friendly and really good coffee — what more can you ask for? The coffee area has its own designated indoor and outdoor seating space.
Aroma Coffee and Tea
📍4360 Tujunga Ave, Studio City, CA 91604
This was one of my favorite places to get lattes when I moved to LA! You can take your coffee to go, but since the restaurant has a lovely patio outside, why not sit there and take in the surroundings of the patio while sipping a latte in one of their gigantic coffee mugs? Their vanilla lattes are the best! Don’t forget to top off your meal with one of their delicious homemade desserts!
Cafe On 27
📍1861 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290
This beautiful cafe tucked away in the mountains of Topanga will take you to another world! There’s a reason why artists flocked to Topanga during the 60s and 70s. I can’t believe it’s in LA! At Cafe 27, the food and the coffee beans, which are roasted onsite, are organic. Even the coffee packaging is biodegradable! I honestly cannot think of a better way to indulge in a delicious cup of coffee!
Obet & Del’s Coffee
📍 5233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Super cool, retro-themed coffee shop in Thai Town to get your caffeine fix.
Thank You Coffee
📍 938 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (China Town)
Owner Jonathan Yang shared with VoyageLA: “In my 11 years in specialty coffee, I’ve had the joy of serving customers and working with and for great people. As I’ve also found my own favorite coffee shops in LA and throughout the world, I’ve built a clear picture of what I love about coffee and coffee shops. That picture is Thank You Coffee.”
Kindness Mischief Coffee
📍5537 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
This coffee shop is a big proponent for kindness and community. Not only do they allow local vendors to set up pop-up shops inside the shop, but they also include food collaborations on their menu. The founder is a Philipino immigrant named Mo. One of the specialty drinks is called “Minority? People Of Color Are The Global Majority”, which just goes to show you how much she cares about raising awareness.
South LA Cafe
📍1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062
When Ariana Grande shared this photo during the pandemic, South LA Cafe received an overwhelming total number of 150 customers in 20 minutes. The coffee beans are sourced from the Red Bay Coffee Public Roastery in Oakland. South LA Cafe also has an adjoining grocery store that sells canned goods, vegetables, fresh fruits and a variety of other essentials. I love their community focused approach by providing anyone that walks through the door with a fresh and affordable cup of coffee. Check out their Instagram.
Silverback Coffee of Rwanda
📍400 S Hope St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
A portion of the profits of Silverback Coffee go to organizations in Rwanda, such as the protection of Silverback Gorillas, hence the coffee logo, and the families affected by the genocide in Rwanda. The space is really modern and clean. Not only will you be enjoying delicious coffee, but you will also be supporting a great cause.
Kumquat Coffee
📍4936 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042
📍 545 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
With locations in Highland Park and DTLA, Kumquat Coffee is a coffee lover’s paradise. You can tell the baristas have the utmost reverence for coffee. Their menu includes a variety of lattes and seasonal drinks. Co-owners AJ Kim and Scott Sohn are coffee connoisseurs and wanted to leave their footprint in the LA coffee scene by honing in on the quality and care of the coffee. For this, they use coffee roasters from all over the world. The name, “Kumquat”, is an homage to their Asian ancestry. Don’t forget to check their sister location, Loquat Coffee, in Cypress Park!
What are your favorite coffee shops in LA?
What do you think?