A Guide To The Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles (UPDATED 2026)

This post was originally published on October 26, 2020. It was last updated in January 2026.

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 would religiously go to Urth Cafe, Joan’s On Third and Alfred Coffee. These places were main fixtures in the LA coffee scene, but, if I’m going to get a cup of matcha or coffee in 2026, I’d rather do so at a small independent coffee shop.

Whether it’s the aesthetic that draws you in or the top-notch quality of the drinks, getting coffee in LA goes beyond a sensory experience. These business owners come from different walks of life, but their reverence for coffee inspired them to create a space where they could share that love while fostering a sense of community!

Loose Cannon Coffee

📍2527 Canada Blvd, Glendale, CA 91208

Located in the northern part of Glendale, Loose Cannon Cafe opened in February 2026. I found out about it because none other than my childhood idol, Hilary Duff — who’s experiencing a resurgence with her new album “Luck… or Something” and upcoming sold-out tour — posted about it on her Instagram. One of the co-founders is her best friend Alanna Masterson. For one of Hilary’s photoshoots, Alanna was seen giving Hilary iced coffee from Loose Cannon in a mason jar. 

I had what Hilary Duff was having on her now-deleted Instagram story: the Marlowe — an iced cortado with foamy salted maple cream. The latter was the cherry on top of such a sweltering February day. Truly, one of the best coffees I’ve had. I urge everyone reading this to try it. Hilary was mind-blown as she sipped it, saying, “Oh my God, you guys,” but I didn’t think it would be this good!!

Since I was going to eat later, I didn’t order anything else, but the chef’s tuna melt sounded amazing. The bartender said that it was the best thing and that the head chef, Maia, worked really hard on the menu. In addition to Hilary, who was seen there earlier that morning, Mandy Moore, another of Hilary’s good friends, was also seen that week. 

The coffee shop is small, but tastefully designed. I loved the retro mosaic tile flooring, the wood accents with vintage pendant lights, and bar stools, which made the space extra cozy. Even though the parking lot is small, there’s a patio and an additional indoor seating area. I’m not saying this because of Hilary Duff, but I cannot wait to go back! Residents have praised it too, noting how much a coffee shop was needed in the area and their excellent food offerings. 

Loose Cannon Cafe: Instagram

Granada

📍 1451 Carroll Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Angelino Heights)

Coffee shops in Los Angeles are being taken to a whole new level. In early January of this year, Sydney and Isaac opened the doors of their Angelino Heights home, offering guests coffee and pastries and the option to laze about in their modern living room and leafy outdoor patio. 

Among the Victorian and Craftsman homes, the couple’s house sits on a newly renovated space. When I walked in, there was a group of Russian models, stylish freelancers typing on their sleek MacBook Airs, and a few kids roaming around in the backyard. One of the Russian girls asked Isaac how it had been since they opened, with him replying that on Monday, they had run out of coffee. Once it was my turn to order, Isaac said apologetically “We’re backed up. Sorry for the wait”.

If you’re looking for a quiet space that you can comfortably work from, Granada may not make the cut. The space is not that big, seating is very limited and you’ll probably wait for a while to get your drink – but just being there among so many creatives and people with an incredible fashion sense was worth it alone. By the time I finally got my coffee, Isaac was turning people away because the espresso machine broke down. 

How are Isaac and Sydney able to operate a coffee shop from their house? It is thanks to the  L.A. County Department of Public Health’s Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operation program, also known as MEHKO, which allows individuals to operate small-scale restaurants from their home. However, with such massive turnout, they may look into a new space. In an interview with ABC, Sydney said: “We really thought that nobody would come, and it was slightly a weird concept that people would either be into or not, and everyone is really excited about it, which has been exciting for us.”

It was a joy to sit in one of the chairs, admiring the beautifully designed living room while people-watching. Later that day, I looked at the reshared Instagram stories on Granada’s account and recognized some of the faces I’d seen: a prestigious interior designer, a jeans company owner, a ceramic artist from Montreal… It was such an incredible mix of people in one room! Note: For now, Granada only operates during the week!

Granada: Instagram

Cafe Tondo

📍 1135 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Chinatown)

If you keep your finger on the pulse, you may have seen a video of a Streamline Modern building with red neon lighting, where people are gathered outside with drinks in tow and chatting beneath train tracks. In 2025, Cafe Tondo, which is a nod to the vibrant coffee culture in Mexico City, became one of the hottest hangout places in Los Angeles.

Located in Chinatown, Cafe Tondo operates as a cafe and a daytime bakery – offering conchas, chilaquiles, coffee and delicious hot chocolate. At night, the space transforms into a wine bar and a bustling, eclectic nightlife spot, where the outdoor area becomes jam-packed. From bolero nights to salsa dancing classes, Cafe Tondo has been the talk of the town for a reason. During one of their DJ Nights, Tame Impala did a surprise performance. 

I went there on a cold, rainy winter morning in mid December. The cafe was quiet – a stark contrast from the lively videos online. I sat in the glass-encased outdoor area, listening to the rain as I sipped hot chocolate from a stunning ceramic mug — exactly what the doctor ordered to warm up.

Cafe Tondo: Website and Instagram

Muso Coffee

📍 5788 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

In early December, Anastasia and Sergei, who hail from Eastern Europe, invited me to check out their coffee shop in West Adams. I’m not saying this because I got a comped cup of coffee, but everyone reading this should try their vanilla latte. The smoothness of the coffee, the pleasant frothy finish, and the exceptionally rich notes of vanilla made it a winner on my list.

With six matcha offerings and an array of espressos, Muso takes the specialty aspect of coffee very seriously. Anastasia said: “We source our specialty coffee from small sustainable farms. The ceremonial-grade matcha is from Mie prefecture in Japan. We also offer a few things that nod to our roots like the lavender raf, which is a creamy espresso drink popular in Saint Petersburg, or a citrusy fresh orange bumble”

Opened in early 2025, Muso has already garnered a loyal following that shares coffee and music as main passions. The modern space seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and an ample outdoor patio, Muso hosts community and music events with Sofar Sounds.

Muso Coffee: Website and Instagram

Comet Over Delphi

📍 115 N Ave 59, Highland Park, CA 90042

In May 2025, Comet Over Delphi became Highland Park’s newest addition. This is a great place to bring your laptop, have a meeting, or people watch. I loved the industrial space and the big windows with light permeating throughout the space. There is no shortage of amazing matcha places on this list, but Comet Over Delphi might be the best one yet. Every time I try a new spot, the matcha keeps getting better and better!!

If you’re in Northeast LA, Comet Over Delhi is the place to go for a refreshing cup of iced matcha on a sweltering day. The employees did a great job walking me through their extensive menu. I also highly recommend lounging around in one of their chairs like I did. They did such an amazing job curating the space – very minimal but thoughtfully decorated.

Comet Over Delphi: Instagram

Yala Coffee

📍 11824 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

For almost a decade, Alfred Coffee has reigned supreme in Studio City – but there’s a new contender in the neighborhood: Yala Coffee.

I discovered this coffee shop while I was driving on Ventura Blvd. on a weekend. The line of people out of the door caught my attention. I thought: “Is it a pop-up? A restaurant?”. As soon as I got home, I did some research. Yala Coffee opened in the summer of 2024 in Studio City by husband-and-wife owners Zain and Marissa Shammas. 

The minimalist interior was clearly inspired by the Middle East, featuring earthy-colored walls, a woven fabric spread across the front counter and a few seats, promoting a sense of community. 

Yala’s carefully curated drinks are nothing short of beautiful. From sand brewed coffee with cardamon cream topped with sugar rim to an orange blossom latte, Yala Coffee wants to educate Angelenos on the cultural symbol that is Middle Eastern coffee. 

You might be surprised to know that their sand brewed coffee is actually brewed in hot sand behind the counter! By using an extremely fine ground in high temperature, this Middle Eastern brewing method yields a bolder and stronger coffee flavor. I would have ordered it, but it’s only served hot and that day was 80°F in LA.

I ended up ordering the iced fig matcha latte, which comes with fig purée. This matcha is probably one of the best I’ve had in Los Angeles!

The fig seeds were sweet and enhanced the drink by making it even more refreshing. Seriously, why isn’t this combination more widely available in LA? Look at the stunning presentation and the matcha’s incredible vibrancy! 

If you go on a weekend, make sure you come early to avoid the long lines! 

Yala’s Coffee: Website and Instagram

Cafe 2001

📍 2001 E 7th St North Entrance, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (Arts District)

Temporarily closed. New location coming soon!

Cafe 2001 opened in February 2025 by YESS‘ restaurant owner Kino Kaetsu and British sous chef Giles Clark. To say that I loved this cafe is a HUGE understatement. With Japanese and European-inspired menu items, fruit tarts and uniquely creative drinks, Cafe 2001 blends Brutalist architecture with Victorian furnishings. It’s kitschy and campy in the best way possible. Think George Orwell’s 1984 meets Netflix hit show Bridgerton. 

As I was enjoying my drink, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a slew of young people dressed as if they had just stepped off a runway while classical music played on the vinyl next to me. What an odd juxtaposition right? 

Cafe 2001’s Japanese sandwiches are possibly the best in Los Angeles. I had the egg with tuna and mayo, but they also offer the classic Katsu Sando sandwich. The drink I had was a delectable concoction of the smoothest matcha I’ve ever had, lime juice and soda.

Overall, Cafe 2001 is a feast for the eyes and the palette. At night, the cafe evolves into a night bistro, offering dishes like oysters, pan-friend gyoza, and a creative hot dog with Japanese pickles. Cafe 2001 is conveniently located in the back of YESS restaurant. 

Cafe 2001: Website and Instagram

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 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! 🙂 

Canyon Coffee: Website and Instagram

Roseland Cafe 

📍 5242 Roseland St. Los Angeles, CA 90016 (West Adams)

All the coffee shops on this list are very nice, but if you want to support an even smaller business, please head over to West Adams for a cup of coffee from Gerancio. This hard-working man has been a coffee brewer for 30 years! His reverence for coffee truly shines in the way he meticulously crafts his drinks. For being a mobile coffee shop, his offerings are very impressive: espresso shots, hot chocolate, iced coffee, frappuccinos, and a bevy of milk options to choose from.  

Of course, you cannot leave Gerancio’s food stand without getting at least one of his homemade muffins or tamales. Read the full review here. 

The Ugly Mugs Coffee House

📍 3112 W Burbank Blvd #100, Burbank, CA 91505

My favorite coffee shop in the Valley! The employees are lovely, the decoration is cozy and if this isn’t enough, their offerings go beyond the standard latte. From Earl Grey lattes to mint horchata lattes, I love how they’re constantly offering such inventive flavors. There’s even a vegan menu!! My favorite is the Vanilla Banana Latte. Incredible. While you’re waiting you may turn around to find an old TV playing classic Disney movies!

I haven’t tried the pastries but I kept eyeing them the last time I went there. They looked so good! If you want to enjoy your coffee outside, they have ample outdoor seating. 

The Ugly Mugs Coffee House: Website and Instagram

Cafe Nido: Coffee & Books

📍 4854 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 (new location in East Hollywood).

This review is from their previous location in Silver Lake.

Silver Lake is my favorite neighborhood in LA. I love the greenery, the different architectural styles, 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 eye-catching 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. 

Cafe Nido: Website and Instagram

Creature’s Plants & Coffee

4958 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

This is my new favorite coffee shop in Northeast LA! Opened in 2024 in the Eagle Rock neighborhood, Creature’s Plant & Coffee is a coffee shop doubling as a nursery, boasting an impressive selection of plants – from small succulents to 5ft indoor plants. The space is warm and welcoming, making it the ideal venue for events and workshops. I loved how well they blended indoors and outdoors. You can even sip your coffee inside the greenhouse! In an interview with Dailycoffee, the owner, Hope Creature, said she worked with various architects to achieve a pleasant atmosphere in this plant oasis. 

The menu features a wide array of coffee options, refreshing lemonades for those warm days, teas, pastries, and premade food ready to go in their fridge. I highly recommend ordering their rose lemonade! 

Creature’s Plants & Coffee: Website and Instagram

La Colombe

📍 2828 Newell St #4, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Frogtown is one of my favorite neighborhoods. When I first found out about it in 2021, I couldn’t believe this slice of paradise was nestled in the city of LA! One of my favorite things to do when I’m there is go to La Colombe, get an oat latte, and walk along the river path, enjoying the beautiful scenery and watching the wildlife. This La Colombe location is right on the river path, which makes it even more charming! You can either pair your coffee with a pastry or head over to Just What I Kneaded, my favorite vegan bakery in LA. 

How’s It Going to End?

📍 2111 Verdugo Blvd, Montrose, CA 91020

Founded by the owners of the warm, wood-clad jungle coffee shop Dinosaur Coffee in Silver Lake, How’s It Going to End is housed in a former mid-century dry cleaner.

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. Flanked by palm trees at the entrance, How’s It Going to End will make you feel like you’re in Palm Springs. 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.

How’s It Going to End: Instagram

Mandarin Coffee

📍 380 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101

This coffee shop is located in The Burlington Arcade, a small replica of the historic Burlington Arcade in London. Mandarin Coffee focuses on Chinese specialty coffee by mainly using beans grown in the region of Yunnan. 

According to dailycoffeenews.com, some of Mandarin Coffee’s creative concoctions are “a latte flavored with osmanthus flower and cardamom bitters, or a pineapple espresso tonic with house-made pineapple jam, Chinese crystal sugar, lime juice and tonic water.”

Their high-quality coffee beans and one-of-a-kind drinks have positioned Mandarin Coffee as one of the top coffee destinations in LA. Unfortunately, if you thought this coffee shop flew under the radar, you’re wrong. Last year, Mandarin Coffee went viral on TikTok, drawing massive lines. On Yelp, some people have reported waiting in line for an hour! Additionally, there’s no indoor seating. You may be able to snag a table outside, but depending on what time you go, it’s most likely that they’ll be fully occupied.

Their three standout drinks seem to be their Vienna Latte, their Mandarin Matcha Latte, and their Gui Hua Latte. 

Given the wild success of their tiny coffee shop, the owners are currently in the works of opening a second location, also in Pasadena but in a much bigger space. 

Mandarin Coffee: Website and Instagram

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 tastefully designed and filled with beautiful artwork in every corner.Further down, there’s a bookshelf that leads to a mirrored corridor, and once you walk past it, more greenery awaits you on the charming patio.

Jurassic Magic: Website and Instagram

Community Goods

📍 710 N Edinburgh Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

📍 Pacific Design Center, Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069 (walk-up window only)

Since the opening of Community Goods in February 2023, Hailey and Justin Bieber have been spotted at 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 couldn’t find any information about the founder, but based on the comments from the account’s first IG picture, 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! 

Community Goods: Instagram

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.

The same attention to detail found in the warm, minimalist interior carries through to 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. Every time I go there, it’s such an immersive experience!

Dinosaur Coffee: Website and Instagram

Reinne’s Place

📍 3902 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

While many coffee shops come to fruition from passion, others are born out of grief. This is the story of Tommy Le, who created Reinne’s Place in loving memory of his late girlfriend Reinne Lim. She passed away in 2022 due to a drunk driving accident that also left Tommy in critical condition. 

After doing pop-ups in the Long Beach area, Reinne’s Place officially opened in Long Beach on January 30. The response has been such that Tommy even appeared on On Air with Ryan Seacrest. Reinne’s Place, as Tommy describes, is supposed to be a healing place where grief, community and coffee come together. I went with a friend one late January afternoon, when Reinne’s Place was in residency at Open Gallery, and the flow of people was nonstop.

With a selection of Vietnamese and Filipino-inspired offerings, every drink at Reinne’s Place is crafted with the utmost intention.

Instagram: Reinne’s Place

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, a nod to the 60s California counterculture.

Alana’s: Website and Instagram

Maru Coffee Silverlake 

📍1936 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Note: They now have locations in the Arts District and Beverly Hills, but the Los Feliz location is the coolest one!

Maru Coffee’s obsession with quality involves serving coffee from different parts of the world that undergoes intensive processing. This is why patrons — including well-known celebrities like Angelina Jolie — make it a daily destination. Although the space is fairly small with limited seating, the interior is decorated beautifully with very minimal touches.

Maru’s Coffee: Website and Instagram

Black Elephant Coffee 

📍3195 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

I found this place through a paparazzi picture of Brad Pitt! He was photographed leaving Black Elephant after going to his friend’s painting studio in Atwater Village. 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.

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 New York by Thai parents, Endorffeine’s owner, Jack Benchakul, is a former biochemist — which explains the use of glass flasks to concoct his out-the-box drinks. Some of them include a whiskey iced latte, and Jack’s love of coffee is so strong that he uses only the cutting-edge Modbar pour-over machine to prepare his drinks. Not only is a Modbar machine significantly more expensive than a traditional espresso machine, but to properly use it requires a level of expertise and precision.

Expect to find a no-frills, minimal decor. At Endorffeine, the coffee is truly the star of the show.

Endorffeine: Website and Instagram

Regent Coffee Roasters And Brew Bar

📍Glendale and Highland Park

This is the beautiful story of Regent Coffee founder Leon. His passion for coffee is so inspiring. Prior to opening Regent Coffee, Leon used to work as a banker in China. With this daring move, Leon is the purest example of quitting your job and taking 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.”

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.”

Regent Coffee: Website and Instagram

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 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. 

What are your favorite coffee shops in LA?