Best Coffee in Los Angeles
Let's be clear. Things like coffee and wine are subjective. I'm someone who likes a bold, chocolate-y coffee. I don't like an acidic or citrus-y flavor.
That being said, there are some requirements for espresso...
Clean equipment
Fresh beans
A knowledgeable barista
If any one of these factors are lacking, your coffee will taste like shit. So when you look at the coffee ratings, I'm evaluating those factors. If you want to know if I prefer the taste of the coffee, look at "Would I go back?" To better understand coffee requirements, click here.
And now some tasteful photos of coffee... from a 4S in dim lighting...
Commissary
The Coffee: 3
The Ambiance: 4
Would I come back? No.
The lesson here is: Don't use old coffee beans. If you do - don't let your customer's notice the date on your coffee bean bag. Your iced latte looks majestic, though.
Intelligentsia - based in Chicago
The Coffee: 4.5
The Ambiance: 4
Would I come back? Yes.
At this moment, this is my favorite coffee place in LA. I like their Black Cat espresso. The people here are knowledgeable about coffee, know how to use their equipment, and keep it clean.
Cogniscenti
The Coffee: 2.5
Ambiance: 2
Would I come back? No.
The taco place across the street: 5
I went here because some hipster at Father's Office recommended it- I assumed this hipster's coffee taste was good. The latte was mediocre. I prefer when coffee shops don't shake the milk and the espresso - it just looks better.
I would - however- recommend Ek Valley - the taco place across the street. Yum! These are the kind of tacos that you have dreams about.
Urth Cafe
Urth Cafe
The Coffee: 3.5
The Ambiance: 4
Would I come back? Yes.
Urth Cafe is trendy and a great place to people-watch. The conversations here make me glad I live in the Bay Area. Their food is also pretty good.
LAMILL Coffee - There's a poorly taken photo of this on Instagram.
The Coffee: 4
The Ambiance: Can't really rate this. I was at the airport.
Would I come back? Yes. Especially if I can get the non-airport price.
Stumptown - a Portland-based roaster that has a venue in LA.
The Coffee: 4
The Ambiance: 3.5 - typical hipster coffee shop
Would I come back? Yes. Even though it is in an unsafe neighborhood.
House Roots Coffee
The Coffee: 4
Ambiance: 3
Would I come back? No.
House Roots has a very VERY bright espresso and I can appreciate it. This coffee shop is in a business complex and is open at very specific hours.
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