Trejos Coffee & Donuts
6785 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
This donut shop is in the corner of where I live. Its walking distance so I decided to give it a try.I was shocked to see they are only open for a few hours. They close at 4 pm everyday! Very shocking.We came on a Friday and they had a happy hour 50% off donuts so it was perfect. Since the donuts are about 2.75 each. So I got to try a donut for a dollar and some for almost 2$ but still better than regular price.It was about 330 when we came in. The store is pretty small so you walk in and the donuts are to the right. Only 1 cashier ringing people up and getting your donuts. The girl was very slow... she had three people in front of me and it took forever to reach me. I was literally about to leave . I didnt see her trying to rush. So I was about to leave even though I was next. A line formed behind me and a guy left! He didnt have the time to wait. Either they need a second worker or the girl needs to be great at multi tasking and getting people in and out!I tried the cinnamon one and the piñata donut. To be honest I was excited to try them but I was quickly disappointed after eating them. They tasted like regular donuts without the price.Usually if you go to yum yums you get a donut for a 1$ or less and here for the same quality you pay more. The only difference it that they add different toppings to the donut and it makes it seem fancy.The next day I ended going to yum yums for a regular glaze! It left me wanting more. I will not come back. Maybe only to try the bacon donut but if theres a line Im not willing to wait.
Balam Organic Coffee Roaster Original Farmers M...
The Original Farmers Market, 6333 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Balam Organic Coffee Roasters and was thoroughly impressed by the experience. The quality of their roast is exceptional, with beans sourced from organic farms that are roasted to perfection on-site. Each cup I tasted boasted a complex profile of flavors that were both rich and nuanced, indicating the meticulous care taken in the roasting process.Their coffee tasting session was an enlightening journey through different origins and roasts, guided by knowledgeable Roasters and friends who were passionate and informative. The flavors were diverse and expertly curated, catering to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike.The Coffee 101 class was the highlight of my visit. It was both educational and engaging, providing valuable insights into the coffee-making process from bean to cup. The class demystified the art of coffee making and offered hands-on experience, which was a delightful bonus.Overall, the balance of price and quality at Balam Organic Coffee Roasters is commendable. Its a haven for coffee lovers seeking to deepen their understanding of organic coffee in a warm and welcoming environment. Highly recommended!
Alfred Coffee
3337 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026, United States
Arrived today at 5:20pm and asked what time store closed and was told 6:00pm so we decided to stop for a coffee after shopping locally.Ordered a tall Red Eye and a Tall Cafe Latte but was served and charged for a large latte total cost before tip $10:50 so not the cheapest coffee in town.Watched the Barista make the latte and thought the expresso looked very pale like the grounds had been used before.Sat on the outdoor terrace and discovered that my latte was merely a lukewarm milk drink. Was debating whether to complain about the latte when at 5:40pm the man working in the store came out onto the terrace and started placing the chairs on the tables which made us feel unwelcome so we decided to leave.As we left the terrace he locked the door behind us and we saw that the female barista was already sweeping up the store.I mentioned that the latte was merely lukewarm milk and the barista said she was sorry.Horrible unfriendly service, horrible coffee. Will never be returning.
Bobs Coffee & Doughnuts
6333 W 3rd St #450, Los Angeles, CA 90036, United States
Less than fresh donuts with no care or attention to the dough texture or flavor. The “New Orleans style beignets” were of little resemblance to actual New Orleans beignets or French beignet or any kind of French pastry at all.We were convinced into upgrading to ordering a dozen and none of the cakes impressed me this included the blueberry which was stale and lacking any kind of actual blueberry flavor or essence. He ordered the m&m cake which would have been an interesting idea, because the m&m's were baked into the cake but the cake was stale.The coffee was fine and the staff was friendly so three points for that and the exterior which is kitschy and cute.It would have definitely gotten 5 out of 5 with just a little more care into the cakes and the beignet recipes.Maybe the donuts are more fresh in the morning as my friend and I went at around 6 pm for dessert donuts after dinner at the farmers market.Still though I think serving these donuts as beignets is doing a disservice to the name of the French pastry.
The Boy & The Bear - Coffee Roastery
12712 Washington Blvd Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90066, United States
The warm and inviting aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans greets you as you enter The Boy and Bear coffee shop in Culver City. This cozy coffee house is a hidden gem tucked away in a quiet street, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle outside.The friendly baristas warmly welcome you and are happy to recommend one of their single origin coffees from Columbia. Their carefully curated collection of beans are always fresh, producing a well-balanced yet complex cup of coffee.Seating includes communal wood tables as well as cozy nooks with plush armchairs—ideal spots to relax with a book or laptop. An assortment of pastries, sweet or savory goods are available to perfectly pair with your coffee. But the real highlight is the atmosphere: sunlight filters through large windows lining the front, as a mix of locals work, read or chat over refills in hushed tones.There is a quiet energy that stimulates creativity and productivity, whether you want to sketch some ideas, draft a story or simply get lost in your thoughts. Without the distractions and noises of a busier environment, you can fully immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of the moment.The Boy and Bear is a hidden gem that has built a devoted following of regulars for good reason. Superlative coffee, friendly service and a space conducive to thinking and creating combine for an experience that engages all the senses. Once discovered, it becomes a place you find yourself returning to again and again.
Intelligentsia Coffee Silver Lake Coffeebar
3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, United States
I was in town for the National Brewers Cup in Long Beach for the weekend, and I was told this is one of the best shops in LA. I had my reservations because it is a gigantic coffee roaster that has truly over extended itself to the point of losing touch with great coffee, but because I was here, at one of their best shops in the country, I figured Id try it out.Needless to say, I should have gone with my gut. First the line was incredibly long, which I really dont mind if the product is worth it, but after I stood there for 35 minutes, I was ready for something delicious. I tried to talk with the barista about the coffee, got a couple of grumbles and sideways glances, then I asked the other barista about the espresso machine, a very basic question, and he could not even tell me what kind of espresso machine it was. Classic baristatude that makes all baristas look bad.Then the espresso, I ordered their $3.75 single origin espresso, and they served me a terrible shot. It was sour and bitter, the clear sign of a side channel or defect in the shot, which most experienced baristas should know what to look for. And since they were less than approachable, I didnt ask them to prepare another.Terrible service, terrible espresso, good thing they have the hype. I would have rather traveled 25 minutes to GoGetEmTiger to get a good shot that have to deal with that again.
TPO Coffee
537 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020, United States
This coffee shop is antithetical to the concept of a coffee shop - the coffee is not very good and made me sick and the atmosphere feels more like a surveillance state than a third space for community / meetups. I was told upon taking a singular sip of my water bottle that the no outside food policy applies also to water bottles, which feels ludicrous considering that I genuinely had water in my bottle and did not want to waste water / time asking for a water bottle following that I took a long walk to get to the space.This place honestly feels like a scam. The library-like lighting and general loud chatter of the space, along with the notion that they can move you at any point (the hostess said that since we are a party of 2 she was planning on moving us at any point since only tables of 4 are available and offered no option of waiting). Also, for a place in Los Angeles, theres super little attention paid to non dairy vs dairy milk options. I genuinely had the worst dairy attack of my life following going here. I normally try not to be so uptight about allergies, especially in more suburban areas Ive lived in but it feels like a pretty standard thing to not mess up at a coffee shop in Los Angeles. Lastly, I saw the hostess pretty much ask only the Latinx and Black people to buy extra items if a member of their party had not arrived yet (per their one item per person policy), which feels weird and frankly, racist. I had already bought my items but I noticed this too late and did not want to walk out before my food and drinks came out.
Loquat Coffee
1201 Cypress Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065, United States
Loquat, as mentioned in their bio, is a private label of the beloved Kumquat coffee. I first stumbled upon this place (December 5, 2023) after initially trying to find parking at Kumquat dtla location, street parking was impossible so I told my partner let's try out Loquat instead. At Loquat, free parking is available along the Main Street, might have to park a couple blocks down, which isn't a problem since the neighborhood seems calm imo. Upon entering Loquat Coffee, we were greeted by the employees, which might not seem significant to some but it honestly makes a difference. We felt welcomed right off the bat. I ordered the Guatemala Antigua pour-over and my partner ordered the ceremonial matcha iced latte. The pour- over was well executed, to the barista who did the job thank you. The coffee grounds were not scalded at any point. The precise temperature allowed the coffee grounds to elicit the notes of dark chocolate and green apple. The coffee was smooth and enjoyable at every sip, as it was not acidic. My partners review for the iced match latte was 8/10. She prefers the ones prepped at Kumquot coffee, specifically dtla location. If you've been reading up to this point, there is additional parking on the streets where the houses are situated. If you can, try to opt out of to-go-cups, enjoy the coffee in a mug or glass. Would I return to Loquat? Of course, I will continue to try out the pour-overs and the other items offered. Would I recommend Loquat? Yes, I would definitely, whether it's to family or friends. Give this place a try, you can't go wrong with Kumquat or Loquat.
Sightglass Coffee
7051 Willoughby Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Ok this place is almost everything you want it to be and I hope it gets there because there is so much good about this place but its falling just a little bit short. Lets break it down:SERVICE: Its providing the quality of a sit down restaurant but its really just a grab and go/grab and sit so there is no server (probably because hourly wage in LA is impossible to hit profit margins/ I know I lost a business after 10 years of being open and the top of our space) anything you need is on you to get except when dining in they will bring the food to you. Wait times on ordering can be a tad long for a grab and go but tolerable. Line to order is frustrating sometimes though especially if your buying something from the grocery side - really you need a self check out! Please add!FOOD: The food is honestly great! Better than 99% of grab and goes in the area and many full service restaurants as well. The ingredients are fresh and the prices reflect but I appreciate what youre doing here...most places in LA use cheap ingredients to maximize profit margins. Here youre getting quality but you are paying for it. It would be awesome though if you werent always running out of things...this is your downfall food wise right now. Increase supply there is obviously demand.ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is solid. I appreciate the warehouse vibe. The table layout though needs work there is a lot of deadspace still here that can be utilized...how about adding more 1 & 2 person booths? A lot of people here to work or take a quick meeting that dont want to be on top of other people at the communal tables.COFFEE: I am not a coffee snob so most of what I have had here has been great but they do run out of a lot of stuff so again increase supply there is obviously demand.RECAP: The earlier you come the more likely to get the good stuff. Quality is great here but the prices reflect. Come prepared. Getting a clean table is a bit of a tetris match at peak hours. Service is mostly on you and prepare to wait a tolerable amount of time. I rate this a 4.4...excited to see this place evolve and I hope for the best!Good luck and see ya soon :)
Gardens Coffee & Tea
3149 Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039, United States
I have been going to Gardens Coffee for about 1 year and a half. Since the first day I entered through the doors, I am always greeted with a big smile, and on all occassions I have felt welcomed by all the friendly staff members. After only a couple of times, they already knew my name and each time as soon as I walk in, I am greeted Good morning Norma, followed by a smiile. I have often felt as if I am entering a family home, and everytime, the owner, Harry, comes and starts up a nice conversation with me.Gardens Coffee has an amazing selection of speciality coffees, teas, shakes, and detoxing drinks. I look foward to drinking their Matcha, specifically on those times when I have had a bad day, and stop by at Gardens Coffee and my mood changes. They have the best Matcha in town!!I am a cancer survivor, therefore I am very cognizant what I ingest. Gardens Coffee and Tea utilizes the best ingredients, all natural, and organic, always keeping their customers special diet in mind. Can be somewhat problematic at other cafes, not at Gardens Coffee. I am always told whatever you want.There was one time when I suggested a particular non-dairy milk that does not have a certain ingredient that causes cancer. The next day, I went into Gardens Coffee, ordered my Matcha, and I was shown the very same brand of non-dairy milk, I had told them about only 1 day before. I can order anything on their nenu, and they gladly substitute any ingredients to my vegan specifications. Now this is what I call the most unique and outstanding cafe I have ever gone to. What makes Gardens Coffee different from every other cafe? Is they care about the well-being of every individual that enters through their doors. This is just two of the many reasons why I continue to come to Gardens Coffee and Tea.Last year, I went to two events, and had Gardens create a few platers for me, as well as a fruit and cheese charcuterie board. The owner, Harry told me he will personally go to the market and get all of the items himself. I asked for vegan cheese too, along with the regular cheese. I also mentioned how I at one time ate a delicious vegan cheese that had cranberries in it and how I could never find it again. On both times, when I picked up my catering dishes, I was so amazed and pleasantly surprised by not only how delicious everything looked, but by also how beautiful the presentation was. The charcuterie board had so many different types of fruits, and there was five varations of vegan cheese, and guess what? the absolutely flavorful vegan raspberry cheese, was included. I dont know how Harry found it, however I was beyond delighted. Everyone at the 2 seperate events I had gone to were very impressed by the presentation (they said the cheese and fruit board looked like a magnificent piece of art) and how good everything tasted.I highly recommend stopping by at Gardens Coffee and Tea for any of their mouthwatering meals, or tasty organic drinks. Take the time to dine in and enjoy the coziest atmosphere with their soothing music. Hey, you may even want to dance, as I do everytime I walk through the doors of Gardens Coffee. Come experience, for yourself, the best kept secret on Los Feliz Blvd.