Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles for Coffee Experts
Los Angeles is known for its sunshine, beaches, and entertainment industry, but it’s also a city that knows good coffee. Over the years, LA’s coffee culture has grown, and it’s now home to some truly impressive coffee shops. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or a professional looking for well-crafted brews, the coffee scene in LA won’t disappoint.
Here’s a guide to some of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles for true coffee experts.
1. Go Get Em Tiger
Go Get Em Tiger (or GGET) is a fan favorite in LA’s coffee scene. With several locations across the city, this coffee shop focuses on quality and innovation. GGET has a strong reputation for its commitment to sourcing the finest beans, which they roast in-house. Their impeccable espresso blends and pour-over options attract coffee connoisseurs from all over.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their famous “Sweet Latte,” which uses house-made almond macadamia milk and has a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the coffee’s natural flavors. Whether you’re drinking inside the modern, minimal space or grabbing a cup to-go, GGET always delivers.
2. Intelligentsia Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is a name that often pops up when talking about premium coffee. This Chicago-based company operates three iconic locations in Los Angeles: Silver Lake, Venice, and Pasadena. What sets Intelligentsia apart is their meticulous focus on sourcing beans directly from farmers, emphasizing sustainability and fair practices.
Their coffee options are always fresh, and their baristas are skilled experts who take pride in their work. Whether you’re ordering a single-origin espresso or a seasonal pour-over, the process is tailored to bring out the best flavors of the beans. The Silver Lake location even roasts beans on-site, so you can smell the coffee magic as soon as you walk in.
3. Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee needs no introduction to coffee lovers. This global favorite has several locations in LA, offering expertly made coffee in a stylish yet casual environment. Blue Bottle is known for its “less-is-more” philosophy. They focus on producing clean, bright coffee with a simple menu.
Their cold brew is a must-try, especially for LA’s warm weather. Coffee experts adore Blue Bottle for their brewing precision and their famously fresh beans — no bag of coffee sits longer than 48 hours before being served. Tip: Pair your coffee with one of their fresh pastries; you won’t regret it.
4. Verve Coffee Roasters
Santa Cruz-based Verve Coffee Roasters has made a strong impact in LA with its West Hollywood location. Known for their eco-friendly practices, Verve sources high-quality beans directly from farmers and roasts them in small batches to ensure perfection. Each cup is crafted with care, showcasing the unique characteristics of the bean.
Their nitro cold brew is a crowd favorite, offering a smooth and creamy texture that coffee aficionados can’t get enough of. The trendy space is perfect for sipping coffee, meeting friends, or getting a little work done.
5. Eightfold Coffee
Located in Echo Park, Eightfold Coffee is a hidden gem for coffee experts. This small but charming café prides itself on simplicity and attention to detail. They specialize in serving third-wave coffee made from single-origin beans, and their talented baristas ensure every pour-over or espresso shot is spot-on.
What sets Eightfold apart is its laid-back vibe paired with a minimalistic design. The coffee is the star here, and the shop’s peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for a reflective coffee experience.
6. Alfred Coffee
Alfred Coffee is known for its catchy tagline: “But First, Coffee.” This stylish chain has become an Instagram favorite thanks to its trendy interiors and photogenic drinks. But beyond the aesthetics, Alfred offers great coffee that coffee experts can appreciate.
Their signature drinks, like the vanilla latte or matcha latte, are truly special. Alfred also serves Stumptown Coffee, a trusted name in the world of specialty coffee. If you’re looking for a coffee shop that combines expert-level coffee with a fashionable vibe, Alfred is your spot.
7. Dayglow
Dayglow is not just a coffee shop — it’s a coffee experience. Located in Silver Lake, Dayglow stands out for its unique approach to coffee. They source beans from different roasters around the world, giving visitors the chance to try rare and exceptional coffee varieties.
Their seasonal menu includes creative drinks like lavender lattes and perfected espresso. Coffee lovers rave about Dayglow’s attention to detail and willingness to push boundaries in coffee preparation. If you’re looking for interesting flavors and new experiences, visit Dayglow.
8. Cognoscenti Coffee
Cognoscenti Coffee is a must-visit for coffee experts in Los Angeles. Known for their minimalist design and dedication to quality, Cognoscenti is a haven for those who appreciate craft coffee. Their baristas take pride in every shot of espresso and every pour-over they create.
The shop’s rotating selection of beans comes from top-tier roasters, ensuring you’ll find something new and exciting with every visit. Cognoscenti’s focus on technique and precision makes it a favorite of coffee purists.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned coffee expert or just someone who loves a great cup of coffee, Los Angeles offers plenty of options to explore. From innovative drinks to carefully crafted pour-overs, each shop listed above brings something unique to the table. Next time you’re in LA, make time to visit these coffee spots and experience what makes the city a haven for coffee lovers.
After all, in a city that never stops moving, there’s always time for great coffee!
