By: Hannah George, Kendall Moller, Haley Bosselman By: Hannah George, Kendall Moller, Haley Bosselman | September 25, 2024 | Food & Drink,
For a bite to eat, luscious latte or go-to work-from-home spot, local coffee shops are all the buzz. Read on for Modern Luxury’s top picks for coffee shops in Los Angeles.
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An Angeleno coffee staple that doubles as an Instagram hotspot, Alfred’s got it all from chagaccinos to the famed iced vanilla latte. Don’t forget to check out their vegan treats, to-die-for burritos and limited-time specials, which are usually inspired by the changing of the seasons.
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It’s hard to walk out of this yellow-cup coffee spot without a smile on your face. La La Land Kind Cafes are what sunshine would look like as coffee shops, and even better is that its drinks are delightful. Here you can treat yourself to the likes of the Butterfly Matcha Latte (that tastes just like fruity pebbles) and the honey-hinted La La Latte or fuel up with decadent avocado toasts and flavorsome paninis.
Website/ 710 N Edinburgh Ave 90046
Angelenos from the West to the East side have heard about the buzzworthy Community Goods coffee concept. Effortlessly nonchalant and impeccably cool, this caffeine pitstop is sure to have a line of individuals anticipating bando bread with passion fruit butter, Joe’s Matcha or the bite-sized breakfast sliders—plus more off of the “if you know, you know” menu.
Website/ 4310 W Jefferson Blvd 90016
Coffee, beer, wine and a delicious menu—what more could you ask for in a neighborhood cafe? Specializing in drinks and eats served in an open and airy setting, Highly Likely’s menu teems with treats, including specialty coffees such as the horchata latte or the Ok, Great (Mexican Coke, espresso and cardamom bitters), and breakfast that’s served until 3 p.m. With a new location now open in Highland Park, Highly Likely has what you need to get you through your day—wherever you might be in L.A.
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Co-founded by native Angelenos Ajay Relan and Yonnie Hagos, Hilltop is a stylish, inclusive space for locals and visitors to enjoy. Not only can you find divine beverages and food, such as the seasonal sweet potato latte paired with the bangin’ breakfast sandwich, but a comfortable and welcoming environment that takes pride in the community as well.
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Australia-based Ministry of Coffee roasts all their blends in Sydney and delivers to various locations, including ones right here in Los Angeles. Serving as your comfortable yet chic local go-to, Ministry of Coffee’s quality cannot be beaten. Try out the espressos and lattes, or if caffeine’s not your thing, an array of fresh-pressed juices and organic smoothies are there for the taking. Don't forget to try the salmon Benedict Eggs Royale for a splendid start to your morning.
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Creating a coffee experience “from seed to cup,” Santa Cruz-based Verve Coffee Roasters pours Fair Trade coffee in various L.A. locations from downtown L.A.’s Arts District to WeHo. Pour-over coffee, craft drinks—including the espresso tonic—and a wide assortment of tea make up the menu, while whole-bean bags and plenty of swag are available to take home.
Website/ 13251 Moorpark St 91423
Nestled in the heart of Sherman Oaks, M Street Coffee brings you organic, locally roasted coffee beans carefully sourced from trusted farms. Fans of rich, bold flavors will love this cozy spot, where every cup comes with a sense of community and connection. Just take a look around: the space is always filled with work by local artists. Whether you’re sipping solo or catching up with friends, M Street Cafe has plenty of space for good vibes and great coffee.
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Coffee & Plants is a plant-based coffee shop with a purpose- saving the planet, one cup at a time. Located in Pasadena and Studio City, this charming, plant-based cafe by Leona Lewis entices with its Instagram-friendly aesthetic, but will have you coming back thanks to its excellent menu items like the lavender latte, pink matcha and loaded tartines. With every sip you are reducing the environmental impact of the dairy industry and helping plant trees through their partnership with the National Forest Foundation. Even better? A portion of proceeds from select items supports Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, helping animals in need. Delicious drinks with a cause? Count us in!
Website/ 2510 Temple St 90026
Doubting Thomas brings a fresh twist to your everyday brew. Try their house-roasted Ethiopia-Columbia blend or indulge in a cold brew topped with fig leaf cream and lime zest. The menu highlights handcrafted ingredients including homemade sweeteners to fresh almond milk, which are all made in-house from seasonal market goods. Don’t miss the “Muddy Chai,” a rich blend of double espresso, homemade chai, chocolate ganache and milk and crowned with a dash of cinnamon. Pair your drink with standout baked goods, such as the passion fruit pie with a macadamia graham crust, passion friend custard, house-whipped cream and fresh passion fruit.
Website/ 11824 Ventura Blvd 91604
In its tranquil Studio City atmosphere, Yala Coffee is serving up unique and flavorful brews. The natural Ethiopian Yirgacheffe house blend is the star of the show, especially in creative drinks like the Evil Eye— a sand coffee with house-made cardamom cream, honey and a sugar-rimmed cup. For a floral twist, the Orange Blossom Oat Latte blends honey and orange blossom water with creamy oat milk. Yala’s inviting vibes make it the perfect spot to relax and sip on something special.
Website/ 1865 S Mansfield Blvd 90019
Jurassic Magic is a must-visit for anyone seeking more than just a caffeine fix. These skilled baristas have mastered the art of coffee making, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for customers. The eclectic range of teas pairs well with the inspiring selection of books that explore cultures from around the world. The vibrant shop makes it the perfect place for catching up with friends or savoring a quiet moment. With a menu that blends local favorites with fresh, innovative twists, this cafe will be your magical escape.
Website/ 4459 Sunset Blvd 90027
This buzz-worthy Korean cafe opened its first U.S. spot in L.A. in May 2024, bringing a super hip and playful vibe to the local coffee scene. This isn’t your typical chain— its all about quality, featuring a unique blend of beans from Central and South America. The signature Camel Latte (a must-try!) combines orange, chocolate, milk and espresso for a one-of-a-kind treat. Matcha lovers, don't worry; the creamy matcha is sure to win you over. Plus, Camel offers vegan cream for all your dairy-free dreams!
Website/Various
Maru brings the spirit of the mountaintop to every cup. Named after the Korean word “San Ma Ru,” this cafe is all about quality, highlighting beans grown at high altitudes. Known for its simple yet exceptional approach to coffee, Maru’s minimalist ethos and love for process shine through in every brew. Fans of their famous matcha or classic espresso drinks will appreciate their balance, intention and dedication to the craft. Roasted locally and made with heart, Maru turns everyday coffee into an art form.
Website/ 1173 S Robertson Blvd 90035
If you find yourself in need of a caffeine kick while in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, look no further than Supa. The hip-hop-inspired shop brims with music nostalgia items and small-batch goods like candles, non-alcoholic beverages, beauty products and more, making it feel like you’re in a community epicenter. Most importantly, the coffee is great whether you opt for a classic drink or a specialty beverage. You can’t go wrong with the signature Dr. Dre Supafly Iced Latte (espresso-cold brew blend, blue hibiscus tea, milk of choice).
See also: 12 Top Avocado Toasts In Los Angeles
Photography by: Courtesy Alfred Coffee