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When All Else Fails, Turn to Coffee

Written By: Charlotte Farrell

No matter how you prepare the night before—laying out your outfit, avoiding screens, nixing sweets past 7 p.m.—that alarm goes off and you are clawing for the snooze button because you think those five extra minutes will make it less miserable to ‘rise and shine.’ And then you realize you’re out of coffee, or you forgot to set your auto-brew. Before you curse humanity, consider quitting your job and hide under the covers, check out some coffee shops—especially on Sept. 29, aka National Coffee Day—that we think will kick your ‘you-know-what’ into high gear to make it through a busy day in LA. 

 

Pasadena Paradise

This North Pasadena coffee haven is a hot spot for espresso snobs, families and Instagrammers—you’ve probably seen the honeycomb shelves and indoor market lights in your feed. Lavender & Honey plays all the hits on the espresso bar, as well as their signature Honeybee Latte and French Lavender Breve; but what sets this quaint shop apart are its delectable toasts and sandwiches. Get one and then get another; you won’t regret it.

Native Knowledge: The cold brew is a must. Try one of their specialty drinks from the Cold Brew bar or pick up a bottle of the concentrate to enjoy at home.

Lavender and Honey Espresso Bar
1383 E Washington Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91104
626.529.5571

 

Caffeine O’Clock

I know quite a few people that will go out of their way to grab a morning sip or afternoon pick-me-up at Alfred Coffee. With seven locations throughout LA, we think it is totally acceptable to stroll in a few minutes late to work with one of their drinks in hand—as long as you got one for your boss, too.

Native Knowledge: Their online shop is dangerous if you love cute mugs, matcha powder or solid tote bags with punny sayings. We apologize in advance, and we won’t judge if your wallet is a bit lighter in the name of their adorable selection.

Alfred Coffee
490 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
424.335.0170

How Brew-tiful

Culver City is constantly proving itself as the hub of all that is new and cool in LA, and Cognoscenti Coffee is the perfect example. The menu is simple, but the flavors are complex, bold and memorable.

Native Knowledge: Non-coffee drinkers can sip on hot chocolate as well as hot, iced and chai tea.

Cognoscenti Coffee
6114 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232
310.363.7325

 

Morning Glory

It seems like the wardrobe of the Menotti’s customer is pretty standard: circle sunglasses, some form of distressed or retro denim, skate shoes or slides and an attitude that is characteristic of LA without the pretension or stuffiness. There is style and substance here, and their drinks are pretty rad as well—activated charcoal cappuccino, anyone?

Native Knowledge: You can catch their Menotti’s truck making stops throughout LA. Check out their twitter @Menottis to find out where it will be next!

Menotti’s Coffee Shop
56 Windward Ave
Venice, CA 90291
424.205.7014

 

Fill It Up, Before You Go Go

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Almond Macadamia Latte. Fizzy Hoppy Tea. Housemade Chai. These are just a few of our favorite drinks at Go Get Em Tiger. We think you’ll be a fan, too.

Native Knowledge: Their brunch is made for early or late risers. Enjoy grub like homemade granola or scrambled eggs on a biscuit from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Go Get Em Tiger
230 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004
323.380.5359

 

What Do You Bean?

The coastal influence is strong with this one. Light-hearted and warm, Demitasse’s drinks are made-to-order, like their Pistachio Rose Latte and the Macchiato, both fan favorites that make us drool—like, a lot.

Native Knowledge: If you’re not in the mood for coffee, pressed juices by Rejuice are delivered daily. And for those who like a gluten-free snack, Erin McKenna’s bakery has some treats ready for you to nom nom nom on with your cup of joe.

Demitasse
1149 3rd St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
424.322.0959

 

Roast to the Good Life

While you enjoy that Mexican Mocha or Classic Cold Brew, know that you are supporting a local business that cares about their community. They are constantly trying to help out in some fashion, be it through fundraisers, food drives, showcasing pieces from local artists, hosting live music from emerging singers/songwriters and so much more. We’ll drink to that!

Native Knowledge: Brunch is served all day, so if you need something more than coffee on your stomach, we suggest the Breakfast Tacos.

Groundworks Coffee
671 Rose Ave
Venice, CA 90291
310.664.8830