Day 13: Cafecito Organico
Probably in my top 5 places to go for a great coffee experience is Cafecito Organico in Silverlake. I came across what used to be a tiny space a few years ago, and although I don’t go nearly as much as I should, I love what it has become today. Every time I go here I’m reminded of why I love it. Their house-roasted coffee is always served to perfection. I haven’t had a drink here that I didn’t like. Ever. Their coffee menu has always been simple, but I have noticed that their alternative options have evolved over the years (in a good way). There are only a few pastry options, but they do have gluten free items (because you know, LA).
The biggest change I have noticed here is the outdoor space. It’s gone from a small, enclosed patio area to a larger patio with bar seating, to an entire secret oasis decorated in the most “backyard” feeling atmosphere I’ve seen at any coffee house. There’s astroturf, couches, ottomans, a deck, covered seating, a fire pit, and even outlets so you can get some work done over their free WiFi! It’s one of those places that makes you want to take root and stay all day. Definitely a happy place!
Day 12: H Café Luxxe Today I headed out West because the beach was calling me all week. I went for a run along Santa Monica’s boardwalk. It’s always a peaceful, calming experience for me when I go to the beach alone. I think I was made to be on the coast. After my run, I visited Café Luxxe, about a mile away from the shore for my morning latte.
At Luxxe, they roast their own beans using the Italian method which makes their signature flavor profile and dark reddish color, named “Testa Rossa”. They pride in making all drinks to order to ensure you get the best flavor in your cup. There are three locations on the westside to go and enjoy one of these skillfully created coffee drinks and their roaster is located in LA’s south bay area.
Day 11: Blue Bottle Coffee
Another great coffee spot in dtla’s Arts District is San Francisco based Blue Bottle. In the space that formerly housed Handsome Coffee Roasters, Blue Bottle has attracted many bean fiends. Blue Bottle gathers beans from around the world to make their own blends. They are also another coffee roasting company, so if you buy a bag of their beans, rest assured that they are gonna be fresh (to death)!
When it comes to pastries, they offer a few specialties at the bar. Partnered with Catlin Freeman of Modern Art Desserts, BB has a pretty good leg up on the sweets game. There is a cookbook for sale that includes some rather awesome looking desserts in the retail area.
Sticking to what they know, BB keeps their space clean and simple. There’s a bar, and a cupping/roasting room where you can have a free cupping session (every Tuesday at 4 pm) and some serious coffee talk! They limit to 25 people so get there a bit early.
There’s a good amount of seating inside around the bar, facing the huge window and a community bar table, and just a few benches (no tables) outdoors. On the weekends you are likely to find a food truck outside serving up some fancy grub on wheels.
There is another BB on the west side on Abbot Kinney. It’s a great stop for those Venice Beach days! I took a walk down Abbot Kenny to Blue Bottle and then headed to the beach for some quiet time. One of the best mornings ever! Here are some pics…
Day 10: Blacktop
The Arts District of dtla is a pretty trendy area with lots of restaurants and bars, some galleries, a few good coffee spots, and even a brewery. It has its own vibe even thought it’s still a part of dtla. That’s why I feel that Blacktop fits in so well. This coffee bar only serves your basic necessities, but they’ve perfected each one of them, turning them into art in a sense. The space is rather small, making it more of a stop and go type of coffee spot rather than a “stay and hang” out café.
They brew Sightglass coffee here at Blacktop. Sightglass is a San Francisco based coffee company that sources from Africa, South America, and The Pacific Islands. Blacktop is one of the only places I know that brews Sightglass. Every latte I’ve had from here has been smooth and kind of mild, not bitter at all which I love. They have a small selection of pastries if you need to munch on something while sipping your lovely beverage.
There is only a small outside seating area with a few wood benches and some chairs covered by a couple of trees and ivy. Very simple, but pretty to look at. Next door you can peruse At Alchemy Works for clothing or little details for the home. On the other side of Blacktop is Juice Served Here, ’cause you know, LA.
There is a parking spot directly in for for those who just need to run in, grab a drink, and go. So if you’re in a bit of a hurry, Blacktop has got you! Stop by if you have time or even if you don’t.
Day 9: Broome Street General Store
Sometimes a great coffee house offers you more than just great coffee. We’ve seen that in a few of the previous posts in this series, and Broome Street is definitely no exception. In addition to their coffee there is a selection of clothing, toiletries, home goods, groceries, and as the wall art says, “If you don’t see it ask for it”!
Residing in a rather uncongested area of Silverlake, Broome Street is the type of coffee house that you go to when you need something (not just want it). You know, like if you find yourself stranded in Silverlake and you absolutely need a leather dog leash, artisan soap, a blazer, bourbon vanilla extract, and a gibraltar to-go. Okay, so maybe it’s not the most practical of places, but they coffee does speak for itself.
Gimme! Coffee, a New York roasting company, is the bean of choice here. The majority of the drink menu is composed of coffee items. Outside of teas, there are a few non-java selections like hot chocolate, almond milk, and organic lavender as well. There are a few pastries at the counter and some basic lunch items like salads and sandwiches. A couple of popular food items at Broome are their “Fried Chicken Friday” special and a peach burrata salad.
In contrast to the tight spaced interior, there is an open outdoor patio with plenty of sunlight and seating. It’s a lovely place to gather with a friend or two and just enjoy each other’s company. Now all I have to do is find a friend to bring with me!
Eat. Go. Learn. Live. 