In Los Angeles, coffee shops serve as more than just places to grab a quick caffeine fix. They are where aspiring screenwriters pen their latest scripts, influencers snap photos for the ‘gram, singles meet for low-stakes first dates, and friends eventually catch up after rescheduling a few times. In this article we talk about Los Angeles Best Coffee Shops In 2024.
Yet even in image-conscious LA, according to INSIDEHOOK, there remains a passionate contingent who care deeply about the craft and science behind creating the perfect cup of coffee. This list threads the needle, highlighting LA’s top coffee shops that offer exceptional drinks while also providing an environment conducive to creativity, conversation or relaxed solo work.
Endorffeine – Chinatown
Tucked away in Chinatown lies Endorffeine, an utterly unique LA coffee shop that could easily be mistaken for an art gallery or omakase restaurant at first glance. The minimalist space contains a U-shaped bar manned by owner Jack Benchakul, a former biochemist and pastry chef turned high priest of LA’s coffee scene. At his nine-seat coffee altar, Benchakul meticulously prepares every drink to exacting standards, using his own proprietary mineral water blends during the brewing process.
While Endorffeine’s unadorned espresso drinks shine brightest, Benchakul also crafts more playful menu items like a cold brew latte with coconut milk, vanilla and pandan. Despite his encyclopedic coffee knowledge, his passion for the craft reads more as enthusiasm than pretension.
Dayglow – Silver Lake, West Hollywood
Dayglow’s Instagram-friendly Silver Lake location may be awash in pinks, whites and neon, but take note – this is no style-over-substance coffee spot. As a self-proclaimed “multi-roaster” cafe, Dayglow rotates through beans from up-and-coming roasters across the globe, making it a perfect place to discover new flavor profiles.
Patrons can purchase bags from the ever-changing merch wall to brew at home, or subscribe to Dayglow’s monthly coffee box. The menu features classic espresso drinks and hand brews as well as more fanciful options like the Moonrise Kingdom – espresso, maple-bourbon vanilla, milk, smoked salt and marshmallow. The recently expanded West Hollywood location warrants a visit too.
Go Get Em Tiger – Larchmont, Los Feliz, West Hollywood, DTLA, Highland Park, Culver City, Santa Monica
Born from a lone Larchmont Village cafe in 2013, Go Get Em Tiger (GGET) has blossomed into a beloved local chain with seven locations across the greater LA area. Each outpost maintains the charm of an independent shop, serving beans roasted in-house in a German iron cast roaster.
GGET takes particular pride in its house-made almond-macadamia milk, which shines in drinks like cortados, cappuccinos and their famous iced latte. Food also rates highly, especially the breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Don’t sleep on the pastries either – they stand among LA’s finest. The olive tree-lined Los Feliz location is a particular standout.
Maru – Arts District, Los Feliz, Beverly Hills
With its ample sunlight and light wood interiors, Maru has become an influencer favorite. But don’t let the style distract from the substance – they take their coffee equally seriously. Patrons can observe the roasting process first-hand at the Arts District flagship location through glass walls.
Drink offerings run the gamut from pour-over coffees to cortados and cream-topped beverages like the Bon Bon, featuring espresso, sweetened cream and a cinnamon rim. For eastsiders, Maru also operates an espresso bar located inside The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel. The pared down menu focuses solely on traditional espresso preparations in a sleek, refined setting.
Kumquat – Highland Park, DTLA Financial District
Equal parts coffee shop and playground for caffeine enthusiasts, Kumquat carries beans from a rotating cast of acclaimed roasters. This makes it an excellent place to expand one’s coffee palate beyond standard Starbucks fare.
In addition to textbook espresso beverages, Kumquat also prepares unique drinks like the Cloudy With a Chance of Peanuts – espresso, peanut butter foam and cold milk. Non-coffee offerings include matcha lattes, milk tea and chai. While waiting for their order at the counter, guests can shop bags of beans and high-end coffee paraphernalia to brew better cups at home. Kumquat also serves some of LA’s finest affogatos – espresso poured tableside over McConnell’s ice cream.
Hooked – Venice
For those willing to venture to Venice Beach, Hooked offers an utterly unique coffee experience. Located inside Dudley Market seafood restaurant and wine bar, Hooked is the brainchild of Nicely Alameda – an award-winning barista well-regarded among LA’s coffee elite.
From Wednesday to Sunday between 8am-1pm, Alameda himself mans the bar, serving his signature Cafe Rico featuring espresso, milk, homemade vanilla and fresh orange oil. For those craving classic, well-crafted espresso drinks by the beach, Hooked is a hidden Venice gem.
Verve – West Hollywood, Arts District, DTLA, W. 3rd Street, Manhattan Beach
Founded up north in Santa Cruz, Verve now operates five acclaimed shops across Los Angeles. The West Hollywood location sports a shaded patio perfect for getting in a few hours of work. However their crown jewel lies in the Arts District – a sprawling 7,000 square foot space with Verve’s full range of offerings – nitro flash brews, lattes on draft, pour overs along with food and pastries.
Outfitted with ample seating and standing counters, Verve Arts District functions almost as a co-working space meets coffee house. For those craving great coffee and even better people watching, Verve West Hollywood remains an iconic LA fixture.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these seven coffee shops promise to elevate your caffeine experience in Los Angeles in 2024. From meticulously crafted beverages to Instagram-worthy spaces, each spot offers a unique take on the city’s thriving coffee culture. So, grab your reusable cup, and embark on a caffeinated adventure through the best of LA’s coffee scene. I sincerely hope you like reading this “Los Angeles Best Coffee Shops In 2024-Where to Find the Perfect Brew?” article.
Julio Figueroa is a seasoned chef with over 12 years of experience in fine dining. He holds a degree in Culinary Arts from Le Cordon Bleu and is passionate about culinary innovation. As the lead contributor to chefdecuisinelosangeles.com, Julio shares his expertise and unique recipes with food enthusiasts. Connect with him on Instagram for more culinary inspiration.