Hi LAHackers. This week we have a guest post from Coffee with Court. If you enjoy this article you can find out all about its author in her bio at the end!
Who would’ve thought 2020 would be the year we’re struck with a pandemic?! Many small businesses are looking to the community to stay afloat during these uncertain times.
With the support of the community, the coffee shops on this list are striving to serve good ole coffee, while making a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
Coffee shops are a staple in the daily routines of many. Why not switch up your routine and support a local black-owned coffee shop. Whether you’re in Echo Park or Inglewood, there’s a local cafe nearby to fulfill all of your caffeine needs.
We know Angelenos love a good $7 latte (with oat milk of course). Here are seven coffee shops in and around Los Angeles that are making their mark on the coffee scene.
South LA Cafe
Description:
This family-owned and operated cafe may be new on the block, but they have already become a force to be reckoned with in LA.
This cafe opened its doors in December as not only a coffee shop but also a marketplace where neighbors can stop by and purchase groceries. They strive to continue the marathon in the community by providing a place to come together for more than just coffee.
A warm, friendly vibe greets each customer as they walk through the doors into the family-like atmosphere. The words “coffee. community. connection.” are displayed around the interior and exterior of the cafe reminding us of this cafe’s mission.
Before you leave, don’t forget to snap a photo with your coffee in front of the Nipsey Hussle mural located inside the cafe!
Location:
1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062
Hack:
Looking for a way to give back and help those in need? This cafe hosts a food drive every Wednesday! Check out their Instagram page or website to find out how to donate a box of food to a local family.
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen
Description:
If you’re a fan of HBO’s Insecure, you may recognize this coffee shop. Hilltop served as the background for many scenes in the Emmy nominated tv show.
With two locations, one in View Park – Windsor Hills and the other in Inglewood, this coffee shop is making a name for itself around Los Angeles. A new location is set to open soon on the Eastside of LA.
The two-story Inglewood location is the perfect blend between a coffee shop and the local neighborhood hangout. The center of the cafe is an open coffee bar while the second floor is equipped with plenty of seating for gatherings.
The next time you find yourself in the area, make sure to stop by and get your coffee “for the climb”.
Location: 170 N La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301
4427 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90043
(Coming Soon to Eagle Rock)
Hack:
If you’re an avocado toast aficionado, order the avocado “droptop”. Hilltop’s take on the popular breakfast item is drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette on a thick slice of toasted sourdough.
Sip & Sonder
Description:
Grab a few quarters, pull up to a meter, and take a stroll down Market St with a latte from one of Inglewood’s best kept secrets.
This cafe provides the perfect backdrop for creatives, writers, and entrepreneurs to get to work. The long tables and comfy couches are the perfect spot to study or catch up with friends (post-pandemic of course).
Pull out your phone and order your iced honey latte with hemp milk as you sonder in and around the cafe. Sip & Sonder hosts monthly events for the community such as Cinema Night featuring a classic movie.
This cafe embodies every aspect of their motto “for the community. for the culture.”
Location:
108 S Market St, Inglewood, CA 90301
Hack:
Download the Joe coffee app and place your order ahead! The app offers amazing deals including a free drink every time you reach 1000 points.
VanillaBlack Coffee
Description:
Located a block away from LA’s famous Echo Lake is a coffee shop committed to being a pillar of positivity in their community.
Drive-by on any given morning and you’re likely to find a line of coffee enthusiasts waiting for their morning fix of caffeine. Don’t let the line scare you. The wait is never too long as the baristas know how to get customers in and out with their favorite morning drink.
Customer after customer walks out with cups appropriately saying “once you go black, you never go back”. If you’re a lavender fan, try the Layla Latte and tag #onceyougoblack on your Instagram photo.
Now that you’ve got your coffee, head on over to Echo Park and take a walk around the lake.
Location:
1825 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hack:
In need of a good Instagram photo? Well, get your camera ready! The window of this coffee shop displays various messages written in big balloons.
Undergrind Cafe
Description:
Go for the coffee, stay for the delicious food. In the heart of Beverlywood, you’ll find a bustling cafe serving lattes, lox, and lunch specials.
If you’re in the mood for breakfast try the Bite Supreme. This delicious sandwich tastes like heaven in the midst of a light & fluffy croissant. Completed with egg, cheese, bacon or sausage, arugula, tomato, avocado, & a black pepper spread.
Bright pink lids top off the many creative drink options such as the Tiger Island latte. This dream creation combines chocolate with coconut, chai tea, and a shot of espresso.
On any given day you will find the owner behind the counter helping prepare orders with a warm smile on her face. Stop by and say hello!
Location:
2713 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
Hack:
As you pick up your order, take a quick glance at the cinema lightbox on the counter. There you will see a message that serves as the perfect backdrop for your “coffee of the day” post.
Bloom & Plume
Description:
A purple and orange exterior grabs the attention of those who drive past. Inside customers will find flowers perfectly placed throughout the cafe.
The co-owner, Maurice Harris, is a well known florist who combined the elements of a coffee shop with your local florist to create an urban oasis just minutes from Downtown LA.
This coffee shop opened its doors in 2019 with the goal of making each customer feel like they belong. Place your order from the “food and drank ministry” menus and look around at the Bloom & Plume merchandise while you wait.
Take a drive to LA’s historic Filipino town where “thirst come and thirst served”.
Location:
1638 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Hack:
The menus are written on the cutest purple church fans! Why not fan yourself off (especially during hot LA summers) while deciding what to order.
Patria Coffee Roasters
Description:
In the heart of Compton, you’ll find the final coffee shop.
This local roaster offers a coffee subscription program where customers can have their coffee delivered on a recurring basis right to their doorstep.
Yelpers recommend the cafe de olla, a traditional Mexican coffee beverage topped with fresh cinnamon sticks. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try a latte with homemade vanilla or lavender syrup.
Order ahead of time on the shop’s website to enjoy the ease of contactless or curbside pick up. If you’d rather interact with a friendly barista, grab a little hand sanitizer at the door and order at the counter.
Location:
108 N Alameda St E, Compton, CA 90221
Hack:
Who doesn’t love freshly roasted coffee beans?! Yes, this coffee shop roasts their own beans in house. Order a bag of coffee beans today from their website.
Guest Writer
Courtney Gillard – Coffee with Court
I am an LA native with a passion for all things coffee.
Hoping to one day own a cafe of my own, I started a blog/IG page dedicated to finding the best coffee spots in LA.
This millennial, Yelp Elite foodie, Pepperdine alumna, and caffeine addict is on a hunt to find the perfect latte one cafe at a time.
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!