Los Angeles is massive. The traffic is legendary, the neighborhoods are distinct, and the coffee scene is overwhelming. I travel through LA for work often, and on my most recent trip, I found myself staying right in the heart of Downtown (DTLA).
While I spend a lot of time testing gear at home, there is something special about exploring a city's coffee culture firsthand. The problem with LA isn't finding coffee; it's finding the right coffee. You can easily get lost in a sea of aesthetic cafes.
But after navigating the grid and caffeinating my way through the morning meetings, I narrowed it down to three spots that delivered. Whether you are a local or just passing through for work like me, here are my favorite specialty coffee shops in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 1019 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
The Vibe: Minimalist
I have to start with my personal favorite. Maru isn't just a coffee shop; it feels like a sanctuary. Located in the Arts District, the space is incredibly intentional, cream tones, light wood, and a sense of calm that is hard to find in a busy city.
The Coffee: They treat coffee like a ritual here. The roast profile tends to be on the lighter, more delicate side, highlighting the tea-like qualities of the bean. If you visit, you have to try their signature "Cream Top." It is an iced long black topped with a sweet cream foam that adds texture without overpowering the coffee itself.
The Souvenir: I couldn't leave without a bag of their single-origin beans. I brewed them on my Moccamaster back home using the Fellow Ode Gen 2, and the clarity held up perfectly even days after the trip.
📍 Location: 833 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
The Vibe: Industrial Chic & Greenery
Verve originally hails from Santa Cruz, but they have planted deep roots in LA. Their Downtown location on Spring Street is stunning—high ceilings, industrial concrete, and walls of living plants that make the space feel alive. It is the perfect spot to open your laptop and get an hour of work done between meetings.
The Coffee: Verve bridges the gap between old-school comfort and modern specialty. Their "Farmlevel" initiative ensures they are sourcing ethically, and you can taste the quality. I usually go for a Gibralter here (similar to a Cortado). It is balanced, sweet, and consistently poured.
The Souvenir: Their "Streetlevel" blend is a classic. It is sweet and approachable, making it a great option if you are brewing for guests who might not be ready for a funky, light-roast Ethiopian.
📍 Location: 300 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
The Vibe: Reliable & Historic
I know, I know. Blue Bottle is everywhere now. But sometimes when you are traveling for work, you just need a guarantee. You need to know exactly what you are going to get, and Blue Bottle delivers that consistency every single time.
The Coffee: The Downtown location is inside the historic Bradbury Building, which is worth the visit alone just for the architecture. Their Hayes Valley Espresso is famous for a reason—it is dark, syrupy, and cuts through milk perfectly. If it's a hot LA day, their New Orleans Style Iced Coffee (cold brew with chicory and milk) is arguably the most refreshing drink in the city.
The Souvenir: If you want a blend that is impossible to mess up, grab a bag of Bella Donovan. It is practically bulletproof on a drip machine.
Do you own one of these coffee shops? Or own one you think should be on the list? CLICK HERE to reach out to collaborate or if you want me to edit any of the content about your spot.
LA's coffee scene is as sprawling as the city itself, but these three spots offer a perfect cross-section of what the city does best: the zen-like craft of Maru, the vibrant energy of Verve, and the steadfast consistency of Blue Bottle.
Regardless of which beans you bring back from your travels, you need the right station to support them. I have written deep-dive guides on how I organize my own counters for both workflows:
And remember, the best brewer in the world can't save bad beans. If you aren't traveling to LA anytime soon, I use Trade Coffee to ensure I always have fresh, single-origin bags delivered right to my door.
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