From Echo Park to Santa Monica, LA’s indie coffee scene thrives beyond the mainstream chains. Local favorites like Dinosaur Coffee and Stories Books & Cafe serve up carefully crafted brews in spaces that capture the creative spirit of their neighborhoods.
Whether it’s the minimalist vibes at Endorffeine in Chinatown or the artistic atmosphere at Harun Coffee in Leimert Park, each cafe brings its own distinct character to the SoCal coffee culture.
Discover your new LA coffee spot below!
Featured Coffee Houses in Los Angeles
- Endorffeine
- Demitasse (Santa Monica)
- Maru Coffee
- Café Integral
- Dinosaur Coffee
- Stories Books & Cafe
- Cafe De Mama
- Cafe Santo (Montebello)
- Harun Coffee
- Canyon Coffee
Independent Coffee Houses in Los Angeles
Cafe De Mama
What to Expect
Injeolmi Mochi Latte
Description
Cafe De Mama is a Korean cafe in Koreatown offering a variety of specialty drinks like the black sesame cream latte and injeolmi mochi latte. It also features croffles, a mix of croissants and waffles, available plain or with strawberry and injeolmi cream. The cafe's interior includes tasteful vintage touches and a distinct blue exterior.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Cafe De Mama
Dinosaur Coffee
What to Expect
Jurassic Park-inspired design
Description
Dinosaur Coffee is a community-driven coffee shop offering specialty coffee and a welcoming space. It features a modern, Jurassic Park-inspired design and serves Four Barrel Coffee. The cafe provides ample seating and reliable Wi-Fi, making it ideal for freelancers and those seeking a comfortable spot to relax or work.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Dinosaur Coffee
Harun Coffee
What to Expect
Art Gallery and Community Space
Description
Harun Coffee is a vibrant coffee shop in Leimert Park, serving high-quality coffee beans sourced from Ethiopia's Sidamo province. It also functions as an art gallery and community space, featuring artwork by emerging Black artists and hosting panels with creatives. Next door is Harun Intl, offering branded merchandise and coffee beans.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Harun Coffee
Maru Coffee
What to Expect
Minimalist Korean-inspired design
Description
Maru Coffee offers a minimalist and intimate atmosphere, focusing on high-quality coffee with a Korean aesthetic. The Los Feliz location features specialty drinks like the Cream Top and Spiced Cold Brew, crafted with care. Maru Espresso Bar in Beverly Hills specializes in espresso-based drinks, providing a classic coffee experience.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Maru Coffee
Cozy Cafes in Los Angeles
Stories Books & Cafe
What to Expect
Bookstore and cafe hybrid
Description
Stories Books & Cafe is a bookstore and coffee shop hybrid located on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. It offers a cozy atmosphere with new and used books, a cafe serving coffee and fresh food, and a large outdoor patio. The store specializes in genres like film, music, and entertainment, making it a unique spot for book lovers and those seeking a relaxed workspace.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Stories Books & Cafe
Artisanal/Boutique Cafes in Los Angeles
Cafe Santo (Montebello)
What to Expect
Oaxacan-style coffee and culture
Description
Cafe Santo is a vibrant Oaxacan-style coffee shop located in Montebello, offering high-quality, locally roasted coffee beans from regions like Oaxaca and Chiapas. It features a unique blend of coffee, art, music, and Mexican culture, with a menu that includes specialty chocolates and traditional Oaxacan dishes like memelas. The cafe serves as a community hub, fostering connections through its artistic and collaborative atmosphere.
Where: Montebello | More Info: Cafe Santo
Café Integral
What to Expect
Nicaraguan specialty coffee
Description
Café Integral offers a distinctive coffee experience, featuring Nicaragua's finest coffees and local tea purveyors. It provides fresh juice and other beverages, along with to-go breakfast options made from seasonal ingredients. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, it is a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Café Integral
Canyon Coffee
What to Expect
Draft lattes with unique flavors
Description
Canyon Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster and cafe located in Echo Park, Los Angeles. It offers a unique blend of artisanal coffee, innovative brewing methods, and a community-focused atmosphere. The cafe features draft lattes with flavors like fig leaf and oat, along with a seasonal menu of prepped-to-order foods. Its interior design combines natural materials with a serene ambiance, enhanced by a vinyl record player. Canyon Coffee is particularly noted for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Canyon Coffee
Demitasse (Santa Monica)
What to Expect
Locally Roasted Coffee
Description
Demitasse is a coffeehouse run by coffee enthusiasts who specialize in locally roasted coffee and unique brewing methods. They offer signature drinks crafted by individual baristas and host coffee-related events. The cafe focuses on sourcing local ingredients for its pastries and other offerings.
Where: Santa Monica | More Info: Demitasse
Endorffeine
What to Expect
Thai-inspired specialty coffee drinks
Description
Endorffeine is a minimalist coffee bar in Chinatown, Los Angeles, offering unique specialty drinks like vanilla pandan cold brew and palm sugar whiskey iced latte. The cafe is run by Jack Benchakul, a former biochemist, who personally crafts every beverage using high-quality equipment and ingredients. The space features a U-shaped bar, emphasizing the craft of coffee-making. Endorffeine also hosts a pop-up dinner-cocktail experience called '9', where flavors are carefully paired between dishes and drinks.
Where: Los Angeles | More Info: Endorffeine
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