SOCAL COFFEE GUIDE
First off, I have way too many coffee pictures. Thank goodness this post justifies it.
I am going to be honest. As I write this, I am knee deep in the first season of Baywatch (1989).
I have to say, there are few experiences like articulating the best “caffeinated experiences” with David Hasselhoff running around in the background. I strongly suggest it.
You have 90’s, beach, a worthy intro song, and a storyline that is just realistic enough to make you seriously consider researching try-out dates for the La County lifeguard station. When you realize that lacks probability…and logic, you turn to the coffee guide.
Now here you are confident. You are like the David Hasselhoff of coffee. combining the reality of coffee and the idealism of Baywatch gives you wings. Forget Redbull.
Plus, when you realize you need a red swimsuit in your life you are already on your computer to buy one. Perfect.
*yes…by YOU, I meant I.
This is really a story of transformation…of revelation. Anyone who has known me longer than a week knows the affections I have for a good ol’ cuppa joe, jitter juice, java, a bit-o-spro. (P.S. they say, the more names you have for an object the Greater your love is for said object…Agreed).But anyone who knows me longest knows the truth….. I used to hate coffee.
It feels so good to get that off my chest.
I refused to drink the beverage that everyone was seemingly enslaved to. I thought “how fortunate am I to have escaped the clutches of addiction”. “Those poor coffee drinkers—so tired and dependent and crazy”. I used to send my family articles on the detriment of caffeine, awaiting the day when they would have a moment of clarity, ditch the bean juice, and owe it all to me.
Fast forward to present day….I insist…no plead that they buy the Columbian blend I like.
How did I get here? It’s a complex equation, but I can trace my love affair back to a particular turning point. The moment I chose The gateway drug… vanilla latte. I remember it like yesterday…“It’s not that bad, it's so sweet, it makes me feel so alive”….BAmmm. a day doesn’t pass that I don’t think about getting my hands on some type of brew. It’s like I made up for all the time that was lost— So. Much. Coffee.
despite the embarrassment of hypocrisy I am coping quite well with my caffeine addiction and have frequented quite a few coffee shops. sharing a guide to coffee in southern California is just another way I guise my addiction as a craft.
Let’s get a couple of things straight: I value three main things in a coffee shop—The 3 C’s.
Culture: people and community that shape the shop.
Context: where the coffee is served// aesthetic of the space.
Coffee: the bean— The quality, taste, variety, & substance that is served.
There is something almost evangelical about a coffee lover. I apologize. I’m not proud, but I’m willing to share any knowledge I have with you, fine readers.
Culture—The owners are a husband & wife duo. They are Cyclists turned coffee roasters.
”Their ultimate goal as micro-roasters is to provide an extraordinary coffee experience that’s environmentally conscientious and undeniably delicious. Handlebar roasts 2-3 times weekly, with beans purchased from Central & South America, as well as Africa.”
I love a good origin story! head to their website to hear more.
Context—They have a rad industrial/rustic vibe. You’ll find a good photo spot somewhere in between their wooden bar and French factory style doors! Yes, please!
Coffee—they roast their own beans…yum. They serve wellness lattes (Turmeric, Beetroot, Charcoal & Matcha)…Yum. They offer pretty great milk alternatives like Oatly…yummy!
(Cherry on Top: some of the most scrumptious baked goods and small bites.)
SANTA BARBARA, CA
Culture—nestled in the side streets of Santa Barbara, this corner shop is “a stand-alone restaurant in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone”. Everything here is small and reeks of handmade. The people behind the counter have the poise of restaurant owners and the personality of a neighborhood coffee shop. Win, win.
context—They have a quaint, artisan vibe. You’ll find a good photo spot somewhere in between their picnic tables and wall of pennies! Yes, you read that correctly… Insanity!
coffee—house-made cold brew, organic dairy, what can I say…this shop is not known for their coffee & have a simple menu but it’s good…neh..quite good. The location paired with the fact that they are an artisan pizza parlor makes this spot undeniable.
ventura, CA
Culture—Two brothers opened this shop a couple of years ago and created a space that attracts surfers, workers, and people who look like they are either millionaires or bums. The baristas are kind, sociable and just old enough for you to wonder, “people make a living as a barista?”—Good-on-ya.
Prospect has quite a few regulars (myself included)because it sets the standard for the three C’s. This place is like the girl in high school who had everything…the looks, the personality, and the relatability. Well done.
context—Simple, clean, bright.modern, yet classy. simple, but dynamic. This space is perfect for meetings, dates, studying, or 5 minutes of clarity on your lunch break. I owe many-a-good work-sesh to this place. It has a social setting but contains enough nooks and seating to ensure privacy for concentration if you need it. Don’t come here if you need silence, but it creates a fun workspace.
coffee—They have house-made flavors and a seasonal signature blend which “ changes about 4-5 times per year depending on what coffees are freshest and tastiest”. this place just serves great coffee, get over there as soon as possible.
Ventura//oxnard, CA
Culture—This shop was created by young locals and they are fairly connected to their customers. They attract a young crowd…mostly because They are hidden in a corridor on Ventura’s main street…so most visitors know them from social media, But that shouldn’t stop people of any age! this place has some of the kindest baristas and you can tell they are trained to connect to customers.
context—They have a coastal, Californian, modern-meets-vintage vibe. You’ll find a good photo spot somewhere in front of their psychedelic sign or their white-tile interior…holding a smoothie bowl in one hand and coffee in another.
coffee—They use handlebar beans and house-made syrups to concoct dreamy drinks. They carry plenty of alternative beverages like matcha and tea. But, I have to say, I come here when I want a smoothie bowl with my coffee because… what. a. duo.
calabasas// venice//LA, CA
Culture—Erewhon attracts the likes of people who are willing to pay $12 for a juice. So be warned. This place will greet you and whisper sweet nothings into your ear as you graze the aisles but the minute you walk out the doors you will realize this mistress just took all your mullah. the people who work here are extremely helpful…mostly because they are used to people who treat them like peasants. Don’t treat them like peasants.
context—It is kind of like a “boutique whole foods”. They carry lots of items your dad would call “hippie-dippie” yet does not smell of dried hemp and broken dreams when you walk in.
coffee—They serve groundworks coffee and can make pretty much anything you desire. They can blend in superfoods, adaptogens, flavorings & can cater any order to your dietary needs. I love this place because 1. they carry the best homemade almond mylk. 2. it’s the closest shop to my house so I can get that IV injection as soon as I start jonesing. (I’m sorry if that sentence was insensitive to people who actually “jones”…history on the term jonesing here.)
calabasas//santa monica, CA
Culture—Pedalers.
context—industrial//rustic.
coffee—the make their own magic blend & serve The best maple latte.
P.S I kept this one short because I can’t have a bunch of kooks crowding up my favorite local spot.
TOPANGA, CA
Culture—canyon folk: people who live in the Topanga canyon for various reasons. including but not limited to…fame, fortune, homelessness, mysticism, or some other socially inhibiting quality.
In all seriousness, This place is family owned & so fun. They often have special nights and events so keep an eye out.
context— a nestled canyon oasis. Do not drive too fast because you might miss this gem. the interior is warm and welcoming with just enough space for you to linger and not be stared down. People don’t call it “TLC” for nothin’.
coffee—Their signature pink espresso machine rolls out some tasty drinks using canyon coffee, one of my favorite companies. So needless to say this is a winning spot.
P.S.: They have a great menu full of fresh food.
Malibu, CA
Culture—This place attracts quite a bushel of tortoises…I mean tourists. But it makes sense because they have quite the setup. Even through all of the popularity, it has remained true to the original design. The owner has set up a space that allows people to enjoy a consistent experience.
context—It is located on the Malibu pier—prime real estate people. If that doesn’t interest you there are always the nice, fur, seat cushions…did they get those on the farm too? Don’t think about it too much. Most of you are probably overly-aware of this spot so I need not add to the chatter. Go see for yourself!
coffee—They carry Caffe luxxe which is Quality.
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA
Culture—The owner of this spot is a paleo baker and this is her first brick & mortar. Many people who support this shop have seen Laurel through her blog & cookbook, to her success today!
Context—Think pink, LA tea party vibes. It is close to great shops and right in between Santa Monica and Malibu so if your looking for a pit stop off the PCH this is a delicious one. There isn’t a ton of space so don’t have a big coffee party. Taste some cake, then take yo’ drank and walk around! (I’m in in for the rhymes)
coffee— The coffee options reflect Laurel’s approach to dessert. since she follows a paleo diet (for autoimmune reasons) she has really good dairy alternatives and refined sugar-free sweeteners. This place is a dream for people who indulge with awareness. Think—date syrup, creamy coconut mylk, and things that couldn’t possibly be healthy…but are.
venice, CA
Culture— being Just down the street from the boardwalk this spot attracts millennials, instagram-ers, & Venice-local wannabes. This place is fast moving, crowded, and delightful. I have to say, there aren’t many spots like this one.
context—It is only fitting that this place has a lot of white. The crisp interior is perfect for pictures. The petite wooden seating is, again, perfect for pictures. So, really, I question if the founders set out to create a great experience or a perfect stage. We’ll never know, but It works.
coffee—They have Great coffee served in a signature shark cup. This place is Australian-inspired in many ways— coffee included. As we all know, the Aussies claim to have the coffee game conquered…this spot is a good indication they just might be right. Their whole menu is clean, fresh, and creative enough to make you curious about everything on it.
Los Angeles, CA
Culture—LA…the good, the bad, and the independently employed.
context—High society meets “just your corner coffee shop” (preferably in a Bostonian accent).
coffee—They make coffee using beans from Stumptown coffee roasters. They are known equally for their tea selection and have cup sleeves that sensationalized the quote, “but first, Coffee”. My drink of choice at Alfred? I thought you’d never ask… oat milk vanilla cappuccino.
Malibu//pacific palisades//brentwood//santa monica, CA
Culture—Lido marina villagers.
context—all the Pinterest ladies out there…think about the 2017 “kitchen inspo” you amassed. Chances are, there are actual pictures of Honor in there somewhere. Clean marble counter tops, toffee oak shelves, & unfinished wood floors. Also, You will not escape the clutches of the flawless, glass-encased, dream worthy pastries. Beaut. I. Full.
coffee—They roast a blend that rivals their space in beauty. I just shed a small tear,
Ensinitas, CA
Culture—Northern San Diego-ers. You have surfers, families, young folk, visitors, and lots of people on their computer…doing…work? This area is simply the best. the beaches, the people, & the food are infused with creativity & familiarity. Ironsmith is no exception.
The baristas are laid back but if you look close enough…there is a twinkle in their eye that exposes they are secretly on the caffeine jitter bus. If I were to give them a collective title it would be the “edgy craftsmen”.
context—iron & Smith are two words that exemplify this space. It is like stepping into an “old world” portal to get an apprenticeship in the craft of coffee. From the outside, there is no sign or logo directing the world in. It is almost as if they want to be discovered. As if the process of discovery enhances the overall experience. I don’t disagree, The interior contains a lot of metal and wood. It’s cozy and something about it makes you think that it’s kind of your place. They do a good job of creating that effect.
coffee—The founders behind Ironsmith are really passionate about the beans they use and the narrative behind them. This is the kind of place where you know there are good stories in the walls…mostly because there are. The “behind the scenes” happenings and the company culture make the coffee taste a little bit better.
Ensinitas//Solana beach, CA
Culture—This shop is Just down the street from ironsmith, yet, I have to say, this crowd is a little more “clean cut”. you will see fewer tattoos and more baby strollers here yet they are both equally intriguing and tasty.
context—Do not let the look deter you. Despite their less-than-stimulating aesthetic, they have a space that is inviting and enjoyable nonetheless. If they had a suggestion box I might consider providing some changes but their conventional typography hasn’t stopped people from flocking…so…who am I to advise?
coffee—Lofty roasts their own beans. The consensus= very good. However, their house-made flavors elevate the coffee from good to dangggg good. They have flavors like scratch caramel or vanilla, and Their almond mylk is made fresh! You got to know I am a sucker for Almond Mylk.
Honorable mention: Go get Em Tiger
Thanks for perusing this guide! Let me know what your SOCAL favorites are!
