With finals week right around the corner, it is the perfect time to start planning your study spots and your study breaks. Having worked as a barista for a number of years, I have a deep appreciation for a well-crafted latte or quality brew. Coupled with an enjoyable atmosphere, I find coffee shops to be the perfect respite from end-of-the-semester stress. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or still acquiring the taste of it, check out some of these coffee shops for a taste of something new.
Cream & Sugar Cafe (La Mirada)
12826 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada
Mon. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Closed Sun.
Parking: Free, Stater Bros. lot
Located in the Stater Bros. shopping center just a few blocks from Biola, Cream & Sugar Café is a quaint, family-owned coffee shop. Its close proximity to campus means that you are only a short walk away from a quality latte. Because of their small staff size, your drink may take a few minutes to get to you, but the staff is incredibly friendly and go out of their way to serve you. The inside of the café isn’t that large, but there is a fair amount of seating between tall four-person tables, a couple of couches and bar stools along the front windows.
Ink & Bean Coffee Saloon and Wordshop (Anaheim)
155 W Ctr St Promenade, Anaheim
Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sat. 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sun. 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Parking: Free 90-minute street parking
If you’re a fan of Stumptown coffee, Ink & Bean will provide you with your fix. In addition to Stumptown roasts, they sell their well-known cold brew that comes in glass bottles. The shop itself is quite small, but it has a variety of handmade goods for purchase. You can take a seat at any of their numerous tables, or order your coffee to go and wander along the Promenade.
Portola Coffee Lab (Costa Mesa)
3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa
Mon. – Fri. 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sun. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Parking: Free, large parking lot
Providing customers with their choice of brewing method, Portola Coffee Lab can serve you your coffee just the way you like it. Located in the O.C. Mix Mart, there is plenty of seating both inside and outside. Whether you’re meeting up with a friend or doing homework, it is the kind of location where you can linger at all day. Wander in and out of the various boutiques or grab a waffle sandwich at The Iron Press, which is located a few storefronts away from Portola.
G&B (DTLA)
324 S Hill St., Los Angeles
Mon. – Sun. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking: Metered street parking and privately-owned lots
If you are looking for a bit of an adventure, head to Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. The market itself also houses a broad range of food vendors if you are hoping to grab a meal. As someone who values quality breakfast food any time of the day, I enjoy purchasing a breakfast sandwich from EggSlut. Head toward the Hill Street end of the Market, and you will find G&B. From the beginning, the founders have wanted to use the best roasts from around the world and are incredibly particular about the coffees that they serve.
Handsome (Arts District)
582 Mateo St., Los Angeles
Mon. – Fri. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Parking: Free, street parking
Recently purchased by Oakland-based Blue Bottle Coffee, Handsome Coffee Roasters is located in the Arts District — for now. The Handsome storefront will likely become a Blue Bottle shop this summer. Handsome prides itself in a commitment to the purity of the coffee, not supplying any sugar for their drinks. Needless to say, Handsome tends to attract the committed coffee-drinker. With big windows and a low-key vibe, it’s an enjoyable place to sit and drink your coffee. However, the only seating provided comes in the form of stools, so you may not want to sit for too long.
Go Get ‘Em Tiger (Central LA)
230 N Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles
Mon. – Fri. 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sun. 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Parking: Metered street parking
Started by the founders of G&B, Go Get ‘Em Tiger is located along Windsor Square in Central L.A. The sign outside is small enough that you may miss it if you are not looking closely. The coffee shop itself is minimalistic, with a limited amount of seating. In addition to serving the same quality brews as G&B, Go Get ‘Em Tiger offers a variety of pastries and quality waffles. Once you have enjoyed your coffee, walk around Windsor Square and window shop in the various boutiques.
Stumptown (Arts District)
806 S Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles
Mon. – Sun. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Parking: Free, street parking
Stumptown Coffee Roasters originated in Portland, and their L.A. location has only been around for less than a year. Located in the Arts District, Stumptown is less than a mile away from Handsome Coffee Roasters. Be careful not to drive by it — there is not a sign out front. The baristas are friendly and helpful, especially if you are not sure what you want. The roast they use for espresso drinks is not that strong, so you may want to order an extra shot if you like a fuller flavor.
Intelligentsia (Pasadena)
55 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Sun. – Thurs. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fri. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Parking: Metered street parking (coins only)
Intelligentsia’s Pasadena location provides plenty of seating and a mellow atmosphere. If you are looking to do homework, know that outlets are hard to come by. Take a seat outside if you are interested in doing some people-watching, otherwise there is more privacy in the back of the store. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable about their various roasts and will answer any questions about drinks or their coffee beans.
