Los Angeles is my home and as such, I have favorite coffee shops all over this sprawling metropolis. Today, however, I want to share of my favorite coffee shop in the heart of the city.
Downtown LA has really revitalized and gentrified over the last decade. Once blighted with boarded up buildings and extreme poverty, LA’s center city has blossomed into a thriving area of modern apartments, public transport, and great eateries.
My brother works in one of the skyscrapers in downtown LA and I recently had lunch with him in Grand Central Market, a historic smorgasbord of cuisines and groceries that first opened in 1917.
After a tasty pastrami sandwich at a deli inside, we stopped at G&B Coffee for affogatos; a scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso. It makes for a perfect afternoon treat, especially on a hot day.
I liked how the leftover espresso was offered in a cup on the side.
Even downtown LA now has many great coffee shops, but G&B is a safe bet and in a cool, historic environment. If you’re looking for a break from the usual Starbucks, give it a try.
Any other recommendations for downtown LA? I’ll share some of my other favorite LA-area coffee shops in another post.
Is EggSlut still there? Really good!
Given your affinity for tacos, I would suggest that you try Sonoratown or Loqui next time you’re in DTLA. You would also enjoy Baco Mercat and Bar Ama. Donut Friend is good for breakfast or dessert, and Tilt Coffee is also a great option for coffee.
Poverty has not exactly been eradicated in downtown.
G&B, Cognoscenti Coffee, Andante, and Spring for Coffee are great in DTLA. My favorite cafe in all of DTLA is Bicycle Coffee in Lil Tokyo.
La Colombe in Beverly Hills. Try the Draft Latte.
Verve on Spring St. is great, as is Groundwork in the Arts District.