10. Camel Coffee – Silver Lake
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This coffee shop is here to stay. Before, it seemed whatever business that occupied this building just didn’t last long. The previous coffee shop, Caravan, disappeared almost as quickly as it opened. However, you wouldn’t really know this fact looking at Camel Coffee, considering there are lines out the door and wrapping around the block at any given hour of the day. Once the lines inevitably subside, it’s worth ordering one of the first two coffees on the menu just to start. It’s a part of a chain in South Korea but it looks like its new home in LA has an overflowing welcome wagon.
9. Maru – Los Feliz
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Speaking of long lines, there’s always a line at Maru. But according to satisfied customers, it seems worth the wait — especially the matcha which is their specialty. Additional coffees like the cream top are certainly delicious, but the pastry selection is somewhat minimal. If you are willing to brave the lines (which admittedly move fast), then a trip to Maru is a must.
8. Go Get ’em Tiger – Silver Lake
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One of many “Go Get ‘ems” in Los Angeles. The others ones are located at Larchmont, Highland Park, West Hollywood, and at Grand Central Downtown. They are known for their extraordinary coffees, pastries, and unique menu items. Although it isn’t a cheap spot (are they ever anymore?) the coffee is worth the cost of admission alone.
7. Tropical – Silver Lake
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This Silver Lake institution had a legendary run. Despite the best efforts of the neighborhood, the original cafe had to shut its doors. However, after a bold takeover by new owners, this charming cafe has had a resurgence. Now open again in 2024, this cafe is known for Cuban breakfasts and coffee.
Cafe Con Leche is the best choice — but it’s a neighborhood haunt that will provide you with the
necessary caffeine and local vibrancy that one requires.
6. Black Elephant – Atwater Village
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When the lines seem a little long at Proof, the smart move is to go across the street and up the block. At Black Elephant, you can enjoy coffee and pastries and find a place under an umbrella nearby. The pastries won’t necessarily wow you like they do at Clark St. or Proof, but Black Elephant is still a great choice.
5. Proof – Atwater Village
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Yes, this is another place with long lines. Sadly, it seems to be the norm in Los Angeles. Just take it as a great sign you’ve found some excellent food. Proof has an extraordinary bakery (and lunch sandwiches available at noon) that is hard to find in Los Angeles. The coffee and teas aren’t to be overlooked, either. This spot is more of a family place, so seating may not always be so easy to find. However, free parking behind the shop is more than helpful.
4. LA Mill – Silver Lake
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Take a break from hanging out at the Silver Lake Meadows or Dog Park and walk down to LA Mill. There is some great coffee and a menu to enjoy, where just about everything tastes great. There is ample seating inside and outside, so it’s a great place for those who have larger parties or just wants to get work done. With a parking lot behind (and moderately difficult street parking), it’s relatively easy to get to. You won’t be disappointed if you try it.
3. Dinosaur – Silver Lake
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Simply, this is a cool shop. It has great coffee, a bright space with outdoor seating and easy parking. What more could you ask for? Be sure to look at their great ceramic coffee cups inside and their coffee products. It is situated on a more desolate side of Sunset, so it’s easy to enjoy the coffee without all the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. Valerie – Echo Park
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Valerie is a hidden gem (maybe not anymore!) on Echo Park Blvd. The restaurant could easily be mistaken for a home, as the seating is under an extended outdoor wooden deck, with a small interior. The breakfasts are great, the coffee and cakes (some even gluten-free) are unique. It’s a nice place to sit outside on their deck and be grateful that you made the right choice.
1. Clark St. – Echo Park
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For the best pastries and bread in town, head over to Clark St. in Echo Park. Suffer with the parking in
the area, but once you’re in a space, get in line and marvel at the unusual selection of pastries
which you won’t find all around town. Their bread is the best — crispy and tasty whether it’s a
seeded baguette or a plain one. Sourdough bread and walnut raisin bread are amazing too —
and a secret about their bread: it freezes wonderfully. Cut it up, put it in plastic in the freezer
and it will last for weeks and taste as mouth-watering after a quick heat-up in the toaster oven.
