7 Cafes in LA That Will Improve Your Writing

2. The Cow’s End Café

Normally I go to cafes to work whilst drinking a latte, and I’ll eat elsewhere. But I love the sandwiches at The Cow’s End and would rather eat a sandwich there than at a restaurant or deli. There’s a study lounge upstairs that’s nice and cozy to work in.

34 Washington Blvd
Venice, CA 90292

3. Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea

As a coffee enthusiast and frustrated barista, I always stop by Intelligentsia. It’s in every hipster travel guide, including my own, but there’s a good reason it sets the bar for other indie coffee shops: they offer freshly roasted coffee, perfectly noted cappuccinos, and a knowledgeable staff. I prefer the Sunset Boulevard location as it’s smaller and most of the customers do carry-out, leaving the tables for me and my mobile office.

3922 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 663-6173

4. Demitasse

The first time I saw Demitasse I was a bit blue about having to postpone a trip to Europe, but after walking in here that all went away. Their espresso machine is a thing of beauty. They offer all the usual café fare and they do it well, with smooth espressos and yummy sandwiches. But they also have items that you can take home and brag about. “Oh you’ve never had an oatmeal latte? Well, when I was in LA…”

135 S San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 613-9300

5. Stir Crazy Coffee Shop

Stir Crazy is one of my favorite places to hunker down if I have a deadline. They offer bottomless cups of coffee, comfortable seating, and great service, meaning you just have to worry about the words.

6903 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 934-4656

6. Coffee Commissary

In my opinion, Coffee Commissary has hands-down the best drip coffee in LA, and is perfect for iced coffees. It’s an industrial-style space with friendly staff, and they have the most deliciously chunky chocolate chips in their cookies. If I’m not pushed for time I order two and enjoy the people-watching.

801 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 782-1465

7. Susina Bakery & Café

Susina’s has amazing combinations of cakes and teas. Pretty much everything on the menu is divine, but I think the berry blossom cake and coconut crème tea (served in a mini French press) is definitely the way to go. This is a very popular spot, but isn’t ridiculously crowded if you go early or late. They have paid WiFi, but the ambience is more conducive to note-taking and composing love letters to the boy you met at the bar last night.

7122 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 934-7900