Swork

2160 Colorado Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041
t.323.258.5600

When Swork first opened in the late 1990s, it was at the very forefront of Eagle Rock’s neighborhood revitalization. Unlike the post-industrial chic of Kaldi, however, Swork is Starbucks meets Ikea. Even the name will probably remind you of that couch in your first apartment. Located at the corner of Eagle Rock and Colorado Boulevards, Swork has lots of light, exposed brick walls, a large area for children to play, internet computers, and a suspicious amount of pine. Popular with students from near-by Occidental College, Swork has good coffee and tea, fun ice blendeds, lots of specialty drinks (sworkuccinos!) and gelato. The free wireless and plentiful seating make it a great place to work.

Atmosphere: Good
As mentioned above, Swork feels like an American’s idea of a Scandinavian retail store. Which isn’t a bad thing. The main theme color is a bright red, found on the cushions, the signage, the bathroom door, and more. Seating is divided into a front a back area, with a counter of Internet-only computers acting as the divider. Good (but not excellent) seating and tables abound, although I find the cushioned benches particularly uncomfortable. In the evenings there are a lot of Occidental kids here, but during the daytime it’s more your typical LA coffee shop scene.

Details. The free wireless is often grumpy, but the patrons aren’t! Especially on weekend mornings, the crowd is really friendly and community oriented. The staff seems very happy and often jokey, in a good way. The pastries are good and the gelato is excellent.

Parking. There is a cheap metered lot behind Swork and other street parking as well. Just don’t try too hard to park directly on Colorado or Eagle Rock, which are often crowded and very busy.

Neighborhood. Oh Eagle Rock, how I love you. There are a ton of great restaurants and boutiques near Swork, including Casa Bianca, Fatty’s and Dave’s Grillin’ and Chillin’. The weekly Farmers Market takes place in the aforementioned lot right behind Swork.

Hours. Opens at 6am. Closes at 11 during the week and at midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Wireless. Free wireless that often needs a quick reboot.

Credit Cards. Yes .

Service. Usually great and very professional. The staff all really seems to be happy and get along, which occasionally means they are talking to each other instead of getting your refill. They also know their regulars and make an effort to keep it a nice neighborhood place.

Coffee: Good!
Swork has put in the effort to get their own beans from the source, and it shows. While not truly excellent coffee, their house beans and blends are all of high quality and well-roasted. Definitely recommended. I confess that I’ve only had one Sworkuccinos—so I’m no expert—but it was excellent. All of the espresso drinks are good and well made.

Swork also has a good selection of tea.

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Save Highland Perk Coffeehouse

Just yesterday I saw a (now deleted!) post on la.foodblogging about the new Highland Perk coffee shop. So, today I went over to check it out for the first time. This space is fabulous. I would say it has "lots of potential," except that I think it's realizing its potential. Fresh air, high ceilings, big windows, colorful artwork, good coffee, free internet. I'm posting from there right now, in fact.

Anyway, what would make this space perfect would be a beer/wine license. In fact, I believe the owner's claim that this would be necessary for its survival. If you (or anyone you know) can make it to the community meeting this Wednesday 3/14/07, please go! I will be there. [More information on the web site, linked above.] If not for yourself, do it for me and my desire to get a Corona while I update my blog. What this city really needs (I believe) is coffeehouses with beer/wine licenses. A coffeehouse, the web site claims, is "more than a coffee shop..." If that "more" means cold beer, I totally agree.

Update: The wine and beer license was approved!

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Buzz Coffee (on Beverly)

7623 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles
(323) 634-7393

Over the past eighteen months, Buzz Coffee on Beverly has undergone something of a transformation, having changed ownership. They now brew a wide range of Groundwork Coffee and have a solid tea selection. The new chairs and couches are especially notable, although many of the tables wobble. Lots of outlets and free wireless have made Buzz a very popular neighborhood workplace; it is not uncommon to find the room completely full on a weekday afternoon.

Atmosphere: 3 stars
In the past year, the back wall of Buzz was painted a dark red color to match the tables. I like it a lot. Buzz needs air conditioning. It is a bright, sunny space but can get stuffy in the afternoon. The space can seem crowded, and it doesn’t have the character of many other independent coffee shops (or even some Starbucks). The location is pretty great, however, right across the street from a large park and near the Grove. The downside, of course, is the parking. Three computers on the side offer Internet access. Buzz has a selection of pastries and some small lunch options.

Details. Buzz is clean and comfortable, if hot in the summer. There is lots of fresh air in the front, and nice outside tables on Stanley. The tables across from the espresso machine offer the best access to outlets, but several power strips in the front are also provided. The outside area is a great place to catch-up with friends, although during the day the inside can feel a little like a library.

Parking. There is little parking directly adjacent to Buzz, and almost all of it is meter. However, if you don’t mind walking 1-2 blocks, there is usually parking on Curson (one block east of Stanley).

Neighborhood. Buzz is in the heart of the Fairfax/Beverly area, a mere two blocks from the Grove and close to the Farmers Market. It is also on the same block as Cobra and Matadors. This means that there is a lot of resident-only parking, and a lot of great places to eat after your coffee.

Hours. Daily 7am to 9pm.

Wireless. Free wireless that can be a little testy.

Credit Cards. Yes. And ATM on premises.

Service. Generally quick and friendly, although there is a big range from employee to employee.

Coffee: 4 stars.

I like Groundwork Coffee, and Buzz brews a wide range of beans. The prices are very reasonable, and refills (one only) are also reasonable. The espresso drinks are of good, but sometimes the milk is too hot (but not burned). The staff will ice any flavor of their broad tea selection.

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Upstairs at the Farmers Market

The upstairs seating area at the Farmers Market (3rd and Fairfax) is not really a coffee shop, I know. However, I think it qualifies as an excellent place to study and relax on a weekday. There is no internet (a plus for many), great food, and lots of fresh air and sunlight. (It is very bright and well ventilated.) Most weekdays, it is really quiet until late into the lunch hour. Right next to one of LA’s biggest malls, you can feel like you found something really special and out of the way while in the heart of the city. The picture, below, was taken at 11am on a Thursday.

For coffee, you can stop by Coffee Corner and grab a decent cup for under two dollars (they also serve espresso drinks). Or, you can stop by the bar and grab a $2.50 Schlitz in a Farmers Market brown bag (logo and all). There are no outlets at the Farmers Market; the parking is crowded but free for two hours (with validation). It's one of my favorite retreats.

To get upstairs, head towards the north side of the market. The stairs are near the Brazilian place. In addition to the Brazilian food, I recommend the Mexican, Singapore, and Cajun stands.

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Airport Coffee Shops, Or, Starbucks Part I

Since I’m traveling this week, I am submitting my first “special edition” to this blog. As I write, it is currently 6:30AM and I am sitting in the Southwest terminal at LAX. My flight takes off in almost two hours and I found a plug for my computer. I almost let several people ahead of me in the security line, since I am so very early and they claimed to be so very late. At first I wondered why they got to the airport at 6 for a 6:25 flight. Soon, however, the question became: why would you stop at Starbucks at 6:15 when your flight is at 6:25? Both of the loudest complainers behind me got into the Starbucks line in front of me.

But this is a coffee blog and not a “why other people suck blog,” so I am going to use this occasion to discuss Starbucks in the context of airports and traveling. I was recently had two very pleasant layovers in Denver International Airport. Flying from Burbank to Denver is kinda like flying from a very nice, clean bus station into the Mall of America. Despite it’s recent bad press, Denver has a really nice airport, even if it does appear to be about 120 miles outside of the city. What it lacks, however, is decent coffee.

I could not locate a Starbucks in Denver International Airport.

Much ink has been spilt about the increasing expense of a cup of Joe in America. However, in my experience, there is plenty of decently-priced drip coffee to be had in the Dunkin Donuts, 7-11s and WaWas of the world. In an airport, however, you are captive to their pricing schemes, especially since you can no longer bring your own liquid aboard. During my Denver layover, what this meant was that I paid almost five dollars for an undrinkable latte. If I had chosen to get drip, it would have been two fifty and certainly just as bad.

I am sure that Starbucks has caused the demise of many beloved, locally owned and operated coffee shops around the country. Where I live in LA there are four Starbucks within a mile of my apartment. But there are also two excellent independent coffee shops, a Coffee Bean, and a lunch place that will let you sit with your coffee for as long as you want.

While in Denver, I decided that airports should be required to have a Starbucks (or a similar chain) in each terminal. It isn’t just that travelers need coffee and the comfort and familiarity of home (in the form of Starbucks). At Starbucks you can get filling, low-calorie food. You can buy salads and apples and non-fat, decaf lattes. Your money goes to support a company that provides its part-time employees with health insurance. And I feel better knowing that the pilot in front of me that just got her tall coffee with chocolate syrup (ewwww) will be consuming the quality caffeine that his body needs. Starbucks has already diluted and mass-marketed its brand. Sure, Pete’s has better coffee, but it has standards, too.

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New Profile Picture

My new profile picture is a camera phone shot I took at Pizzeria Mozza a couple weeks ago. No more stolen profile pictures for me! I will also be updating my coffee shop pictures over the next couple of weeks.

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Kaldi Coffee and Tea (Atwater Village)

3147 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles
323-660-6005

Kaldi (Atwater) is a small storefront on Glendale Avenue in Atwater Village, just east (or is that north?) of Interstate 5. Its owners roast their own coffee and feature Rishi Teas. It is a popular neighborhood joint, competing with the large Starbucks at the end of the block. Its clean, well-lit interior features several tables, and four upholstered chairs. There is also a large front seating area and a back patio. The clientele (the ones who stay around) are primarily students, screen writers, and older teenagers. Weekday nights are quiet. The staff is incredibly friendly, fast, and professional.

Atmosphere: 4 stars
The polished concrete floors and silver walls give Kaldi an industrial feel that matches the always-about-to-gentrify atmosphere of Atwater Village. Every time I’ve been here in the day, the front door has been propped open, letting in a nice breeze. The art on the walls is of varying quality but never bad or laughable. The music volume is often quite low, especially compared to the hum of Glendale Avenue, making this a good choice for those distracted by background music, if not background noise. At night there can be a slight overtone of incense, but I suspect it might be the coffee drinkers, not Kaldi.

Details. Kaldi’s cleanliness helps them avoid the “ick” factor often present when coffee shops feature well-used upholstered chairs. The chairs supplied for the tables are very comfortable, and the tables are at a good height for typing.

Parking. There is ample metered parking on Glendale, although it is only for 2 hours and often crowded. I recommend parking in the block behind Glendale (watch the street cleaning signs).

Neighborhood. Glendale Boulevard is the heart of Atwater village, and there is always light, friendly foot traffic during the day. Since Kaldi doesn’t serve food (other than baked goods), I’ve seen several patrons get a sandwich at the sandwich shop next door. There is also a popular taco place down the block. At night it’s more empty, but the neighborhood’s galleries and studios really brighten up the street..

Hours. 6:30am – 9pm weekdays, open until 10 Friday and Saturday, at 7am on Saturday and Sunday.

Wireless. Free wireless that reminds you to “buy coffee.”

Credit Cards. Nope. Cash Only.

Service. Fast and friendly without being overbearing. Among the best I’ve encountered at an independently-run coffee shop.

Coffee: 3 stars.

Unfortunately, I don’t really like the beans that they roast here, especially the decaf. However, it is pretty affordable. It’s not horrible coffee, but it’s not great, either. A sixteen-ounce drip coffee is $1.50 with tax. I like the espresso drinks more. They are well-made and affordable, never too hot. (Small cappuccino is $3.00, latte $3.25)

Again, the tea selection is excellent and tasty, although I am a little perplexed by the way they price different blends at different levels. The more expensive ones are better.

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Zephyr Coffee House and Art Gallery

2419 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
626-793-7330

Working in Zephyr’s front room and porch, I often hear first time visitors remark on this coffee shop’s charms. (See picture below.) Built into a Craftsman bungalow and carefully tended by its current occupants, Zephyr is a favorite meeting place for job interviews, knitting circles, and Pasadena City College (PCC) students. Self-serve drip coffee, Stash and loose-leaf teas as well as a wide selection of espresso drinks and ice-blended drinks can be had. A large outside patio gets crowded around lunchtime, where patrons enjoy freshly made crepes and omelets. The walls double as a small art gallery, but unlike many coffee shop galleries, the art displayed at Zephyr doesn’t suck.


Atmosphere: 4.5 stars
Zephyr’s appeal is largely its atmosphere. It is furnished by overstuffed couches and wooden chairs, with three large tables close to outlets. A collection of smaller tables inside have always seemed an odd choice to me, but popular with the coffee-and-a-book crowd. Polite little signs admonishing patrons to keep their shoes and feet off the couches, leave the track lighting alone, or to not plug in their computers slightly mar the otherwise friendly atmosphere. Fresh cut flowers and well-tended plants are tastefully placed throughout the bungalow. In the patio, avacodo, citrus, and apple trees provide some of the produce used in crepes and fruit salads.

Details. Since Zephyr is a house, it features three small rooms and an enclosed porch. Some patrons are shy to enter one of the small rooms if someone is already there, I say go for it! There are board games and design magazines strewn about, and Zephyr also pays for a shared copy of the LA Times. A frequent drinks card means the eleventh coffee is on the house.

Parking. There are about 10 spots on Colorado. Although they are marked 2 Hour, no one has ever been ticketed for staying all day. If these spots are full, a quick drive around the block will yield more options.

Neighborhood. Zephyr is a sunny spot on an otherwise pretty bland stretch of Pasadena’s eastern Colorado Boulevard. Occasionally, the free wireless from the Comfort Inn across the street makes its way into the front room.

Hours. 7am – 7pm weekdays, closes 6:30 on Friday; Opens at 8:30 on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Wireless. None as of January 31st, 2007.

Credit Cards. Nope. Cash Only with an in-house ATM machine.

Service. Very friendly and efficient. Unless you order the self-serve coffee, they bring the coffee to you. This really cleans out the line by the cash register, but means that many patrons don’t bus their tables when they leave. The owners and managers are young and often the ones serving you.

Coffee: 4 stars.

The drip coffee is self-serve and affordable.. A small cup is $1.50 and a large cup is just $1.75. Refills, 50 cents / 75 cents. Espresso drinks are well-made and well-priced, never too hot. (Small cappuccino is $3.40.) They really keep on-top of refilling the pots, too.

The tea selection is a stand-out feature of Zephyr, although a little expensive. They also will ice any flavor you want. Iced Moroccan mint tea is a summertime favorite of mine.

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18th Street Coffee House

1725 Broadway, Santa Monica
310-264-0662

This bright and breezy café occupies a special place in my personal coffeehouse pantheon. In many ways it was my first love. The best seats for working are the indoor booths near outlets; the large, shaded outdoor patio is a great place to meet up with friends. The drinks here are reliably good but rarely outstanding. Lunch offerings include sandwiches, organic wraps and quesadillas. Come for the atmosphere, ocean breezes, and celebrity sightings.

Atmosphere: 5 stars

I am a sucker for fresh air, good light, and a friendly vibe. 18th Street is less than a mile from the beach, and with its ceiling fans it is comfortable on all but the hottest days. Given the area, many of the regulars are graduate students and screen writers. This helps make 18th street a comfortable place to work for long periods of time. However, the patio is just as large as the indoor area, and there is almost always plenty of room for a casual cup of joe. A large murals and other pictures decorate the inside of the building.

The booths are the best working spots, and most of them are close to an outlet. Seating is consistently good. My only complaint is that the pretty tile tables are an awkward surface for a laptop or single piece of paper. Also, the smaller booth on your right as you come in is too high for comfortable typing.

Parking. There is a small lot in the alley to the west of the building, a little street parking on 18th Street, and a good amount of metered parking on Broadway. Be careful not to park in the synagogue’s lot, tow trucks will come.

Boxing Ring. Rumor is that there is a secret celebrity boxing ring in the basement. Who knows? Several boxing pictures and photographs do adorn the walls.

Neighborhood. The Santa Monica Co-op is right down the street, a good place to stop for smoothies, bulk bins, and organic lipstick. Like all of Santa Monica, the area is gentrified and gentrifying.

Hours. 7am – 7pm weekdays, closes 6:30 on Friday; Opens at 8:30 on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

Wireless. None as of January 31st, 2007.

Credit Cards. Yes. Five dollar minimum.

Service. Friendly and efficient, but without the speed of many of the chain stores.

Coffee: 3 stars.

The drip coffee is self-serve and affordable. 18th Street brews Groundworks beans. A small cup is $1.50 and a large cup is just $1.75. Refills, 50 cents. Espresso drinks are well-made and well-priced. (Small cappuccino is $3.40.) Also serve a wide variety of teas, many of them organic. Usual Los Angeles assortment of “Ice Blended” drinks as well.

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Laying down the groundwork

I've decided on the format for my reviews. I will be doing one coffee shop a week, alternating new ones and favorite haunts. To review a new coffee shop I will go there at least three times in the week, ordering a combination of brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and food. I will visit there at different times of day and night. And at least one visit will be with a companion.

Basic criteria will be:

• Atmosphere (light, noise, music, seating, parking)
• Coffee quality, including price
• Wireless (y/n, free?)

I will also take pictures and size up the vibe. After a month, I will begin returning to coffee shops and doing update reviews.

Other plans include:

• A map of some sort (which might be outsourced)
  
  
• A formalized "recommend me coffee shops" link

I will always be open to recommendations.

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Blogging about the coffee shop experience

Yesterday, like almost everyday, I spent a good deal of time in two new (for me) coffee shops. I've been looking for a project lately, and realized that sharing with others my vast knowledge of coffee shops might be one way to go. So this is an experiment. Over the next couple of days I'm going to complete a list of reviewing and searching criteria. Look over existing blogs on the subject and generally figure out how this is going to work.