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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