Showing posts with label fairfax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fairfax. Show all posts

Sunday, March 11, 2007

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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Thursday, March 8, 2007

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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