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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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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