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Local picks

Cake and coffee in Central LA

A slow afternoon calls for a strong cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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01
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Cafe space features vibrant art exhibition and well-designed seating layout. Atmosphere feels lively and uplifting with old school music and strong bonds among staff creating a human touch. Visitors find a chill vibe and a sense of belonging in a community-focused setting.

Espresso stands out with a well balanced caramel macchiato iced coffee and a house blend featuring cinnamon hints. Coffee cakes sell out fast and pair well with the drinks.

Freshly made coffee crumb cake sells out quickly and is highly recommended. Chocolate mini cakes and stacked coffee cakes also stand out as tasty options.

People are saying

"The coffee here is honest and friendly."

"You have to try their coffee cake; it's the best in LA."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available near the café, but it can be tight.

2

The café has a small parking lot in the back for customers.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect a line during peak hours.

02
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Space features floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant Arabic calligraphy with modern yet warm design. Atmosphere feels calm and inviting, blending Yemeni cultural elements with a lively street view. Frequented by those who enjoy fast wifi and ample outlets for work or casual visits.

Coffee here is smooth and rich with flavors of cardamom and saffron. Options include a vibrant Turkish coffee and a unique Jubal coffee made with husks, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom.

A large selection of fresh cakes includes chocolate cake, Nutella cheesecake, and pistachio milk cake. Cakes are soft, flavorful, and balanced in sweetness, with options like Saffron pistachio milk cake that feel light and not heavy.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, with unique spices and strong flavors."

"I fell in love with the biscoff milk cake."

Good to know

1

A cup of tea at Sana'a cafe costs $6.

2

There are two public parkings six minutes of walking distance from the cafe.

3

There are also street parkings available near Sana'a cafe.

03
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Space recreates a 1950s New York diner with vintage decor like antique lighting and salvaged wood paneling. Atmosphere feels cozy and nostalgic, evoking warmth of a middle-class home from decades ago. Long waits are common, drawing a crowd that values the authentic diner experience despite high prices.

Heavy mugs and old milkshake machines create an authentic diner vibe. Coffee stays constantly refilled and tastes legit for diner style, whether iced or hot.

Chocolate cake stands out with its huge, moist, and decadent slices. Coffee cake also ranks highly for its rich flavor.

People are saying

"I enjoyed fantastic coffee, and they refilled it constantly."

"This chocolate cake is decadent and moist."

Good to know

1

Max & Helen's charges $30-$50 per person.

2

Expect wait times of 45 minutes to 2 hours on weekdays and up to 3 hours on weekends.

3

They don't take reservations.

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Mid-century design blends with quirky contemporary touches in a retro diner setting featuring big booths and a jukebox playing great music. The atmosphere feels classic and comfortable but can get noisy, especially during events like bingo night. The crowd leans toward a hipster vibe, creating lively energy throughout.

Skilled baristas prepare superior coffee with care and politeness. Cappuccinos and lattes stand out as very good and better than most diners.

Carrot cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. Coffee cake also appears as a tasty option. Staff sometimes add a personal touch with birthday cakes.

People are saying

"The coffee here is just what I expected, great diner coffee."

"You have to try the carrot cake; it's the best."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

Valet parking costs $10, and street parking is limited.

3

A 5% appreciation fee is added to all bills without prior notice.

05
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Cozy cafe with pleasant atmosphere and free wifi offers a friendly vibe and comfortable seating. The interior feels beautiful and welcoming, making it a great spot to hang out and enjoy coffee and pastries.

Mexican-style coffee offers a rich, delicious flavor paired with amazing food and treats. Staff know their coffee well, creating a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy great coffee at a good price.

Sweet, rich pastries and cakes stand out here, especially the guava cake. Sampling is common, and cakes pair well with Mexican-style coffee.

People are saying

"The coffee here is delicious and served with a smile."

"Gloria gave us some free cake samples and was so friendly."

Good to know

1

You can pay with cash or debit at the cafe.

2

The cafe has vegetarian options, but they may not always be in stock.

3

The bakery and cafe is very clean and well-maintained.

06
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Cozy bakery with homelike atmosphere and family-owned charm offers fresh Mexican-style bread and notable tamales. Seating includes a few indoor tables and outdoor spots. Bread quality varies, but the place feels welcoming and familiar.

Coffee comes with unique twists like horchata with espresso and a clay pot brew called chorreada. Options include hot horchata lattes and iced dulce de leche lattes, all paired well with fresh bread.

Cakes come beautifully decorated and fresh, with layers that stand out. Prices run about 33% to 50% less than high-end bakeries for similar quality.

People are saying

"I found the cakes here to be so delicious and fresh."

"The horchata latte is delicious and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

They had very limited parking at La Mascota Bakery.

2

Ordering ahead does not reduce wait time on busy days.

3

The bakery specializes in artisanal Mexican-style bread.

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Small space filled with bright pink decor and vibrant feminine energy creates a quirky, Instagrammable atmosphere. Friendly, welcoming vibe with photo-friendly spots and a lively DJ. Space feels cozy but can get hot and cramped.

Pink iced latte balances flavor and ice well, never too strong. Coffee pairs with homemade taste dishes like Chilaquiles, creating a nostalgic vibe.

People are saying

"The pink iced latte was perfect, not too strong."

Good to know

1

There is street parking available nearby.

2

Expect a long wait for a table during busy hours.

3

On Wednesdays, wearing pink gives you a 10% discount.

08
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Classic American diner with vintage décor and a nostalgic atmosphere that feels cozy and inviting. Offers both indoor seating and a recently cleaned outdoor patio with views of the Hollywood Hills. Known for superb pies and a casual, homey vibe suitable for breakfast and casual meals.

Coffee tastes tasty and pairs well with hearty food. The cafe feels unpretentious and invites long chats over ongoing cups.

Cakes and pies stand out with delicious flavors and amazing quality. Options include pumpkin pie, coffee cake, and strawberry cheesecake.

People are saying

"Our server kept our coffee cups filled without us asking."

"I found the cakes and pies here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available, but the lot can be limited and small.

2

Expect delayed service during peak hours as the place gets packed.

3

Prices for pie slices are over $7 each.

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Spacious bakery with outside and inside seating offers a wide variety of Korean-style pastries and cakes not found elsewhere. The atmosphere is pleasant and clean, with a sweet treat focus and a café vibe. Mornings bring fresh, crispy breads and a strong coffee aroma, attracting a diverse crowd.

Mornings bring a strong coffee aroma and good snacks. Coffees by Lavazza offer nice flavor, sometimes with a hint of yuzu. Some drinks like iced coffee can be served hot by mistake.

Cakes here feature fresh strawberries and come in flavors like red velvet, mango coconut, and blueberry yogurt. Options include whipped cream cakes and unique Korean-style donuts.

People are saying

"The staff here is always friendly."

"The coffee here is great, just like the food."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a wide variety of sweet pastries and cakes.

2

It's best to visit early in the morning for the freshest items.

3

Toasted pastries taste significantly better; ask for them to be toasted.

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