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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Central LA

Espresso spots

You have no patience for a weak shot of espresso.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Caffe Hub image 1
Caffe Hub image 2
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Small cafe offers amazing espresso with rich flavor in a historic building filled with plants and sunlight. Calm, chill music creates a friendly atmosphere perfect for meetings or casual visits. Space feels warm and cozy, inviting and well-decorated.

Espresso here stands out for its amazing quality and great flavor. It consistently delivers a very good espresso experience.

People are saying

"This cafe's food and drinks are fantastic and always taste fresh."

"The cheesecake here feels like home, thanks to the friendly owners."

"I loved the great espresso here."

Good to know

1

The cafe opens at 7am and closes at 7pm.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

3

Expect a limited drink menu due to recent ownership changes.

02
Compelling Coffee Roasters image 1

Tiny coffee shop offers perfect double shot espresso and consistent lattes. Cozy space with authentic vinyl selections creates a pleasant vibe. Beautifully designed, clean setting attracts those who value quality coffee and comfort.

Double shot espresso comes out made to perfection. Quality stays consistent in lattes anytime ordered.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing."

"I've been coming to this cafe almost daily for two years."

"I got a double shot espresso made to perfection."

Good to know

1

There’s no seating available inside the coffee shop.

2

There are 3-4 tables outside and a few spots inside.

3

Prices at Compelling Coffee Roasters are better than those at other shops in the area.

03
Cafe De Mama image 1
Coffee shop

Open space with minimalist design offers cozy yet lively vibes. Espresso shines with fruity flavors and pairs well with creamy, nutty drinks like black sesame latte. Fresh pastries add to the inviting, energetic atmosphere filled with chatting students.

Espresso here features a light roast with fruity flavors that balance well. Drinks like the injeolmi latte and black sesame latte pair smoothly with espresso shots, offering creamy and nutty tastes without grit.

People are saying

"I thought the injeolmi latte was the best there ever is."

"The Wifi here is stable and fast."

"I missed the quality espresso and the delicious espresso cremes."

Good to know

1

Parking and the entrance are behind the building.

2

The parking lot behind the shop gets pretty full quickly.

3

Parking in the rear of Cafe De Mama is free during the daytime.

04
Marlowe Coffee & Eatery image 1

Spacious coffee shop offers a quiet, mellow atmosphere with natural light and minimalist design. Espresso is smooth and balanced, brewed with care for a perfect Italian-style shot. Multiple seating options and fast WiFi make it ideal for work or casual chats.

Espresso here is smooth, balanced, and brewed with clear intention. The shots avoid bitterness and sourness, delivering a perfect Italian-style experience.

People are saying

"Their espresso drinks are smooth and expertly made."

"The vibe here is so calm and classy, perfect for getting work done."

"The espresso here is smooth, balanced, and expertly made."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available around the back of the shop.

2

Dogs are not allowed inside the establishment.

3

The small cup of coffee costs over $5.

05
Picaresca Barra de Cafe image 1

Small coffee shop offers rich espresso with perfect flavor. Mexican-inspired decor and local art create a cozy, artistic vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating provide intimate spaces for a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Espresso here is rich and delicious with a spot on flavor that pairs well with breakfast.

People are saying

"You have to try the cafe de olla; it fills the soul."

"I will return for the chilaquiles."

"The espresso here is delicious and rich."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a nightmare at this location.

2

Seating inside is very limited.

3

I recommend coming early to secure a table because a line usually starts forming.

06
Verve Coffee Roasters image 1

Bright, airy space with calming design welcomes quiet work and friendly dogs. Espresso shines with single origin beans and creative seasonal drinks. Outdoor patio offers a shady spot but seats can be wobbly.

Espresso here stands out for its excellent quality and single origin options. Seasonal drinks offer inventive flavors without being too sweet.

People are saying

"The coffee here is seriously well-crafted and balanced."

"It's a quiet spot perfect for getting some work done."

"The espresso here is excellent, with a clean, nuanced flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the front and back of the coffee shop.

2

There are no outlets for charging devices inside the coffee shop.

3

The baristas put most seats and tables inside 33 minutes before closing.

07
Maru Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalist Japandi style creates a calm, cozy spot with high-quality coffee and top-notch pastries. Espresso options include seasonal light roast and espresso tonics with a creamy, complex flavor. Friendly vibe makes it inviting despite limited seating.

Espresso features a cream top iced espresso with sweet fluffy cream and complex flavor. Options include seasonal light roast espresso, espresso tonics, and a decaf espresso choice.

People are saying

"This coffee has a signature taste you can't find anywhere else."

"I found the pastries here to be top notch and delicious."

"I had the best espresso I've had in L.A."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid waiting.

2

Seating is very limited, so be prepared to stand or take your drinks to go.

3

Prices are higher than average, with two drinks costing around $11.

08
Café Telegrama image 1

Spacious cafe offers bright, airy design and a dog-friendly patio with heaters. Baristas serve flavorful espresso that highlights the beans' best notes. Atmosphere is laid back and trendy, perfect for stylish comfort seekers.

Baristas pull espresso that keeps the beans' integrity and highlights the best flavor profile. The espresso avoids over extraction, making the coffee taste amazing.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really good and tasty."

"I found the pancakes here to be just amazing."

"The espresso here is amazing, not over extracted."

Good to know

1

This place is card only.

2

Valet parking is available for $5 with validation.

3

Parking can be difficult; consider street parking or visiting on Sundays when meters are off.

09
Project Bloom Coffee image 1

Coffee shop blends floral art with a cozy atmosphere perfect for quiet work or chats. Espresso is high quality and pairs well with cappuccino and chai latte. Dog-friendly space offers free parking and a calm retreat amid fresh blooms.

Espresso here has great quality and pairs well with other drinks like cappuccino and chai latte. The environment stays calm, unlike other cafes where espresso making gets loud and hectic.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here; it was top tier."

"This egg sandwich is so good, especially with the tasty aioli."

"The espresso here is great quality and not too acidic."

Good to know

1

Parking is available just in front of the place, allowing for quick access.

2

Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early if you want a spot.

3

They make their own cream and lavender syrup, ensuring high quality.

10
endorffeine image 1
Coffee shop

Small, sleek space feels like a science lab with industrial-chic decor and dim lighting. Espresso shots are a masterclass in flavor, free of bitterness. Quiet, calm atmosphere encourages focus on coffee, perfect for serious enthusiasts.

Extraction delivers a masterclass in espresso with shots free of bitterness or burnt notes. Cappuccinos balance light, nourishing espresso with milk for an exemplary flavor.

People are saying

"I loved watching Jack's serious dedication to his coffee craft."

"I experienced the best espresso in Los Angeles here."

"It's a dimly lit, quiet place with minimalist, bare gray walls."

Good to know

1

Expect a small, no-frills menu focused on quality coffee.

2

The establishment is known for its unique water filtration for hot and cold drinks.

3

The coffee is on the pricier side, reflecting its quality and precision.

11
Black Canvas Coffee image 1

Open space with natural light and a green wall creates a cozy vibe. Comfortable seating supports both chilling and working in a quiet indoor area. Espresso is top-quality and pairs well with fresh pastries, making it perfect for a local coffee break.

Espresso here is top-quality and pairs well with fresh pastries. The spot offers a pleasant local vibe for enjoying espresso or cold brew.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent and delicious."

"I loved my delicious and fresh breakfast here."

"I really enjoyed the coffee flavor and the pastries."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on East street, but can be limited during peak hours.

2

The kitchen opens at 9am, but coffee and pastries are available earlier.

3

Expect limited pastry selection, especially during off-peak hours.

12
Handles Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop blends vintage and modern styles with a trendy vibe and quirky decor. Espresso is well-made and flavorful, featuring a signature camel coffee with cold foam. Limited seating and chill music create a laid-back atmosphere perfect for quick, casual hangouts.

Espresso here is well-made and flavorful, with baristas who carefully craft each shot. The signature camel coffee blends espresso with subtle sweetness and cold foam poured over a spoon to keep its texture.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be exceptionally rich and smooth."

"The camel latte tastes like orange dipped in chocolate."

"I found the espresso here to be very well-made and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times of 30-40 minutes on weekends after 9am.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it can be difficult to find.

3

The coffee shop has limited seating for about 5-6 people on the first floor.

13
Thank You Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop offers spot on espresso like cortado and cappuccino in a cozy, Japanese-inspired space. Blends stationery boutique charm with craft coffee, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Limited indoor seating means lines, but outdoor spots provide a quiet place to relax.

Espresso offerings include cortado and cappuccino that taste spot on. The space is tiny and adorable, serving espresso alongside matcha.

People are saying

"This coffee shop is so cute and small."

"The jasmine buckwheat latte is so unique and floral."

"I found the space tiny and adorable with espresso."

Good to know

1

Thank You Coffee is a small to-go coffee shop with a maximum capacity of 5 people.

2

There is no indoor seating available; only limited outdoor seating exists.

3

Parking can be tricky, and you may need to park a few blocks away.

14
File Systems of Coffee image 1

Coffee shop blends early 90s Mac iconography with nonstop jazz music and quirky decor. Espresso features a smooth cream top but can taste sour upfront. Seating includes dog-friendly spots and outdoor areas, creating a calming vibe for work or casual visits.

Cream tops the espresso with a smooth finish. Flavor develops as you drink, though some find it sour upfront with a harsh aftertaste from possibly fresh beans.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing and delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so unique and inviting."

"The espresso was a delicious treat."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers free wifi and has several outlets for working.

2

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

3

Milk alternatives are provided at no extra charge.

15
Go Get Em Tiger image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop buzzes with energetic atmosphere and has popular outdoor seating for a relaxed vibe. Espresso quality varies, but the hot oat chai with espresso stands out with its spice-forward taste. Space feels modern and clean, perfect for flavorful breakfast lovers.

Espresso shots vary in quality, with some being strong and delicious while others pull incorrectly, showing a yellow tint instead of brown. The hot oat chai with espresso offers a spice-forward and not too sweet flavor.

People are saying

"This iced almond macadamia latte really hit the spot."

"This breakfast burrito is packed with flavor and fresh."

"The espresso here is strong and amazing."

Good to know

1

Meter parking is available.

2

You can also park in the surrounding neighborhood.

3

The prices are high but worth it.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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