Recently, a wave of new coffee shops have opened in West L.A. There seems to be a unique cafe in every neighborhood of the city. To help you decide which ones are worth checking out, we have curated a guide to the best new cafés in West Los Angeles. These unique coffee shops provide more than just a good cup of java. They offer an ambiance conducive to getting things done, whether it’s creating that perfect presentation or working through your email inbox. Here are the top 5 coffee shops that are worth your time!

Coffee Connection, Culver City

A non-profit coffee house, Coffee Connection is an inviting indoor-outdoor cafe. Established in 2000, The Coffee Connection boasts a charming ambiance. Much of the original Baroque architecture remains from the former Bruno’s Ristorante, featuring stained glass windows, brick archways, a water wall with ferns and a fountain in a gated courtyard, and vaulted ceilings and marble colonnades. The cafe serves only the finest certified fair trade, organic, shade-grown, and carbon-free coffee, espresso, tea, and specialty drinks. In addition, Coffee Connection offers a selection of locally prepared deli sandwiches, empanadas, and salads. I visited the cafe on a Friday afternoon to get some work done in their quiet section. I ordered the Iced Latte ($4.75), which was perfect for a warm summer afternoon. After work, I met some friends at the social section of the cafe. Coffee Connection is an excellent venue for quiet work as well as socializing!

MUD\WTR :gather, Santa Monica 

This is a one-of-a-kind coffee shop, coworking space, and event venue focused on healthy living. It’s the first cafe concept by MUD\WTR, a brand that retails a coffee alternative beverage. The aesthetically pleasing cafe offers high-speed Wi-Fi and has a good work environment, ideal for those who thrive in a community setting. It is also a venue for events, such as meditation and breathwork workshops, and workout sessions. For designated desk space, quick internet, and extended hours, you can sign up for a coworking membership. At this cafe, I tried the Choconaut Smoothie (​​$10) with ice, milk, banana, plant-based chocolate protein powder, and almond butter. The smoothie was delicious, filling, and packed with flavor.

Alana’s Coffee Roasters, Venice

Alana’s Coffee Roasters is a welcoming space for professionals to work and collaborate while indulging in top-notch coffee. The light-filled coffee shop features a quaint al fresco seating section, which has a warm and quirky ambiance. The cafe’s expert team roasts its beans in-house, ensuring fresh and flavorful cups of java. While Alana’s Coffee Roasters doesn’t have dedicated workspaces, you can bring your laptop and find a comfortable spot at an outdoor table or by the window. In the evenings, this wildly popular coffee shop also hosts open mic nights, silent disco events, karaoke sessions, and live musical performances. Order any coffee concoction from Alana’s Coffee Roasters, and will not be disappointed! 

Goodboybob Coffee Roasters, Santa Monica

Goodboybob Coffee Roasters is my go-to for lip-smacking coffee and baked treats. This award-winning coffee roaster retails coffee from the world’s most celebrated producers. They source their coffee from farms engaging in environmental sustainability, which is roasted in small batches. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the Santa Monica outpost has a beautiful patio with fairy lights and rustic wooden tables, making for a lovely backdrop while you work. Their Drip Coffee, Flash Brewed Iced Coffee, Colombian Coconut Lemonade, Mocha, Matcha Latte, Iced Tea, and Chai Latte are crowd favorites. I also love that their food offerings are made using the freshest ingredients. 

Mavro Kafe, Mar Vista

For consistently good coffee, impeccable service,  wholesome food, and a work conducive ambiance, make your way to Mavro Kafe in Mar Vista. A neighborhood cafe, Mavro Kafe is a calm sanctuary in the heart of the city, perfect for focused work and even Zoom calls. Their signature beverages include the Iced Honey Vanilla Latte, Matcha Oat Latte, Dirty Chai Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Cortado. In addition to coffee, I recommend eating lunch at Mavro Kafe as well. Their food menu includes all-day breakfast and lunch items such as delectable sandwiches and egg dishes. I love that the food at Mavro Kafe is crafted using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

I was impressed to see that these coffee shops housed sufficient electric outlets. You shouldn’t have any issues charging your devices at any of them unless they are super busy.

Photo courtesy of Alana’s Coffee Roasters.