Where my level of java sophistication is concerned, I fall squarely into the "I don't know about coffee, but I know what I like," class of caffeine addicts. Which is to say: As long my coffee is brewed strong and black, I'll drink pretty much anything in between Folger's freeze-dried and a $90 cup of cat-feces-filtered gourmet roast. On that note, allow me to call your attention to LA City Zine's currently-happening user-voting promotion: They're taking a vote on The Best Coffee in Los Angeles, from a field of 9 starters. Here are the candidates:
- Abbott’s Habit, Venice
- Swork, Eagle Rock
- Infuzion Cafe, Santa Monica
- Intelligentsia, Silverlake
- Joni’s Coffee, Marina del Rey
- LA Mill, Silverlake
- Novel Cafe, Santa Monica
- Sabor y Cultura, Hollywood
- Funnel Mill, Santa Monica
Sadly, I've only been to two of the shops on the list. Novel Cafe and Abbot's Habbit. I voted for the Novel Cafe out of Westside solidarity and because I like the atmosphere. Speaking of which: I select coffee shops based on atmosphere alone. And now, as a disgruntled netizen, here is my $1.85 worth of opinion on coffee shops that should have been included on City Zine's list. (Hyperlinks coming later today)
The Rumor Mill, Culver City -- Great bagels, awesome service
Unurban Cafe, Santa Monica -- Would be the perfect foil for a Starbucks docu-drama
The Spot, Culver City -- Comfy, good food, very friendly staff
Coffee Conservatory, Culver City -- always bustling, prodigious and serious selection
Velocity, Santa Monica -- Great for reading or working, staff is not so interested in my dining and sipping experience, which is cool...
Kaffe Wien, West Hollywood -- clean and well-lighted
Venice Grind, Mar Vista -- So hip they have Shepard Fairey prints on the wall; outdoor terrace
LINK: Vote for the Best Coffee in Los Angeles [LA City Zine]
