Haute Top 5: The Best Coffee Shops in Los Angeles

Intelligentsia isn't just a hipster hangout. With locations in Silver Lake and Venice—representing both east and west side Los Angeles—this coffeehouse serves up single origin coffees sourced from some of the most celebrated, family-owned farms and smallholder co-ops and estates from around the world. It was also the first of its kind to adopt Direct Trade practices. And who doesn't want some trailblazing served up with their morning cup of Joe?

Although its interior and fare scream "social media," Alfred Coffee isn't just for the Instagram set. This unassuming coffeehouse on the teensy tiny Melrose Place is packed on any given day for many reasons: its vibe, its look, its free Wi-Fi, amazing pastries and, of course, its coffee, courtesy of the absolutely fantastic Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

You are going to love this lovely little coffee bar located in downtown L.A.'s Grand Central Market as much for its precisely brewed coffee as its unpretentious atmosphere. They vowed to provide the community warm, unfussy service and precisely brewed coffee and tea. They’ve adopted a "bar-style" service where customers are encouraged to belly up to any open spot on the bar rather than wait in line. We love that—and G&B's iced latte (which is just perfection). Try the inventive Business & Pleasure as well—an espresso shot (business) followed by a decadent, macadamia-almond milk latte (pleasure).

Stumptown is one of the most feted coffee houses in Los Angeles. Its Arts District locale is a 7,000-square-foot space that includes a 60-kilo Probat coffee roaster, a training lab and a custom La Marzocco Strada MP with paneling emblazoned with the Stumptown logo and an inscription reading "City of Angels." Here you'll find everything your heart desires, from espresso and drip coffee to a brew-by-the-cup coffee selection and Cold Brew on draft. There's also a selection of fresh bottled juices, water, sodas and rotating pastries and snacks from Sugar Bloom, Clover and Better Booch.

The Blue Bottle Coffee space in Venice is a modest and immaculate 650 square feet, with a Kees van der Westen Spirit espresso machine, a drip coffee bar and enough iced coffee to keep those cool from the (usually) warm L.A. weather. There's only a James Turrel–inspired LED installation by Techno Maki that lends a warm, vibrant pulse—which changes ever-so-slightly with the Southern California seasons—to the kiosk’s clean angularity. Add in the truly excellent coffee and you'll leave one perked up, happy customer. *If you're in a rush, make sure to try the New Orleans Iced Coffee drink of coffee, chicory, organic milk and cane sugar that comes in a cute little to-go carton.