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18th Street Coffee House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1725 BroadwaySanta Monica, CA 90404
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
(310) 264-0662
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 7 pm
Fri 7 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 8:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
MoGo Coffee is proud to serve Café D'Arte for its best gourmet espresso beans from Seattle. Our gourmet coffee and sauces has created a vibe among our… read more »
67 reviews for 18th Street Coffee House
Review Highlights
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"I love the chill atmosphere, and no cell phone policy." In 6 reviews -
"The patio outside is great and you could bring your dog." In 21 reviews -
"...coffee cake just to be able to sip on my vanilla chai latte." In 5 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Katie L.
Chicago, IL
2/29/2012
- "No Cell Phone" policy is True. (Love it.)
- Nice Americano. (Love it.)
- Light music. (Love it.)
- More notepad, than Mac (note)Book. (Love it.) -
Review from Kristin C.
West Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012
Charming Coffee House.
I found this place when riding my bike around, and so happy I did. This coffee house is unique and quaint in all the best ways. The no talking on your cell phone policy is really sweet. I forgot once, got in trouble, and couldn't stop smiling. I don't know why, I just love it.
Try the Bitches Brew.... great cup of Joe.
Inside and Out the decor will sweep you off your feet. The sound of the fountains, the bricks, the mosaics.Listed in: Coffeeee
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Review from George L.
1/6/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I was staying at a hotel, while visiting family for the holidays, on Santa Monica and 20th Street and stumbled on this coffee shop while trying to find another place. I was quite enchanted as it was very arty LA, somewhat of a feel of a Japanese tea house, with the lanterns in the ceiling and bare wooden rafters, and I remember the sound track was a nice cool groove.
I got a cafe american and it was well, it was okay, felt a bit bland compared to the one I get at the Cartel Coffee lab here in Phoenix. However, if I lived in the area, this would be a nice place to go on a Saturday or Sunday morning for some java and some food. i did notice they sell quiche but not sure what else they offer. Bottom line, a nice independent coffee place and worth checking out. My review is also indicative of the fact that my experience with the place was rather brief, but I like the look. -
Review from Taz G.
San Jose, CA
4/27/2012
This is the perfect little cafe/coffee house to relax, read, study, or just idle some hours away. It's not ideal to do anything that involves Internet, however, as there is no WiFi, which is a bit odd. BUT I still love it because the decor and ambiance make it such a calming place to relax and read. There are plenty of tables, including a lovely outdoor patio with mosaic-topped tables and a fountain, and Chinese lanterns and vintage photos and art. It strangely reminds me of old New Orleans, although I've never been there, so I guess it reminds me of some kind of impression or idea of New Orleans. Charming and full of character, to say the least.
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Review from Thu P.
10/14/2011
This place is great. I love the outdoor patio. I love how it is quiet and not everyone is chatting on the phone. I love that there is no wifi, because it means I actually have to study instead of surf the web. I love all the cushions on the outside chair.
This place is great for studying, reading, and just chatting with your friends. The people who work here are actually quite nice and friendly. -
Review from Sue F.
Los Angeles, CA
4/9/2012
I love this place - an antidote to Starbucks, Tea Leaf etc. It's cozy indoor with old fashioned booths and they have an outside patio to die for - it's an oasis. Although there aren't heaters, I bring a blanket to snuggle up with. They have a few comfortable couches and the rest are tiled tables with standard chairs. For hot days, there are plenty of umbrellas. The coffee and goods are a bit more expensive than starbucks etc. yet you are supporting a local establishment. I know the servers there and it's a local hang out for a lot of writers it seems. I like that they sell hard boiled eggs for a dollar. Check it out!
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Review from Andrea R.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
My colleagues and I ended up here after learning Huckleberry* is closed on Mondays. Boo. Christina Y informed me it was much healthier to work from 18th Street Coffee House anyway since their food is pretty gross. After that "endorsement" I refrained from trying anything, but nothing looked too appetizing.
It turns out the food isn't the only thing unappetizing at 18th Street Coffee House because I wasn't such a fan of my coffee either. They also are anti cell phones, which was a bit difficult for me since I'm on the phone 5 million hrs/day for my job.
I did take note of their super cute patio on my way out the door, which is worth at least a few stars.
* http://www.yelp.com/bi...Listed in: Andrea's guide to Lala land!
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Review from Denise D.
Honestly, I think all the haters are haters. This place live up to its name and rules because of their ways to handle a brilliant coffee shop. No cellphone? A plus on my list. No wifi? Even better. Coffee? Only for bitches (have you not read the sign?).
Do agree on some part that service can be rather discouraging but gave them a second chance by heading back. Needless to say, was more than pleased.
Take a sip, sit back and enjoy the place as it is! -
Review from Amy S.
Santa Monica, CA
3/23/2012
I have REALLY tried to love this place. The first downside for me is the hours: they close ridiculously early and aren't open at all on Sundays, which I don't understand based on the fact that there are always a lot of people when I come in. No wi-fi is interesting, but is not what keeps me from coming back. I love the ambience and the no cell phone rule (yay!) and the outdoor patio is beautiful and incomparable. The staff are also always really friendly. I find that the lattes are subpar and, after my overpriced lunch experience today, I won't be going back. : ( Today I ordered a delicious-sounding garden burger and an almond milk latte. I paid $15, which kind of stung. Included in the $9 (+?) price for the burger was a pickle spear. It was a frozen veggie patty from the grocery store (not terrible, just not worth this kind of money) with bland hummus, tomato and cucumber on so-so focaccia bread. It was totally tasteless and my friend, who ordered the same thing, shared in my sentiment. Our lattes were so underwhelming that we left and went to the Coffee Bean. I'm bummed because I really did want to give them my business.
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Review from Michelle F.
Santa Monica, CA
7/19/2011
I am not a fan of cookie cutter coffee chains with bland decor, so whenever I go to them I always get my coffee to go. Whenever I want to sit down and enjoy a coffee 18th Street is the place I go to. I just love the cool artsy feel, eclectic furniture and lots of different patterned mosaic tables. Patio doors lead to a pretty enclosed country garden patio which is perfect for first dates.
I used to come here more and sit outside with my dog, but sadly they no longer allow dogs on the patio "due to an unfortunate incident"
Staff don't seem that invested in the place, twice I ordered food and they did not have the ingredients and another time they said they were closing in 30 minutes so food service had ended.
However, I don't go for the food/staff but more to chill for half an hour in the outdoor area - it refreshes me. -
Review from Nerisa L.
6/13/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Its a mediocre coffee shop. The menu is kinda confusing but the service is ok. The baked goods is a hit and miss, I'm not quite sure if its fresh bc the muffin that I had purchased was half hard and half moist if that makes any sense.
Its the closest coffee shop by my office so it will do. I love my coffee strong so if you do too, then this is the place for you. -
Review from Gerald F.
Brentwood, CA
To say the least - I have come to appreciate this place. This unique coffee / lunch spot.
While other major coffee shops turn towards technology (Wi-Fi), people on their cellphones... this place is different and inviting.
This place doesn't expect you to turn off your laptop, or disallow you from checking your email on your smartphones - however don't expect to have WiFi access-point, and don't expect to answer that phone while drinking your expresso.
This place takes a step back and says, "hey, read a book, conversate with your buddy, make new friends. welcome back to a the early 1990s. be social my friend."
i didn't realize the phone rule at first, and was asked by the barista to take the phone call outside - "ok..." Understood. Respect.
Oh yah, i'll be back. Great environment, cool baristas, though the price of drinks are higher than the popular coffee chains, this place has a charm of it's own.
Decently sized restaurant with patio. -
Review from Anna B.
Los Angeles, CA
5/5/2011
I love the design and decor of this place. Lots of light, lots of space, lots of interesting tchotchkes. The staff is warm and the customers keep to themselves. One time I was there I watched a woman do an entire Hello Kitty cross-stitch.
All these attributes bode extremely well for this being a great place to sit and get some work done, except 1. there's no wifi so if you're doing internet research you're out of luck and 2. it is SO hard to find parking in this area you really can't risk driving over there from another part of town. If you're in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by for a relaxing snack/coffee break, though. If I lived down the street I would probably be there every day.
Based on my rating system below, I had to dock a couple stars for meager tea options and the fact that it closes at 7 p.m.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I'm a writer who has trouble working in her own home. In my quest for the perfect coffee shop, I have devised my own star rating system for the shops I review on this site. Each attribute below is worth one star, which makes it possible for a shop to lack desirable attributes yet still receive a perfect Yelp rating. Anything with a perfect Yelp rating is a place in which I am happy to sit for hours on end.
* well lit
* cozy atmosphere with comfortable seating
* wifi (free or not)
* open late
* serves loose leaf tea
* variety of affordable food and beverages
* interesting people-watching, whether it be out the window or in the shop
* not too crowded (I hardly ever go on the weekends because I know the odds would be against me)
I understand that my rating system is unique to my own needs but hopefully I will be able to highlight qualities that others may be interested in. -
Review from Eugi H.
4/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Folksy kind of coffee shop with comfy seating areas indoors and a really pretty patio area. Cloudy day today though, so I opted to sit inside. As some reviewers have stated, this is the closest coffee shop to chill at while waiting for you car to be serviced by Honda.
Patrons here seem friendly, though the staff themselves are not quite as chipper. There one girl making all the drinks and taking all the orders, and one guy making all the food. No wonder they are in no mood for chitchat. There baked goods display looked unappealing, and tasted as such. Granted all I got was a bagel with cream cheese and a soy chai latte, but I've had fresher tasting bagels that's for sure. Because there was only one person making the food, toasting my bagel took about 10 minutes...they're lucky I had time to kill! The chai latte was ok, not amazing - the spice flavord were kinda muted.
They have a no phone calls policy and no wifi. You can use your smart phones to surf the web if you have them though. This places makes me feel like reading a book or doing crafts like scrapbooking or knitting. Too bad I don't have any of those with me! -
Review from Debbie W.
12/13/2010
Came here for a meet-up and I just loved the decor! It's a pretty big spot for a coffee shop, tons of choices for seating. We ended up at a gorgeous table outside, plenty of shade or sun, whatever you worship! The coffee was really tasty, one of the coffee dispensers was broken though and sprayed coffee everywhere, so I just picked a different flavor. I love how the cream is on ice, that's rare to see. Also, we ordered a muffin, toasted and it was soooo good, delivered right to the table.
Fun shop, cool decor, nice staff...yay Bob! -
Review from Jaime Patricio M.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2011
I was in a hurry to go to the airport but needed a cup of coffee. And after all who isn't in a hurry to go the airport?
I stopped in here by accident--I looked quickly and found a coffee house on Broadway and thought I found the place I wanted to go to. Busily looking for the other coffee house -- I actually arrived at the wrong place. I quickly dash in and didn't look at the name. I re-looked on Yelp and found that I didn't get to the coffee house I wanted to.
This coffee house reminded me of college days; paper lanterns a very interesting paining of a southern subject matter. I ordered a cafe au lait--I was disappointed to see airpots--so I was immediately concerned about not having a great cup of coffee. As much as I wanted to like the place it was just okay. The steamed milk helped the coffee but the overall experience was a lack of excitement. I was near the ordering counter and every customer was trying to order and almost no one was able to get anything on the menu.
Just a few adjustments could make this place a more compelling experience. -
Review from Alex B.
Santa Monica, CA
8/1/2011
I used to LOVE working here. Great vibe, friendly staff, and I loved the no internet / cell policy as a way to get away from distractions.
But today I was kicked out of the shop (impolitely) for "sitting too long [2.5 hours] while only ordering 1 coffee." I told the manager I am a loyal customer and refer all my friends here precisely because it's a low-key place, and I've never heard of this policy at this establishment, let alone ANY coffee shop EVER. When I asked the allotted time I'm allowed to sit, she told me this is not an actual policy, nor is it written anywhere, but she's "had enough" of people staying too long. Very frustrating/arbitrary.
Too bad. Used to be my favorite coffee shop in LA. -
Review from Annie C.
Hollywood, CA
8/25/2010
Coffee: 3
Ambience: 5+!
Whoever said the Hazelnut Latte was good here was sort of lying. That or we must have different tastes...I wasn't fully impressed with the Hazelnut Latte, but who gives.
The A++++ factor of 18th Street Coffee House is the serene and enclosed patio area. This coffee shop is situated right on Broadway--a pretty busy street--but the patio is a lovely escape from all the traffic. The water fountain and the music selection set a calm mood. In fact, when "Java Jive (I Like Coffee, I Like Tea)" started playing, I instantly smiled. It was easy to spend 2 hours reading or pondering. It was absolutely lovely!!
I love that there's no wi-fi. I love the no cell phone policy (although I saw quite a few law breakers of this rule on the patio). It's a nice place to just sit and enjoy life, which I was able to do this afternoon. -
Review from Isha B.
Santa Monica, CA
11/15/2011
Very charming, home-y feel. The patio outside is gorgeous on a nice day. They make awesome chai lattes! My only complaint would be that they are not open on Sunday, which in my opinion is the perfect day for a visit there. Doesn't make sense...Also, they do not provide wifi/internet access. Probably because they want to keep an old school charm to the place. But overall, a great neighborhood coffee shop!
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Review from Kelly H.
Loved this place!! The atmosphere is the best of any coffee shop on the Westside. It has plenty of seating and comfortable booths inside, plus a beautiful outdoor patio. I came here to do some crafts with a couple of friends, and it was the perfect place for us.
I ordered a nonfat vanilla latte, which was really good. The woman even brought the drink to the table. Prices were reasonable and comparable to Starbucks.
No wifi. I am disappointed about this. I would definitely come back here to do work if they had wifi. Other than that, it's a wonderful place. -
Review from Julie F.
7/31/2010
This is a cute, charming place that I just heard about. There was plenty of street parking (metered and unmetered) and apparently there's parking in the back, too.
I'm not a regular/true coffee drinker, but I'll have a frappuccino every now and then from Starbucks. I had a hot chocolate and it was good although I wonder how you can really screw up hot chocolate unless it's not very chocolately or it's served warm instead of hot... -
Review from Mahsa K.
Silver Spring, MD
1/21/2011
I miss their raspberry sammies!
I love the chill atmosphere, and no cell phone policy. Always ample parking, good coffee, and good for meeting friends for lunch on the patio. -
Review from Amy A.
Santa Monica, CA
3/15/2008
UPDATE: I wrote about this place, and how warm and neighborly the environment is in this LA Times op-ed:
http://www.latimes.com...
AARON WRITES: "The people that "work" here (and I use that term WORK lightly) as previously noted, are totally annoying,. It's not that they are trying to be douchebags but they have been doing their thing for so long with consistent profits that they have the Portland/Seattle neo-hippie thing crossed with LA pretention ingrained into their inner-selfs. ...The no cell phone/no credit card rule is way beyond obnoxious...."
As an 18th Street regular, I'm thrilled Aaron has this opinion because I'm hoping it means he'll never be back.
About the staff: I think Aaron must have been hell-bent on using the word "pretension," because that's about the last word anybody who goes here would use to describe the staff. They actually care about the customers, and in a way you rarely see anyplace else. For example, one of the little old ladies who comes in to read in the afternoons left her cell phone at Trader Joe's, and when one of the girls who works at 18th Street learned this, she drove over after she got off work to pick it up for the woman. I didn't hear this from her, either, but from the little old lady.
The staff take pride in making really good stews, and homemade chicken vegetable soup in the winter. They buy fresh vegetables and cut them up. It's not from a can. They care that their food is healthy, and made from quality ingredients, and that you like it. They actually argue about how to make the tunafish, which way it's best. And just today, one of the guys who worked there reminded me not to leave the peach ginger tea bag in for more than a few minutes or it would get bitter and nasty tasting. "Douchebags"? Please.
Also, there's a guy who works there (M) who keeps the place clean and in good repair, and takes pride in his work like you don't see much, either. A total gem.
And, by the way, the same woman who went and picked the little old lady's cell phone up at Trader Joe's treated a homeless guy with kindness and respect that you don't see from many people. She not only gave him food, she encouraged him to apply for a job there. Compassion, I think, must be in the job description.
Regarding allegations of some supposedly glacial pace of service, I go there all the time, and I'm very impatient, and I don't experience long wait times. That said, the staff there are not interested in getting you in and out like at McDonald's. They will take that extra moment to ask you how what you're writing is coming, or if your foot is healing, or if you'd like cucumbers as a side with your tuna salad, and if not, what would you prefer? The way they treat people is how I imagine it must've been in a small town a few decades back if you went to the local coffee shop, and it's one of the reasons I go there.
Also, I think the spirit of the staff spills over to the customers. When I'm leaving a table with a plug after writing, I look to see if anybody else on a laptop is sitting at a table not near a plug, and ask them if they might want my table. Today, I was cold, and a guy who writes there came over to tell me I could have his jacket to wear if I needed it. See that happening at a lot of places in Los Angeles? Me neither.
Also, I'm pretty damn sick of hearing the boring lives of blowhards on cell phones shouted at me while I'm trying to read the newspaper. More places should have "no cell phones" signs. If they double as "No Aaron or Aaron-types" signs, well, for me, it's all good. -
Review from Matt L.
7/27/2010
You have to check this place out. Very cool. Great place to meet some friends for coffee.
Wish they'd get Wifi, but other than that...great place! -
Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
8/18/2009 1 Check-in Here
It means a lot that I'm giving this place 4 stars when I honestly don't enjoy the coffee that much. Maybe I need to stop getting the drip there (the chai tea latte I got was great), but the atmosphere makes it all worthwhile.
No cell phones allowed inside or on the cute patio - a plus in my book. But there are lots of people holed up on their laptops. It seems like a nice little hub and those who like to mildly eavesdrop will catch lots of interesting conversations from table to table.
The employees there haven't been especially friendly when I've been there, but somehow that adds to its appeal - kind of like the soup nazi on Seinfeld. I heard that the place is owned by Bob Dylan (have not verified this), so maybe they're trying to take on some of his folksy aloofness. -
Review from smriti k.
Los Angeles, CA
7/20/2010
I just don't understand why all the adorable and cozy places are hidden! And i happened to discover this place on one of my 3 mile walks.*Looks at her legs and thanks them for taking her here *
This place has no Wifi and it is a complete getaway from the busy world ,and the other coffee places which shu you away after their 45 minute time limit.They have an indoor seating and an extremely cute courtyard with tile based tables,surrounded by plants and a mini waterfall.
They serve coffee,quiche and other pastries to go with coffee.I got their Bitches brew coffee;yes!! i got it because the name was funny and the coffee was good.Who knew that bitches make good coffee? I do,now you do!! And my friend got a piece of the spinach quiche,which was ok.
This is a great place to have a cup of coffee with your friends or to read book or to just sit in the courtyard and do absolutely nothing!And i wish they played afternoon live music here.That would actually make me move in to this place.*GRINS*
18th street coffee house -is my secret getaway from the busy world and i hope it remains the same.*imagines an old lady entering the coffee house and becoming nostalgic;the old lady is me in 50+years!* :)
-Smriti -
Review from Leonard A.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2009
NAME: 18th Street Coffee House
TYPE OF CUISINE: Sandwiches, pastry, coffees, soft drinks
ADDRESS: 1725 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404
PHONE: 310-264-0662
WEBSITE: None
RESERVATIONS: No
GENERAL LOCATION: On the north side of Broadway just east of 17th Street
HOURS: Open from 7 am on weekdays
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes
DELIVERY SERVICE: No
BANQUET FACILITIES: No
CATERING: Call for info
TAKEOUT: Probably
NOISE FACTOR: Exceptionally quiet and pleasant
VEGGIE FACTOR: Not really
KID FACTOR: No! Keep the screamer/shriekers the hell out!
OUTDOOR SEATING: Yes
AMBIANCE/ATMOSPHERE: I have been meaning to go there probably since it first opened, and today I did. Very pleasant inside; I especially liked the brickwork and raw woodwork, the high beam joists, the valence-like curtains and the red Chinese lanterns. Oh yes, and the large screen doors on spring-loaded hinges, which reminded me of old times and pleasant memories. Lots of greenery and flowers outside, and there's a very comfortable patio for nice days like today (unfortunately it doesn't keep out the street noise and fumes).
It's a home to those who like to camp out with some combination of writer's notebook, laptop, newspaper or magazine. I saw several people engaged in these activities, evidently planning to spend the whole day there, but nobody seemed to mind. And others were there simply to enjoy the pleasantness of the ambiance with coffee and pastry. At the very least, it all makes for great people watching!
FOOD: I had decided beforehand to have a sandwich. They had two choices in that department today: tuna salad and chicken salad. I opted for the tuna salad on sourdough bread. They do not skimp! The woman put the sandwich together, and when she was through, it must have been at least three inches high, loaded with so much tuna salad and so many tomato slices that I asked for a spoon to eat the spillout first. After I removed the tomato slices (I forgot to indicate "no tomato"), it was obvious that she had put in an entire sliced tomato! Just taking out the tomato slices brought down the sandwich height by a full inch.
This tuna salad was unusual. It had some interesting spices in it, and I believe some sweet pickle relish, as well as crunchy diced red onions. It was a strange brick red color, and had the consistency of something you would find left on a front lawn by an animal in some sort of digestive distress. The bread wasn't stale, but not particularly fresh. Alas, although I got a whole lot of food for the money, it was too much money for the QUALITY of food, which, if I had to judge by that sandwich is less than average.
I also had an IBC cream soda, which was so good I ordered another. Then I had a raspberry bar, which was also good. Between the two, I consumed way too much sugar.
FOOD PRESENTATION: Straightforward, nothing special
DRINKS: A wide variety of teas, coffees, soft drinks, juices
SERVICE: The woman who took my order was sort of hippie-ish, but reasonably pleasant. After having read the other Yelp reviews here (which blow both hot and cold), I have to say "hot" for the building and the decor, "luke warm" for the food and the service.
PRICE RANGE: Ultimately, overpriced, because you are charged a lot for ordinary fare
PAYMENT: Strictly cash, no CC, no checks
PARKING SITUATION: Lousy as always on Broadway: metered parking and the rest is permit parking. If you're meeting someone there at a particular time, come early enough to do some searching for a spot, and to walk from there to the place. Tell them that too.
BOTTOM LINE: Charming room, blah food. -
Review from Hannah M.
5/6/2010
Got my car tuned up at Honda and they suggested I walk down the alley and wait at this place instead of their cruddy plastic chairs.
WWWOOOOWWWW!!! It's SO cute! The ambiance is great. They have an adorable waterfall, cute tables, no direct light but you are outside. I like the NO CELL PHONE rule. It seems like people who live in the area come here to relax and read a book.
Saw another review about the drip coffee. HAHAHAH!!! So true, it's weak and not that good. Coffee shop with not so good drip??? Minus 1 star. (Also no Wi-Fi!!!) COME ON! Get a router and pay $50/month to provide this.
Anyway, I feel like this is a hidden gem in Santa Monica, check it out! -
Review from Melinda G.
Santa Monica, CA
4/14/2008
I live close by and love coming here to get coffee. Super chill vibe, amazing coffee, and an intimate feel. When I sit inside I feel relaxed and on a nice day, you can't beat the outside patio full of sunlight and green lush plants.
Some of the desserts here are amazing and the coffee drinks are out of this world. The menu seems a little pricey, but I guess that's normal for a coffeeshop in Santa Monica. One time I did forget cash so learn from my mistake. Also, it's not that big of a deal to go outside to use your cell phone in order to create a more peaceful coffeeshop experience for your fellow patrons.
A lot of people are on computers even though there is no internet. I would say this a good place to disconnect from the world a little bit. But definitely don't go there on a Sunday because it will be closed.
I've had to reduce a star because I've been disappointed by my vanilla latte the last two times I was here. :( -
Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
12/11/2009
Met a friend for lunch here. It's a 1.1-mile walk from my office, which was a nice midday break -- but I was glad she could drop me off afterward; it was raining!
They have four sandwiches on the board: egg salad, tuna salad, veggie, and turkey. We both had the turkey. It's served on thick white bread and is mostly non-turkey items (lettuce, tomato, mustard), with thin slices of turkey and cheese. Regardless, tasty enough for $7. Not served with anything on the side.
She got an Odwalla lemonade, and I got a small cup of coffee for the planned walk home. They also have a spinach quiche, which we didn't try.
Were the day nicer, we would have sat in the outdoor courtyard, most likely. As it was, we sat in the main space, amidst the laptop workers and other patrons.
Nice. I'll be back. -
Review from Ck S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/11/2011
I do not like the no cell phone policy, since I am usually very discreet when talking on my cell phone and don't talk any louder than if i were speaking to someone across the table. Might as well tell people they can't talk to each other or have meetings. Plus the staff was not very friendly and the coffee is not that great. Atmosphere is nice or else I'd give zero stars. However, much better, European-owned coffee can be had just one block east at 19th and Broadway called Caffe Bello.
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Review from Ronnie V.
Los Angeles, CA
8/4/2010
GREAT Hazelnut Lattes and baked goods.
Stamp card! -
Review from Tami R.
Santa Monica, CA
10/24/2006
Ok so it's rumored that Bob Dylan owns the place, but the staff says no.
They've got a really cute patio if it's a nice day and even if it's not a nice day.
They're food isn't anything too spectacular and the service isn't great, but its got a really great vibe.
It's a cell phone free zone!!! So mainly you'll see a bunch of writing drinking coffee in real mugs and jotting away on their laptops while listening to their ipods.
Definitely a great non chain coffee house. -
Review from Stefan W.
Venice, CA
5/24/2007
Great little place to stop and get a cup of coffee. I love sitting out on their quiet little patio and reading the paper and having a cup of coffee before heading to work. This place is unassuming, anti-hipster, and what a coffee house truly should be.
EDIT: Ok, now they're closed Sundays. Wtf!?!? -
Review from Erin d.
Venice, CA
2/27/2008
I have no rave reviews about the quality of their beverages. I ordered an iced soy mocha, and it didn't taste like it was made with espresso, it tasted like it was made with old coffee, old burned coffee. But I don't care, because I was there on a lovely, warm day and enjoyed their fantastic patio. I like their mosaic and tile decorated tables. The whole patio area is enclosed, so it's not for people watching (not that there's that much foot traffic around this cafe anyway). There's a trellis surrounding the patio that goes up pretty high and it's covered in ivy. The ground is paved with bricks, not just pavement. There are little statues and potted plants around. They have umbrellas around, so if direct sunlight isn't your thing you're set. It's just a cute little garden scene.
The inside is great too. Plenty of tables and booths. A great place to work, but I think it's an even better place to just sit with a book and read for while. There's no internet, so if you're trying to escape from your internet obsessions and email, it's a perfect refuge.
I would give more stars if I liked the drinks or if it was less expensive. I got a chocolate chip cookie and a cup of soymilk ($4.00) and also an iced soy mocha ($4.25)--prices that aren't commensurate with quality in my mind. -
Review from Kimberly M.
Santa Monica, CA
9/12/2011
i'm sure this cafe has amazing shots, but i would rather not have to buy a coffee cake just to be able to sip on my vanilla chai latte. it burnt my whole mouth and i have not been able to taste food for 2 days. if your mouth is sensitive, i would recommend asking the barista to not make your milk so hot.
nice atmosphere, though. -
Review from Angela Y.
3/11/2010
This is a little quaint, idyllic coffee shop that I've only been to because I was getting my car fixed at the Honda Service just down the alleyway. It's probably the only reason I would come here.
I like the environment a lot, it looks like a nice, quiet place and doesn't look like one of those chain coffee stores. It's a place you'd go to get away from the world - no wi-fi, no cell phones.
The food can be majorly improved on. While I like the environment, the food isn't all that appealing. It's wrapped in plastic wrap which makes it look un-appetizing and not fresh which doesn't make me want to get their pastries. Though I gave it a chance, and it's just all right. Once I got yogurt and it just tasted like cheap peanuts mixed in with the Ralph's-brand yogurt.
The staff is pretty chill, really friendly the last couple of times I've been. The chairs aren't really that comfortable to me though, but I do like the fact that they aren't all the same which gives it a more distinct look to the place.
It only receives two stars because it closes too early for me, I dislike the limited hours and the food nor the coffee isn't all that good in my opinion and for me, that's a major thing for a coffee house. I don't mind the no cellphones or no wifi, I think it's nice.
I would also like to say they do accept credit card because I did use mine to pay recently. -
Review from Max E.
Bellefonte, PA
5/14/2008
I want to like this place more, but after every visit I still don't know. The employees are honestly not that friendly and the drinks take a long long time. I love the atmosphere, its a good place to come alone, i wouldn't have a meeting here with anyone, especially if you are in the entertainment business. There are far too many writers typing away listening and watching everything that goes on in this place.
However, I keep coming back. I don't like to give my money to big corporate coffee shops, but every time I come to this place I just don't feel the employees really give a crap about anything.
The espresso is great, the coffee okay and the atmosphere is the best around. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/24/2007
One of the best non-obnoxious cafe's around.
Coffee breaks are called BREAKS for a reason. But I've found that some Joe joints rub me the wrong way. The combination of crammed seating, bad lighting, sugar high teens "slummin' it," and the obnoxious folks barking on their cells drives me insane. Stop wasting your money on small-soggy sandwiches and burnt coffee! Head over to 18th Street Coffee House. It's what a coffee break should be.
Perfect for pausing your day and for detoxing the mass produced from your system. Their no cellphones and no credit cards or ATM accepted policy works for me. The store has a cute brick facade and there's a secluded garden-esque patio. It looks small but it's wonderfully spacious inside. It's great for catching up, working, and simply sitting. Besides the pastries, everything is made when you order. The food is always great and fresh. Their drinks are all fabulous.
It's a breath of fresh air, so come on out to slow down and enjoy yourself. Do it on a day when you want to get off the rat race and it'll be great.
Must orders: Carrot Cake, turkey sandwich, granola, peach ginger tea and cafe caramel. -
Review from Vilay K.
Los Angeles, CA
12/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Love this place...iced tea rocks here...no wifi our cell phones allowed...unobstructed concentration place court me
