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Kaldi Coffee & Tea

4 star rating
based on 64 reviews

Category: Coffee & Tea

3147 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 660-6005
Hours:

Mon-Thu. 6:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Fri. 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sat. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free

64 reviews for Kaldi Coffee & Tea

Review Highlights   

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"Great, great, great local coffee shop in Atwater Village." (in 8 reviews)
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"OH and the Pirates Chai is stupendous." (in 4 reviews)
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"I come here for the cold-pressed coffee." (in 5 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Anna B.

Elite '09

5

125

Anna B.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/25/2009

I don't live in Atwater, but this seems to be the local hangout.  Every time I'm at Kaldi I see people come in the door and chat with the barista as though they're old friends.  Those unfamiliar with Los Angeles might say that this friendliness is atypical of this city, but the longer I live here the more I realize that warmness like this really does exist here... you just have to look for it. If you'd rather bury yourself in your work than chat with your neighbors, you can do that at Kaldi as well. Though when I do that they probably look at me and think "she's not from here."

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

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.

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Photo of Mia C.

 

30

89

Mia C.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
Updated - 10/10/2009

COLD.BREWED.COFFEE.

!!!

fantastique! no acid, 2x caffeine. and you ask for it special, it isn't on the menu. it's the only other place besides Seattle's Best that does iced coffee this way.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 4 star rating
    5/23/2009

    i think this is the second most frequented coffee shop i go to, after silver lake coffee. and the… Read more »

Photo of James S.

Elite '09

127

148

James S.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/15/2009

This probably deserves five stars. I stumbled in here in search of beverage and sanctuary. Instantly, I knew I scored.

Tried the Iced Green Tea----normally I'm espresso guy, but tonight, I feel a little free and spiritual, what can I say?

The curious bastahrd in my asks where they get their tasty looking pastries------turns out LaBrea Bakery. Mmmm.  More good stuff.

Nice music, unobtrusive while still with an unmistakably groove-y POV. Not to say groovy.

A sweet intro to Atwater VIllage; I'm here and delighted. Comfortable place to chill.

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Photo of Katie M.

 

1

6

Katie M.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/2/2009

I have been coming to Kaldi every day that I'm not out of town since it opened in 2002.  Their espresso is very good, I drink it iced with a splash of soy.  I have to say in all those years only a few times have I ever had disappointing shots, and the staff are great about pullign it again if it isn't right.

They used to be notorious for having at least one person on staff who was really slow, but that isn't the case anymore.  All of the current staff are really great, and most of them start with my drink when I come in -- there are a lot of regulars who have a "usual."  A lot of familiar faces there too, it's that kind of cozy neighborhood place.  Tables outside are nice too.

I don't get the more complicated drinks so much.  Although I've sipped the mexican mocha -- i don't usually get sweet coffee drinks but WOW that is good chocolate, perfectly flavored and delicious.  The mad cow mocha too, a combo of white and dark.

OH and the Pirates Chai is stupendous.  Such a complexly flavored drink like other chai, but with matcha in it and it is simply perfect.

The vibe is great too.  I often sit and read there, or go with my daughter and play with the little animal toys they have there for kids.  They have a bunch of books you can borrow or take.  

And they feature local artists on the walls, changing it up every month or two.  For a stretch they had live music outside on Friday nights, would be nice to bring that back.

Great place.  Anyone who goes to the Starbucks down the block is an utter fool.

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Photo of Emmanuel O.

 

4

4

Emmanuel O.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/28/2009

I have my mail sent there

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Photo of Daniel R.

Elite '09

34

78

Daniel R.

Tempe, AZ

4 star rating
6/13/2009

Kaldi is everything you'd want from a coffee shop, but doesn't exceed expectations. They have a large drink and tea selection, the staff is nice and it is a comfortable place to spend an hour.

The best thing about kaldi is the block it is on, full of cute shops, and the fact that you can order a tasty sandwich from Atwater next door if you get hungry.

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Photo of Tomer G.

 

18

2

Tomer G.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/8/2009

Free wifi, awesome drinks like Pirate Chai (more spicy, less sweet, and 5x the skulls of most chais!), chilled out, nice people.

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Photo of Ruru A.

 

0

1

Ruru A.

Glendale, CA

5 star rating
9/15/2009

I totally dig this coffee joint! Aside from all the awesome coffee, chai bombs, and Japanese snacks, there's Ivo, the best  (cutest) barista ever.  The baristas are always attentive, never rude, and serve up a quick joe when you need it. The ambiance is always mellow, from single mac laptop users to families sharing a coffee stop moment. Great place to study, research on line, or just enjoy a sip of your tea/coffee. Did I mentioned how great Ivo is? Awesome!

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Photo of Robert F.

Elite '09

23

94

Robert F.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
2/16/2009 1 photo

This Atwater Village gem is the one of the best neighborhood coffee places I've been to in LA. When I first started going to Kaldi a few years ago, it was kinda a typical, dumpy coffee house w/ crappy old yard sale furniture and an overall dingy feel.

Well, somewhere along the line, I'm not sure when, they cleaned up their act.  Someone must have taken out a small business loan, or something, because the place looks a whole lot better. Nice new furniture, metal ceiling, an overall fresh feel to the place.

And their coffee & tea menu is huge.  Just look at the board.  Coffee, tea, chai; if you want it, they got it.  They roast their own beans and their coffee is just consistently tasty. Free wifi is nice too.

My hot drink of choice is a small cappuccino and I gauge a coffee shop's overall worthiness on how good they can brew & steam one up.  And, I'm happy to report, Kaldi makes a mean cappuccino.  Just the right temperature, thick foam, perfect taste, w/ no bitterness.  It's just a pure joy.  Their iced drinks are quite good, too, I might add.  Go for an iced Americano and you won't be disappointed.

I knock off one star because their selection of baked goods is slim and sometimes, non-existent.  Maybe they find that they take a bath on the baked goods, and therefore, don't carry many?  I don't know?  But, I just know, it would be nice to be able to get a bagel, muffin, scone, or croissant, at times, when going to Kaldi. But, to close on a positive note, again, Kaldi is the place for an almost infinite selection of drinks both hot & iced.

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Photo of Anh T.

Elite '09

221

452

Anh T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
12/22/2008

It took me awhile to figure out the name of this place because its red veranda merely displays "coffee and tea". But I like that it's straightforward and to the point, kind of like - "Me. You. Second bathroom stall in 3 minutes. Go!"

Anyway, they've got a ton of coffees and teas (duh). Really good ones, usually; they roast their own beans. The espresso is a tad acidic but the red eye (shot of espresso in drip coffee) tones it down to a perfectly smooth finish. The mad cow mocha (mix of white and milk chocolate) is nice if you need a cup of sugar to mitigate those PMS episodes, or if you're not getting laid. The classic lattes are also very good with a pretty dollop of foam. Prices are a little higher than Starbucks and other corporate devils.

Most people probably come here for the very laid back indie/hipster cool vibe. So laid back, in fact, that you end up waiting at least 15 minutes to get your coffee because they never seem to have more than one person on staff. I, on the other hand, come for their brown scones. They are one of the best I've ever had, made with almonds, cranberries, and not too much sugar. That is, if you can get past the brown poop-like exterior.

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Photo of Joy B.

Elite '09

92

238

Joy B.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
1/17/2009

After a nice hike with my pooch at Runyon Canyon, I needed my caffeine fix. With the recession the way it is, I've been compelled to patron local independent shops to do my part to keep 'em in business. Even if that means I pay a little more with the little guys. Let's face it, things would be quite boring if all that remains is corporate ran.

Anyhoo, I passed Kaldi, busted a bitch (I don't usually talk like this, just wanted to say it for the sake of emphasis), and parked.

I walked in and loved the indie feel: Seats were full, with locals totally immersed with their laptops and the free wi-fi; a hand written menu on a large chalkboard - an amazing accomplishment in keeping straight lines with such extensive options; a community board on the wall with random posts - people promoting their wares or services, and a small shelf with some random coffee items for sale; a cash register adorned with random stickers, reminiscent of bumper stickers spreading words of wisdom or affiliation, such as the "I heart Atwater Village" one.

There was one guy on staff, doing some cleaning and he told me just to shout when I was ready to order. I shouted, and ordered a 16 oz frozen nonfat vanilla latte. I was able to use my debit card ($4.70) and was on my way.

I walked out to the expansive patio in front, my dog busy panting his little heart out, and I sat there, enjoying the breeze and sun, sipping on my delectable drink - not too sweet, not too caffeine-y, not too icy. Juuust right.

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Photo of Lydia C.

 

93

63

Lydia C.

Burbank, CA

4 star rating
10/26/2008 2 photos

This would be best written in all caps SINCE THE COFFEE IS SO DAMN STRONG. #^@&!!%# ... okay, calm down, calm down, zen, quiet, ohhhmm, shhhh. I'm jittery and stabbing at the keys like I'm angry at them, but in reality, I'm at peace and content with my yummy cold-pressed iced coffee from this quaint little place squeezed in amongst the tons of small shops on this busy Atwater drag. They plunk down the 20 oz. black coffee ($2.50) loaded with smooth-tasting rocket fuel and you can sweeten it yourself with sugar water on the counter. Also, go ahead and give it a splash or two of creamer, awaiting chilled in the drinks fridge.

In addition to coffee and tea, they've got a load of slushy freeze drinks on their crazy extensive menu: root beer, orange vanilla, coke, chocolate, chai, neopolitan (!). When I ordered the root beer freeze, the guy told me to hand him an A&W can from the drinks fridge, not unlike a magician asking an audience member to give him a dollar bill for a magic trick. The real deal, and I must say, that was one magically creamy mofo.

Now, excuse me while I go poplock my energy away. 'Kaldi Rock, it's the sure shot ...' (apologies to Afrika Bambaataa)

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Photo of Duffy D.

Elite '09

167

135

Duffy D.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/6/2008

It was one of those days. The fog begot from my slim 4 hours of sleep had distorted my thoughts. I gripped the steering wheel and told myself I would not fall asleep. I blinked. My heart rate rose. My palms dampened.

How am I going to make it through today? My day is so regimented. So routined. Pick up smoothie. Drop off paper. Iron the cats. Laugh at bad jokes. Yawn under breath at the latest political fad. Fill up pool. Fold underwear. Wish for death or taxes. Nothing new. Today was destined to be rough.

A car honked. I came to. Fuck, how long was I parked at that green light? I'm not going to make it today. Give them the I'm sorry wave. Say something to yourself. A good rejoinder that they can't hear.

I need a pick me up. Badly.

In the world of coffee, there are levels of greatness. There's the "Oh, it's a normal day, I'll get my coffee from wherever days." You need your Joe, but no matter from where.

That is why Starbucks / Coffee Bean exists. Nothing special. You're in, you have your coffee, you're out.

Then there's the "I want something so good that they have to put it in a small cup and charge me $6."

LAMill. Intelligensia.

Then there's the "I was up all night tossing and turning / whatever I was doing and I need to not die while driving on this particular day."

Kaldi. That's what it for.
Trust me. I'm becoming an expert in shitty sleep.
You drive up.
Stumble in.
Step up to the clerk.
Order a "Cold Pressed Coffee".
Hot or cold, doesn't matter.
Insert in gullet.
You will get relief.
And it's not acidic.
And it tastes good.

Not to mention the fact that Kaldi is a pleasing experience all around. It's a good ol' fashioned coffee house. The barista is cool, nice, way cooler than you will ever be. People are sitting on couches typing the next Citizen Kane, giving you sly glances to make sure you aren't stealing their ideas, some are reading Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche so that they look smart, others sitting outside chatting on their cells to their moms for rent that month. It's awesome.

And as you wander out, sipping your brew, you wonder to yourself: how do these people pay their bills without working?

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Photo of Caleb B.

Elite '09

174

492

Caleb B.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/14/2008

Every neighborhood deserves a cool coffee shop.  This coffee shop is Atwater Village's proud bastion of the caffeinated hip.

_C$

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Photo of Claire H.

Elite '09

115

161

Claire H.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
9/18/2008

Just because I've been drinking coffee since I was 7 doesn't mean that my caffeine addiction is something of a prissy, high-maintenance nature.

To this day, my favorite way to have coffee (and, pretty much the only way I order it) is they way my parents make it: a strong, but not bitter pot, with half and half (no milk, and you'd better believe none of that 'coffee mate' trash.) Sure, the frou-frou lattés and high octane espresso shots are nice, but they don't hit the spot in the same way as a traditional, well brewed cup of cawfee.

Yet... Kaldi totally makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. First of all, I buy ground coffee here so I can make it at home, and I've never been let down. In fact, on occasion I'll buy some and take it over to my parents. But on those mornings when I run out at home, I'll stop in here and just ask for a cup of coffee and they ask, "Would you like the cold-pressed?"

Cold pressed. Oh man, it's perfect. It takes something already simple and delicious and just... enhances it. It's ridiculously strong and high octane, but smooth, not bitter at all.

One of my friends used to work here and everything he ever made for me was pure, caffeinated goodness.

And, now they take credit cards, too. Five stars!

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Photo of Audrey V.

 

19

10

Audrey V.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/22/2008

I like this place because it's close to my house and I'm too lazy and cheap to go to Intelligentsia.  
The amount of foam and the price on the lattes is a bit inconsistent depending on the barista you get. But they are all friendly and hip without the Intelligentsia attitude so it doesn't bother me.

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Photo of Nina C.

 

11

64

Nina C.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
1/28/2009

My local coffee shop.  Stopped here this morning for hot drinks and baked goods.  The good -- tasty drinks.  I had a hot chocolate and my boyfriend had a vanilla latte.  I usually don't order hot chocolate, but this one was rich without being too rich, and had a nice chocolate flavor.  The not so good -- prices.  Small (12 oz) vanilla latte: $4.  Small hot chocolate: $2.75.  We also had a bagel and cream cheese and a croissant, bumping the bill to $10.60, which seemed reasonable for four items.  My bagel was a bit on the dry side, but OK.  I didn't get to taste the croissant.

This morning there were two employees.  Both were friendly and knew how to make delicious drinks!  I'll definitely return since it's close by.

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Photo of Hal B K.

 

6

20

Hal B K.

Los Angeles, CA

1 star rating
8/25/2008

I used to really like this place, especially for it's high quality Rishi tea selection.  However, I can't support a place that takes it's hippie ideals to the extreme.  It's summer, turn on the air conditioning, or at least install some ceiling fans.  I really don't want to sweat while I'm drinking iced tea because it's so hot inside.

When I asked if they could turn the AC up, they said it was as high as it's going to go.  When I asked about fans, they said that they had two working.  "Yes," I replied, "they're both pointing at you."  Dude behind the counter looked at me like this was all my fault and said, "well..."

From now on, I think I'll bring my own iced tea and enjoy their free wi-fi.  Enjoy it outside, where it's 20 degrees cooler.

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Photo of L.A. T.

 

4

13

L.A. T.

Pasadena, CA

2 star rating
9/17/2008

I love coffee. I love getting coffee and I love to hang out drinking my coffee. I am a coffee person. I am also a big fan of supporting small establishments.

While I do enjoy the Mexican Mocha here, I have to say that the shop itself is not very comfortable in the summer.  I've tried it a few times and was still making my mind up, but the last time I was in there, it was hot as balls and all they had was one craptastic box fan directed at the employees. It seemed unhealthy and unsanitary to be in there sweating just to get a cup of coffee.

The last time I was near there and thought about going inside, I remembered the previous experience and decided against it.

I want to like it here and will try it again when the weather gets cooler. Maybe it's a better experience in the winter.

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Photo of Crystal R.

 

69

57

Crystal R.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
9/15/2008

Two Words -

1st word:   CHOCOLATE
2nd word:  FREEZE
(with whipped cream)

It is like frozen chocolate milk, but better.  QUE RICO!

They also sell white bread that tastes like melon, no thanks.

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Photo of Anh-Dao T.

Elite '09

48

187

Anh-Dao T.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
10/29/2008

Is this related to Kaldi in South Pas? If it is, I feel pretty stupid because I was parked right in front of SoPas's shop. I was actually at the library and when it closed on me after five minutes, I decided to hop over to a coffee shop with free wifi. I thought of Swork's, but I figured it'd be crowded on a Sunday so I headed over to Kaldi, PASSING the SoPas one without even thinking that maybe they were the same.

Either way, the Atwater location was perfect - half the tables were open, the place was quiet aside from a No on PROP 8 rally in the back. So I settled in with my iced tea and stayed there pretty much until it closed. I noticed some ppl around me reading and saw a pile of books by the door. It reminded me of the Roost, which is also in Atwater. Pretty cool. I also had a ticket waiting for me on my windshield when I left, but I was in such a good mood, I didn't care (much.)

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Photo of gabe d.

 

3

13

gabe d.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
11/16/2008

Nice place in beautiful Atwater Village.

There's even free wifi, which is great for me when I want to have coffee and watch the live stream of the Cubs game on my computer.  That's right.

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Photo of liz d.

Elite '09

78

100

liz d.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
12/31/2008

I have to admit I've never ordered anything other than a coffee to go with my just-made breakfast burrito from down the block (Tacos Villa Corona).  But Kaldi has a most neighborhoody, non-L.A. vibe that makes it a nice place to waste away a Sunday morning and great outdoor seating out front.

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Photo of Jell O.

 

8

18

Jell O.

Silver Lake, CA

5 star rating
6/2/2008

Oh how I love Kaldi (and all of Atwater village).  They have an expansive menu and the employees will make your drink to your liking.  I especially love the green tea latte (I get it sans syrup) and the Pirates chai latte.  The snacks (Japanese cakes, Polky, and such)are also superior to any other mega chain coffee shop.  Parking is ample, so drop a quarter, get a latte, and browse the influx of cute shops along Glendale ave.  

If you're looking for lunch, head over to Baracoa Cuban Cafe or Atwater Grill.

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Photo of Maral A.

 

488

162

Maral A.

Valley Village, CA

4 star rating
5/2/2007

Is there such a category as dive coffee house? There should be! 'cuz this is one!

It's lovely and quaint and kinda gritty. In a good way. Really, this is a true compliment. Plus it has wireless access! Yet another place to Yelp in public. I admit it,  I like to Yelp in front of strangers...I'm so kinky!

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Photo of Ti B.

Elite '09

323

359

Ti B.

Newport Beach, CA

4 star rating
5/1/2007

Update 5.11.07:

Last night I was with an amazing girl who said I needed to  do something different today...wake up a little early and get a cup of coffee.  Start my new day.  I choose Kaldi for two reasons: close to home, and this is where I was on the day that I was told my life may be shortened due to illness.  Yesterday I found out that is not the case.  I am completely healthy and will LIVE...LONG!  "Just good thoughts, faith, happiness, love, and hope."  So I got my macchiato from Sate (sp?) and was also greeted by Danny.  

My morning is new.  I am amazed!  No one on earth could make things better, no one could have saved me.  Only one.  My only hope.  So here I am, with my macchiato, at work...with the biggest smile on my face, knowing I have brighter days to come!  Thank God!!

__________________________________________________ ____

So far so good!  I had the worst day EVER!  I mean EVER!  and I have darker days to come.

After a really depressing day, my lovely friend Maral came by and we enjoyed my roof top....under the sun, under the trees and beautiful breeze...yay!  So then we decided it was a wee bit chilly so we went to Kaldi Coffee....it is so close to home and I have been wanting to try it for a while.  We took our bestfriends...other than each other, for her IBook G4 and for me the blessed Macbook Pro...hoping they had wireless.

To our wonderful non-surprise they do.  (At this moment, I am writing my review via Kaldi Coffee's wireless services).

Okay, so this place has polished concrete floors...love it, displaced colorful furniture...love it, Grey painted ceilings and walls...love it, a huge coffee and tea collection...love it, and local artist display their modern art...loooovveee it, and a huge clean store front window...love it.  This location is awesome, tons of parking and an outside seating area with tons of patio furniture with umbrellas.  Really cool spot.  There is a liquor store across the street, as well as Cold Stone and Subway...and sooo much more.  I could spend a whole Saturday here in Atwater.  Even Out of the Closet thrift store across the street...I am so lucky.

I am perfectly pleased so far with everything except my crappy day and how the barista steamed my milk.  He double steamed....oh my....!!  I asked him how long he as been making coffee he said a few years on and off.  I asked where he learned..he said Starbucks, which sucks because they use automatic espresso machines.  I didn't order the espresso bc I can't handle it today.  BUT what is cool, is they roast their own coffee.  So i MUST come back to try it.  And I will.  :)

Four stars until I get a decent shot of espresso.  And if I get a rosetta, well then, they RULE!

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Photo of Jims ..

 

30

55

Jims ..

Hollywood, CA

5 star rating
12/2/2006

My favorite cafe to feel tucked away and removed from the noise of urban reality. Couches and large upholstered chairs make it feel like someone's den rather than that franchised feel you get at so many other cafes. Local artists dot the walls over coffee bag panels. It's in upper Trader Joe's in a mild mannered block with lots of parking, a small gallery, a Cuban restaurant, and a wholesale casket retailer. Check out the JFK luxury model for $15K+.

Their drink menu is extensive and creative from the basics including Pirates Chai then to Gencha green tea lattes (I'm addicted to them), cinnamon bon latte, snickers latte, and the like.

The owner employs a Japanese sensibility to some of the treats so expect to find mochi ice cream, Japanese flavored breads, or Pocari Sweat in the refridgerator.

The perfect place to get your daily dose of the Chill Pill.

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Photo of Daniel U.

 

16

55

Daniel U.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
2/13/2008

I love this place! I come here for the cold-pressed coffee. One of the best cups of coffee you will have in Los Angeles. It's a special type of brewing that is done over a long period of time. Usually, I get this hot but it's excellent cold. The cup is worth five stars. However, I have to say that the only issue that I have is that the people making it are inconsistent in the way they serve it to you as the cold-press concentrate has to be diluted. There is not set formula so occasionally, I've had a cup that doesn't measure. But that has only been on the rare occasion.

I love the atmosphere here and even though I don't hang there, I plan to do so very soon.

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Photo of Joseph W.

Elite '09

264

273

Joseph W.

Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
2/1/2008

Good, solid little coffee shop in Atwater.  This is really what this neighborhood needs, seeing as how there's so much chain stuff all over Glendale Blvd.  The service is always great - very knowledgeable staff and very courteous.

I've never had to wait in line, never gotten any attitude, and the coffee drinks are always tasty.  With Intelligentsia now open in Silver Lake I don't find my way over to Kaldi as much anymore, but whenever I'm in the area I do stop in.

The bagged coffee they sell by the pound is also quite good, and the selection of Asian confections is amusing, although they are definitely lacking in the pastry department, and what small stuff they have usually looks pretty dried-out...

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Photo of dawn a.

 

6

2

dawn a.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
1/28/2009

Kaldi has great coffee. I'm not even a coffee person but when I feel like a little caffeine fix I come straight here.  Their iced coffee will keep you going like the energizer bunny.  They also have a giant selection of mixed delights. As for tea, they carry RISHI  whole teas.  Excellent.  I've sold art here before and the place is great for hanging.  They even now have a cute selection of  yummy asian snacks.  Go here instead of that awful starbucks they built down the road.  You'll be glad you did.

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Photo of Christina S.

 

313

746

Christina S.

Costa Mesa, CA

4 star rating
9/30/2008

We popped in here before heading to a collaborative art show at The Black Maria Gallery Saturday evening. The place is cute. With a server who looks like Jack Parsons. A little spooky. My friends ordered coffee and stuff. I basically took my over my brothers vanilla frost drink. Tasty stuff....

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2

12

anita r.

Glendale, CA

4 star rating
5/20/2008

As others have said it is very tiny inside. Metered street parking is relatively easy to find and a quarter will get you a WHOLE HOUR. (one of the perks of not living on the wessyde)

I went around noon and all the seats were filled with laptops and their hipster users. How can so many people not have an occupation during the day and yet can afford to drink at coffee shops on a daily basis? (I was off from school that day, ok? so don't point at me)

It is quiet inside and the iced coffee I got was strong the way I like my men. And they have sugar syrup on their counter! BONUS!! I don't like gritty sugar sand at the bottom of my cup. It makes me sad.

They don't take credit card. But shame on people who card $2 drinks anyway. Merchant fees for CCs suck for indie stores so go down to corporate Starbucks if you need to card a drink. Heehee.

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Elite '09

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95

Evan K.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
10/20/2008

Kaldi my love -- oh my sweet sweet Kaldi. Plenty of parking, so no stress. Cheap, delicious, and hyper-caffienated drinks. A knowledgeable, friendly staff... some of them are talented artists. Not filled with rampaging hobo's, or stinky creeps... like Psychobabble. Not alienating like the Pig. You can actually get some work done at a place like this.

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125

Annie C.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
1/9/2007

Nice surprise after dinner at Canele.  Its a cute quaint coffeeshop that reminds you why Starbucks sucks.  

The Mexican Mocha was delish! And it seemed like a good place to go for reading a book, studying, or a chat with friends.

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7

Aimes B.

Westwood, CA

4 star rating
10/7/2008

If you want to study, read, or surf the web, this place is perfect for you. First you get your coffee or tea, which are both miles beyond Starbucks or - God forbid - the similarly named Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. You chat with the barista, and all the baristas have always been awesome. Service with a smile and a good conversation to boot. Then you sit down in the midst of people absorbed in their books and computers and work, bobbing up only when you see The Onion stacked on a shelf and have to snag a copy and procrastinate for half an hour.

Great place. And for a cheap breakfast, you can go next door to the Atwater Grill.

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1

Ellen M.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
2/13/2007 2 photos

This is my favorite little coffee shop. It's only a block away from home and you could spot their bright red patio umbrellas a mile away. =)

Sucks that a Starbucks just opened up RIGHT NEXT TO THEM. Is anything sacred anymore??

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12

159

Michael J.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
7/6/2007

I love this little place-- they turned me on to Jamaican Red Bush tea when I was sick... Instant relief. Great coffee and as dog friendly as the law will allow.

Long live Kaldi! Atwater's got a friend in caffeine.

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11

11

sally w.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
6/19/2009

i love this place. it's hard to find a good l.a. independent coffee shop with great variety, good quality and consistency, sweet employees, a little trade-a-book book shelf, cozy chairs, indoor and outdoor tables, several varieties of chai (yum pirate's chai!), tons and tons of lovely teas, strong and smooth espresso, custom cold blended bevs, fresh roasted beans, coffee-free coffee alternatives for my coffee alternative days, AND RICE MILK!
the thing that is unbeatable here truly is the array of alternatives. they have something for everyone, and for a girl like me, who no longer can have soy and still requires a vegan bev, the rice milk pirates chai or blended mocha make for lovely little treats.
the only "downside" i can think of is that they charge 50 cents for any credit transactions under 5 bucks...but...really? charge cards are bad for you, anyway.  worse for you than coffee.
carry cash. drink kaldi's.

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1

203

H. M.

Los Angeles, CA

3 star rating
2/5/2008

I will not go back there. The place was small and it only had a few indoor seats, which were all being used. The tables were too small anyway. The small mocha I bought was expensive ($4).

I went there to chill and read, but I ended up getting my drink and leaving. On a couple positive notes, my mocha was delicious and parking was plentiful.

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Elite '09

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90

Anna B.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
6/10/2007

This is my local place.  They have all the good flavored syrups, including coconut, which is hard to find.  The tea selection is vast and the staff is very helpful in helping you choose the right one for your mood.

They roast their own beans on site, you won't get fresher coffee anywhere else in the area.

It's a few doors down from a new Starbucks, but come on...it's SO superior to their pre-packaged, overly sweet concoctions.

Try the cold-press coffee.  You can get it hot...it's my favorite kind of coffee right now.  

Oh, and did I mention FREE WI-FI?  Oh yeah, this place is the best local joint goin'.

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