Kaldi Coffee & Tea

4.0 star rating
102 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

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

Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 9 pm

Fri 6:30 am - 10 pm

Sat 7 am - 10 pm

Sun 7 am - 8 pm

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

Review Highlights   

user photo
"Try the cold-press coffee." (in 7 reviews)
user photo
"Free wi-fi, chill staff and generally quiet." (in 7 reviews)
user photo
"OH and the Pirates Chai is stupendous." (in 4 reviews)
  Loading...
Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites' | Facebook Friends'

102 reviews in English

  • Review from Howie G.

    •  
    • 92 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/12/2011 5 Check-ins Here

    everything you want a non-chain coffee shop to be.  community vibe, WiFi, comfy indoor + outdoor seating, good service.  simple, good coffee.  good bagels too.

  • Review from Derek A.

    •  
    • 697 friends
    • 296 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/16/2011

    Hot Damn!   Since the coffee table closed I've been searching for a great ice blended mocha...can't stand that syrupy mess at Starbucks, the one at Coffee Bean is okay but WAY too sweet.  

    This one is great, good coffee flavor made with powder for a smooth consistency and sprinkled with cinnamon just like my date last night.

  • Review from Robin S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 13 reviews

    Phoenix, AZ

    3.0 star rating
    9/19/2011

    I was told about this place by a friend and it was nice.

    The crowd was friendly. It did close early for a coffee shop. Plus it was small and tough to find a seat, more long and thin than large. Very cozy.

    The green tea is actually green, and is made that way with no dyes or coloring!!

  • Review from Josh N.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    Dig this place! Great coffee.

  • Review from Felicia A.

    •  
    • 42 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Great low-key, relaxed vibe. Free wifi and yummy chai tea lattes.

  • Review from Sherrie G.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/5/2011 37 Check-ins Here

    Coffee good, pastries need a little work, ambiance is friendly and neighborhood-ly. Chances are if you come to this location even more than once or twice, you are going to see the same faces in line with you. Dependably open early and lots of outlets for laptops - although the wifi is a little on the weak side. Don't go to Starbucks, pals! This is just a quick jaunt up the street.

  • Review from Karl D.

    •  
    • 8 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Burbank, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    After driving by one the way to Starbucks for years, I decided to drop in and see what a real espresso tastes like.  It was a pretty cool location, and I was surprised at the number of people inside surfing the free wifi.  Anyway, the latte was great.  I didn't see if they had a coffee card, but I do plan to return to purchase beans for the office.

  • Review from Jabari M.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/16/2011

    Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns.

    If we are talking about factual inaccuracies, however, then I think there are others that are far more pressing than my mispricing of the coffee.

    1) My sister does not have a Mac.

    If we come in, as you say, in the cover of a crowded café to use the Internet for free, then as a worker at this café you would have noticed this. But we don't mooch off the Internet. So you didn't notice this. There haven't been "several other occasions."

    2) My little sister does not drink hot, black coffee, only iced.

    We did not split the coffee. It was for me. So that is also a lie. I only drink hot regular coffee black or tea. Sorry if that is my preference. If you judge customers based on what they order, then I am very sorry to hear that.

    3) I came in one time with my sister without purchasing anything as I met a friend (one who used to actually work at Kaldi) there to skype my brother. I had not plan on ordering something as my friend had already ordered a drink and I didn't plan on staying long.

    I ended up staying longer than I anticipated and, agreeably, should have bought something. This was a one-time incident. What is reprehensible, however, is that if the worker at that time saw me not order anything, then he should have politely asked me to purchase something, as should be the company's policy. I would have gladly acquiesced. I know how the business model works. By not mentioning anything, however, I can see how an employee would accumulate frustration and react as he did the next time I visited. I'm sure you shouldn't keep things bottled in like that.

    4) I would not have written a review if the employee had said, "it would be considered common courtesy if you purchased another item."

    That would just be a waste of my time if I wrote a review chastising a coffee shop for being courteous and adhering to its code of conduct.

    5) I wish the quality of the coffee related to its pricing point. Then understanding good coffee would be simple.

    Silverlake coffee is comparably priced to Kaldi's and I enjoy it.

    By the way, does anyone else catch the demeaning tone in the chairman's response?

    It still doesn't address the attitude and snobbery of the individual working there. And the child-like analogy to a cartoon character and a less-than-dignified homeless individual really shows the character of the replier: classless and unprofessional.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      10/2/2011

      I've never written a Yelp review before this, but after my last experience at Kaldi, I couldn't help… Read more »

    Comment from Chairman N. of Kaldi Coffee & Tea 10/15/2011   
    Something about this novel of a story doesn't add up.  Maybe… More »
  • Review from Ceci F.

    •  
    • 26 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/4/2011

    Go.

    The Mexican coffee is exceptional.
    WiFi, cool staff and it's local.

    The seating is the greatest, but it's the way old local coffee haunts looked.

    I love it.

  • Review from John W.

    •  
    • 1039 friends
    • 255 reviews

    Long Beach, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/8/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Very cool little spot I found today.

    It's a mix of soothing low-end modernism style and a splash of hang-out-chill-internet time fashion all rolled into a ball of joy.  I like it.  

    Much more seating than the place across the street with a touch of outdoor seating too (not much).  Seating isn't the most comfortable which is the only reason I am dropping a 4 star here.  Better seats and you all would be a 5 all day long.

    Tea and Coffee selection is A+.  The staff were very relaxed and casual, friendly, almost like family.  Lights are bright inside so you can read of use your computer without massive damage to the eye.... or so a Dr. once told me.

    WiFi:  Ping 88 / 2.48 mbps down  /  0.42 mbps up
    (not the best but works fine and no WPA/WEP key required)

  • Review from christopher s.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/21/2011

    Excellent coffee. A charming little hole in the wall in atwater village.

  • Review from Halley K.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011

    The Pirate Chai Latte is AMAZING! And I love the fact that it has basically nothing bad in it except some caffeine.

  • Review from Koichi S.

    •  
    • 213 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/18/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    Still love it. Slightly more expensive than the SB's up the block but hey supporting the locals is never a bad feeling and this is still totally manageable. Plus this iced maccha green tea really is legit and something you just can't get elsewhere. Didn't quite have the choco-walnut scone situation today but I made do with an equally large blueberry one.

    Will try the espresso next time and report back.

    Kudos to them for always having some music i've never heard of playing.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      9/13/2010

      walking distance to the studio. actually have maccha green tea on ice. gave me a little break on the… Read more »

  • Review from Fourty F.

    •  
    • 62 friends
    • 129 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/2/2010 2 photos 14 Check-ins Here

    Ok so I've had another cafe affair.

    But this place rocks when u want to get away from mad crowds and listen to the Bollywood class next door...honestly the only thing I kinda don't dig is the lack of outdoor shade...it's hot meng!

  • Review from Butter C.

    •  
    • 657 friends
    • 163 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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!

    Listed in: To Coffee

    Was this review …?

  • Review from Duffy D.

    •  
    • 255 friends
    • 172 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 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?

  • Review from Lydia C.

    •  
    • 150 friends
    • 74 reviews

    Burbank, CA

    4.0 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)

  • Review from Anh T.

    •  
    • 248 friends
    • 494 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Ti B.

    Newport Beach, CA

    4.0 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!

  • Review from Feisty O.

    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 327 reviews

    Van Nuys, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    Kaldi is a quaint and personable neighborhood coffeehouse.  I enjoyed my hot cup of Kaldi's coffee while watching fellow bikers passed by during Love Ride.  

    The baristas preparing drinks were kind and very patient.  When I was there, one "washed up" child actor was giving the baristas a difficult time (surprise surprise!) but that incident didn't phased the baristas as they continued greeting customers and making specialized coffee drink.

    Kaldi is also a coffee roaster.  The place is fill with delectable goodies, offer specialized hot and cold drinks, and their walls were adorned with interesting artwork from talented local artists.

    The service is moderately slower than most coffeehouses but the drinks are exceptional.

  • Review from Adriana D.

    •  
    • 10 friends
    • 62 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    8/3/2010

    With over 70 reviews, whatever needs to be said most likely already has been said.  I'll just point out what I love:

    1.  Outlets for your computer and free WI-FI
    2.  Iced green tea (SO thick with delicious green tea powder)
    3.  Nice employees

    Note:  There is FREE parking behind the buildings across the street from Kaldi.  I've heard the neighbors don't like when people park in the residential streets and sometimes come out yelling.  So only do that if you can't find anything in the free city parking area.

  • Review from Claire H.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 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!

  • Review from Jims ..

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Hollywood, CA

    5.0 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.

  • Review from Hal B K.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 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.

  • Review from Daniel R.

    •  
    • 390 friends
    • 118 reviews

    Tempe, AZ

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Robert F.

    •  
    • 28 friends
    • 110 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 star rating
    2/16/2009 1 photo

    The coffee drinks here are pretty good, and the atmosphere is pleasant, with nice furniture and (sometimes) good music.

    The people who work here have such an attitude. Never friendly, never smile. You get the feeling that you're lucky to even be in their coffee-god presence. Weak.

    I'd like to be able to patronize a local business instead of the jolly green giant down the street, but this place is a real turn-off.

    You guys make a good cappy, just lose the 'tude.

  • Review from Caleb B.

    •  
    • 222 friends
    • 527 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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$

  • Review from Cindy Marie J.

    •  
    • 88 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/19/2010

    I go out of my way to visit Kaldi every morning and schedule as many meetings there as possible. The staff are always helpful and friendly, often going out of their way to make your favorite drink better or offer a new great-tasting experience. Easily the best foam this side of Hyperion Bridge.

    They also are a great spot to find flyers for local businesses and hear about cool events happening around town. Local street festivals tend to set up live bands in their patio area, and kids can always find chalk to keep them occupied!

    Oh yes, and there are dog treats available.

  • Review from L.A. T.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    2.0 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.

  • Review from Joy B.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/17/2009 1 Check-in Here

    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.

  • Review from dawn a.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/10/2010

    They also have cold pressed ice coffee which is quite tasty.
    Make sure you ask specifically for cold press. It's naturally less bitter than regular ice coffee and is delish!

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 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… Read more »

  • Review from Audrey V.

    •  
    • 20 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Anna B.

    •  
    • 15 friends
    • 159 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Jaime C.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/19/2009

    I cannot say enough good things about this quaint neighborhood coffee shop. The coffee is roasted on the premises.  even the decaf!  There are interesting snacks, drinks, and artwork all the time.  the baristas are educated about the product and take their work very seriously.  Even the customers seem to regard this little oasis as a nice respite to the maelstrom of the outside world.  Don't  forget, we live in Los Angeles, after all.  
    Just because someone does not appreciate the artwork on the walls, should not give them the right to smear an honest company which has  positive values, and a cheery disposition.  Artwork ought to be relative and I'm not going to burn down the Louvre simply because the Mona Lisa doesn't agree with my tastes.  
    Long live Kaldi any every little thing they have to offer Atwater Village and beyond.

  • Review from Dan J.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    9/10/2010

    My local coffee shop.  Love it.  The dark roast is exactly what I need to get me going in the morning.  Everyone who works at Kaldi is friendly and they have a bin of dog treats on the counter!  My dog approves!  I also buy their dark roast beans for my french press at work.  It makes all of my office mates jealous

    Shop Atwater First!

  • Review from Joseph W.

    •  
    • 287 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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...

  • Review from Daniel U.

    •  
    • 19 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Annie C.

    •  
    • 87 friends
    • 143 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 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.

  • Review from Crystal R.

    •  
    • 131 friends
    • 81 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 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.

  • Review from Ellen M.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 1 review

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 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??

1 to 40 of 102 (16 Filtered) |  
Page: 1 2 3
Write a Review

Deals Nearby

People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...