cafécafé — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Latin coffee bar with a cafe racer reference and missed French connection. Cutely done place, though needs a bit more light because of all the dark colors. Met a friend for coffee here, because they're open late.

Great frappé (try the Mazapan with an extra shot of espresso $7), good prices, easy parking, ok seating (the high tables and stools are for long bodies), clean (though the stacked to the ceiling supply boxes behind the bar is an eyesore). The previously reported asian guy with the grumpy face was working the place on his own on a Saturday afternoon (10 min line to order) but he was ok, efficient, made each drink in a couple of minutes, and they were good!

The rest room was out of order (which actually stopped us getting another drink and possibly tryng the food) There was a fly buzzing around. Continual stream of people, but few sitting in. with unrealized potential. Latin only music playing (not too loudly)

Good alternative to Stabucks and would probably visit again when...

The coffee is way over priced for the quality they have. They are not specialty coffee makers. I asked for both a Longo and Ristretto espresso and even though I know they have the portofilters on the barista bar to do those drinks, they refused anyway, citing that's it's not on the menu. They are slightly more expensive than the commercial Starbucks and/or Coffee Bean and they try to pull off the small time Mom n Pop business feel without any of the actual Mom n Pop customer perks (bring your own mug for discounts, specialized customer drinks they make work, charging discount price for one-half a pump of syrup where the drink normally takes 3-4 pumps, etc). It's like they are trying to capitalize on the commercial and the Mom n Pop business benefits of both, while providing neither of these benefits on the customer side. If you want a more awesome Mon n Pop feel try The Library in Long Beach, if you want commercial, go to any Starbucks.

There only saving grace is free...

There are a lot of negative reviews on this place but honestly, I think the owner is just misunderstood AND, if you go in with a particular expectation, you'll get it. I went with a friend who was here from out of town for a couple day. The young lady that initially helped us was kind and helpful. Later, we saw the owner and he was hard at work making our sandwiches.

The food was delicious and fresh and the coffee was spectacular! We liked it so much, we came back the next day. We asked the guy what he did to the food to make it so good and he said he made it with love. He very much does! You can tell he's very serious about providing quality food and drink.

I'm vegan and had the hummus sandwich with arugula and tomatoes on some of the tastiest bread I've ever had! My dirty chai with oatmilk was also wonderful!

Give this place a chance. And be kind just as you excpect others to be. But even if they aren't, don't stop being kind...