Compelling Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Los Angeles

So let me first say, that until very recently, I considered myself an A-list coffee ordering celebrity. That's worth mentioning because every single time I walked through the door at Compelling Coffee, that's exactly how I was treated. I truly felt like every one of the three steps from the door to the counter were red-carpeted. On one occasion, one of the many professional and experienced baristas was polite enough to ask me, unprovoked, "How do you pull your espresso at home?" So I told him. Thankfully he was gentle when he explained that actually, I've been doing it all wrong. I was taken aback! To think, all these years- I'd thought that personal taste was subjective. Thankfully it was explained to me that I don't actually know what I prefer. Boy did I feel like a real jerk! I mean he was definitely NOT the jerk here. But I definitely was. And boy did I know it.

When I got home I started questioning all sorts of things. Do I actually like firm tofu, or have I been wrong this entire time and what I actually like is silken? Should I be frying with oil, or with butter? Which one was right? And which was dead wrong?! I always thought al dente was how I preferred my pasta... but now, I'm not so sure.

One thing that I remain confident of, is that the Compelling Coffee team really opened my eyes, and my heart- to the indisputable fact that personal preference has no place in the world of food and drink. "There is NO ROOM for nuance!" I found myself screaming, as I cowered near the floor of my kitchen. I stared up at my glimmering stainless steel espresso machine. I began to mutter under my breath, "Espresso is a zero sum game. A zero sum game..." I couldn't help but to let out a nutty chuckle. "...a game that I've lost. That I lost long ago. That I lost, before I realized that I was...

Decided to try this cute cafe before exploring the Roosevelt hotel. I'm an LA local and constantly drinking coffee around my hood in Los Feliz and Silverlake, but rarely check out new places in Hollywood! I had a DELICIOUS pistachio cappuccino! I mean... hands down one of the most memorable drinks in a long time. It was a surprise to see this milk option. I usually get regular milk. But this was strong, creamy, tasty...so nice. The Cafe is so cute and soothing. Really pleasant and unpretentious vibe with lots of pretty plants and soothing green.

Tables outside are nice under a pretty tree, trying to catch some shade. Had a breakfast sandwich and it was super good and well priced! The egg wasn't fully heated up and was bit cool in the middle, but I still wolfed it down, with no complaints, so you know it was tasty.

I thought my drink would be the highlight, but then I decided to try a Swedish style vanilla/cardamom pastry, before I left....and HOLY COW I will drive back here, without question, to get it again. Absolute must try! Soft, fluffy, dense, sweet but not too sweet, this is the kind of pastry that stops you in your tracks. 😅 So happy I ventured a bit west. This place is definitely better and more welcoming than a handful of locations near me. And a bit less expensive for...

Terrible service! The barista did not tighten the lid on my iced coffee. When I went to pick it up it dropped to the floor. I apologized, even though it really wasn’t my fault, but the barista glared at me and was. Visibly angry. He had zero customers and was sitting doing nothing when we entered. I started to help him and pick up the ice, he then barked at me “ma”m just stop” I went to complete payment as I was buying for my coworker and noticed he was not making me another drink. I asked for a replacement as I had just paid. He stated very rudely, Sure I’ll make you another one. This guy is in the wrong industry if a spilled coffee causes you to become that hostile. I remained respectful and kind the entire time because that’s who o am. To the owner of this coffee shop, your guy is rude and disrespectful. I’m a Nurse, needed a mid day pick me up, but certainly didn’t deserve to be...