Coral Tree Cafe — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Coral Tree Cafe on our interview date.

San Vicente Boulevard, one of the many streets in Los Angeles, well, specifically on the Westside, that we are unable to say that something is located on without receiving a response of, ‘Umm, but where exactly on San Vicente?’ For lengthy streets such as this one, it’s practically a given that you will find your next favorite cafe here, and if you’re located in Brentwood, then you’ve probably paid a visit to Coral Tree Cafe once or twice or fifty times. Coral Tree Cafe is a wonderful example of a local community coming together to bring ‘healthy dining in a casual atmosphere’ to their neighborhood, and considering it has flourished since its birth in 2002, I would say that the demand has not diminished one bit even from competition from Starbucks, The Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf, Whole Foods, and other popular chains located in close proximity. Honestly, its refreshingly cozy ambiance in both its inside and outside seating areas is probably what entices customers to keep coming back because you can actually sit and enjoy your stay without the pressure of being shooed to make space for another guest.

While parking can be unsurprisingly tricky due to its location on one of the busiest streets in town, Coral Tree Cafe’s impressive selection of organic beverages and food options along with numerous ways to park (when valet, metered, and residential) give you no excuse to pop on by. Right when you step through the door, you’re able to smell all of the amazing things that leave its kitchen from omelettes to paninis to pastas to baked goods as well as the aroma of a fresh brewed espressos, lattes, teas, and the like. As I am luckily in walking distance from my day job, I can proudly vouch for their pastry selection, their seasonal fares, the Capellini Pommodoro, and of course, their wonderful caffeinated drinks (specifically their espresso signature drinks). And if Brentwood is a bit out of the way for you, have no fear because there is also a location in Beverly Hills...

Cute, slightly overpriced cafe with average food. I would come here for the aesthetics but not the food. Came here for dinner on a Monday night around 5:30 and there was no line although after we had ordered there was a small one formed. You pay first at the counter and then they’ll give you a number to take to your seat. They do take credit card. Seating is available both indoor and outdoor although it seemed like most people had opted for indoor seating. The inside is really cute and has high ceilings and lots of wood finishings. The outdoor tables had shading over them and there’s also a fireplace that apparently is popular to sit at, although no one was there when we went. It also wasn’t on, which was understandable given that it’s summer.

The baked mac and cheese was alright. It has four types of cheeses (including blue cheese) with a light crust on top ($14). There was a slightly sour taste to it that must’ve come from the blue cheese, and came alongside a piece of baguette. The chicken panini was solid and I liked the crunchiness of the bread, as it wasn’t overly charred. It comes with a side salad (spring mix) or a vegan coleslaw. You could change it to fruit for extra. There’s alcohol and juices/smoothies/coffee available as well. I think overall it’s a nicely decorated place and would probably be a good place to grab some coffee and do work or catch up with a friend. But be aware these are Brentwood prices (i.e you’ll pay around $16-18 for a salad and $5-6 for a coffee) but the food...

RUDE STAFF! I previously had rated this place 5 stars, and have been coming here for over 10 years. After my experience today, however, it's regrettably down to 1 star. The staff was incredibly rude, cold and absent of any shred of politeness or customer service. We just came today for brunch (which serves until 3p before switching over to lunch) and after waiting in line for 15 minutes, we arrived at the register to order and were refused service for brunch. We pleaded that it was only 255p, and that the large group of girls in front of us had just ordered their brunch and that their menu serves until 3p. The lady behind the register coldly just said no, and then looked over to her manager, a tall white male who was making coffee, who simply looked at his watch and also said "no", not even acknowledging us with even an apology. We were standing two feet away from him. We politely reiterated to him that it wasn't 3p yet and we have been standing in line for quite a while, and he again ignored us as did the lady at the register, saying "next". I've been eating here for over 10 years and have never felt invisible like this, unacknowledged and treated so poorly at my neighborhood cafe. We left and won't be...