Lo/Cal Coffee & Market — Restaurant in Santa Monica

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 Lo/Cal on our interview date.

Santa Monica is one of those rare cities (in Southern California AND on the Westside at least) that I feel both locals and visitors seem to always find something to enjoy about it. Whether it’s the eclectic bar/restaurant scene, it’s shopping options, or even the beach itself, whatever type of experience you are looking for it all there. Lo/Cal Coffee & Market is a fairly new (under ten years in business) addition to the Santa Monica coffee scene, and should be welcomed with open arms by coffee lovers. A quaint little shop located close enough to the beach as well as numerous parks, it’s the perfect place to stop by for a refuel or for an intimate meeting.

While it may not look like much from the outside with one bistro table and minimal exterior indicators, once you step inside you will be welcomed with a modern design style comprised of a giant brick replica of the California flag and a wood/metal furniture combo accented by black and white tiles at the base of the ordering counter and the practical use of product stock as decor (namely take-away coffee bean bags and cold brew growlers). A menu filled with classic coffee drinks that perfectly compliment their food offerings make it easy to be enticed to stay here to enjoy yourself in one of their indoor benches, bar stools, or outdoor patio area. Regardless of how long you stay, your experience will be pleasant and enjoyable enough to want to make Lo/Cal your new...

I can’t speak highly enough about Lo/Cal Cafe on Pico in Santa Monica! This place has become my daily go-to spot, and it never disappoints. The honey lavender matcha and Chaga coffee are absolute favorites of mine. They’re crafted to perfection, and I can’t resist enjoying them every single day.

One of the best things about Lo/Cal is the serene ambiance in the back, where I love to sit and unwind by the soothing waterfall. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I find myself in a state of relaxation every time I visit.

The staff at Lo/Cal Cafe is genuinely friendly and welcoming. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere, making every visit feel like a treat. Not to mention, their food is fantastic! The menu boasts a delightful range of healthy and delicious options, and I’ve never been disappointed with anything I’ve tried.

What makes this place even more special is that I know the owner personally, and he’s great! His passion for providing an exceptional experience shines through, and it’s evident that he cares deeply about the cafe and its patrons.

Another huge plus is the free Wi-Fi they offer, which makes it a great spot for catching up on work or simply staying connected while enjoying their offerings.

If you’re in Santa Monica and looking for a place that serves amazing drinks, offers a peaceful retreat, and has a top-notch team with an owner who genuinely cares, Lo/Cal Cafe is the place to be. I can’t recommend it enough, and it has easily become my favorite spot in the...

I've been making my way through the coffee shops near my daughter's gymnastics class, and today I decided to give this one a try. It's a cute place with friendly staff, and overall I had a good experience.

I only tried a latte, and while it was decent, it wasn't my favorite. The coffee flavor was a bit weak, and I think they may have added extra milk to fill up the cup. The latte art was nonexistent which means no care or pride was put into it.

I'm a big fan of espresso drinks, and I love seeking out great coffee. It's disappointing when I can tell that no effort was put into making my drink. If I want a latte that looks like this, I'll just go to Starbucks. I like to be able to appreciate the artistry of a well-made latte, as well as enjoy the flavor.

I think the coffee here has the potential to be good, maybe even a 4 or 5 star experience, if it's made with more care. I didn't try any food, but it looked good from what I saw.

Overall, I'm willing to give this place another chance in hopes of a better coffee experience. I'm giving them a 3 star rating for now, but I could see that going up to a 4 or 5 if my next latte is better.

Ratings

Service: 4 stars Ambiance: 5...