UnUrban Coffee House — 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 UnUrban Coffee House on our interview date.

In a congested city like Los Angeles, it’s sometimes easier to go to the closest coffee chain just purely out of convenience and time. However, we end up losing the experience of stepping into a kooky hole-in-the-wall place that has clearly made customers happy for many years. UnUrban Coffee in Santa Monica is one of those hidden gems that can be the home for many fun experiences. Whether you’re stopping by to pick up your morning brew, reuniting with a long-time friend, or happen to be there to witness some type of cool live performance in their stage area, you’re sure to feel perfectly at home.

The first thing that you’ll notice about UnUrban is that it’s heavily influenced by art, which is clearly showcased from its building artwork, outdoor furniture, and even its logo. Luckily, you get that same amount of quirkiness reflected when you step through its retro screen covered wooden doors as you are welcomed by bright colors infused everywhere you can possibly imagine, and the displaying of unique local artwork lining its walls for patrons to enjoy. And the more art-focused the shop is, at least for me, the more options there are for food and drink that meets everyone’s dietary restrictions or preferences. I took advantage of their specialty drink menu and went with an Earl Gray Tea Latte which specific name escapes me. Overall, art lovers and caffeine lovers alike will enjoy...

Dishonest owner and management team - This evening I was informed by the venue, Unurban Café, that they double booked our time and chose to push our show time to 10PM. Being a paid client of theirs I was both insulted and found their candor unprofessional in resolving this issue by not living up to their contract and not being fort right with us. Due to this I have canceled tomorrows show (9/25/2018) and will find a more professional venue to continue this show concept for the following weeks.

Our goal for #uarefunny is simple, create a show that everyone is welcome, give us all an equal opportunity to get on the stage, do 3 minutes and try to win $50 bucks! Then eventually, find a path to the grand finale and win $500. For me to accomplish this I have engaged many A-lister judges and Industry folks who book shows at the major clubs and make comedy movies. I really feel strongly that any venue must be of the utmost professional in their contract and endeavors with us and those of us who come to be part of the show. I also look to venues who understand the subculture of open-micers and want to be part of reaching their dreams. Turns out Unurban had different goals and in them selfishly pushing our show to a different time slot, for even one day, showed me their...

A cozy Bohemian-style art house in Santa Monica that supports local artists. Very eclectic decor including mismatched wall paper, painted chairs, a variety of art and books. There is also jewelry for sale, which is made by local artists..

There is a small stage near the rear of the dining area, with local art on the walls. It's a place where you can get music, art, dinner theatre..."laughter, get smarter, express yourself, make a difference in the world, and various other takeaways, depending on how you make use of the space but most of all, be a part of the community."

The menu here is simple. Coffee (blended, hot and cold), sandwiches, chili, soup, bagels and toast and salads. They serve Our MILK is RBST milk (growth hormone free), they make their own Almond and Coconut milks without artificial additives, use natural sweeteners such as Agave, Honey & Raw Sugar. Their menu offers organic, gluten-free and vegan options.

I quite enjoyed the tuna melt with avocado, which I paired with pink ginger lemonade. There was plenty of avocado, the tuna tasty and the bread had an interesting flavor to it.

I visited this venue to see a friend perform in his one man show. I found this a very relaxed and welcoming place, and I look forward to...