Whether you’re a late bird or an early riser, amazing coffee can always be found beyond the well-known chains. Whether you live for that first sip of an americano in the morning or drink iced coffee in the dead of an east coast winter, coffee should be savored and enjoyed.
Love coffee? Us too. (Photo Credit: Jarek Ceborski)
Of all the states, California is one that takes its coffee game seriously — as should you. If visiting the sunshine state, here are our local picks.
San Francisco
- Awash in minimalist design, natural light, white walls, and blonde wood, the design-savvy Saint Frank in Russian Hill features specialties like an almond macadamia milk latte along with drips, pour overs, espressos, and cold brews. Nab a seat by the window and watch the world pass by.
- The beloved Blue Bottle Coffee (with various locales) still reigns as some of the best joe in the city. Want something on ice? Sip the smooth, New Orleans cold brew or opt for a subtle cappuccino, which a barista always tops with coffee art (and yes, it’s practically begging for an Instagram).
When in San Francisco, rest easy at The Alton. (Photo Credit: @wanderingcreator_meghana)
And don’t forget to try the coffee. (Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao)
- The industrial, two-story Sightglass serves its iced coffee in mason jars and their latest beans embody a smooth taste with hints of cantaloupe and ripe strawberry.
- For those caffeine enthusiasts who don’t mind traveling for their coffee, the tiny outer Sunset café, Andytown, rules for its Snowy Plover: Mineral water spiked with espresso and a dollop of whipped cream.
Where to stay: The Alton or Kimpton Hotel Enso
Los Angeles
- At the base of Runyon Canyon, preferably after you’ve hit the hiking trails, refuel at Blackwood Coffee Bar with an iced coffee and organic yogurt bowl starring strawberry rhubarb compote, made fresh at the shop. Or grab the signature iced namesake with two espresso shots and a zesty orange kick.
Coffee is a big deal in the City of Angels. (Photo Credit: @everlyhollywood)
When in LA, coffee aficionados will love The Everly Hollywood. (Photo Credit: @pragatic)
Will you choose hot or iced coffee? (Photo Credit: @pragatic)
- Along a lovely, tree-lined street in West Hollywood, the sweetly whimsical Alfred Coffee and Kitchen is known for its bright visuals (just check out their Instagram) and too-pretty-to-drink lattes, matcha, tea, and fresh juices from Raw Juicery.
- LAMILL coffee fuels a morning work session at the buzz-worthy Jane Q restaurant inside Hollywood’s Kimpton Everly Hotel. Caffeine-lovers will be well taken care of by lead barista M’lissa Muckerman as she whips up classic coffee drinks like pour overs and lattes. Feeling punchy? Try the vodka cold brew for an extra kick.
Where to stay: The Everly Hollywood, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Beverly Hills, The Hotel Wilshire, or La Peer Hotel
Sacramento
- The gleaming, airy space at Temple Coffee Roasters is made complete with exposed brick and tiling crafted from pennies, and is a perfect spot for an almond milk mocha, rich hot chocolate (with a hint of coconut), or cascara tea made using the coffee plant’s berries.
The state’s capital is also known for its appreciation of coffee. (Photo Credit: @kristineherman)
Delicious coffee in a beautiful setting? Yes, please. (Photo Credit: Rizky Subagja)
- With various locales, Chocolate Fish Coffee doles out a velvety, smooth white mocha and a latte-like flat white. For serious brew aficionados, try a cup from the Curtis Seraphim pour-over module along with a few nibbles of a lemon blueberry scone.
- The spacious Insight Coffee is perfect for sips of a sweet, spiced chai latte paired with a savory chive and cheddar biscuit. Want to up your coffee game? There are roasting classes available, and tea connoisseurs can jump into the mix with matcha and rare oolong teass.
Where to stay: The Sawyer Hotel
San Diego
- In Little Italy, the rustic-woodsy Bird Rock Coffee Roasters features crowd-pleasing pour-overs, blends, and single-origin beans to go. Live music and rotating local art round out this coveted neighborhood spot.
Iced coffee is the go-to in sunny San Diego. (Photo Credit: Tabitha Turner)
- Order a Turkish latte with cardamom and raw sugar at the newly opened corner spot, Lofty Coffee. You’ll also find tea lovers drinking a refreshing lavender iced tea and snacking on made-in-house lemon poppy seed cookies and chocolate croissants.
- Head to North Park for Dark Horse Coffee Roasters and some of the strongest (i.e. most delicious) cold brew in sunny San Diego — a little goes a long way, leaving you fully caffeinated for a full day in the sun.
- Also located in North Park, James Coffee is a small-batch coffee roaster known for its honey cinnamon iced latte, only made more complete with the freshest almond croissants in the city.
Where to stay: Kimpton Alma Hotel
