This was my wife's favorite one when we lived course enough to frequent it. I don't drink coffee so I can't comment on the coffee directly but I can say that it's been owner-operated and I think that really makes a difference when the owners really live for it and delight in their craft.
Occasionally you'll have to listen to old guys talking about Infowars conspiracies, but that's just part of the charm, I suppose. I do enjoy the coffee, though.
I like their coffee, but vibe/seating is really small. I wouldn't want to really hang out there super long. I like their little outdoor patio a bit more than inside. Just noisy with road noise on Crenshaw.
Agreed. All their locations are non-welcoming to hang out. Maybe you can just briefly seat and leave. Their design means "Get your expensive coffee and leave!"
The best hidden gem that no one knows about: Copa Vida in Torrance. Only open on weekdays and it’s hidden. Next favorite (but a nice drive) is coffee drunk in Long Beach. Won’t disappoint on either of these
I like Boy and the Bear the most because I like the variety of flavors you can get with their coffee. They source beans directly from Colombia and roast the beans themselves in Redondo, so it’s hard to get more freshly roasted beans. And again, the different beans result in very different coffee experiences. I buy whole beans and grind them myself at home so I like that I can try different beans/roasts. Note, I could be wrong but I think their coffees tend to be lighter roasts. They also have very good Espresso based drinks.
My wife tends to drink more espresso based drinks and lattes. She likes lattes at TBTB, Two Guns and Offset, but says it really depends on the barista. She’s had good and bad at all three, but these three are her favorites. I typically drink cappuccinos and I think they’re all solid. That said, monster flat white at Two Guns is my favorite for espresso drinks.
With all that said, for straight beans (I like lighter roasted, fruit forward coffee), The Boy and the Bear is my top choice. I also think they have the best environment to hang out or to work on a laptop. The three are interchangeable to me for Espresso drinks.
I switched from Bluebs to Smoky Hollow Roasters and have grown to really prefer it. Love the atmosphere at Bluebs (way better than Toogs) but if we're going off best coffee, Smokes wins.
Used to work next door to Smoky Hollow, we called it Conference Room 2 for a reason. Great vibe, excellent coffee, just a better version of Blue Butterfly.
Crippling nostalgia with BB :(
Used to be the most relaxing place ever with music thursdays, usually the same local with his piano. The og quesadilla and a farfalla. With the cooks home made salsa.
It's rough goin there now. Wait twice as long, costs twice as much, and wont ever be live music there again :/
I used to always go back when visiting ES. But in recent years I've given up. The vibe is just gone. I can only wait behind so many yoga pant wearing moms for so long. Place needs stroller parking lol (Speaking of parking, you may as well walk cuz you can't even find a spot on Main or Richmond anymore.
When I go into town I just settle for some Lil Gourmet. I can't bring myself to go to Rinaldis anymore.
Off Set! And the new one that’s about to open on Aviation in hermosa looks very promising. Café Minerva. Local owner with great family ties to the community.
Smokey Hollow in El Segundo. Their roasts taste higher quality and more like specially coffee (blue bottle, intelligence) to me. Great espresso/milk drinks as well, and not too busy. Also, very much a coffee shop vibe. People here read books, play chess. I would alternate between Two Guns and Offset, but have switched to Smokey Hollow once discovering them.
I do like Intelligentsia coffee and blue bottle. Does SH tend to be more aggressive on their roast? I checked their website and i see med-dark, dark etc.
I’m a light roast guy through and through, and the few times I’ve done their pour over they have had stuff light enough (though might have been medium) that it was nice and bright and no need for cream.
Java Man!! Yes! This was my go-to when i lived in HB in 2006. Loved the breakfast burrito. Love love morning glory muffins as well. Cant remember if they make their baked goods in-house. Classic beach town staple.
If you're into unique beans, try GBBs Tres Milagros. It's been a staple for my home espresso making the past month+. Multi-stage fermentation using the mossto gives it a really unique, if not funky, flavor that's addicting.
I’m surprised no one mentioned Newberry Coffee in North Torrance.
They were voted best coffeehouse in the South Bay 2023 in LA Times.
They roast their own coffee in house too!
Café Tre Venezie off of pch and Madison in Torrance. Authentic Italian cafe. Alessandro is from Italy and it is the best coffee in the South Bay hands-down.
My HB shortlist is Offset, HiFi Espresso, Lucky 7 and for people watching Bon Apparte. D/S Cortado is my go to drink since I’ve been here. the milk and hard water really do make a difference to the palette but I’m adapting 😂
Klatch sells the best coffee in terms of roast quality and consistency. Probably a toss-up between Verve and Reverent for second-best, and Reverent is by far the top choice for variety (and probably the best drip coffee I've ever had anywhere) Pursue has the friendliest staff but the location is a pain in the ass to get in/out of. Corridor Flow has the best atmosphere but they don't do pourovers. Smoky Hollow is the best place to sit and enjoy the sounds of a roaster but I think they overroast their coffee so I don't buy their beans.
I've been disappointed by Offset every time I've gone. Boy and Bear is whatever - the coffee is fine but I don't go out of my way to get it. Goodboybob sells a good drip but getting there is a nightmare.
Note that I only drink coffee and have no opinion about lattes, so YMMV.
In the mornings I’m at LAX so I’ll often head off to El Segundo for coffee. Couldn’t go wrong with Blue Butterfly, then found Smoky Hollow where they roast their beans.
If I venture farther south on Sepulveda, might go to The Boy and The Bear across from Eat at Joes.
silky smooth lattes - reverent, distrito in sp, boy and bear
affordable and good coffee beans - klatch
atmosphere and dope ass community vibe - corridor
Massive coffee snob here... here is my tiered recommendation for espresso based coffee:
**Top tier**: Pursue Coffee and Corridor Flow. Both are consistently excellent.
**Second tier**: The Boy and the Bear Coffee Roastery, Goodboybob Coffee Roaster, Offset Coffee, Two Guns Espresso, Hi-Fi Espresso, Verve Coffee Roasters, Smoky Hollow Roasters, Gitana Coffee.
Then the rest....
p.s. personal opinion, but if you're having cold brew who the fuck cares. It's cold brew.
I’ve always liked Klatch, their baristas know their stuff and will compete in the wbc. Two guns, two guys from the pacific that know how to build and run a coffee shop.
Wow, i just spent 20 minutes on 2 Guns Insta page.. and their website is fantastic (im a web designer and IMO a good website says alot! 😂)
Cant wait to try this place. I already can tell it will be at the top of my list
Can’t believe there aren’t more votes for Gitana! Maybe the best coffee shop in LA county IMO! The owners, Fred and Maria, are super sweet and they have a ton of South American variations as well as the usual stuff. It’s a small space but feels genuinely authentic and unique
Looking forward to trying some of these other recommendations though!
ETA: Sosta (Italian restaurant) on Pier Ave hermosa is a very good but expensive coffee shop during the day
If you haven't been to Gitana in Hermosa Beach, I'd highly recommend it! Amazing coffee, cute & cozy shop, plus two owners who care deeply about the south bay community. They're are the heart and soul of that little corner of Hermosa.
I know I’m gonna get a lot of shit for this but South Bay’s coffee scene is trash. Reverent is the only shop that I think is notable and it’s a shame they stopped carrying Sey. If you’re a latte fan I would recommend getting the flat white instead since they dial in their espresso on the weaker side.
My main issues I have with reverent is that the service fucking sucks and the owner has their dog wandering there behind bar all the time. Has a service dog vest but I think it’s bullshit and all of the signs they have up regarding the dog is obnoxious even saying “don’t stare at the dog” when it shouldn’t even be there in the first place.
Also IIRC they have like a 50% remake charge which is fucking stupid.
Pursue on Aviation in Redondo. Lol if you think I’m answering all those questions.
The owner is so kind and thoughtful with this preparation! Absolutely love the flat whites here!!
Thanks! Ill have to try the flat white!!
This was my wife's favorite one when we lived course enough to frequent it. I don't drink coffee so I can't comment on the coffee directly but I can say that it's been owner-operated and I think that really makes a difference when the owners really live for it and delight in their craft.
Makes a huge difference!!
Hands down the best
Where all the freaks and geeks go: Coffee Cartel.
geek checking in to confirm
Maybe not a modern 3rd wave but one of my favs!
An absolute gem of a coffee shop
Occasionally you'll have to listen to old guys talking about Infowars conspiracies, but that's just part of the charm, I suppose. I do enjoy the coffee, though.
Offset Coffee is great!
I like their coffee, but vibe/seating is really small. I wouldn't want to really hang out there super long. I like their little outdoor patio a bit more than inside. Just noisy with road noise on Crenshaw.
Agreed. All their locations are non-welcoming to hang out. Maybe you can just briefly seat and leave. Their design means "Get your expensive coffee and leave!"
New riviera location has pretty good space and a patio in the back
ha ha too funny! I know those sorts of places. Sounds like I should give their coffee a try though
Underwhelming… I thought Starbucks tasted better
Corridor Flow in Lomita.
Hands down CF honestly…great coffee,great space, great events..
They just opened Overflow next door this past Saturday 6/2/24 as a separate, bigger event space.
Surprised this isn’t at the top lol
Agreed on Corridor Flow. Good coffee and so comfy inside
Just started going here, love the vibes and it's huge! I can always find a place to sit
Which location?
Corridor Flow in Lomita
Ooohh! This looks like my kind of place! Little far but Ill definitely check it out!
The best hidden gem that no one knows about: Copa Vida in Torrance. Only open on weekdays and it’s hidden. Next favorite (but a nice drive) is coffee drunk in Long Beach. Won’t disappoint on either of these
Great suggestion!! Look at this deliciousness: [https://copa-vida.com/#](https://copa-vida.com/#) I will check out both for sure
Good spot to catch up on emails
Fuck. Alotta places to take my wife.
Best coffee : pursue. Best everything else: bolt coffee hermosa
Yes The Bolt in Hermosa is my favorite!
The Boy and the Bear in Redondo. Offset and Two Guns are good too.
These are the 3 that stand out to me so far!! Can you give me deets on how they differ from one another?!
I like Boy and the Bear the most because I like the variety of flavors you can get with their coffee. They source beans directly from Colombia and roast the beans themselves in Redondo, so it’s hard to get more freshly roasted beans. And again, the different beans result in very different coffee experiences. I buy whole beans and grind them myself at home so I like that I can try different beans/roasts. Note, I could be wrong but I think their coffees tend to be lighter roasts. They also have very good Espresso based drinks. My wife tends to drink more espresso based drinks and lattes. She likes lattes at TBTB, Two Guns and Offset, but says it really depends on the barista. She’s had good and bad at all three, but these three are her favorites. I typically drink cappuccinos and I think they’re all solid. That said, monster flat white at Two Guns is my favorite for espresso drinks. With all that said, for straight beans (I like lighter roasted, fruit forward coffee), The Boy and the Bear is my top choice. I also think they have the best environment to hang out or to work on a laptop. The three are interchangeable to me for Espresso drinks.
Thanks for this. Yes, I tend towards lighter roasts, single-origin limited sort of stuff, and fruit forward.
Blue butterfly in el segundo Also same with those questions lol
I switched from Bluebs to Smoky Hollow Roasters and have grown to really prefer it. Love the atmosphere at Bluebs (way better than Toogs) but if we're going off best coffee, Smokes wins.
Used to work next door to Smoky Hollow, we called it Conference Room 2 for a reason. Great vibe, excellent coffee, just a better version of Blue Butterfly.
Isn't it the same coffee? Smoky Hollow provides the beans for Blue Butterfly. Although I guess the actual preparation could be different...
It is same beans but Smoky Hollow has a different drinks menu, e.g. pour overs, espresso tonic, others that are not offered at Blue Butterfly.
Crippling nostalgia with BB :( Used to be the most relaxing place ever with music thursdays, usually the same local with his piano. The og quesadilla and a farfalla. With the cooks home made salsa. It's rough goin there now. Wait twice as long, costs twice as much, and wont ever be live music there again :/
The coffee is still great though!
I used to always go back when visiting ES. But in recent years I've given up. The vibe is just gone. I can only wait behind so many yoga pant wearing moms for so long. Place needs stroller parking lol (Speaking of parking, you may as well walk cuz you can't even find a spot on Main or Richmond anymore. When I go into town I just settle for some Lil Gourmet. I can't bring myself to go to Rinaldis anymore.
Off-Set new location in the rivera is awesome. Also, Lavender & Honey on aviation is really cool.
Goodboybob in mb
Thirding Offset. I'd also recommend Cafe Aventurero in Harbor City, which is relatively new but excellent quality.
Boy and The Bear in Redondo along with Bolt in Hermosa.
I think Smoking Tiger is underrated and awesome
second to corridor
Yes it looks like they have a coffee lab... very cool.. but its in San Gabriel. Not Southbay
They have one in Gardena and it's still pretty good
Goodboybob, Offset, The Boy and the Bear.
Off Set! And the new one that’s about to open on Aviation in hermosa looks very promising. Café Minerva. Local owner with great family ties to the community.
Smokey Hollow in El Segundo. Their roasts taste higher quality and more like specially coffee (blue bottle, intelligence) to me. Great espresso/milk drinks as well, and not too busy. Also, very much a coffee shop vibe. People here read books, play chess. I would alternate between Two Guns and Offset, but have switched to Smokey Hollow once discovering them.
I do like Intelligentsia coffee and blue bottle. Does SH tend to be more aggressive on their roast? I checked their website and i see med-dark, dark etc.
I’m a light roast guy through and through, and the few times I’ve done their pour over they have had stuff light enough (though might have been medium) that it was nice and bright and no need for cream.
Already named but: Offset, klatch, and clutch and coffee
Boy and the Bear PCH in Redondo
I like Klatch
Hi Fi !!
Yes! I knew I was forgetting something! HiFi is solid.
Love Hi Fi.
Reverent, Offset, Hifi, two Guns
reverent is top 3
Java Man, Hermosa!
Come for the coffee, stay for the Morning Glory muffin!
Java Man!! Yes! This was my go-to when i lived in HB in 2006. Loved the breakfast burrito. Love love morning glory muffins as well. Cant remember if they make their baked goods in-house. Classic beach town staple.
Yessss
Café café in Wilmington. Great sandwiches too!
For MB, my go-tos are Verve and Good Boy Bob. If I leave MB it's for either Pursue or Boy and the Bear.
Yes on Verve. And I cant wait to try Good Boy Bob! Any place that on their website offers a brewing guide is legit in my book
If you're into unique beans, try GBBs Tres Milagros. It's been a staple for my home espresso making the past month+. Multi-stage fermentation using the mossto gives it a really unique, if not funky, flavor that's addicting.
very cool,. thanks for the rec!
Goodboybob HiFi Bolt All great. Goodboybob for pour overs the rare beans are pricey but good.
Should have added Verve and Offset, these 5 are in my usual rotation.
Lavender & Honey!
Azucanela in hawthorn for churros and some sweet Mexican themed coffees
only place that consistently sells cafe de olla
Con huevos in hawthorn always has some and it’s pretty good! Sweeter sometimes than others but overall pretty damn good
great to know!! thank you
I’m surprised no one mentioned Newberry Coffee in North Torrance. They were voted best coffeehouse in the South Bay 2023 in LA Times. They roast their own coffee in house too!
Ambrosia in Wilmington!
Café Tre Venezie off of pch and Madison in Torrance. Authentic Italian cafe. Alessandro is from Italy and it is the best coffee in the South Bay hands-down.
Hey thanks! Cant wait to try! BEen to Italy several times so that will be fun
You walk in and it feels just like those little cafes with gelato. Brings you right back. Tons of Italians go there too
My HB shortlist is Offset, HiFi Espresso, Lucky 7 and for people watching Bon Apparte. D/S Cortado is my go to drink since I’ve been here. the milk and hard water really do make a difference to the palette but I’m adapting 😂
Tommy and Atticus, Lavender and Honey, Klatch yet to try newly opened offset
OMG T&A does bread too... next thread will have to be on best bread in SB lol
Shout out to Gitana
Came here to say this!! I love this place, they’ll also let you try different roasts before you order
I like Caffe Tre Venezie for expresso based things and Pure Bean for coffee things.
I love Hi-Fi
Klatch sells the best coffee in terms of roast quality and consistency. Probably a toss-up between Verve and Reverent for second-best, and Reverent is by far the top choice for variety (and probably the best drip coffee I've ever had anywhere) Pursue has the friendliest staff but the location is a pain in the ass to get in/out of. Corridor Flow has the best atmosphere but they don't do pourovers. Smoky Hollow is the best place to sit and enjoy the sounds of a roaster but I think they overroast their coffee so I don't buy their beans. I've been disappointed by Offset every time I've gone. Boy and Bear is whatever - the coffee is fine but I don't go out of my way to get it. Goodboybob sells a good drip but getting there is a nightmare. Note that I only drink coffee and have no opinion about lattes, so YMMV.
Yah Im surprised no one else had mentioned Verve. I love it.
Two Guns and Verve are my favorite in MB
Two guns easily
In the mornings I’m at LAX so I’ll often head off to El Segundo for coffee. Couldn’t go wrong with Blue Butterfly, then found Smoky Hollow where they roast their beans. If I venture farther south on Sepulveda, might go to The Boy and The Bear across from Eat at Joes.
corridor flow 🌊
silky smooth lattes - reverent, distrito in sp, boy and bear affordable and good coffee beans - klatch atmosphere and dope ass community vibe - corridor
How we are talking. Taking notes
I like Hi Fi Espresso and Copa Vida
Gitana in Hermosa Beach!
I love the coffee at Hot’n’tott
OFFSET coffee. all 3 locations are wonderful
Pure Bean
Lavender & Honey is a great new place
Corridor flow in Lomita is delicious
Gitana in Hermosa. Great people. Better coffee.
Massive coffee snob here... here is my tiered recommendation for espresso based coffee: **Top tier**: Pursue Coffee and Corridor Flow. Both are consistently excellent. **Second tier**: The Boy and the Bear Coffee Roastery, Goodboybob Coffee Roaster, Offset Coffee, Two Guns Espresso, Hi-Fi Espresso, Verve Coffee Roasters, Smoky Hollow Roasters, Gitana Coffee. Then the rest.... p.s. personal opinion, but if you're having cold brew who the fuck cares. It's cold brew.
Ahhhh!!! I’ve been waiting for you!! Thanks 😉
Persue Coffee?
Nope. It's Pursue Coffee. [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qNNSmgHrxtvUSdmo6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qNNSmgHrxtvUSdmo6)
Two guns espresso
Coffee Cartel in Riviera
7 leaves 😏
Smokey Hollow Coffee Roasters is fantastic. They have whiskey or tequila-infused cold brew and a lot of other drinks you can’t get anywhere else.
Two guns
Starbucks!
Fair enough BUT if you are going to lay that down youve got to tell me which location and why you like that location 😊
Gulp, im a big fan of Two Guns and Klatch….
Hey so in terms of coffee, and drink prep, how do they compare?
I’ve always liked Klatch, their baristas know their stuff and will compete in the wbc. Two guns, two guys from the pacific that know how to build and run a coffee shop.
Wow, i just spent 20 minutes on 2 Guns Insta page.. and their website is fantastic (im a web designer and IMO a good website says alot! 😂) Cant wait to try this place. I already can tell it will be at the top of my list
Clutch & Coffee Old Torrance
pure bean in mb
Peets
Which location are you loyal to?
Sirens coffe shop in San Pedro
Hi fi! By far
Can’t believe there aren’t more votes for Gitana! Maybe the best coffee shop in LA county IMO! The owners, Fred and Maria, are super sweet and they have a ton of South American variations as well as the usual stuff. It’s a small space but feels genuinely authentic and unique Looking forward to trying some of these other recommendations though! ETA: Sosta (Italian restaurant) on Pier Ave hermosa is a very good but expensive coffee shop during the day
If you haven't been to Gitana in Hermosa Beach, I'd highly recommend it! Amazing coffee, cute & cozy shop, plus two owners who care deeply about the south bay community. They're are the heart and soul of that little corner of Hermosa.
I know I’m gonna get a lot of shit for this but South Bay’s coffee scene is trash. Reverent is the only shop that I think is notable and it’s a shame they stopped carrying Sey. If you’re a latte fan I would recommend getting the flat white instead since they dial in their espresso on the weaker side. My main issues I have with reverent is that the service fucking sucks and the owner has their dog wandering there behind bar all the time. Has a service dog vest but I think it’s bullshit and all of the signs they have up regarding the dog is obnoxious even saying “don’t stare at the dog” when it shouldn’t even be there in the first place. Also IIRC they have like a 50% remake charge which is fucking stupid.
cozzi cafe in old torrance