Best Coffee Shops in LA to be Productive

As an ardent coffee drinker and daily coffee shop guest, I like to think I have a pretty good grasp on all the best coffee shops in Los Angeles. Personally, I can only handle so much time working at home or in an office, which is why I set out to discover all the best coffee shops in LA to be productive and get work done. 

Here are all my top picks for various productivity days!

Quietest Coffee Shops

Bricks & Scones – Larchmont

Located in the heart of Larchmont, Bricks & Scones was my first love in Los Angeles and you’re sure to experience its immediate charm as well. 

The noise-free upstairs has tables, chez lounges and cubby holes that are reserved for those looking for a quiet space to focus. Downstairs, you’ll find a more collaborative area with communal tables and benches.

There’s a full menu of sandwiches and pastries, as well as a couple dozen choices for tea and coffee. Personally, I love their chewy roll and daily selection of scones.

Free WIFI and outlets are available. There’s even a great outdoor patio to get some Vitamin D on your study break.

Caffe Vita – Silverlake

This hip & trendy coffeehouse stands out proudly at the busy intersection of  Sunset Blvd. and N. Virgil Ave. with its eclectic, nouveau-antique artwork lining the walls.

Inside you’ll find a bright and airy coffeehouse with a simple coffee drink staples menu, as well as a couple specials like the coffee granita. 

Head upstairs for a quieter area to hit the books and get grinding. 

Best for Group Projects

Republic of Pie – North Hollywood

The facade of Republic of Pie is quite deceiving from Magnolia Blvd. You’d never expect the interior to be as spacious with high ceilings, and reach back as far as it does. 

As you can guess from the name, they serve up some d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s pies and quiches, just like mama used to make! They also host live musicians nightly and showcase local artwork on the walls. All of this just adds to the sense of community and receptiveness you’ll experience while stopping by.

There is free WIFI, but no outlets. There are outdoor tables, large group tables, cozy couches, and a backroom with more seating options to choose from.

Coffee Connection – Mar Vista

You’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped into an Italian countryside cottage with its Baroque architecture, brick and marble adornments, and stained glass windows. 

Its charming outdoor courtyard is shaded with large trees and illuminated by hundreds of string lights at night, with lots of room to spread the notebooks.

As part of the Westside Vineyard Church, there are numerous meeting rooms available for rent on the property as well.

Coffee Connection offers fast and free WIFI, outlets, and ample free parking in their adjacent lots.

Casual Networking Drinks

Chit Chat – Sawtelle

This adorable coffee and matcha cafe serves up drinks that are as fun and colorful as its pink and green interior decor.

Located on Sawtelle, close to many other parts of Los Angeles, Chit Chat is the perfect location to meet a friend or acquaintance for a caffeine boost and chit chatting. There is free and fast WIFI and several outlets if needed.

Aroma Coffee & Tea – Studio City

Not to be confused with the Mediterranean restaurant by the same name, Aroma Coffee & Tea is hidden gem situated in the heart of Tujunga Pass in Studio City.

What makes this cafe so charming is its full wrap-around patio with tons of trees, covered seating, and vines growing along the walls. The patio is speckled with French bistro wicker chairs in a variety of colors and patterns.

Warning: There are no outlets or free WIFI, so this is the perfect to unplug with a colleague or get some reading in.

Best for an Interview or Business Meeting

Verve Melrose – West Hollywood

The Santa Cruz based coffee roaster is centrally located in the heart of West Hollywood, with a sophisticated and sleek interior design, and partially shaded outdoor patio. The shop feels very spacious with its multiple floor-to-ceiling windows and doors and long rectangular interior design.

There are no outlets and lots of two-person tables, so this should be your go-to for reading a book or an important business meeting.

Groundwork – North Hollywood

This old train depot converted coffee shop is extremely spacious with tons of indoor communal and hightop tables, as well as a huge outdoor patio seating. You’ll be sure to have plenty of room to focus on your important meeting instead of worrying about whether the person next to you is listening to your conversation. 

Groundwork is conveniently located at the intersection of the Red Line and Orange Line Bus, so it’s easy to get there without a car.

Coziest

The Guest House – Los Feliz

It’s no surprise this place is called Guest House, as it looks and feels exactly like you’re staying in someone’s bungalow guesthouse. The newly renovated coffeehouse is even cozier than its predecessor with its old-Hollywood decor, large armchairs, and fireplace. (However, I’m pretty sure that fireplace is more for show than use).

Besides having your staple coffee drinks, there’s also a full food and cocktail menu. This is, hands down, one of the best coffee shops in LA to be productive in the early A.M. or end that last minute hustle with a nightcap.

Best WIFI

Alchemist Coffee Project – Koreatown

Who else has experienced this? You sit down to be productive just to find that you can’t connect to the Internet. Or worse, you’re typing up an important email and all of a sudden your Internet decides to lose its connection.

Fear not! If you’re looking for the best coffee shop in LA to be productive with fast and reliable WIFI, Alchemist Coffee Project is your place! 

There’s a good mix of small and communal tables with lots of outlets and low noise levels. 

Most Inspiring Ambience

La Colombe – Frogtown

Upon visiting, you’ll quickly realize why I call La Colombe the most inspiring coffee shop in Los Angeles. Not only do they roast their own beans at the facility and serve delicious drinks like the Pure Black & Tan and Oat Milk Latte on Tap, you have the L.A. River as your view.

La Colombe backs up to L.A. River Bike Path, so watch as cyclists fly, occasionally stopping into the industrial-chic cafe for a little caffeine boost. You may even see some kayakers floating their way downstream. 

Alfred Coffee Melrose Place – West Hollywood

This colorful enclave and eclectic mashup of artistic design is sure to inspire any creative thinker to write their next award-winning novel or ace that upcoming midterm. 

The iconic LA coffee shop, located on the cut-through street of Melrose Place is an absolute favorite of locals and tourists. Let’s just say, it’s an Instagrammer’s gold mine. The interior decor and adorable outdoor seating area is the perfect location to get inspired by the sights and people that pass through.

There are three other Alfred cafes in the area: Alfred in the Alley, Alfred Tea Room, and Alfred Beverly Hills.

Strongest Coffee for Long Work Days

Balconi Coffee Company – Sawtelle

This cafe has been serving strong and smooth beverages since 1997 using the scientific Siphon method. There is a rotating selection of coffee drinks, which the baristas brew up with an added level of TLC. If you don’t know the “correct” way to really taste coffee, they even have a how-to guide for you.

The red latte or almond essence are my recommendations, if you’re looking for something strong with a kick of a unique taste.

Bulletproof Coffee – Venice

I’ve tried my fair share of coffee drinks in LA, so I think it’s safe to say that Bulletproof on the border of Venice/Santa Monica has some of the strongest coffee I’ve ever tried.

They have many choices when it comes to coffee beverages, but you must try their signature Bulletproof coffee at least once. Normally, when I order a coffee, I go large. Believe me when I say you won’t need anything bigger than a small here. They also have quite the selection of food with an emphasis on paleo and keto-friendly diets. 

Take-Your-Furry-Friend-to-Work Day

Muddy Paw Coffee Company – Silverlake

Have a Cup. Save a Pup. That’s their motto. Not only do they serve up great coffee, they’re helping to save our furry friends while brewing.

This small pop-up coffee shop has mostly outdoor seating tucked down a small, colorful alleyway, which is why it’s the best coffee shops in LA to be productive while babysitting your fur baby. 

The Cow’s End – Venice

It’s easy to distinguish this place along Washington Blvd., as you’ll notice a large cow “behind” sticking out of the wall. 

Don’t be surprised to see a line out the door, as locals gather at the popular cafe every weekend after their morning strolls along the Venice Canals and Boardwalk.

With only a few tables downstairs and outside, arrive early so you can secure a space to study while your furry friend plays with all his new best friends.

I highly recommend the vanilla chai latte and açaí bowls. Don’t forget to grab your pooch a dog bone, located on the counter.

TIP: The Cow’s End is cash only, so bring your loose change.

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