Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
2081 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles CA, 90027
The Los Feliz Coffee Bean is dubbed Store #1. I have a theory that the place is so named because it is the best Coffee Bean in town. It’s definitely not the original, that one is in Brentwood and has been since 1963.
Hmmm, numero uno. Although I’ve been to this location countless times (I used to show up randomly to see if Beck was there. But, I’m not a stalker really).
I decided to make a research-gathering pilgrimage this weekend. During a short break from the rain, I grabbed the husband and an umbrella and stomped through the puddles to “try out” Los Angeles’ #1 Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Deciding to forgo my usual favorites (chai tea latte, hot vanilla, lemon bar, blueberry scone, etc.-high fat-etc.) for the good of this review, I ordered a small hazelnut latte and a lemon poppyseed loaf.
Oh, my. Pure warm nutty delightfulness. Heaven in a cup. Approximately 300 liquid calories worth of no nutritional value whatsoever. You must go get one.
The lemon poppyseed loaf was moist and gooey and, well, poppyseed-y. Super delightful and not too huge like most of the baked goods there. In fact, I’m gonna go out a limb and say that I could probably cram the whole thing in my mouth at once. If I really wanted to, I mean. Yeah, I could do that.
This place is always busy but the employees are fast. And, friendly. You’ll get your coffee quickly, no matter how crazy the line looks when you walk in. Plus, it’s a socially responsible company. While your waiting on your drink, grab the “Caring Cup” pamphlet and learn about their business practices. Not too shabby.
This location is conveniently located on Hillhurst in the Albertson’s parking lot. There’s always parking on Ambrose too, if you don’t feel like fighting with the grocery shoppers for a spot. There’s a huge patio with a fire pit that is good to sit at if you’re meeting friends or reading a book. Great people watching too. If you go on a weekday, be prepared for numerous single dudes on their cell phones. I’m not sure if they think that they’re going to pick up a chic at good ole’ Coffee Bean number one, but they’re always there. And, who knows? Maybe you could be the chic they pick up! Ooo, lucky you. You might even get a hazelnut latte out of the deal.
Photo by MyLifeStory via Flickr
3 responses so far ↓
1 Kendra's mom // Jan 28, 2008 at 1:59 pm
That reminds me. You didn’t bring me my vanilla mix from there at Christmas. Guess I’ll just have to order it myself!
2 Alisa // Jan 28, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Totally agree. I usually have a very customized order and they always make it perfect and if it is not perfect the first time, they have no attitude to remake it in seconds just the way I like. I strongly recommend Coffee Beans on Sunset and Fairfax and Sunset and Vine (the staff is always friendly) and Fairfax/Sunset offer a nice patio dog friendly and nice for people watch!
Your la.cityzine.com colleague, Alisa
3 Kendra's other mom // Jan 29, 2008 at 10:18 pm
COFFEE KILLS!
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