Take everything that describes the cusp of Santa Monica and Venice Beach - arty, beach-breezy with hidden flashes of homelessness and a bit of hippie “crunch” - roll it into a dark, wooden-laced cathedral of a cafe for young, laptop wielding men and women and you’ve got Novel Cafe.
I used to visit my own hardworking-writer-friend here and it still maintains that Beatnik breathiness that I remember: quiet and peaceful yet lending an impression that for some reason I’m being watched. Double-deckered with an intimate balcony overlooking the bottom floor, Novel Cafe creaks like the den in your grandfather’s house, colorful paint worn smooth and chipped, tables sticky without being gross, and paved with shelves crammed full of weathered books that may or may not be read. The aesthetic recalls some of the well-worn, chalk-menu cafes I know and adore in Northern California but with a touch of Los Angeles’ edge that make it feel a bit more ‘too cool for school’.
As with Infuzion Cafe, Novel uses Groundwork espresso for their drinks so my single latte was nearly identical in taste, with a mild creaminess making it a light but pleasant, serviceable cup of coffee.
Sergio, the barista who made my drink, steamed dense, tight foam which I always look for in a good latte. Ultimately, Novel cafe is more about the vibe that enhances the coffee, striking me as a place to see and be seen when you want to hide. A place to reflect when you want to be stimulated. A cozy cradle for creative types who may or may not want to socialize. Find a table outside if you want to bask in the beachier side of it’s nature.
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Photos by Jamie
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Coffee Competition: Quest for the Best Bean | LA.CityZine.com - Los Angeles // Jun 12, 2008 at 4:24 pm
[...] Novel Cafe, Santa Monica [...]
2 Shana // Jun 13, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I always enjoy Novel. Very cozy, comfortable, never pretentious, and a great cup of coffee. MMMM I’m JOEnsin just thinkin about it. hehe….
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