Coffee Trail: Circa’s Buzziest Spots to Get Your Cup of Joe

Did you know that downtown Los Angeles has a Coffee Trail? DTLA Alliance has created a map where you can discover all of the coffee shops in the Downtown Center. Follow the trail and uncover everything from gorgeous cafes to hidden spots with the best oat milk, matcha lattes, iced concoctions, and cold brews that you’ve ever had. Many coffee bars also serve delectable pastries, along with an eclectic selection of breakfast, lunch and even dinner dishes. So grab some friends for a coffee klatch, or try the trail as a solo adventure. Here are some of our favorites, many not far from Circa.

Cognoscenti Coffee Roasters coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cognoscenti Coffee Roasters 868 S Olive St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Conveniently located in South Park, Cognoscenti Coffee Roasters specializes in single origin coffee and coffee supplies. Founded in 2009, Cognoscenti’s goal is to provide an enjoyable and approachable experience. They source primarily washed coffees, placing the priority in cup clarity and sustainability. You can also purchase brewing supplies for home use, as well as branded merch including water bottles, T-shirts, and totes.

Café Balzac coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Cafe Balzac 700 W 7th St. Ste 310, Los Angeles, CA 90017

A little slice of France in the heart of DTLA, Café Balzac is inspired by Honoré de Balzac, a French writer who was known to have 46 espressos a day. Located in The BLOC, Café Balzac offers fresh gourmet coffee and espresso drinks, sweet and savory crêpes, and curated pastries. 

Colburn Café coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Colburn Café 200 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

Situated at the Colburn School, Colburn Café is open throughout the year, serving delicious daily specials such as sushi, Mexican, classic American dishes, and more. Grab a drink from the coffee bar, serving small batch high-quality teas from Steven Smith. Dine-in at the ample indoor seating area or beautiful patio, or get your order to go with online ordering. Your purchase at the Colburn Café helps Colburn educate the next generation of artists.

Amandine Patisserie Café coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Amandine Patisserie Café 650 S Hill Street, Plaza 1 K-10, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Since 2002, Amandine Patisserie Cafe has been combining the finest baking traditions from France and Japan to create unforgettable gourmet experiences. Their delicious French Japanese style pastries and breads are all made in-house from scratch and baked fresh daily. Beverages include hot and cold brews, iced, chai, and a variety of lattes.

Bottega Louie coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Bottega Louie 700 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90017

Bottega Louie is a Restaurant, Gourmet Market, Patisserie and Café all rolled in one, along with full bar service. The Gourmet Market and Patisserie offer an extensive selection of sweet and savory products for your enjoyment, including their iconic macarons, eclairs, tarts, and tiramisu. They also offer a lavish weekend brunch, serving everything from waffles to egg dishes, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Café Dulce coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Café Dulce ROW DTLA 777 S Alameda St. #150, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Café Dulce serves the finest specialty coffees & teas, along with fresh salads, sandwiches and baked goods delivered daily from its original kitchen in Little Tokyo, Downtown LA. Dulce is widely known for its signature hand-crafted beverages, including Vietnamese iced coffee, single origin pourovers, and blueberry matcha lattes, along with green tea donuts. Stop by to enjoy a little break in your morning or afternoon routine.

G&B Coffee coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

G&B Coffee Grand Central Market 317 S Broadway, C19, Los Angeles, CA, 90013

From champion baristas Kyle Glanville and Charles Babinski, collectively G&B Coffee, this popular spot services up coffees, espresso drinks, and teas selected from the world’s top roasters and farms. Highlights include G&B’s coffee milkshake and hop-infused carbonated ice tea as instant Market classics. Take advantage of the free five minute parking in the drop-off lane in front of the G&B stall on Hill Street.

Velo Coffee coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Velo Coffee 735 S Figueroa St. Unit 113, Los Angeles, CA 90017

Velo Coffee is owned and operated by Austin, a barista who has worked in the coffee industry for years, along with his partner Michael. Velo originated as an environmentally friendly mobile cafe, which was literally a coffee bike. Velo, which means cycle in French, was a fitting name for a bike cafe committed to minimizing its carbon footprint. Now located in its first physical shop, Velo continues its passion for coffee, developing high quality drinks and supporting barista culture. Signature drinks include Nitro Horchata Cold Brew, Blood Orange Sparkling Espresso, and Matcha Lemonade.

Hilltop Coffee coffee shop near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Hilltop Coffee 718 S Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Hilltop is a place for creators of all walks. They represent the climb – the goals each and every one of us creates and the obstacles we must overcome. Hilltop is driven to bring quality ingredients & good vibes to the communities they serve in an environment conducive to creativity. Offerings include food that is simple and nourishing for breakfast and lunch, along with coffee, juices, and pastries.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Café Balzac

Photo #2: Cognoscenti Coffee Roasters

Photo #3: Café Balzac

Photo #4: Colburn Café

Photo #5: Amandine Patisserie Café

Photo #6: Bottega Louie

Photo #7: Café Dulce

Photo #8: G&B Coffee 

Photo #9: Velo Coffee

Photo #10: Hilltop Coffee

DTLA Breakfast Spots Open for Pick Up & Delivery

Take a break for breakfast! Your favorite DTLA cafes and coffee spots are now open for pick up and delivery! Celebrate the weekend with scrumptious Belgian waffles smothered in fresh fruit, order up some wholesome baked goods to accompany your morning coffee, or indulge in a platter of eggs and tater tots with all the toppings! By supporting local restaurants, you’re helping to keep our amazing DTLA restaurant community alive and thriving. Check online for delivery and pick up details. Bon Appetit!

Poppy + Rose 765 Wall St. Los Angeles, CA 90014

Featured on LA Weekly’s Best of L.A. Food & Drink, Poppy + Rose is inspired by the country kitchens we all know and love. A collaboration between Diana Yin and Chef Michael Reed, the restaurant serves classic American diner fare prepared with honest ingredients. Their signature Fried Chicken & Waffles are made with free-range Mary’s chicken and a Belgian-style waffle. Biscuits are baked from scratch every morning with real butter, and fries are hand cut from fresh Kennebec potatoes. Order ahead for curbside pick up.

ediBOL 300 S Santa Fe Ave. Ste. Q, Los Angeles, CA 90013

ediBOL is a fun eatery in the DTLA Arts District offering artisan BOLs – handcrafted foods & flavors in a bowl. ediBOL is now offering meal kits so you can prepare their classics and create some tasty new bowls at home! Brunch bols feature French toast custard, roasted garlic & herb pork hash,  chicken & waffles, and baked eggs with chorizo and tomatillo crema. Other menu items include lemon ricotta fritters, warm golden oats, and Stumptown coffee. Order ahead for pick up.

L.A. Cafe 639 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Located in the Spring Towers Lofts, L.A. Cafe is open 7 days a week for delivery, takeout and curbside pick up. They make all their food fresh daily from scratch using the best ingredients such as local eggs & produce, and garden fresh herbs. Breakfast menu includes Belgian waffles, chicken & waffles, breakfast tacos & tortillas, and tater tots with all the toppings. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available as well.

Birdies 314 W Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90015

Birdies LA is a fresh new casual dining restaurant with its flagship location in Downtown Los Angeles. The concept is simple: Fresh, fun, all natural food, served fast. Artisanal donuts are made hourly, and their free-range fried chicken will be a treat you can expect on a simple menu of Americana classics reimagined with a modern twist. Birdies also features an ever changing offering of rotating specials, Intelligentsia coffee creations, and an in-house brewed Birdies brand coffee. Available for takeout and no contact delivery.

Paris Baguette 404 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Paris Baguette is an international, premium bakery-café specializing in yummy assortments of breads, pastries and cakes baked daily. Their mission is to bring happiness to everyone by adapting to people’s ever-expanding palates with decadent, unique and sophisticated baked goods. They serve a variety of treats ranging from coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, to appetizing snacks, delicious cakes for all occasions, and chef-inspired sandwiches and salads. Order through Doordash or Postmates.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Paris Baguette

Photo #2: Poppy + Rose

Photo #3: ediBOL

Photo #4: L.A. Cafe

Photo #5: Birdies

Photo #6: Paris Baguette