Finals season at UCLA is upon us, and let’s face it: the struggle is real. Balancing overdue assignments, late-night study sessions and early-morning lectures can become extremely overwhelming. During moments like these, a break from our campus bubble and a change in environment can be just what we need to prevent academic burnout. Luckily, a variety of cafes can be found within walking distance of our campus. Here are five nearby spots to help you get started on your grind!
Ministry of Coffee
Location: 1010 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m. (daily)
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★★
Study Ambience: ★★★☆☆
The Ministry of Coffee is a trendy and vibrant cafe, known for its modern aesthetic and commitment to quality brews. Originating in Australia, this spot offers a curated menu featuring expertly crafted coffee beverages with unique Turkish flavors. They are well-known for their classic mocha, an espresso shot with steamed milk and melted Belgian chocolate chips. You can’t miss out on their Salmon Eggs Benedict Royale for a high-protein grub and delicious start to your day. Inside the cafe, the classic, wooden seating makes you feel right at home. This minimalist yet inviting interior creates a stylish atmosphere, providing a perfect setting for both work and leisure. Located by Target and Trader Joe’s, the Ministry of Coffee serves as a go-to spot for university students who simply need a nearby space to grab a drink and unwind.
Espresso Profeta
Location: 1129 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. (weekdays), 8 a.m. — 3 p.m. (weekends)
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★★
Study Ambience: ★★★☆☆
Espresso Profeta is a cozy, local cafe in Westwood serving sustainable coffee, tea and food. They take pride in exclusively using high-quality Espresso Vivace beans sourced directly from Seattle. This careful selection of ingredients ensures that every cup served is infused with rich and nuanced flavors. Their menu features a variety of coffee options, from classic espressos to lattes and cappuccinos, along with delectable pastries to pair with your beverage. The cafe’s charm extends to its ambience, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The beautiful courtyard, adorned with lush greenery, provides a cozy and calming atmosphere, making it an ideal space for both focused study sessions and leisurely coffee breaks. Located a block before Wilshire Boulevard, Espresso Profeta stands as a convenient and welcoming refuge for students and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Upside Down
Location: 10962 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: 9 a.m. — 3 p.m. (Monday-Thursday), 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. (Friday), closed weekends
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★★
Study Ambience: ★★★★★
Upside Down is one of the most unique coffee spots in Westwood. Their mission is to serve the community with coffee and art by being a “donation-based” establishment, meaning there are no set prices for their menu items, and customers pay however much they choose. The variety of free community bonding events, such as coffee tastings, art-making sessions, live music and art galleries, adds an extra layer to the cafe’s mission. Their menu provides seasonal monthly specials, so be sure to check out their new offerings each month! The closest cafe to UCLA on this list, Upside Down, is an ideal study spot to students with its artsy and open interior. Its environment for focused studying, combined with the artistic ambiance, adds a unique touch to the overall experience.
Espressoteric Coffee Co.
Location: 1311 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: 7:30 a.m. — 6 p.m. (weekdays), 8 a.m. — 6 p.m. (weekends)
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★☆
Study Ambience: ★★★★☆
Espressoteric Coffee Co. is a cafe in Westwood that provides a very warm and comforting atmosphere. They offer a menu featuring common yet reliable caffeinated options such as coffee, matcha and tea. This cafe offers spacious seating options, ideal for both solo study sessions and relaxed study breaks with friends. With the distressed brick walls, dark rustic wood and vintage leather couch, this cafe brings a unique uptown New York type of feel — a place that you could spend hours in. It is located just past Wilshire Boulevard, making it the furthest location cafe on this list.
Bluestone Lane
Location: 950 Westwood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hours: 6:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★★
Study Ambience: ★★★☆☆
Bluestone Lane is a popular spot for UCLA students, as it is located in the heart of Westwood. One of the highlights of this cafe is its diverse menu of coffee, tea and snacks. A customer favorite is their avocado toast, which contains a creamy avocado smash, chili flakes and olive oil on multigrain toast, seasoned with fresh lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper. Along with coffee and tea, this cafe uniquely serves various smoothies that are perfect for a refreshing boost of energy. They are well-known for their Berry Brekkie Smoothie, filled with rich antioxidants from fresh mixed strawberries, blueberries, bananas, mint, lemon juice, honey and oat milk. This cafe is definitely a perfect spot for students looking to get a quick bite to eat while cramming for their next exam.
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Featured Image Photographed by Akshansh Khrodia/BruinLife.
