As university students, caffeine is our lifeline. We turn to coffee when we wake up for our 8 a.m. lectures, work on assignments in Powell Library and study for finals late at night. When your days start blending together and you begin to feel burnt out, changing up your environment can be the key to surviving the quarter. This article highlights five of the top cafes in Los Angeles, one of which can become your new go-to spot to study and relax.
Memorylook
Location: 2881 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★☆☆
Study Ambience: ★★★★☆
Memorylook has become one of the most Instagram-famous cafes here in Los Angeles. Known for their signature Einspänner lattes and creme brûlée donuts, this cafe has been a go-to for students all over the city. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, with tables suitable for studying with groups of friends. The downsides include a limited number of outlets and a usual wait for orders and tables due to the spot’s popularity. Nevertheless, the minimalist decor and the huge selection of drinks make it a perfect study spot for a sunny day.
La La Land Kind Cafe
Location: 1426 Montana Ave #1, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★☆
Study Ambience: ★☆☆☆☆
La La Land Kind Cafe perfectly embodies the spirit of Los Angeles. The bright and sunny yellow theme connects with the cafe’s motto of spreading kindness and positivity. Their signature drinks include the La La Latte and the Butterfly Latte. Inside the cafe, there are couches for sitting and chatting with friends. The outdoor seating has a good amount of tables more suitable for studying. While this may not be the best place to study, if you are looking for an aesthetic cafe to relax at with friends, this is the right pick!
10 Speed Coffee
Location: 1947 Sawtelle Blvd Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★★
Study Ambiance: ★★★★☆
The closest cafe on this list, 10 Speed Coffee is a cafe with a unique concept. The first store opened near a bike shop in Oregon but has now expanded to multiple locations, including Sawtelle and Santa Monica. 10 Speed Coffee is committed to supporting the cycling culture, with a percentage of every purchase going into a growing cycling culture. Their menu is limited to a few items but everything is high quality. Their signature drinks are the Kickstand and the Maple Oat Milk Latte. The interior of the cafe is very spacious, with various large tables for seating. It is a perfect study spot for those that are looking for something nearby.
Verve Coffee Roasters
Location: 8925 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★★☆
Study Ambience: ★★★★☆
Verve Coffee Roasters specializes in high quality coffee—they even sell house-made blends. Known for classics like their espresso, macchiato and nitro flash brew, the cafe’s drinks pair perfectly with their fresh pastries and oat milk soft serve. The interior is absolutely stunning; with elegant and classic wooden decor paired with greenery, it makes Verve the perfect study spot to spend an afternoon. The energy of Verve will motivate you to focus and study harder!
Cafe De Mama
Location: 1102 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Proximity to UCLA: ★★★☆☆
Study Ambience: ★★★★☆
Located in Koreatown, Cafe De Mama is a coffee stop that is experimental with their flavors, featuring unique and seasonal flavors that have become fan favorites. Their signature flavors include the Injeolmi Mochi Latte, Black Sesame Cream Latte and Persimmon Milk. While you are at it, make sure to try their croissant waffles, also known as croffles. Everything about their menu is distinct and addicting, making you want to come back every weekend to try something new. Their interior has many tables to study at and outlets to charge your devices. The perfect study spot paired with menu items to die for makes this cafe an experience you will not regret.
