Business & Tech
Best Coffee & Croissants in Mar Vista
Who makes the best caffeinated concoctions and fresh, flaky croissants in the neighborhood?
I’ve made the rounds throughout the neighborhood (and have become rounder doing so) to come up with the best places to get your java and pastry fix. Whether it’s a morning rev-up or a late afternoon pick-me-up, the following should give you plenty of fuel to get you through your day.
The Hairbender is the most popular blend of coffee at the Venice Grind, with notes of milk chocolate, jasmine, lemon, apricot and pineapple. Who knew that coffee had more notes than wine? It can be used for both drip and espresso drinks. Stumpton Coffee Roasters, a small organic roaster in Portland, supplies the outstanding coffee here, and directly trades with the growers. The lattes and cappucinos are also excellent here. The most popular croissants are plain and chocolate. Check out the new back patio. Enjoy your cuppa, soak up some rays and take advantage of the free wi-fi.
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Venice Grind: 12224 Venice Blvd, 90066. 310-397-2227
Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Wood Cafe has recently changed its menu and is serving only plain croissants and unflavored espresso drinks, which is fine with me (who needs sweet artificial flavoring?) There’s nothing wrong with basics, especially when done well in a classic, buttery croissant (heated!) Serving certified organic coffee.
The Wood Cafe: 12000 Washington Blvd, 90066. 310-915-9663
Get here early if you want to snag some of the favorite baked goods, such as the pretzel or chocolate croissants. Friday is the busiest day here, perhaps because it’s the one day of the week the bakery sells homemade donuts. Tip: you can call ahead and ask them to reserve your items for pick-up.
The croissants are flaky and not too sweet. Try the jalapeno-cheese pretzel to kick-start your day. All the baked goods are made in-house, daily and Rockenwagner serves Viennese (Julius Meinl) coffee, which is exclusive to the LA area.
Rockenwagner Bakery: 12835 Washington Blvd, 90066. 310-578-8171
I’ve always been partial to the almond croissant here, which is moist and delicious and a truly decadent experience. The Curious Palate sells good, basic espresso drinks, with lattes being the most popular beverage among customers.
The Curious Palate: 12034 Venice Blvd, 90066. 310-437-0144
Rumor Mill
This coffeehouse is easy to miss (next to the coin laundry), but worth checking out. You can throw in a load of clothes as you’re enjoying your favorite brew next door. The Rumor Mill offers quite an extensive menu of coffee drinks and good food, though the service can be a bit slow. The Turtle Latte is one of the most popular espresso drinks, with a nice caramel flavor. I loved the pumpkin bread (toasted, then buttered) and the almond croissant was delicious, albeit a little sticky on top.
Rumor Mill: 11739 W Washington Blvd, 90066. 310-397-5400
Groundwork Coffee Co.
No “best of” coffee list would be complete without mentioning Groundwork Coffee Co., just west of Mar Vista on Rose Avenue. In my opinion, it serves the best coffee in town, which may have something to do with the fact that they roast their own beans on the premises. Groundwork is the largest organic coffee roaster in Los Angeles. My soy latte was perfect – nice and foamy (and cheap). Other coffee favorites: Black Gold, Mexican Mocha Latte and Iced Vanilla Latte. Try the cinnamon twist croissant, which is perfectly crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. Dozens of coffee beans are available for sale so you can continue your caffeine buzz at home.
Groundwork Coffee Co. 671 Rose Ave, Venice, 90291. 310-396-9469
