Pour-over coffee is a favorite in Venice Beach, offering a precise, hands-on brewing method for coffee lovers. Here's a quick guide to five must-visit cafes for pour-over coffee:
- Intelligentsia Coffee (1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd): Known for its precise brewing tools like the Poursteady machine and patio seating.
- Menotti's Coffee Stop (56 Windward Ave): Cozy café with vinyl music and boardwalk views.
- Groundwork Coffee Co. (671 Rose Ave & 3 Westminster Ave): Two historic locations with expertly brewed coffee.
- Bluestone Lane (Rose Avenue): Australian-inspired café with a beachside vibe.
- Abalona Cafe (827 Ocean Front Walk): Offers a house-blend pour-over ($8) and drip coffee ($4).
For a quick comparison:
Cafe | Location | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Intelligentsia Coffee | 1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Patio seating, precise brewing |
Menotti's Coffee Stop | 56 Windward Ave | Boardwalk views, vinyl music vibe |
Groundwork Coffee Co. | 671 Rose Ave & 3 Westminster Ave | Historic venues, two locations |
Bluestone Lane | Rose Avenue | Australian-inspired, beachside vibe |
Abalona Cafe | 827 Ocean Front Walk | House-blend pour-overs, simple menu |
Check hours before visiting, as some cafes may have limited schedules. Ready to explore Venice Beach's coffee scene? Keep reading for more details on each spot.
Single Sip Review, 3 Days In LA, Menottis Coffee Stop ...
1. Intelligentsia Coffee
You'll find Intelligentsia Coffee at 1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd, a spot that’s a must-visit for pour-over coffee lovers. After a 2020 renovation, the cafe enhanced its setup with equipment designed to perfect the pour-over process.
The cafe uses cutting-edge tools like the Poursteady machine and Cyclops Ground Control batch brewer to ensure every cup is consistent and flavorful. Bailey Manson, their Innovation Manager, highlights the impact of these tools:
"At bare minimum we get coffee as good as our hand poured brews and most of the time we're getting coffee that's better. Our other drinks get to our guests quicker because of the Poursteady."
"Quite simply, this brewer just has the ability to extract more from the coffee than any other brewer we've used or heard of. We're serving coffees extracted over 24% that are being optimally actualized in a way we just haven't experienced with other brewers."
This focus on precision and technique has made Intelligentsia a cornerstone of Venice Beach’s coffee scene.
The cafe itself is bright and inviting, with patio seating and free Wi-Fi. Their menu includes:
- Pour-over coffee
- Nitro cold coffee
- Iced and hot espresso drinks
- Rotating cold brew teas
- Matcha and chai options
To complement your drink, they offer fresh Sugarbloom pastries that change daily. Open from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM every day, Intelligentsia provides both pick-up and takeaway services.
Up next, check out another local favorite: Menotti's Coffee Stop.
2. Menotti's Coffee Stop
Just steps from the Venice Beach boardwalk, Menotti's Coffee Stop offers a top-notch pour-over experience in a cozy, community-focused setting. The café’s charm is amplified by the soft tunes of vinyl records playing in the background, creating a relaxed and inviting vibe. Every pour-over is carefully prepared by skilled baristas who take pride in their craft.
The café is designed to be both comfortable and accessible, featuring a wheelchair-friendly entrance and a range of seating options. Whether you're in a rush or looking to unwind, Menotti's has you covered. It’s a great spot for quick meetups, casual conversations, or simply enjoying the lively energy of the boardwalk.
With its unbeatable location, you can sip on a perfectly brewed pour-over while soaking in the vibrant scene outside. Menotti's manages to be both a haven for coffee lovers and a welcoming neighborhood hangout.
sbb-itb-1d31003
3. Groundwork Coffee Co.
Groundwork Coffee Co. operates two historic spots in Venice Beach, perfect for pour-over coffee enthusiasts. The first is at 671 Rose Ave, a charming brick building from the early 1900s that once served as a horse stable. In 1991, Groundwork set up its first coffee roaster here, blending the building's rich history with their passion for brewing.
For a beachfront vibe, visit their 3 Westminster Ave location on the Venice Boardwalk. This historic building even features one of the earliest elevators installed west of the Mississippi.
Both locations offer a chance to savor expertly brewed coffee while soaking in Venice Beach's unique character.
4. Bluestone Lane
Located on Rose Avenue, Bluestone Lane's BLSLC (Bluestone Lane Surf Lifesaving Club) draws inspiration from Sydney's Tamarama SLSC, bringing a touch of Australian beach culture to its coffee offerings, including its well-known pour-over coffee.
The cafe's design creates a refined, beachside atmosphere. With white-washed timber, blue tiles, and striped umbrellas, the space feels both inviting and stylish. Jute lighting and cozy, cushion-covered banquettes add to the relaxed yet polished vibe.
"Inspired by the Tamarama SLSC in Sydney, Australia, this new Bluestone Lane location is designed to feel like an elevated beachside hang out, where locals can congregate for a pre-beach avo smash, a relaxed lunch or a cheeky cocktail after work."
Bluestone Lane offers more than just coffee. The menu includes wellness drinks, organic teas, and cold-pressed juices. In the evening, the space transitions seamlessly with a selection of beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Its pastel tones and open, breezy design echo the laid-back energy of Venice Beach, making it a perfect fit for the area's coffee scene.
Up next, take a look at Abalona Cafe's approach to pour-over brewing.
5. Abalona Cafe
Abalona Cafe keeps the pour-over tradition alive at Venice Beach. Located at 827 Ocean Front Walk, this spot serves its House Pourover, a mix of organic beans from Central America, South America, and East Africa. If you're looking for something simpler, they also offer drip coffee. Check out the pricing below:
Coffee Option | Price |
---|---|
House Pourover | $8.00 |
Drip Coffee | $4.00 |
Since their website is currently inactive, it's best to call ahead to confirm their hours.
Final Thoughts
Venice Beach is home to a variety of pour-over coffee experiences, each offering something unique. Intelligentsia Coffee stands out with its spacious patio and Nitro drinks, adding a twist to the classic pour-over. Menotti's Coffee Stop, located at 56 Windward Ave, combines boardwalk views, vinyl music, and a cozy atmosphere for a laid-back coffee break.
Here’s a quick look at some top spots for pour-over coffee in Venice Beach:
Cafe | Location | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Intelligentsia Coffee | 1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd | Patio seating, precise brewing |
Menotti's Coffee Stop | 56 Windward Ave | Boardwalk views, vinyl music vibe |
Groundwork Coffee Co. | 671 Rose Ave & 3 Westminster Ave | Historic venues, two locations |
Bluestone Lane | Rose Avenue | Australian-inspired, beachside vibe |
Abalona Cafe | 827 Ocean Front Walk | House-blend pour-overs |
Before heading out, it’s a good idea to double-check operating hours. For example, Abalona Café’s website isn’t active, so calling ahead is recommended. You can reach Intelligentsia at 310.399.1233 and Menotti's at 424.205.7014.
These cafes reflect the dedication and expertise that make Venice Beach a destination for coffee enthusiasts.