Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea

Superb coffee, though this location has a somewhat sterile almost cyberpunk decor. I like the silverlake location better for that reason, but you cannot go wrong with coffee here. more

Coffee shops have become the place for long conversations, planned meet-ups and lazy afternoons. Intelligentsia is one of the most popular spots in Venice because it is a place that is more than just about coffee. The ambiance, architecture and art inside Intelligentsia are almost as much as a draw as the coffee they serve. The shop's lay-out includes vertical benches and stairs that you can sit on. The innovative design exudes a luxurious industrial vibe. Almost every coffee shop review from customers and critics applaud the cool and chic interior of the place. It is an ideal place for conversations and the complimentary Wi-Fi allows people to work on their laptops. The place also allows pets inside, a welcome feature for all dog-lovers. You can go straight here after a morning walk or jog with your canine partner. Intelligentsia is raved about for their coffee. The unique serving style is also done with snap and panache. Coffee shop reviews have always included the personalized manner that each cup is served. Customers are led towards custom designed coffee machines where a barista cranks out the order with style and grace. The efficiency of movement and skill displayed reminds people that coffee is developing into an art form and a creating a following similar to that of wine. Intelligentsia upholds the principle that each cup served is made to fit the customer's desires and specifications. Personalized service is given to each customer no matter how many customers are being served. The different coffee blends being used in the coffee hub presents an adventure for the taste buds. Coffee lovers will delight in the many choices and people indifferent to the taste of coffee will be converted after a taste of Intelligentsia's blends. Coffee shop reviews never neglect to mention summer solstice, the house blend and the el diablo dark roast. These blends offer flavor combinations that reflect the origins of the beans. Summer solstice has fruity tones of orange, grape, berries and peach with a rich undercurrent of caramel. The house blend is a combination of light fruity flavor and a sweet chocolate taste. It is a pleasant blend that is great for individuals who are new to the experience of gourmet coffee. EI diablo dark roast is a dusky combination of dark chocolate, a slight acidity and caramel with a lingering taste of malt and molasses. Another notable addition for this coffee shop review is the Black Cat project series. These specialized blends are limited and unlike any other. The honey-badger espresso utilizes three different beans from Kenya and Brazil. It boasts a complex flavor combination of lime, molasses, currant and other berry tones. It's ideal for people who want a cornucopia of fruit flavors for their cup. Coffee shop reviews also can't help mentioning the Black Cat classic espresso. This staple drink has converted first time customers into faithful regulars after the first sip. The organic espresso offers clean tones of cherry and molasses. It finishes with a lingering taste of dark chocolate. The decaf espresso also presents fruity flavors but it is combined with the earthy taste of tobacco and chocolate. Augustus Smith worldsfinestcoffees more

I've been a coffee addict my whole life and there are very few coffee shops that really know how to roast coffee and then serve it properly. Intelligentsia, however, does both those things. Their baristas are highly qualified, undergoing extensive training and competing in barista competitions throughout the nation. They are also highly regarded as having some of the best espresso and coffee in the world.... Starbucks has nothing on these guys! The Angeleno (my favorite) is a fantastic 3 shot iced latte sweetened with simple syrup and their hot lattes feature some of the most perfect latte art you will ever lay your eyes on. The atmosphere is very modern and the store is right in the middle of Abbot Kinney so you can grab your coffee and go window shopping at the fantastic art galleries and antique stores. Parking can be tragic after 5 pm (esp the first friday of the month, which is free liquor night on Abbot Kinney) otherwise there is parking in the back that's free and easy to find during the day. Be prepared to wait a while for your coffee (ranging from 10-20 minutes) but you can have fun eavesdropping while you wait. Pros: Award winning coffee and baristas Cons: Parking at night is a bear. more

Its a bit awkward lining up outside the door for a cup of coffee, but its well worth the wait. You wait to be called and walk upto one of many barrista stations and watch your drink prepared in front of you. The decor is industrial with exposed pipes and concrete benches. Feels more Berlin than LA. But the innovative use of space creates unexpected and interesting seating/standing options to enjoy your coffee with a book, a laptop (free wifi), or a friend. Pros: Antidote to the coffee chain more