BOXX COFFEE ROASTERS CO.
950 East 3rd ST Los ANgeles CA 90013
A working womple brought me to LA - Within the Arts District of Downtown LA, lies a coffee shop that outperforms on many levels. A cool hip vibe with great seating arrangements, good music and killer coffee.
Coffee:
The owners know how to appeal to Clyde and Matt with the mantra of “Better Coffee is a direction, not a destination. We cup, we adjust, we learn from every roast”. Very wompler forward…Alas, they must have learned a lot because the Sitio-Sassafras roast with the Sitio Siriema espresso was as advertised…silky in its buttery milk chocolate with a hint of almond. An amazing red eye. I had time to linger so I do go back for the cortado which was beautifully delivered in an elegant glass.
Barista:
What started as a sleepy opening of the shop led to my lingering and observing how this shop comes alive in a super friendly way. Many regulars in and out and the baristas were friendly and informative. They even guided me towards a slightly milder roast when selecting the beans to bring home which was a great call. I was seated by the door and when I ordered my cortado, they brought it to my seat which was also a nice touch.
Vibe:
Great tunes awaited as I stepped into the shop with The Fleet Foxes resonating. I had wished that as I entered Wilco’s “Box Full of Letters” would resonate, but the music was great the whole time I was there. The ethos of the shop seems to be friendly. Patrons, just like the baristas, were engaging whether it be with a hello or the amount of dog owner interplay in the shop. Great variety of seating both inside and out allows one to grab a seat and wait for a to go cup or linger and work/kibitz. Boxx also is proud of their baristas as feature them on their site along with their roasters. They seem to be in the business of educating as well with cupping classes and consulting.
Make You Better
I think Boxx could up the merch game a bit and maybe even their pastry lineup although it was adequate.
I had a great time in LA, as my client who lives here made me engage in Downtown LA. From Broadway to Santee Alley to the LA Athletic Club, it is affirming to be around someone who loves and appreciates where they live and the grit of their city. Boxx Coffee has a lot in common with Four Letter Word Coffee with two outposts…Instanbul and Chicago (Four Letter Word) and LA (Boxx). They both are particular in their roasters and the relationships they have with them and both produce GREAT coffee.
Womple on….Matholomew
P.S. Also in Downtown LA, Kumquat Coffee (and closer to the LA Athletic Club) has some great coffee options