We hate to spill the beans, but…Starbucks is dimming the lights at dozens of California locations, seven of which are in DTLA.
But the cup is half full, because this corporate exodus may just be our town’s greatest chance to move past mass-market mediocrity and discover the daily grind of our local legends!
Happy 2025 DTLA Coffee Week – It’s Time to Make the Java Jump!
Shown here: DTLA Espresso Self Voter Window Decal – Featured photo: two baristas at Loose Leaf Boba Company at the Millennium Biltmore
Was the closure of the major coffee chain’s outpost at 6th and Spring in the Historic Core, just last year, the proverbial writing on the wall?
A flashpoint for trouble, many bid the location a farewell, just to continue their morning rituals patronizing the well-deserved winner of this year’s Culinary Delights vote, Tierra Mia Coffee, located at 653 S Spring St, (corner of 7th and Spring). This Latin-inspired powerhouse offers an eye-opening sweet menu of culturally rich coffee and blueberry muffins that take the cake and just may be the greatest muffins in the city! Prove us wrong.
Little Tokyo’s Java Landslide
The Starbucks at 138 S. Central Ave, (corner of 2nd and Central Ave) in Little Tokyo was the last standing Starbucks in the district. Now, it’s broken down like an evaporated cup of overly-sweetened, homogenized foam with no syrup!
But just northwest of Central Ave is Cafe Dulce located at 134 Japanese Village Plz Bldg E, (corner of 1st and San Pedro), a popular spot, with waves of caffeine—and one of two cafes where you can purchase a rare Bozu plant—downtown’s official lucky charm.
At Union Station the Espress is Always, Right on Time
The closure of the Starbucks at Union Station’s East end will slow to a halt, but commuters won’t show up late for Homegirl Cafe, winner of this year’s Greatest Latte Art Vote. Their socially conscious cups may come with props and cops but not stops!
Arts District Coffee Game is Getting an Upgrade
Boxx Coffee Roasters in the Arts District
Not sure if the Starbucks at One Santa Fe was a generic stopgap or a buoy in an ocean of espresso that made little waves. Cast your sails just west on 3rd, the town can get a serious caffeine splash at Boxx Coffee Roasters located at the base of the Aliso Apartments. The cafe that roasts on location placed top five in almost every category, came in second for Greatest DTLA Cafe and won the community vote for this year’s Greatest Tasting Coffee Roast.
Making it on Broadway
ilcaffé barista checking out the goods.
On Broadway, the vanishing act of the Starbucks at 760 S Broadway (on 8th and Broadway) is simply a win for local character. Adios, automation! This closure removes a spot notorious for slow service and lack of atmosphere. Just a sugar block south is ilcaffé, located at 855 S Broadway, (corner of 9th and Broadway).
Lifting the historic Eastern Columbia Building, Ilcaffé scored plenty of votes this year for being the Ultimate Chill Spot and hosting DTLA’s Greatest Cafe Events.
South Park Social District Drip
Andante Coffee Roasters 816 S Grand
The loss of the Starbucks at 600 West 9th St., (at 9th and Flower) in the South Park area retires the blond roast facade and focuses attention on a roaster that cares about the entire bean-to-cup journey!
Andante Coffee Roasters, with its warm wood accents and laid-back vibe, is a local powerhouse for a next-level brew that drips with flavor, textured latte and true latte art mastery.
Cow Coffee on Olive and Pico.
South Park Social District comes with a slice of hospitality with both Andante Coffee Roasters and Cow Cafe (corner of Olive and Pico) gaining high value votes for the town’s Greatest Baristas.
A Line (for Coffee) in the Sand
Assorted Bagels at Sandcouch on 7th and Grand
The closure of the Starbucks at 1090 Wilshire Blvd (near Bixel St and Wilshire Blvd) means a crucial artery for commuters needs a new go-to spot.
Instead, head to Sandcouch Cafe (555 W 7th St, corner of 7th St and Grand Ave). Placing top 5 in almost every category from Ideal Workspace to Overall Ambiance and 3rd place winner of this year’s Greatest DTLA Cafe, this unique spot has styled itself as a relaxing oasis dedicated to its namesake—a real coffee lounge complete with a delicious menu!
Highrise and Shine, DTLA!
For the Fintech crowd mourning the Starbucks at 444 South Flower Street, your era of dark-roast dominance is officially over. Thank goodness, just a block away, acting as the cafe centerpiece of the financial district, is Nice Coffee located at 555 S Flower St, (inside the City National Bank Plaza).
This minimalist cafe, sits beneath rows of glassy towers, providing a sharp, efficient oasis and mirror pool one could only wish was filled with unlimited cups of Joe. All kidding aside, Nice Coffee offers the corporate sector a flawless, award-winning coffee and a great place to chill before work or during a break.
This spot is not just a highly-rated, local establishment, but the reigning champion. It has placed top 5 in almost every category and won the community vote for “Greatest Outdoor Setting,” “Ideal Workspace,” and the coveted “Greatest Cafe in DTLA” in this year’s DTLA Coffee Week 2025 voters’ poll. It will soon be gracing the cover of the DTLA Espresso Self special issue, coming soon.
Sip & Save!
DTLA Coffee Week 2025 and the shake-up in DTLA’s coffee landscape is a call to action: support local! Finding your new favorite doesn’t have to break the bank. Discover DTLA’s Coffee Week voter results and unlock incredible savings all year round with DTLA Java Jump Map only on www.dtlacoffeeweek.com
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