Feature: Neighborhood in La Brea

"Welcome to the neighborhood!" At least, that’s what I should have said the first time I walked into the newest coffee shop, named Neighborhood.  Note: This shop is open as of 4/5/20 with limited hours/curbside pick up only, so check their site and Instagram for any updates.

A quaint and narrow shop boasting Millennial Pink walls, communal tables and carrara marble, Neighborhood is a welcome addition to the La Brea area. I’ll note early on that it’s NOT a coffee shop to work in since they don’t have WiFi. But, if you’re looking to meet some new people, muse about your screenplay, pontificate about the sustainability of almond milk or ask for directions to a Kanye pop-up (to the parachute pants inquiring: it was probably on Fairfax…) - then you’ve come to the right place! (...) 
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If you don’t need WiFi or you're a tortured artist looking for a momentary respite, I recommend this place as a meet-cute. They have background music, ten patrons makes a full house and the baristas embrace the OG coffee shop atmosphere (IRL conversation opposed to laptops and phones). But to top it off, there is a small secluded patio surrounded with Spanish tile and decked with just a few chairs and one or two tables.

Down to brass tax: their coffee was great, as expected, because they serve Canyon Coffee. An LA roaster, Canyon Coffee has been rapidly expanding, offering their coffees in more retail, grocery and coffee shops over the last few years. At Neighborhood, I tried the cold brew and an Ethiopian pour over and was not disappointed with either. The cold brew was light and floral with a caramelly mouthfeel. 

They carry ice cream, so naturally they serve affogatos, and they’re stocked with almond and oat milks. Parking during a pandemic in LA is obviously a rare treat, but normally, be on the lookout for a spot since metered parallel street parking is all that’s available. A noted shop specialty: The La Brea Latte: a latte made with organic ginger molasses.

If you’re in the area, visit the Neighborhood!

My ratings for Neighborhood:
Coffee: ☕☕☕☕☕
Cold brew: ☕☕☕☕
Customer service: ☕☕☕☕
First date spot: ☕☕☕
Seating: ☕☕
Work spot: ☕
Espresso: N/A