There’s nothing like your favorite cup of coffee. And better yet, there’s nothing like finding a local coffee shop that pairs a great brew with the perfect ambience. Whether you’re on the hunt for an aromatic roast that makes you slow down, sip, and smile or want to fuel up during an hours-long study session, Boyle Heights has no shortage of masterful baristas and cozy nooks to fill your needs.
As the coffee shop scene grows in the neighborhood — offering everything from foamy lattes, solid brunch bites and charming community spaces filled with books and art — we sipped our way through five spots to help you find the hidden gems. Take the tour, share your favorites and tell us what we missed. Popular drink: Café de Olla latte Hidden gem: El Pino latte It was probably not the best idea to open a cafe during the pandemic.
But the owners of Picaresca Barra de Cafe went for it. After almost three years inside a mini-mall on Soto Street, the business relocated to a larger, more visible Boyle Heights location last November. The place is a popular location among locals and beyond.
On any given day, friends meet up here for a cup of joe, a pastry or chilaquiles — one of a handful of hot food items on the menu. Picaresca is known for its locally roasted coffee and homemade café de olla syrup. But what’s also noteworthy is how its signature menu is crafted and named after Eastside symbols.
Specialty-curated lattes include The Evergreen, named after the shop’s street.