Back in the day, coffee was a simple drink; something to lift the morning, fog from your eyes as you reached for the Folger’s or set your timer to start a brew in the AM. Nowadays? Coffee is on par with those who fall to their knees at IPA brews and wine tasting notes. Rightly so, coffee and the bean roasting process is an extremely detailed, elaborate process that can make or break the aroma and taste.

Here in Los Angeles, this is especially true. For those of us who like to go beyond Starbucks, LA is bursting with coffee houses and is quickly rivaling Seattle as the coffee capital of the world. We decided to get the scoop on one of our favorite spots for coffee in the City West end of Los Angeles.

Enter Blue Bottle Coffee. Quickly popping up in stores across the USA and several shop fronts in multiple metropolitan cities (and Tokyo). It all began in the early 2000s, in Oakland, California. When a group of musicians and artists were weary of the commercial coffee enterprise and stale, overly roasted beans, they decided to open a roaster for people who were clamoring for the actual taste of fresh coffee. Using a minuscule six-pound batch roaster, a historic vow was made and is Blue Bottle’s motto: We will only sell coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to our guests, so they may enjoy coffee at peak flavor. Only the use of the finest, most delicious, and responsibly sourced beans are used.

Pretty bold and deep for a cup of coffee, no?

Fast forward 15 years later, and Blue Bottle is continuing this mindset, and we are thankful for it anytime we hit up their coffee shop in Los Angeles’ City West in Downtown Los Angeles. Located in the beautiful Bradbury Building, this classic and historic center is the setting for many of Hollywood’s most famous scenes (mainly Blade Runner and The White Cliffs of Dover). Blue Bottle Coffee opens daily at 7 am and, while it can get that morning rush, they keep the line moving and the java coming.

“I’ve ordered the New Orleans twice, and Blue Bottle has never failed me.” Writes just one of their many happy Yelp reviews, “This drink is very creamy and refreshing. Their coffee beans are very exotic.”

While another adds, “I love the layout that they have. You can sit outside and enjoy the warm sun if you wish. They have comfy bean bags that will get you cozy. I love the stairs! Interior has the aesthetic minimalist look that everyone seems to want.”

We definitely can attest that Blue Bottle’s New Orleans coffee is the way to go. Add in a tiramisu shortbread cookie and you really are in for a treat. You can visit their website here and make sure to check them out when you venture forth to City West from Downtown LA.
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There is nothing like a great getaway. When that bug for a Summer getaway from Downtown LA hits, rest assured if you cannot make the trek to Vegas or take that cross-country road trip (because, you know, adulting), we compiled a little handy guide of our picks for a weekend Summer getaway (or a day trip) from good ol’ Downtown LA!

Ventura (70 miles from Seven West)

Head up the iconic 101 to catch some waves, eat great food and get some shopping on over in Ventura. A haven for the laid back, Ventura is such an ideal beach getaway as it never really seems to be that crowded at the ocean. Looking to get a jog in while away? Ventura has a beautiful stretch along the coast line on Harbor Boulevard that lasts a good 6 to 8 miles of water, sea life and a nature trail. Bonus fun? Their legendary Ventura County Fair is currently going on this month, too

Solvang (130 miles)

Plan a weekend getaway this Summer from Downtown LA to ‘The Danish Capitol of America’! Dip your show into a life-sized clog at the Solvang Shoe Store, try an order of Aebeleskiver, see a show at their Solvang Festival Theatre, and, maybe, just maybe, spot some Vikings and faeries! Ok, maybe not the last two. But, Solvang, California is an incredible summer destination that Angelino’s thrive to for wine tasting, food and fun. Wondering what an Aebleskiver is? It’s their famous Danish sweet treat of 3 Danish pancake balls topped with raspberry jelly and powdered sugar. If you loved Hans Christian Anderson tales as a child, check out their museum dedicated to the Danish fairy tale writer within The Book Loft.

Ojai (80 miles)

A hidden gem as you head inland from Ventura, Ojai is boasting with incredible history, restaurants, hiking trails and art galleries. Theatre lovers will appreciate the fact that Our Town’s playwright, Thornton Wilder, was said to draw inspiration for his famous play from the city of Ojai. Known for their somewhat new-age vibes, you vegans’ and those following a gluten free diet will be in heaven at such hot spots like Food Harmonics and their natural health food market, Westridge Market.

Laguna Beach (70 miles)

Head south of Downtown LA and get your art on in Laguna Beach. Known for some of the most world renowned art events in the world, Laguna Beach is currently in full swing of their Pageants of the Masters, Sawdust Festival and Art Fairs. Seafood lover? Their restaurants are fantastic and easily has some of the freshest seafood in Southern California.

Claremont (35 miles)

Very much a hidden gem, Claremont lays in the heart of the Inland Empire and lays on the iconis Route 66. With a newly remodeled scene that involved the city transforming their old rail roads and stations into buzzing hot spot like Packing House Wines and delicious restaurants like Bua Thai, consider a stay at Casa 425. The ultimate cosmopolitan hotel, Casa 425 hosts incredible happy hour’s and music nights in their bar. Don’t miss their monthly events, too!
As you can see, a whole world awaits for that Summer getaway from Downtown LA. Where will you head?! Send us a post card to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!