Best LA coffee shops for work and study

The county of Los Angeles consists of 88 separate cities. Needless to say, it’s a big place. Being close to cafes means you can work or study while connecting with your local community. We’ve put together a list of some of the best coffee shops in LA to study or work from. These coffee shops can offer a nice change of scenery from your home, office, or public library.   

Moving to Los Angeles for the first time can come with a steep learning curve. Whether you’re relocating for a job or going to college here, familiarizing yourself with your neighborhood is a good start. If you live in a rental, such as those listed by Blueground, then you’ll be in a central, convenient location. Their furnished rentals come move-in ready so you can get down to business from Day One — whether that means working in your apartment with WiFi pre-arranged or going out to a local java joint.

Document Coffee Bar

Koreatown

A popular venue in Koreatown, this coffee and tea bar, has a great selection of beverages. One of their most liked drinks is their matcha tea latte. If you aren’t in the mood for caffeine, they also serve delicious lemonades, smoothies, and ice cream shakes. You’ll find long, skinny communal-style tables that are good for working or studying.

With free WiFi and lots of parking options, the Document Coffee Bar is easy to settle into. The pastry section is a bit limited, so you may want to eat before coming here.

Sharp Specialty Coffee

Wilshire Center

Not far from Koreatown and Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), Sharp Specialty Coffee is open every day until 11 p.m. Few coffee shops in L.A. stay open this late. This is the place to come if you need to get some work done or cram before an exam. With extra tall ceilings, ambient lighting, and ergonomic workspaces, you can be comfortable while getting things done. Their menu includes a wonderful coffee selection, tasty strawberry milk, and pastries.

Coffee Connection

Mar Vista

If you live on the Westside, this cafe is close to Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. Coffee Connection is a staple in the community and one of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles. They provide exceptional service and a relaxed atmosphere centered around inclusiveness. They are a not-for-profit cafe with reasonable prices and outstanding quality beverages and food. All the coffee blends are certified fair-trade organic. Food options include locally prepared deli sandwiches, empanadas, salads, and paninis. There is free WiFi, a huge outdoor and dog-friendly patio with over a dozen tables. Inside, the seating options include oversized comfy chairs, couches, and wooden tables and chairs. No need to leave your pup at home while working away at Coffee Connection.

Bricks and Scones

Larchmont

Upon entering the cafe, a large chandelier welcomes you inside. The inside walls are all brick, giving off an artsy and old-world charm. There is a winding staircase that takes you to upstairs seating. Bricks and Scones cafe has a lot of large, oversized tables meant for communal-style working and studying. There is strong WiFi, and even more, seating on their outdoor patio featuring umbrellas to shade that laptop screen. They serve healthy breakfast and lunch options as well as homemade pastries. Coffee is of good quality and they offer a variety of teas. Many locals call this their favorite place to work because they’re able to be productive here.

RVCC Intersect

Downtown

Located at the edge of the Arts District and adjacent to Downtown Los Angeles, is RVCC Intersect. The aesthetic and decor of RVCC embody the laid-back L.A. vibe. The cafe feels contemporary, yet vintage at the same time. Here you will find plenty of outlets and comfortable seating options, including communal tables and couches. Baristas are very knowledgeable about the various drink and food options. Many customers recommend the lavender latte and brunch that’s served from Wednesday to Sunday.

Second Round

Koreatown

Second Round has a bright, spacious interior with several tables and chairs. Besides the strong coffee, this cafe features decadent desserts, waffles, and soft serve. The WiFi is strong and reliable and the environment is low-key, which makes it an ideal work and study cafe. The design is modern and clean, with a great music selection and personable staff. Second Round is open late every day and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.  

Metro Cafe

Santa Monica

This donation-based cafe in the heart of downtown Santa Monica is unlike any other in Los Angeles. Metro Cafe has a beautiful outside fenced area with a backyard vibe. You can find lots of seating with cushion-top patio chairs and canopies overhead. It’s quiet and makes the perfect study spot. Inside, there are large communal tables, making it the perfect coworking cafe. WiFi is fantastic, the ambiance is inviting, and the vibes all around, between the staff and customers, are friendly and kind. Even though Metro Cafe is donation based, the quality of the coffee and food is superb. They’re considered one of the best coffee shops in Los Angeles.

Tanner’s Coffee

Playa Del Rey

One of the few coffee houses in Playa Del Rey, Tanner’s offers a great selection of coffees, teas, bagels, and pastries. Given the amount of seating and free WiFi, customers like coming here to study or get work done. Tanner’s Coffee is a local’s spot, with many regulars. The employees, atmosphere, and menu keep them coming back. It’s a perfect pairing to a close-to-perfect neighborhood.