// LOS ANGELES // DTLA, CHINATOWN //
aquarela coffee
an under-the-radar brazilian cafe and microroaster
In a city filled with buzzy cafes, celebrated local roasters, and TK, perhaps the most remarkable thing about Aquarela is how a good coffee shop has managed to slide under the radar for so long. Thatās not to say it is underappreciated: those who know, know, and it is a perfect neighborhood coffee shop with excellent beans. They source directly from farmers in Brazil and roast in LA.
The first footprint in LA is in the beautiful lobby of The Cal Edison building in Downtown, with dramatically high ceilings, marble and gilded embellishments making for a glamorous backdrop. The second location opened up is notably different: on a quiet block of Chinatown, colorful and bright with a welcoming neighborhood vibe and tables out front for a sunny day. All in all, a reliable spot for a cup of coffee, some Brazilian pastries and a great place to restock coffee beans.
the details
| Address | DTLA: 601 W 5th St, Los Angeles |
| Website | https://www.aquarelacoffee.com/ |
| Yelp | https://www.yelp.com/biz/aquarela-coffee-los-angeles-5 |
| @aquarelacoffee | |
| Hours | 8am – 3pm every day; DTLA location is closed on Saturdays |
| Price | $$ – standard independent coffee shop pricing |
| Aesthetic | the DTLA location is dramatic and art deco, the Chinatown location is bright and colorful |
good to know
Go here for:Ā a cup of coffee, a bag of coffee beans
Order this:Ā a cortado for a class, the āsabotageā custom spiced mocha as a specialty drink, and on a hot day, the citrusy espresso tonic
Amount of time to spend:Ā 15 minutes for a quick coffee stop, or a bit longer to enjoy it there
When to come:Ā any time, people come and go, and itās usually not too busy
Parking:Ā DTLA parking is harder, but for a quick stop by you can probably try your luck at a meter. Chinatown isnāt too difficult, there is 30 minute parking on Figueroa, and open parking on Alpine (with street cleaning on Fridays)
Other things to note:Ā They also sell their beans online.
Last visited: June 2024
Last updated: July 2024
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