DTLA Coffee

Downtown LA has some of the best coffee shops in the world, with some located just a short walk away from each other. Let's start with the anchor of the tourist-favorite Grand Central Market, G&B Coffee (named after owners Glanville & Babinski). This bar-inspired stall allows you to sit and order from any place, so be sure not to make the mistake of standing in an ill-advised line. My drink of choice is the macchiato, which is closer to a Gibraltar than the Starbucks version. Vegan guests should make sure to order it with their in-house made macadamia milk.

A 12-minute walk away is my old employer, Verve Coffee Roasters (they also have an equally elaborate cafe/roastery a few minutes' drive away in the Arts District), located in the fashion district. With its living wall outside and modernist industrial interior (from Studio Mai), it's a great spot to sip coffee, study, or just people-watch. I suggest grabbing a bag of coffee to-go for some magic at home.

Chinatown is home to arguably the most "Coffee is a science" shop in Los Angeles, Endorffeine. From the minimalist horse-shoe-shaped bar to its location just 30 feet from the front door of Spice King Howlin' Ray's, Endorffine is truly one of a kind. The owner, Jack, is a former biochemist/pastry chef, so be prepared for him to make every drink for you.