There’s nothing better than your favorite cup of coffee. And even better, there’s nothing better than finding a local coffee shop that combines a great brew with the perfect ambiance.
Whether you’re looking for a flavorful roasted coffee that will make you relax, sip and smile, or you’re looking to recharge during an hours-long study session, Boyle Heights has no shortage of master baristas and cozy nooks to meet your needs.
As the neighborhood’s coffeehouse scene grows—offering everything from frothy lattes to hearty brunch bites to charming communal spaces filled with books and art—we sampled 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
Opening a cafe during the pandemic probably wasn’t the best idea. But the owners of Picaresca Barra de Cafe took a chance. After nearly three years of being housed in a mini-mall on Soto Street, the business moved to a larger, more visible location in Boyle Heights last November. The eatery is popular with locals and beyond. On any given day, friends gather here for a cup of coffee, a pastry or chilaquiles—one of the few hot dishes on the menu.
Picaresca is known for its locally roasted coffee and house-made Café de Olla syrup, but what’s most unique is the curation of its signature menu, which is named after Eastside icons. Specially crafted lattes include The Evergreen, named after the shop’s street address. Try the signature drink, El Pino, a blend of rosemary, chamomile and cinnamon, along with other spices, named after the iconic East LA landmark. Those looking for a traditional brew can’t go wrong with the customer favorite, the Café de Olla Latte, hot or iced.
2931 East 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find them at barrapicaresca.com
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The Latte Del Barrio and the Ülëw Latte are ready for customers. Photo by Jackie Ramirez. -
Interior views of Ülëw Coffee and Juice. Photo by Kate Valdez. -
Barista Elvis Gonzalez prepares the Ülëw Latte. Photo by Jackie Ramirez.
Popular drink: Latte Del Barrio
Hidden Gem: Ulev Latte
Located in the Soto Street Mini Mall, which once housed Picaresca, ÜLËW Coffee and Juice serves drinks that are as unique as their name. Ülëw (oo – LAY- OH), which means Earth, offers a coffee experience with traditional Guatemalan ingredients and a take on traditional coffee house classics.
Ülëw is a cafe that has something for everyone. It has a menu for caffeine lovers and those looking for health-conscious ingredients. From customer favorites like the Latte del Barrio, a dark espresso base, oat milk, enhanced with cinnamon and condensed milk, to an insider tip, the Ülëw Latte, a bright yellow drink with standout ingredients like turmeric and ginger. Owners Jefri Lindo, Michaela Zholovnik and barista Elvis Gonzalez serve quality across the menu as each dish is fresh, balanced and full of flavor, whether you’re there for a quick bite or a caffeine fix.
1300 S Soto St Unit 9, Los Angeles, CA 90023
Find them at ulewcoffeeandjuice.com
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Acurrúcame Cafe is located on Cesar Chavez Avenue. Photo by Jackie Ramirez -
The Tropical Tonic, Strawberry Matcha and Dulce Tomys Latte at Acurrúcame. Photo by Jackie Ramirez. -
Owner Reyes Perez prepares the popular Strawberry Matcha. Photo by Jackie Ramirez -
Owner Reyes and his daughter Reyna prepare drinks for customers. Photo by Jackie Ramirez.
Popular drink: Strawberry Matcha
Hidden Gem: Tropical Tonic
After selling pagers for 27 years, Reyes and Esmeralda Perez wanted to open a taqueria. Luckily for caffeine lovers, they ended up in the coffee business instead, opening Acurrúcame Coffee Bar. What makes Accurúcame a community favorite is its seasonal secret menu that only loyal customers know about. The custom mixed drinks are promoted on social media and are available for a limited time.
When putting together the menu, Reyes decided to add a strawberry matcha as a nod to his daughter and her favorite drink. The presentation is meant to showcase the blend of cultures: The bottom half of the drink is a nostalgic secret recipe that resembles a strawberry licuado and is garnished with bright green matcha. Today, it’s a customer favorite.
The shop’s hidden gem, the Tropical Tonic, is made with a blend of coffee, pineapple, orange and other secret ingredients that is an alternative to classic cream and sugar. The tonic holds a special place on the menu as Reyes offered customers different versions of the drink before finding the perfect recipe.
2609 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find her on Instagram
Popular drink: Brown Cafe
Hidden Gem: Turmeric Latte
Cafe Cafe Mobile Coffee began its journey as a pop-up concept, operating in shared spaces at multiple locations. Today, it is housed in a shared kitchen on Cesar Chavez Avenue with partners Milpa Grille and Macheen. The baristas are known for their personalized service, recognizing regulars and welcoming customers with an extensive menu.
Cafe Cafe’s coffee blends are carefully crafted. The shop offers single-origin coffee and a different roast for each drink. You’ll find a carefully curated menu full of health-conscious ingredients like organic sweeteners and spices, including raw honey and organic turmeric. Some of the most popular drinks include the Brown Café, made with their signature blend featuring raw honey, organic cinnamon and non-dairy cream. Caffeine-free options include Jamaica Refreshers and their insider tip, the Turmeric Latte, made with ground organic turmeric, cinnamon and sweetened with raw honey and offered hot or iced.
2633 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find her on Instagram
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A library of books sits alongside items for sale from local small businesses. Photo by Kate Valdez. -
Owner Patty Hernandez at Café Girasol. Photo by Kate Valdez. -
The Beetroot Rose and Café de Olla Latte from Café Girasol. Photo by Kate Valdez.
Popular drink: Café de Olla Latte
Hidden Gem: Beetroot Rose
Café Girasol was launched as a pandemic project when owner Patty Hernandez and her husband lost their jobs during the COVID-19 lockdown. Their commercial home-use espresso machine became popular with their coffee-loving friends and after a successful sales run from their home, the couple found a storefront on Cesar Chavez Avenue.
More than just a cafe, the space has become a community-focused venue that hosts open mic nights, acoustic sessions, and comedy shows. The shop also carries goods from small businesses across the Eastside. If you’re there for a show or to shop, pick up the popular Café de Olla Latte, made with house-made syrup made from piloncillo, canela, clavo, star anise, and other spices, topped with a fluffy layer of cold vanilla foam and cinnamon. If you’re looking for a pop of color, look no further than the bright pink Beetroot Rose drink, made with beetroot powder, cinnamon, and ginger, and sweetened with house-made rose syrup. Celebrating just two years since its opening, this newcomer to the neighborhood has created a community space that’s open to all.
2630 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find her on Instagram
Did we miss your favorite Boyle Heights cafe? Send us an email or leave a comment below.
