There is a coffee craze going on in the hood. In the past year or so in Leimert Park and on the fringes independent coffee shops have been popping up. In 2018, Hot & Cool Café opened its doors in the epicenter of Los Angeles’ African-American community; Leimert Park. Approximately two miles to the east near MLK Blvd. & Western, South L.A. Café is the newest entry. True to the spirit of community they get their coffee from Oakland based Red Bay Coffee Roasters, which recently announced opening their own spot in 2020 adjacent the famed Harold & Belles restaurant on 10th Avenue and Jefferson.
South L.A. Café is planning for their grand opening which is slated for Sunday, December 8th. I popped in for a sampler and the business has much promise. As mentioned, it is located on the southwest corner of Browning Avenue and Western Avenue, which is one block north of King & Western.
The business is well-appointed, staff is friendly and eager to serve you and best of all you are treated to a positive environment. The area is going through a renaissance or as some may say, gentrification but locals as well as interlopers now have a spot to grab some good coffee and tasty pastries at an affordable price. I understand as the business grows the menu will be expanded to include soups, sandwiches and other items which add to its diversity.
The spot is spacious, offers a meeting room adorned with noted community activist and artist Mohammed Mubarak’s iconic portrait of Nipsey Hussle. Of course, there is complimentary Wi-Fi for those needing a reliable connection.
Thomas Reports 