Lo/Cal Coffee & Market

One of the best coffee shops in LA. Wish they didn't upcharge for oat milk, though! Their cold brew isnt my favorite, but their iced lattes are amazingly good. Their baked vegan items are suprisingly delicious (they don't look that good, but after trying them they're well worth their price)

Pros- open on a Sunday. This is huge. Most coffee shops in the area that I typically frequent are closed on Sundays or are mainly open during the week only. Lo/Cal definitely takes the cake on this one. I had the Jasmine green tea and really liked the pot that it came in. They also have some donuts and pastries from DKs and other local places though I didn't try them.

Cons- Size. This place is pretty small. There's maybe enough room for 10-15 people to fit in this coffee shop and even then, it would be rather snug. Nevertheless, the size of this place makes it feel pretty cozy so I don't mind it.

I have been to Lo/Cal a few times and love the space, but have found the lattes inconsistent in quality which left me wanting and over charged. The pastries are excellent! Overall if I'm craving a pastry, worth a stop. If it's a latte I'll continue across the street to Groundworks where you get great coffee and value!

The people at Lo/Cal go out of their way to create a welcoming , small town experience. If you’re hungry there are lots of delicious food items to choose from including fresh pastries and yummy sandwiches. They also have a large selection of espresso drinks and tea. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available and they can accommodate larger groups on the outside patio. Love this place!!

Great coffee right by the park on Cloverfield and Pico

Second time I have been here and it will be the last. I came in and ordered my coffee wearing a mask. The I sat down on one of the benches and took it off. Then an older man who says he works here told me to put the mask back on. I said ok, but everyone else sitting in the restaurant had their masks off. The he said, "I will not check on every one, just you!" It was clear this was more about me and him not liking me. The coffe is good here but I am not sure they like people of color.

Lo/Cal and it’s staff serve up an inviting menu, not only of great melts, sandwiches, and lattes (the honey latte is my fav), they are friendly and offer great service! This is my go to when I’m craving an avo-toast and want to chill after a surf or being at my office.

I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Lo/Cal on our interview date.

Santa Monica is one of those rare cities (in Southern California AND on the Westside at least) that I feel both locals and visitors seem to always find something to enjoy about it. Whether it’s the eclectic bar/restaurant scene, it’s shopping options, or even the beach itself, whatever type of experience you are looking for it all there. Lo/Cal Coffee & Market is a fairly new (under ten years in business) addition to the Santa Monica coffee scene, and should be welcomed with open arms by coffee lovers. A quaint little shop located close enough to the beach as well as numerous parks, it’s the perfect place to stop by for a refuel or for an intimate meeting.

While it may not look like much from the outside with one bistro table and minimal exterior indicators, once you step inside you will be welcomed with a modern design style comprised of a giant brick replica of the California flag and a wood/metal furniture combo accented by black and white tiles at the base of the ordering counter and the practical use of product stock as decor (namely take-away coffee bean bags and cold brew growlers). A menu filled with classic coffee drinks that perfectly compliment their food offerings make it easy to be enticed to stay here to enjoy yourself in one of their indoor benches, bar stools, or outdoor patio area. Regardless of how long you stay, your experience will be pleasant and enjoyable enough to want to make Lo/Cal your new local go-to shop.

Love their espresso drinks and food. Nice and accommodating staff. One of the best coffee shops in LA

$6 for my tiny cappuccino with soy milk but it's great coffee. The interior space is narrow and has just a bit of seating but the surrounding neighborhood is pleasant and lovely to walk through.