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Want to skip the chain lattes? Try these fall drinks from Eastside cafes instead
Beetlejuice and Franken-Berry drinks at Acurrúcame Cafe.
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Courtesy of Acurrúcame Cafe
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This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Sept. 22, 2025.
Fall is here and so are the pumpkin spice ads. But if you’re looking for a PSL alternative to Starbucks, Eastside cafes and restaurants are also brewing their own autumn-inspired concoctions.
From housemade piloncillo syrups to fresh calabaza lattes, here are six spots serving up unique drinks this season.
Acurrúcame Cafe
This cozy cafe is known for its seasonal menu that pops up on Instagram. Since Oct. 3, they’ve had three specialty iced drinks hitting the fall and spooky vibes:
- Pumpkin Spice – fresh calabaza and espresso
- Beetlejuice – matcha and fresh blackberries
- Franken Berry- espresso and blueberries
Location: 2609 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday closed
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Anhelo
Anhelo's Piloncillo Pumpkin Spice drink is made with housemade piloncillo pumpkin spice syrup, blended with espresso. You can get it hot or iced with your choice of milk.
Location: 3609 1st St., Los Angeles
Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cafe Alegria
This pop-up makes a fall Calabaza Latte with real pumpkin puree, spices, brown sugar and espresso. You’ll find them on weekends only at the Silver Lake Farmers Market on Saturday and at Tenampal on Sunday.
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Location 3700 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
Hours: Sunset Boulevard, Saturday 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.; 1st Street, Sunday 8 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.
Guisados
Better known for its tacos, Guisados also makes a Pumpkin Horchata, made with whole milk, cinnamon, rice flour and real pumpkin. Need a caffeine boost? Add cold brew espresso. The drink is available through Nov. 30.
Location: 2100 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Mystyx Kafe
This pop-up is the ultimate metal coffee spot, usually set up outside of Superior Grocers. It recently released its “Avrakadavra with Unholy Concoction” menu, which includes a Pumpkin Spice Latte with cinnamon cold foam.
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Location: Corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Rowan avenues, Los Angeles
Hours: Monday closed, Tuesday - Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brown Owl Cafe
This East L.A. coffee shop has a variety of drinks on its menu, plus some seasonal treats. Not afraid of pumpkin overload? Grab a Pumpkin Pie Cold Foam drink and pair it with a slice of their pumpkin loaf.
Location: 346 N. Ford Blvd., East Los Angeles
Hours: Monday - Friday 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Did we miss your favorite fall drink? Let us know on Instagram. Check our guide for more coffee shops to explore in Boyle Heights.
Jackie Ramirez contributed to this story.
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