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The Coffee Buzz
Back from the Holidays, LAist brings you yet another look at people and coffee and buzz-like activity (we're going into our fifth month, people) as it relates to Los Angeles. This week, LAist took a trip to the hip and happening and happy and horror-filled location that is Hollywood -- more specifically, Sunset Boulevard where there's more billboards per capita than in any other place in town.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf #16
7915 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7:00AM - 11:00PM
Across from the Director's Guild of America, next to the Virgin Megastore Complex and Comedy Store and adjacent to the city's best Baja Fresh restaurant sits the mega Sunset coffee haunt, which was created after the Sunset Plaza Bean (see next week's Coffee Buzz for details) became the "I'd like to overexpose myself" Coffee Bean. The story goes a little something like this:
Step #1: Create Coffee Bean in Sunset Plaza
Step #2: Convince every actor and model in town that's the place to be seen
Step #3: Drive the "regular folks" out of this Coffee Bean
Step #4: Build additional Coffee Bean about 5 minutes east, across from the DGA
Step #5: Convince every director-wannabe and writer that it's the place to be
Step #6: Build fast-food Mexican restaurant next door to lure writers with a lack of dietary control
Step #7: Abandon Sunset Plaza coffee shop for dead
Step #8: Repeat until successful
The fact is, the most-normal of all LA coffee shops is right at this location. Sure, it's filled with Hollywood residents and those passing by or touristing at the Virgin complex, but because of it's central Hollywood location -- it's relatively comfortable, friendly and non-abrasive.
The reality at this location is that most people who go here are normal. They are not big stars with deep pockets. They are real people with real jobs who want a real cup of coffee and real conversation. They are not here to be seen, be recognized or be waited on hand and foot. It's only too bad it's where it's at, and that the parking lot sucks the big one -- because this is the place we'd want to be when we've had too much of the traditional LA-attitude.
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Sometimes there's an almost simpleton-like quality about it:
Him: That was a good burrito. How's your blended?
Her: Great blended. You liked the burrito?
Him: Yeah, really it wasn't objectionable in the least.
Her: Same here -- you know, for the coffee.
Yes, life is good, isn't it?
Life. Is. Good.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
