“A fun little drink is like a small treat for the day” ← The mindset of many UCLA college students searching for a drink within Westwood to boost them throughout their day. Unfortunately, Los Angeles will continue to be a city with overpriced coffee for a mere 12 oz. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to try out in Westwood for you to find your favorite one. Here are some of them.
1. Boondocks Coffee roasters
Boondocks, a Philippine-inspired coffee roaster, is located along Broxton Ave. The convenient location has made it a hot spot for workers and students alike. The drinks themselves are thoughtfully brewed with their beans being shipped from the Philippines. Known for their drinks that incorporate details like ube and pandan, they have set themselves apart within Westwood Village for their taste and quality. Although on the pricier side, the Ube Matcha and Salted Latik Latte make the walk worth it. However, it is important to note that they are not open on Mondays, so the week will have to start on Tuesday.
2. Upside down
There are three words that Upside Down emphasizes. Coffee. Art. Community. The part that touched me the most was the dedication to the community. With it being a donation-based coffee shop, I was particularly drawn to the beauty and taste of their drinks. With the value deemed by the consumer, the place attracts college students who need a restoration of their faith towards humanity. With its lively atmosphere featuring art pieces along its walls, the café is not only a coffee shop but a place for the community to come and enjoy art together. Head in there – you have nothing to lose. Literally. The first drink is free.
3. Sipp Coffee house
Sipp is a woman-owned café that is just a 15 minute walk from campus. The café itself, while cozy, stands to not be the best option for those who have a smaller bladder. Despite it being a well-established study spot for students, there is no bathroom access. However, despite this, it is worth the walk for their drinks. They are gorgeous with an obvious intention of being aesthetically pleasing. If you want a good Instagram story and want to spend a solid 30 minutes sitting in a cafe trying to choose a song to go along with it, this place is definitely worth a shot.
4. Espresso profeta
Espresso Profeta, another woman-owned café, features a more vintage ambiance, leaning toward a more traditional espresso culture. With its establishment in 2006, the place is one of Westwood’s longest-standing cafés. Additionally, the menu is especially thoughtful toward vegetarians, as it provides plenty of options which can be difficult to find within the area. However, if you are a student that is not as diligent about charging your laptop, this might not be the best go-to option for you. Finding an accessible outlet might prove to be difficult – which might interrupt your studying intentions.