Panera Bread

12131 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604-2515
(818) 762-3131


Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Parking Lot - Free
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Anna Siri


While you'll notice that most of the entries on this site are indie coffee houses and such, there are a few chain entries that have become part of my writing place routine.  Panera Bread in Studio City is one of those.  Good food, fairly inexpensive, free wi-fi and parking, and I have often sat all afternoon without anyone kicking me out.  The only drawback is that if you arrive at lunchtime, you might have trouble finding a table.  Show up mid-morning or mid-afternoon and you're golden.

Chango Coffee

1559 Echo Park Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 977-9161


Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Ruchika Mandhyan

OMG I am in a great place right now! Wi-Fi.  Coffee with unlimited refills.  Street parking ample.

‎

Insomnia Cafe

7286 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036-2545 
(323) 931-4943

Wi-Fi:  Pricey
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Anna S. ‎

Oh, this place falls under my "Could Be Awesome" heading.  It's a carbon copy of my favorite Evanston coffee shop from my college days, Kaffein, down to the couches, the layout, and the artsy decor.  Good coffee and snacks, too!  Unfortunately, there are three drawbacks.  First, no free wi-fi, which I consider almost criminal in a writer's hangout - most of us desperately need the Internet as part of our regular writing routine.  Secondly, parking on Melrose is never good.  Ever.  And lastly, the place has far too many other writers vying for space.  It's competitive, and you feel compelled to wonder what the guy or gal at the next table is working on.  This also means there are very few empty tables unless you show up early.  So I'll say this is a great place to write under certain circumstances - arrive early, find a neighborhood non-metered spot to park, stake out a couch, and don't require web access - then enjoy the coffee and in my case, nostalgia to your heart's content.

Cafe Aroma

7801 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 653-2459

Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Anonymous

Because I'm usually away from my apartment most of the time, I really enjoy writing at my place on the weekends (especially now that I live alone -- YAY!).  That said, I used to go to a place on Melrose, just a few blocks east of Fairfax, called Cafe Aroma.  It's usually pretty quiet in there.  It's small but they do have several couches, counter tops and tables to write at.  Management is cool, i.e. they don't mind you hanging there for a long time.  Prices are reasonable as well.  Street parking is so-so.  And I believe they do have a Wi Fi connection.

The Office

256 26th Street, Suite 101
Santa Monica, CA
90402-2524
310-917-4455
www.theofficeonline.com

Wi-Fi: 
Parking: 
Cost: $4.99/hr or monthly membership

Review Contributed By:  Anna S.

I've been very curious about this place - advertises as a writer's workspace.  The month membership fee is a bit steep for the average struggling writer (the hourly fee isn't much better), but if anyone has given this a try, let me know!

Tiago

7080 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6906 
(323) 466-5600‎

tiagocoffee.com

Wi-Fi:  Unlimited w/ $4 purchase or terminal for a fee
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Anna S.

I've recently been spending a lot of time here - it's walking distance, which makes it convenient.  Lots of plugs, no couches, but plenty of tables.  Wi-fi is free with a $4 purchase, so the best thing to do is settle in, get lunch, and write for hours on end.  Good food - the baked eggs, prosciutto di parma sandwich, and curried chicken salad are all favorites.  Solid coffee/tea selection, too.  Try it out!

Bourgeois Pig

5931 Franklin Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028-5515

(323) 464-6008‎

Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

Peet's Coffee & Tea - Santa Monica

2439 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405-3542
(310) 399-8117
www.peets.com 

Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

The Cow's End Cafe

34 Washington Boulevard
Venice Beach, CA 90292
www.thecowsendcafe.com 


Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $ (cash only)

Review Contributed By:  Anna S.

I have to credit the fabulous Sarah Vaill for digging up this coffee shop one afternoon when I had to be in Venice for a few hours and was desperate to avoid the midday sun (some of us sunburn the color of cooked lobsters).  Comfy, artsy, anti-Starbucks, with great couches and little nooks to set up your laptop and get some pages done.  Plus, it's steps from the beach.  Metered parking out front.  Cash only, which is kind of a drag bcz I constantly forget to carry any, but the food and drink menu is yummy and eclectic.

Abbot's Habit

1401 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291(310) 399-1171
www.abbotshabit.com


Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner 

Un-Urban Coffee House

3301 Pico Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310 315-0056

Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

The Novel Cafe

2507 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-396-7700
www.novelcafe.com

Wi-Fi:  Free
Parking:  Street
Cost: $

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

Mustard Seed Cafe

1948 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027-2712
(323) 660-0670

Wi-Fi:
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

Home - Los Feliz

1760 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027-4443
(323) 669-0211
www.homelosfeliz.com


Wi-Fi:
Parking:  Street or Valet
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

Casbah Cafe

3900 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029-2242
(323) 664-7000
www.casbahcafe.com 

Wi-Fi:  Free 
Parking:  Street
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner

Portfolio Coffeehouse

2300 E 4th St
Long Beach, CA 90814-1155
(562) 434-2486
www.portfoliocoffeehouse.com 

Wi-Fi:  Free or $6.00/hr on their computers
Parking:  Some parking in rear, but most likely street.
Cost: $$

Review Contributed By:  Sharri Hefner