Conservatory For Coffee

08/13/11

Absolutely the best coffee roaster in town and best prices

by Greg Harris

I am a coffee snob and this place has been my fave since it opened. They don't over-roast the beans,so you get the full flavor. And the prices are about a third less than you would pay at the flashier competitors in Silver Lake and elsewhere...this place just serves coffee, not Atitude. A must-vist for any coffee lover

06/03/11

Sunshine in a cup, Conservatory in Los Angeles

by Augustus1

Many years ago a friend from Seattle suggested we have coffee at a little Known shop in Culver City.

Now, if you have never visited the Washington State area I can tell you for fact that the coffee houses are very good no matter what drink you like. Generally they also have excellent water to make the coffee with, no small fact. So when he mentioned Conservatory in downtown Culver City I decided to see what it was all about.

The Conservatory is a relatively small coffee shop compared to many of the commercial houses. The parking is atrocious and it can be noisy and over crowded even with long lines stretching outside trying to get in and out quick.

The inside is everything you would expect from a family owned coffee shop. The feel is one of visiting a good friend or the feeling you used to get by having lunch at a coffee shop in Hollywood, now most of the good ones are gone.

Inside Conservatory is also everything you would imagine if you were a set designer making a movie about coffee houses. As you first walk through the door you see their coffee roaster with it's wooden barrel in front where the beans are dumped.

Next you notice hugh burlap bags of coffee beans scattered around. They also have burlap bags covering the walls as art. The entire place is designed to give you the feeling of relaxing in a recliner. The smell of fresh coffee roasting, beans grinding, and a worn dated look seals the deal -- you know you are in something different, both in place and space!

Some good advise here, never go during breakfast or lunch hours if you can. You will always notice a crowd early in the morning or in the afternoon because of regulars. Among many, Sony Pictures right across the street.

Which brings me to another point regarding reviews, and the character of a place. I've been in the Conservatory many times when the place was packed and I mean packed, been behind someone who has ordered as many as two dozen drinks and the baristas never blinked an eye. Never gave that my head is killing me look. That alone says the most important thing about the people behind the counter.

Augustus Smith, Worlds Finest Coffees

11/21/08

I died and went to heaven...

by casualcat

i died and went to heaven!! this place is so good, they roast the beans in shop, and when you catch them while they do, it smells incredible in the store. they grind it fresh before they brew it, and it seriously is the best cup of coffee i have had EVER..... its bad, no intervention could take me away from this place. the people are friendly, the sitting area is great and the overall atmosphere and experience is absolutely delightful!

• Pros: coffee is roasted and ground fresh daily, best cup of coffee ever
• Cons: when its packed, indoor seating is cramped. parking can be packed because this place is that awesome

11/06/08

Sublime beans, and a great place to work and hang out.

by greywahoo

Conservatory has, hands-down, the best coffee I've ever had in Los Angeles. Their beans have turned me into a coffee snob -- all other cups I drink compare to Conservatory's roasts! I love that the beans are roasted locally, too, which cuts transportation costs, energy use, etc. The owner has both educated me and helped me select beans many times, and the staff is also very knowledgeable. Conservatory also has a killer selection of loose teas and herbal infusions. The prices are reasonable, and the quality is incredible. Ask questions -- the staff is lovely. Beyond the beans and teas, Conservatory is also a great place to work, with big windows and a quiet atmosphere. It's not a scene even though it's across from Sony studios. Conservatory is such a special place. Go!

• Pros: Super coffee and service, great atmosphere
• Cons: Not open on Sundays, closes early on Saturdays, no nighttime hours

02/01/08

Best Coffee In Town

by adjohn

I've been going here for years, and they easily have the best coffee in town- from espressos, lattes, mochas, or simple drip coffees. They even roast their own beans on the premises. These guys are also friendly and take their coffee seriously- without the snooty attitude.

• Pros: Truly amazing coffee and friendly service
• Cons: Premises is a tad bit small