Insomnia Cafe

01/06/09

this place doesn't want your business

by lucidream at Citysearch

One just hopes that this place would be better, but it is not. The atmosphere is cozy and conducive to study or work but beyond that, it's a bust. The mean Asian barrista that everyone talks about is not an exaggeration. She's unpleasant in a way that isn't even funny or amusing. Aside from her the place could easily do two more things for its customers: 1) provide food beyond sugary desserts and 2) free wireless. Wireless is an expectation for me. I don't like having to set up an account before I can work, or paying for something so commonly free. The late hours are great but not enough of an incentive to go back, no matter how much I can't sleep. But in all honesty, is 1:30 really that late? Try harder please.

• Pros: ambiance
• Cons: meanness, cost of wireless

06/05/08

Writer Heaven

by xs10cl at Citysearch

I've been a regular here for years & it's among the very best places in L.A. to sit for extended periods and work. There are only two simple & reasonable rules you need to know:

(1) Don't talk on your cell phone inside. (be courteous to others trying to concentrate)

(2) Don't bring in outside food or drink. (if you're gonna sit & work for hours, pay your "rent" and purchase items there)

Break either of these rules, the management WILL scold you! If the regulars don't do it first.

• Pros: GREAT baristas, quiet work atmosphere, clean, cozy
• Cons: Wi-Fi costs

03/11/08

N azi Waitress At Insomnia Cafe - Beverly Blvd.

by CafeGenius at Citysearch

Ok this is only a slight exaggeration. I was biking in my neighborhood, and stopped off at Insomnia Cafe yesterday. I put my stuff down and immediately ordered coffee. One of the people left from my area, so the Asian waitress comes to clean off the stuff. She is not a smiler. She grabs the soda cup which I did not want to leave on my bike in the heat. I said, "That's mine." I take it back. An hour or so later, the next person leaves, and N azi waitress comes by to take his one cup. She again grabs my still full soda cup, (second time!) and then my unused napkins, all right beside me. I said, "That's mine!" and tried not to look at her like she is nuts. She would not let go of the soda cup and I had to take the cup out of her hand, without touching her of course. (She had deliberately shoved my soda cup inside the other guy's used glass. Then THREW my napkins down.) She was really in a huff now (not a far departure from the normal attitude) and stormed off. Yeah. I had been reading a book with my ipod on, calmly drinking coffee now and again. She storms back in and said to not bring in drinks from another place. Anyone know the owner or manager's email address or website? I called for this info just now and N aziWaitress answered, saying there was no email address or website information. "What's regarding?" I eat out all over WeHo, L.A. & Hollywood, and buy from 1 or 2 places and never does the management mind when I also bring in something else. Even if this is the policy (and I saw candy wrappers etc from other customers in the cushions etc) the waitress' manner is just not kosher.

• Pros: Atmosphere great
• Cons: Asian waitress very unfriendly and even hostile

01/12/08

Great place to study.

by rainbowlawyergirl at Citysearch

mmm...the food's good. everything i've had has been delicious. i love love love how this place stays open late so i can study late late late. parking's a bummer and they don't have free wireless. half hour of wireless is $3, and hour is $5...and i think the lady behind the counter secretly hates me...but otherwise great!

• Pros: Open Late!
• Cons: Parking and the Occasional unfriendly service

08/14/07

used to be my favorite coffee shop

by kalnow at Citysearch

I am really sad because this used to be my favorite place to study at night. Good coffee, couches, internet, and convenient. However, last time I was there, I saw an enormous insect that rhymes with dockcoach (written this way because the name of the insect is a word that is not allowed on this site) run across the floor. I decided to ignore it, but later that same night, I saw another one. That's just unacceptable in an establishment that serves food. It's a real shame, as I don't feel I can go back anymore even though it used to be a favorite.

04/11/07

A decent coffee shop

by thelwani at Citysearch

Had a creme brule cheesecake which I expected to be better than it was. Atmosphere isn't anything unusual or spectacular. Read parking signs.

Where aspiring writers gather for coffee and companionship.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Burgundy velour drapes, mustard-yellow walls, threadbare couches and chandeliers create a laid-back, gothic yard sale look. Writers, students and daydreamers spend hours nursing cups of coffee while working on their latest screenplays. Besides coffeehouse staples (muffins, cakes, cookies and scones), a small selection of made-to-order sandwiches and salads can be ordered at the counter. A few slices of turkey and Brie--or ham and Swiss, or veggies and muenster--are served on diagonal-cut whole-wheat bread.

10/20/06

Decent coffee shop

by sreeroy at Citysearch

The place was a bit smaller than I imagined (it's only one floor), but it has a nice atmosphere. I had an iced coffee mocha and a slice of carrot cake, and they were both delicious. It would be nice if the cafe served food though. Also, you should know that it's cash only if you go. Basically, it's your average corner coffee shop.

• Pros: good desserts and coffee
• Cons: small size, cash only

03/31/05

Cool Place and Open Late!

by krazy310 at Citysearch

How fitting is the name. As the biggest insomniac, I've found refuge studying here on weekend nights. They have a wide selection of hot and cold beverages. I haven't had the opportunity to try their desserts, however I think I'm going to have to give in with their different kinds of cheesecakes behind the case! Here, you'll find a mellow crowd........writers, students, people on dates. The crowd is mellow, courteous and friendly.............overall, Insomnia Cafe has fast become one of my favorites here in LA!

• Pros: Open Late, Atmosphere

03/25/05

A comfortable place to meet, study or write

by mhertz01 at Citysearch

Laptops abound at this cafe, with seating that invites you to meet someone new every time you go. If you'd rather have your own space, go after work, because it gets crowded on the weekends. The desserts hold their own and there's a good selection of caffeinated beverages.