The Coffee Roasters (of Sherman Oaks)

This adorable hidden coffeeshop on Ventura blvd made my day. The Coffee Roaster, which is celebrating its 30th birthday soon, is a tiny independent shop located in Sherman Oaks. I would call it a hidden LA gem because that's what it is. The Coffee Roaster is so underrated, and I think that's what I love most about it. When I walked into the shop, I felt a sense of comfort. It's a cozy environment with a sense of intimacy and community. The staff immediately welcomed me in and asked what I would like to order. You could tell the people dining at the shop were regulars because they seemed in their element; they were talking so casually and relaxed to the staff.

At The Coffee Roasters, they roast numerous types of coffee beans from all around the world. You can buy bags of cultured coffee beans and several different kinds of brewing accessories. As for their menu, they have a large assortment of drinks to choose from, as well as, snacks. They have the typical snacks- croissants, cookies, muffins-, but they also have homemade zucchini and banana bread.

Their seating is limited; there is a small counter area inside along with a table and a couple tables outside. This is a fabulous place to hang out with a special friend and just talk for hours or to bring your laptop and write that huge paper that you're dreading to do and are in need of a large cup of caffeine.

What did I order?

Well typical me ordered an iced latte- which was splendid. It tasted like coffee ice cream and I didn't want it to end. I also got a piece of zucchini bread that the original owner bakes, along with a piece of decadent chocolate cake (If you can't tell already- I have a major sweet tooth). Both sweets were mouth-watering.

I definitely know that I will be coming back here, especially to do work, relax, or just to grab a fine cup of coffee with a slice of homemade zucchini bread.

Address: 13567 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Photos taken by me

Red Window

This is one of my new favorite coffee shops! Red Window, a tiny one person shack located on traffic filled Ventura Blvd, has outstanding drinks and pastries. Red Window makes all their drinks with one small sink and a coffee machine, using Four Barrel Coffee for their drinks.

They have spectacular pastries. They sell out fast, but when I went some of the best ones were there. Some of their pastries include a huckleberry maple glazed doughnut, salted caramel pull apart bread, campfire cookie, and cheese sage croissant. The campfire cookie is interesting; it's a cookie with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and rice crispy- a big calorie load, but definitely worth it. The drink that I got was cold brew coffee mixed with chicory, sweetened with milk and over ice. I think that it tastes like Häagen-Dazs's coffee ice cream, but with a little bit of bitterness. I also got the salted caramel pull apart bread and the cheese sage croissant, which were both full of flavor. They also have a happy hour where all drinks and pastries are each $2.50, which is great because I do not mind paying $5 for a rich cup of coffee and a heavenly pastry.

The nice thing about Red Window is that it is very convenient. If you are shopping in Studio City, getting your hair done at the Dry Bar next door, in a rush to pick up your kids, or haven't had your usual 7th cup coffee of the day, you will get your coffee in 5 minutes top. You can either roll up into the driveway and order or park your car on the street; either way, you'll get your small cup of joe.

Address: 12953 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Photos taken by me