Handsome Coffee Roasters

11/1/2014

For a while, Handsome Coffee was ruling the scene in the rapidly gentrifying Arts District which has no shortage of coffee shops. It seems like every street has their local haunt that recently took over a warehouse or ground floor of a loft building. Now that Handsome has been taken over by Blue Bottle they're just a mere memory... but damn their espresso was good.

Easy parking: Yes, unless a film crew is in the area.
Large mocha under $5: No sweeteners here, just pure coffee.
Friendly staff: Yes
Indoor seating: A few stools around the counter along with a communal table.
Outdoor seating: Just a couple benches in front of the window.
Decor: Minimal. All focus is on the coffee bar and the roasting area in the back.
People with laptops: Yes
Hipsters: YYEEEESSS
Famous Faces: Yes
Foam Art: Yes
People watching: Amazing
In & out quick: Yes

The challenge continues!

1/24/2015

I think I might have to start punching bearded hipsters in face.  

My coffee wasn't  that bad, but it wasn't served hot enough, (sigh)
and when I asked for sugar.... I was told "the coffee is roasted perfectly and I don't need it, but if I don't like my coffee the way they serve it, to let them know"

Huh?
So you can stare at me with a blank vacant eyes and offer me what? My money back? Yea, right.

Listen everyone, overpaying for mediocre food and coffee is not cool!

12/1/2014

Cool concept, if you like people telling you how to drink your coffee.  

YOU pick the size and style (espresso, cappuccino, latte, black coffee).

THEY will dictate coffee beans, oz. of water/milk added, and how much you'll pay for it.  

If you like less milk, you're out of luck.
If you like cream and sugar with that, you're out of luck.  
If you like your drink made at a certain degrees, you're out of luck.

So I dig it and I get the appeal... but options should exist, esp. for my mom who likes her drinks a little sweeter.

4/25/2014

Handsome Coffee Roasters has been on my radar for a while and after hearing that is has been acquired by one of my SF faves, Blue Bottle, I still wanted to try it in its original state.

// LOCATION // Arts district in DTLA a few blocks from Urth Caffe and Church and State

// SERVICE // Excellent. The baristas (complete with plaid shirts and the optional suspenders) warmly greet you at the door

// COFFEE // Handsome is coffee for purists.
    -There are no syrups, hell, there is not even a sugar packet to be found.
    -The only add on to your coffee is whole milk (so not diet or lactose intolerant friendly either).
    -The menu is incredibly simple, you just have to choose if you want a hot or cold drink and if you want milk (the quantity of milk determines the price).
         Expresso: $3
         Expresso + 3 oz of whole milk: $4
         Expresso + 5 oz of whole milk: $4
         Expresso + 10 oz of whole milk: $5

Although I definitely missed my sugar, the coffee was incredibly aromatic with chocolate-y undertones...or maybe I imagined it dreaming of an iced mocha.

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  Espresso with 10 oz of milk

  Espresso with 10 oz of milk

4/2/2014

This is a chill place to grab some java. It's part of the whole Third Wave coffee craze where the owner is even a barista champion.

It's located in the Warehouse District in downtown LA and had got a cool and modern ambiance which is common for gentrified downtown.

They are strict the way they serve the coffee drinks as they want to enhance the actual flavor of the coffee bean itself so do not provide extra sweeteners or milk. You select either an espresso,  or a double shot with either 5 oz. or 10 oz. of organic whole milk only, not low fat or soy, etc. The amount of milk will determine whether it's a cappuccino or latte. Most people get the cappuccino with the less milk so as to be able to appreciate more fully the coffee bean flavor. Your drink is made and summarily handed to you. The drinks are delicious and depending on the bean that is being pulled, you can detect either fruity, chocolate and/or nutty notes (I.e., flavors) which is great when I ordered my cappuccino and then after, when I followed that up with a mug of drip coffee which is a created through the slow pour over method, the current method of choice.

They also offer various pastries from Bread  Lounge which is known for their delightful fare.

I enjoyed my visit and would make my way there again in the future.

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• See all photos from Antho L. for Handsome Coffee Roasters

4/2/2014

Short-n-Sweet: Basically 3 choices--Espresso, Or a regular brewed coffee hot or cold. Adding milk to any option is also offered. Industrial area and limited parking.

Story Time: I was impressed with the video made about Handsome Coffee Roasters which you can view here: lifeandthyme.com/film/ha…

I made some time off on Cesar Chavez Day since my brother had it completely off.  We were on a mission to enjoy the fruits of the gentrification of the Arts District in downtown LA.  After having a simple decent lunch in Little Tokyo, then enjoying a brew at the Far Bar, it was time to do some walking and have a coffee for the afternoon.

We walked in the middle of the day through this long haul of 15 minutes from Little Tokyo to the south-eastern part of this mostly industrial area. I wouldn't recommend doing the same, but we were not limited on time, and actually enjoyed the exercise.  But do drive here. I mean, I think it was obvious we were out of place: three middle-class young adults meandering through broken up sidewalks, past empty warehouses, not a car willing to pass by us least we might be looking for trouble.  An interesting scene.  If only the walls could talk....

The location itself is incredibly simple, and keeps its industrial flavor.  This actually works for a coffee shop, and what their philosophy is: the purity of coffee.  Not overly fancy, but not underestimated.  The heart of what they do was to be perfect in the little things.  I ordered an espresso, and it was fantastic!  Just enough crema, a smooth palate with a tinge of bitter roast, and the aftertaste was delightfully roasty that lingered forever like an old friend.

My brother ordered ice coffee with some milk, and my friend ordered a regular hot coffee.  She was so perplexed--didn't know what to do about the simplicity of the menu.  She didn't even find sugar for her black coffee, and I thought she should suck it up since there's natural sugars in milk anyhow.  (Yeah, I'm a frekin snob.)

This place is totally hipster coffee.  It's pleases those that just love coffee without the froufrou. No way you could do here what is offered at typical coffee shops which is an 800 calories worth of sugars with a hint of coffee.  

Here's it's only craft coffee presented in handsomely black.

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  So well. done. yum.

  So well. done. yum.

2/2/2014

I first tried their espresso drinks at Gold Standard 2012, which I really liked, but Handsome Coffee brewed elsewhere seemed hit or miss.  So, I think I put off coming here for so long until I was literally outside their doors recently eating at Guerrilla Tacos.

Maybe simplicity on a menu is hard to appreciate.  Espresso is cut with three varying amounts of milk.  Just milk, no almond milk, soy milk, etc.  As for coffee, they offer two kinds, rotating in one each of their Adventure and Comfort beans.  I liked my cup of COMFORT!  Finding parking in the area can be headache-inducing, but combining an outing for Guerilla Tacos and Handsome Coffee is a win-win.

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  Choose between Adventure and Comfort!

  Choose between Adventure and Comfort!
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  One of the day's coffee selections

  One of the day's coffee selections

1/3/2014

LACTARDS BEWARE! This place is not for you. They have whole milk only, I repeat WHOLE MILK ONLY!

So why did I still come here? (yes, I'm slightly lactose) Uhh, because I like amazing coffee DUH.

Handsome has pretty much ruined me with all other coffee back home. I've been brewing Phil'z Jacobs Wonderbar and yea, nowhere nearly as strong enough for me.

Handsome is hipster. Substitutions are politely declined. WHOLE MILK ONLY. No sugar, none of it. Not even the artificial stuff. If you need an extra kick because the caffeine spike isn't enough for you, smuggle in your own (haha)  Espresso or espresso with milk, or cold brew. You want a latte or cappuccino? Go elsewhere.

Handsome is for the hardcore coffee lovers / snobs. I've gone back to drinking my coffee straight BLACK.

Love the wood interior and all the natural light, and I am a sucker for packaging. They got me. I got 2 bags of beans to take home, Dapper (comfort roast) & Dandy (adventure roast). Both equally tickle my fancy and temporarily halt my b!tchy resting face in the mornings.

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  Enjoy before: someone else does.

  Enjoy before: someone else does.

1/18/2014

"Do you think the baristas at Handsome Coffee are handsome?" - my friend as we walked towards the cafe's entrance...

Our barista was female, so I'm not sure if "handsome" would've been the best way to describe her, but she was super friendly, which in turn, made her glow. She was beautiful and she made me a beautiful 5 oz cup of espresso + milk! It was foamy, a little bitter, and gave me a nice caffeine high - the perfect little pick-me-up for my crummy day.

I'll have to come back to try their cold brew. (And maybe see if their male baristas are handsome.)

7/8/2014

I've been coming to Handsome for years, but just realized I never wrote a review for them on Yelp.  Handsome was my favorite coffee shop and roaster in LA.  They were incredibly consistent with their espresso and they always offered excellent roasts.  The baristas were all expertly trained, which is why I never had a bad shot at Handsome.

I have not been to the shop since the Blue Bottle buyout, but I'm sure the quality is still there.  BB was very smart to pick up such a well run operation and added some very skilled baristas to their team.

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  Consistently excellent shots.

  Consistently excellent shots.

7/20/2014

It's been acquired by a co called Blue bottle. And they ran out of almond milk so I didn't try it.

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  New name us blue bottle

  New name us blue bottle

3/1/2014

Tucked away in the Arts District of DTLA, Handsome Coffee Roasters boasts a nicely designed coffee bar. It sports a very industrial look combining elements of white tiles, light wood, and metal into a product that blends well with the warehouse theme around the area. The large windows provide plenty of natural lighting that flood the interior. There's plenty of seating both facing the windows, at the counter, and off to the side. It's a nice place to read and enjoy your coffee, but they don't offer wi-fi, which keeps the squatters to a minimum.

Keep it simple, stupid. Their ridiculously simple menu consists of an espresso shot or espresso & milk in varying sizes of 3, 5, or 10 oz. cups. Sometimes, I have a hard time deciding between pour over or espresso so I guess this menu simplifies that dilemma. While the 10 oz. latte was nice, the pull for my 5 oz. wasn't as well-crafted, which leaned toward the acidic side. But, Handsome is worth a try if you like espresso. Of course, they also offer their featured coffee roasts for sale in the form of 12 oz. packs.

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  10 oz. and 5 oz.

  10 oz. and 5 oz.

5/2/2014

Is this a joke? $4 for a bitter iced coffee. "We only serve whole organic milk." Congratulations you ridiculous pretentious no milk alternative over priced shit coffee snobs.

Staff also acted as if their shop was the United Nations and I should feel honored to be there. I was smirked at for trying to pay before my drink was made. Sorry I didn't have time to Yelp your protocol.

Sigh. One of the many things wrong with LA.

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  $4 wasted on bitter more ice than coffee drink.

  $4 wasted on bitter more ice than coffee drink.

7/6/2014

Since we heard that Handsome Coffee Roasters was recently scooped up by Blue Bottle Coffee, my boyfriend and I wanted to come try the famous Los Angeles based coffee roaster.

Parking here was a breeze on the weekend, and just a little farther down (10 minute walk) is where Pie Hole and Wurstküche is, which is great if you wanted to grab some coffee before or after PIe Hole.

The barista was super friendly as we ordered our drinks, which was simple since their drink menu was easy and simple to order from. My boyfriend got the cold brew while I got the espresso with 5oz milk. Both of our coffees were great, and the design in my espresso was so pretty!

It was a very relaxing environment and everyone was super friendly, and the staff was so great as our water glasses were never empty. Their prices however were a little steep compared to other coffee roaster cafes that I have frequented.

7/7/2014

Awesome menu! Very simple and to the point, easily my favorite coffee shop in DTLA.

The pastry selection is in point, and the house blend espresso compliments them very well.

The baristas are sharp and friendly, they are always on their toes and willing to offer a suggestion if you ask their opinions.

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  Always good before the office

  Always good before the office
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4/26/2014

Not as impressed as I thought I would be. Compared to blue bottle or philz, I think this place is a step down actually.

This is mainly due to the fact that the concept is way too restricted. I totally understand the idea of doing one thing really well, but only two beans and the amount of options really puts you in a tight spot if you have a particular like for certain coffee types and flavors i.e. Fruity vs nutty etc. I usually prefer my lattes/cappuccinos sans sugar so that was no biggie for me, but the milk itself I though didn't really do much vs philz or blue bottle when I ask for no sugar.

The espresso of the day was a fruitier tasting roast and for me it was just ok. I like how they use the correct size cup for each coffee type, though some people may not be shocked by size! (No ventis here!)

2/18/2014

A regular stop on my LA coffee tours, Handsome delivers a nice cup.  This is located in the Arts District somewhat near Urth and has an entirely different vibe.  The area is really turning around from what I remember about 10 years ago.

I typically get an americano, whcih they automatically serve in a small cup.  Thiers is in about a 6 oz cup.  Points for that.  The body and crema is good.  Its one of the better options in LA.

The coffees have some interesting names.  Last time I was there, I the "Dandy".  Can't remember what the barrista said the origin was.

Very pleasant people and store,  Be forewarned, though, the parking sucks

3/29/2014

For the serious coffee consumer only.  Don't go if you want a typical Starbucks or Coffee Bean scene.

The very attractive Battista let me sample a selection of coffee and expresso that ranged from exceptional to undrinkable.

The pasty was top shelf-excellent.

I loved the music and the crowd is very hip.

Would go back if in the area but wouldn't make a special trip.

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  Coffee art made by the experts at the Handsome Coffee Roasters.

  Coffee art made by the experts at the Handsome Coffee Roasters.
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  The Handsome Brothers Coffee Roasters.

  The Handsome Brothers Coffee Roasters.

2/27/2014

Keep on driving to Urth for great coffee, non dairy options, and the best: friendly service.

Handsome Coffee needs to pour a big cup of Get Over Yourself.

The coffee is fine, overpriced, and full of cool.. Dare i say the single brew coffee at Starbucks is just as good? I dare.

Keep it moving people.. Keep it moving,

2/9/2014

If you're ever concerned what the most pretentious place in LA looks like. Look no further. It's right here at Handsome.

HOWEVER - Handsome excels at what they do. And let's be honest, the Hipster crowd is not their fault. And as we were told at Sundance a few years back, they are not Hipsters. They're just people. Sitting outside the Handsome shop window, just talking about their new 1-speed. Tearing the perfect whole in their designer jeans, examining their misinterpreted tattoos and sipping on this wonderful, 4-dollar cup of coffee.

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• See all photos from Bryce V. for Handsome Coffee Roasters

1/20/2014

Someone might skewer me for thinking this, but every time I step through that doorway, I want to ask the baristas if they're feeling particularly handsome today.

I know.

I'm so hilarious (said no one ever).

Anyways, let me start by saying I love their store and their hipster-like concept. Earthy woodsy browns, no-clutter straightforward interior design. Ah let me just sit here and embrace the quiet ambiance please.

Overall, very basic drink menu of either an espresso drink sized as a 3 oz, a 5 oz or a 10oz or cold brew/hot coffee. The ounces are the amount of milk added to the espresso. Alterations are not accepted, but that's totally fine because the end product is just so good. And although I haven't tried a pastry yet, I can't wait to have time to myself one day to just sit on a bench and indulge.

My favorite go-to (as well as my bosses') is the 5oz. Priced at $4.00, it's similar to a caffe latte. The beverage itself is creamy, rich, silky and robust, all at the same time. A perfect caffeine-booster on a slow work day.

I'll be back for more. Trust me-- if you haven't tried a coffee from Handsome yet, you're in for a treat!

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  5oz to-go. Such cute designs!

  5oz to-go. Such cute designs!

6/30/2014

The new Handsome, circa June, has syrup, has sugar. Not that any of you fucktard hipsterlatte drinkers ever used it. Not that Clover milked espresso drinks ever needed it...

Dapper beans remain $18, so it makes a $4 (inclusive of tax) 3oz (which is served as a 1+1) totally worth it.

It's been YEARS since I've visited, but I'm coming back on weekends now, especially because:
1) They're still using Clover (Stumptown is on shitty Rockview)
2) They're now open at 7AM (surely because Stumptown is open at 7AM).

If this is how LA coffee will progress with tons of VC money, I say go right ahead Blue Bottle, buy up everybody. Do it now.

4/5/2014

I'm not a big coffee drinker. Usually just one strong double shot in the morning (sans cream and sugar), but then it's on to green tea and water pour moi.

But since I hail from Portland, Oregon, I can totally appreciate the fact that there are people in this world who worship a good roast like a fine wine or the latest in gourmet cooking: gq.com/food-travel/recip…

Take, for instance, my kid's roommate: I guess he drinks coffee ALL day, every day, and has no plans on slowing down. So my son, being the super-wonderful-creative-thinker when it comes to giving gifts (learned from the best, ahem), asked me to research the Louis Vuitton of coffee beans for his roomie's birthday present.

I obliged, found Handsome online and when I rang up the joint, had the pleasure of speaking with one very kick-ass dude named Anthony. He not only skooled me on the best coffees around the world for my son's "Best Roommate of the Year" award, but he serendipitously introduced me to Deus Ex Machina, the latter of which I will forever be grateful.

Cheers, Anthony. And the next time I make the three-day trek from Santa Monica to downtown, I'll be sure to stop in and thank you proper.

2/3/2014

This rating would round up to around 3.5 stars.

Came here on a Monday morning around 7:30am because my friend wanted to try it. The drive here was pretty scary (if taking 6 st all the way down) but as we got closer to the store it wasn't as bad. Located on the far border of the new and upcoming arts district of dtla, I guess I expected a little more before I got here.

I easily found parking on the side of the street so early in the morning, not sure how the parking is during weekends or at later times of the day.

The space is really modern with that industrial hip coffee joint feel, as with many other coffee shops these days. There's a huge sectioned off coffee roaster machine in the back, a barista counter island in the front and a couple counter seats for patrons. I'd say it would be an okay spot to work here, but I also came at a very early time so the place was nearly empty!

Now onto the coffee! Their menu is rather interesting, in that they only have espresso and different amounts of milk. Between my friend and I, we ordered a macchiato, and an espresso with 3oz of milk. The drinks just were not bad, but I'd definitely say I've had better. Espresso taste is really a personally preference, and I guess HCR's espresso was a little too bitter for me. My friend also tried their adventurous drip blend, and it really was adventurous (it tasted exactly like how it was advertised with notes of cherry, lemongrass and tamarind...) I thought it didn't even taste like coffee at all! and it even tasted like a thai soup base. Which all in all was a  bit puzzling considering how much skill it takes to make coffee taste like a broth, but at the same time I was still expecting some sort of coffee taste.

Overall, I don't think I would frequent this location, just because it is so out of the way for me, and I personally do not think the drive + price is worth it for their espresso + milk or their coffee, but it is a spot definitely worth trying at least once!

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  5oz espresso and milk

  5oz espresso and milk
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  Macchiato

  Macchiato
• See all photos from Pamela L. for Handsome Coffee Roasters

9/7/2014

Pretty sure the reason this place doesn't have an almost perfect rating is because it doesn't have all the syrups and extra sweeteners most places have; however, their beans are of high quality, the natural sweetness comes out on its own.

Haven't tried the new place that bought out Handsome Coffee Roasters, but I hope it's just as great. Then only downside of this business, like most businesses in the area is no parking or high jacked up prices for parking.

12/26/2013

I'm giving this place three stars because I had better expectations of this place and I wasn't content in their coffee beans. I came for my first time to try out their espresso and coffee as well, because I heard good comments of this place and I was very interested knowing they roast their own coffee. I had an espresso shot and hands down, I thought their espresso was well worth drinking. The shot was nutty and sweet and wasn't too high in acidic which it made it a good shot to enjoy , but as far as their coffee beans I purchased they weren't worth the money I spend in purchasing them . It tasted very baggy and old
So if your coming to try their espresso and espresso macchiato , I hope you enjoy it as much as I did

6/18/2014

This place got my attention as an original Los Angeles based coffee roaster.
I was ready to buy a bag of their beans.
I was so underwhelmed, I didn't bother.

I've been to a lot of roaster/cafes and this place didn't seem like they were trying.

No pourover. Just watery cafeteria style drip coffee for $4/cup.
No decaf.

Their espresso stuff must be out of this world for this place to get so much attention, but that's not really my thing.

I hear that by now 2 of the 3 original Handsome guys have since dropped out.

the kicker was that a few days after my visit, I found out that Blue Bottle Coffee had bought them out!

all the best coffee in LA is from other places:
intelligentsia from chicago
stumptown from portland
and blue bottle is coming from SF and verve from santa cruz are on their way.
Somebody in LA needs to step up!

4/26/2014

I'm a little sad that I'm reviewing Handsome Coffee Roasters at 3.5 stars. I thought that after hearing such great things from friends and fellow yelpers that I would be WOWed by this place like I was when I first tasted Vivace. Sad to report back to home base that I feel kind of meh about this spot.

Their espresso beans are very good; smooth yet bold. But for the hefty price tag attached, I would much rather take a short block over to my So Cal favorite: Stumptown. For 2 12oz iced lattes I paid $10.25! YIKES! Also, i happen to be one of those people who prefer a milk alternative as opposed to Handsome's organic whole milk. They also politely decline modifications. There's no simple syrup, sugar packets -fake nor raw-, half and half here folks. But I do like that part, the fact that they are keeping it simple and basic. Often people don't try their drinks before adding in all these other unnecessary things into their already perfectly crafted drinks. Here at Handsome, they are just trying to get people to see the beauty in the espresso/coffee itself, and I love that. However, I like that all these cafes offer milk alternatives such as rice, soy, almond, and hemp milk. I also am a little unhappy with the whole 12oz being the only size for iced drinks. I for one love my latte to last a long time and its awfully hard to fit my 8 shots of espresso, ice, and milk [alternatives hehe] in a 12oz cup booboo!

So for me, although I appreciate all that Handsome is doing, I can't keep paying $5+ for a small 12oz iced latte with a milk I don't prefer. But I do suggest you try it yourself, it might be more geared towards your taste.

12/26/2013

Heard great things about this place and finally had an opportunity to check it out. It was the day after Christmas, slow morning. Arrived earlier than I anticipated to LA, so I did a quick drop-by here at Handsome Coffee Roasters.

First thing: free parking - from what I saw. I got princess parking and parked right in front of the shop. Yay!

Second: you'll notice the place itself. Large windows, casual and calming ambiance and definitely industrial/modern design. You can call it Hipster place if you want it to, but this is definitely a wonderful design.

The shop is not too big, I did not do enough exploring once I was inside, but the design is definitely raw - opened ceiling and shows that "there is nothing to hide" type of building.

There are seats available. Counter tops looking out on the not-so-fabulous view. And another large table with additional seats behind the counter seating.

The menu is fairly simple. Only two beverages, or coffees served and pick what size you want. In a matter of ounces. There is not sweetener - I know. Sigh.

However, when I asked the gentleman about it, he said flat out no and that they brew their coffee here at the shop. I was kind of in shock. How will one live without sweetener?

After my first sip, it was definitely a bitter taste. After I got to my second and third, it didn't seem bad afterwards. It was actually really good. And I mean it, it was really really good. Took me a few sips to acquire the taste and then the bitterness I tasted initially was nonexistent.

The service was very friendly. He was helpful in explaining to me what their business' philosophy is (the whole no sweetener ordeal) and asking me what type of coffee I enjoy since it was my first time and I looked and was confused, haha.

One thing I enjoyed: the music. Whoever created the playlist here - you go Glen Coco! I was trying to read my book, but was super distracted with the tunes. I caught myself tapping my feet and singing along. Totally the same music interest I have. So yay to that!

Oh, that is if you enjoy alternative and indie music...

A peaceful morning experience here at Handsome Coffee Roasters (:

4/20/2013

Handsome is as handsome does.

An adage that rings true for three Intelligentsia alumni with years of coffee knowledge, knowledge that is evident in every 'handsome' or well handcrafted espresso beverage.

Located several blocks from a cafe (I'll give you a hint: Two words...one sounds like Urth, and the other sounds like Caffe) that nowadays places greater importance on the superficial definition of 'handsome' rather than the substantial definition of 'handsome' as in "well made, hand crafted", Handsome Coffee Roasters can be easily overlooked. But if you possess a discerning espresso palate, you mustn't overlook Handsome Coffee Roasters. Come to think of it, this might be the best place for espresso in the DTLA area!

One would have to assume that the guys at Handsome Coffee Roasters borrowed a few philosophies from their previous employer that extend beyond roasting. Take for instance aesthetics. Minimalist convergent upon industrial (except for that white tile) comes readily to mind, loosely resembling Intelligentsia Abbot Kinney.
yelp.com/biz_photos/hand…

Then there's a super simple beverage menu:
Espresso - $3.00
Espresso & Milk 3oz Cup - $4.00
Espresso & Milk 5oz Cup - $4.00
Espresso & Milk 10oz Cup - $5.00

That's it. Shots or Caffe Latte. You gotta love the simplicity.

By the way, their caffe lattes are doubles...regardless of size.

And while you're at it, you may wanna consider a pastry, brought to you by Atwater's Proof Bakery. If there's a Chocolate Chip Cookie in that pastry case...SNAG IT!
yelp.com/biz_photos/hand…

Espresso & Milk 10oz Cup (aka, Caffe Latte): 3.99/5
yelp.com/biz_photos/hand…
Having ordered this beverage more than just a few times, results have been a little mixed. Not that I've ever been served a horrible cup, there's just a little inconsistency. Sometimes those pulled shots of Dandy are not the most dandy, other times, those shots are beyond dandy. What I mean is, I've had caffe lattes here that were on the weaker side, but when it's perfect, it's just that...perfect and naturally sweet. I do appreciate their drinks not being acidic, and for the most part, finish pretty clean. I think I just might have to switch to the 5oz.

A well spent $22.00 will award you a one pound bag of Dandy espresso beans.
yelp.com/biz_photos/hand…

Come and experience Handsome Coffee Roasters for yourself. Their handsome personalities and handsomely roasted beans will make you a believer!

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  10oz Caffe Latte

  10oz Caffe Latte
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  10oz Caffe Latte

  10oz Caffe Latte
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  Currently pulling shots of "Dandy" $22/lb

  Currently pulling shots of "Dandy" $22/lb
• See all photos from Roland L. for Handsome Coffee Roasters

11/15/2013

Handsome is the best coffee shop I have ever been to. Intelligentsia, Stumptown, Portola, LaMill, Caffe Vita... None of them are at this level. This place has some good coffee.

First off, their black coffee is amazing. I'm yet to have a cup of coffee here that is anything short of amazing. Their coffees are incredibly flavorful and they split them up between "Adventure" and "Comfort" so you can get an idea of what you're buying. Their coffees from the Americas are always smooth and really nice, but never tasting the same which is epic. Their African coffees are more acidic (speaking solely from what I have tried) with more fruity notes. I'm always stoked to make a pourover with their beans at home on my V60.

Their iced coffee is equally as good. The only thing that comes close is Portola's Kyoto. Emphasis on comes close, cause it definitely doesn't beat anything iced a at Handsome. Never bitter, always smooth and refreshing. Super impressed every time I get iced coffee here.

I'll admit that I haven't tried anything with milk as of yet, although their straight espresso is phenomenal and some of the best I've ever had. I'm mostly vegan and they don't offer soy or almond, but no complaints here cause black coffee is more my thing and I don't ever order stuff with milk elsewhere either. And as for everyone complaining about the lack of options here, get over it. They say they do things different on the storefront, and Stumptown is only a couple blocks away if you want an almond milk latte or something.

Their staff is always really knife and super helpful too! You'd think this place wasn't even a coffee shop... Their beans don't have flavor descriptions/profiles on them (although you can find them on their website) so if you want to know more just ask anyone who's working! They've always seemed happy to help. If you're into good coffee, this is your place.

• 

  Hot and iced.

  Hot and iced.

6/6/2014

I don't come here for the unemployed pretentious douche bag hipsters with their ironic everything.   I come here for the best cup of coffee Los Angeles has to offer.  

Do yourself a favor and get a cup.

5/13/2014

Lame hipster joint with no sweeteners! What's the purpose of denying people something that they like in their coffee drinks?

Coffee Nazis

6/15/2014

First time I walked into the coffee shop. Surveyed the venue and how to go about ordering when the barista approached... I knew I wanted my regular -THE regular, by American standards- a cup of black coffee. But I wasn't at all sure how "it" worked and so the conversation went something like this:

Barista: "What would you like to order?"
Me: "Coffee"
Barista: "Yes... we have that here."

Okay, spare me the condescension...
Had I not been caught off guard by such a rude response my eyes may have rolled so deep into the back of my head and I'd glimpse my own hippocampus.

But anyway. The coffee was good. But was my mind blown? Not entirely.
I tasted my friend's cold brew and liked it better.

5/9/2014

Dear readers,

Don't get me wrong, I love coffee. I drink it every morning, I'll grab some on the way to the beach, it's a staple in my diet. I personally like darker coffees with bold flavor, but I do occasionally drink blondes and can respect a good tasting lighter coffee. That said...

1. I don't wear a fedora
2. I don't have a handlebar mustache
3. I don't have concert tees from shows I was never at
4. I don't like Handsome coffee

I won't talk on the price, if you're coming here, then you don't give a shit about the price of a cup of coffee. The flavor though... It's hard to describe, maybe some people like it, but I cannot. I've tried a few times. It's almost a watery, dirty taste. I will give them two stars because they have awesome branding and a cool shop.

6/6/2014

The best thing about this place is e people-watching. It's one of the most hipster places I've entered. It was fun checking out the stream of ridiculous outfits. I guy came in with a dress shirt, skinny tie, Sgt. Dangle shorts, xero sandals & a fancy blue jacket. (Ok, he kind of pulled it off)

Anyway, the coffee was very good, and it looked like they had a nice selection of high quality pastries. Like most of these new uber roasters, it's more of a treat than a daily grind due to the high prices.

1/19/2014

I dig these coffee places in DTLA. And when I heard about Handsome and their Intelligentsia roots (my usual stand-by), I had to check it out.

The whole experience was great- from menu display, to the coffee, to the seating, everything was well-thought out. These guys want to teach you about coffee and it shows!

I really liked how the menu was spare and minimal. They really want you to trust them- no choices of beans, no sweeteners. They even did away with the names- no more espresso, macchiato, capuccino, and latte. Instead, they just lay it out as espresso and espresso with more and more milk (which is what a machiatto, capuccino, and latte is). Quite educational, methinks. The only downer is that just have milk- there are no lactose-free alternatives. I'm fine with that, but my wife was sad that they couldn't accomodate her.

I ordered an espresso with 3oz of milk (equivalent to a macchiato). They not only give you the macchiato, they give you the extra espreso in a second demitasse. Awesome! The espresso itself was bright and light. Less body than I am used to, but great nonetheless. The milk was just teh right frothiness and ended up blending in just right with the coffee.

The staff was really nice too- they smile and welcome you, ask you how your day is going, and generally do a great job of welcoming you. Some reviewers were a little put off by the hipster vibe, but I didn't feel anything negative. And I'm the lamest guy in the neighborhood.

4/27/2014

Two words:  Coffee natzis. I can't get sweetener nor milk alternatives? C'mon? This place with all the minimal downtown hipster BS decor does not impress me nor my 5 bucks for their mediocre cappucino. If your in the neighborhood try Stumptown down the road  for an amazing coffee experience.
Yesterday I was at the Paris photography fair at paramount studios and unbeknownst to me I stand in line at THEIR food truck to get an iced coffee. I settled and bought their coffee because after 10 minutes in a line there's no going back, right? I couldn't get soy or almond milk so I just settled for their organic milk. The coffee tasted average. I ended up sick to my stomach all day and night because I have lactose issues. Handsome: you guys are running an UGLY business. Pretentious and snobby.

4/2/2014

I was quite disappointed at Handsome Coffee Roasters. Their menu is extremely limited, with only four items on there menu. I decided to get the 5oz. expresso and milk. They only have whole milk. They are trying to be all cool and natural but not even an almond milk. That made me a little sad but I could have predicted it. The 5oz. was so much smaller than I would have expected. I can't imagine what the 3oz. is like. Due such a limited menu, I was expecting the coffee to be amazing. Boy was I disappointed. It didn't taste like anything special.

If your looking for a cool place to hang out; I wouldn't recommend this place either. There is nothing in walking distance and when it's crowed there is no where to sit. This is definitely not a place to sit and study. Parking was pretty rough as well, they only have a very tiny parking lot.

Overall I'm not impressed and I don't see myself coming back anytime soon.

9/27/2013

Delicious coffee! Smooth tasting, creamy in texture, and kept me well caffeinated into the night. But it's not for everyone. They only make and serve their coffee one way, their way. It's a lovely hand crafted beverage for sure, but it's not customizable in any sense, except for the size. The menu is very simple: brewed, espresso or espresso with milk. I ordered the small sized espresso + milk. I was told the beverage would be similar to a cappuccino, compared to the next size up that would be closer to a latte. In other words, ordering a larger size just meant that more milk was added.

Don't come here if:
1. You like to add sugar in your coffee. No sugar (or other add-ins) given here. Bring your own if you feel so inclined. Baristas say their coffee has sweet flavors, therefore there is no need for extra sugar.
2. You are lactose intolerant. They use only Clover whole milk. Don't even bother to ask for milk substitutes. They don't carry anything else.
3. You like flavored lattes. Nope, none served here.

Price: $4 for espresso + 3 oz. milk.

Credit cards accepted.