With the age of Starbuck's, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and many multiple "fast-food"-like coffee shops, I have been tormented in finding a great cup of Joe or espresso here in the states.
During my international travels I have been spoiled somewhat by the amazing lattes and espressos, and have inadvertently evolved into a minor coffee snob. So my goal was to find some great cafe's or coffee joints where patrons can enjoy the actual robust flavor of the coffee bean itself, rather than sipping on liquid dessert pumped full of flavored syrup.
One of the hardest places for me to find great coffee on the west coast was Los Angeles. However, hipsters and coffee fanatics are quickly changing that. So far I have really enjoyed the flavor of
Urth Cafe's latte. There are locations in West Hollywood and Santa Monica. There is also
Javatinis in Seal Beach off main street that doesn't fair too bad also.
Now, as a resident of the awesome city San Francisco, my choices for great coffee are definitely more abundant. There's
Four Barrel in the Mission District off of Valencia between 14th and 15th. There is no huge sign outside, but the smell of roasting beans and the display of Mission Hipsters in the window can guarantee you've found the place. I also really like
Trouble coffee in the Sunset off Judah between 46th and 45th. Their sizes are more standard with cafes overseas and the coffee is kept simple but absolutely delicious.
If you're that unfortunate person, who does not live nearby any of these great establishments, then there's always
Peet's Coffee & Tea. I normally don't like franchised or corporate coffee chains, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the taste and quality of their espresso drinks and brewed coffee. You can find a location near you if you just head to their website. Don't worry...you should be able to find at least one location close to you, and if you cant...i'd move ;)
