Funnel Mill | Santa Monica, CA

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It’s that time of the week again… time for caffeination and foamy goodness as we explore Los Angeles’ best coffee shops! The second stop on the cappuccino train is Funnel Mill, a purveyor of exotic coffees and teas located near 10th and Broadway in Santa Monica.

Upon entering, it’s very clear that this is not the same breed of coffee shop as many of the newer, hipster places on our list. The decor feels sparse and a bit disjointed, as beautiful Asian elements like jars of loose-leaf teas and a little fountain are juxtaposed with brown leather easy chairs tucked behind a wall of floor-to-ceiling curtains. It’s obvious that this is a favorite spot for students and writers; even on a Saturday afternoon we can’t snag a table amidst the sea of laptops and textbooks. Perhaps the best spectacle here lies behind the bar, where a team of mad scientists use a hodgepodge of exotic-looking coffee paraphernalia to brew up their rare blends. As strange as all these elements may sound, it’s pleasant in its own way, and is a refreshing change from all the “industrial-chic” we’ve been seeing around town. 

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If you’ve heard of Funnel Mill before, you probably already know that they offer an $80 cup of coffee. That’s right, by appointment only, you can taste the legendary Kopi Luwak coffee, made from beans that have passed through the digestive system of a cute little mammal called the Luwak. You can also partake in a traditional Chinese Cha Tao tea ceremony, sample from the extensive exotic tea and coffee menu, or taste coffees brewed with a syphon reminiscent of something you’d see in a Steampunk movie. We did none of these things, unfortunately, because this is not “The Great Los Angeles Exotic Tea and Coffee Project.” It’s “The Great Los Angeles Cappuccino Project.” So predictably, we ordered up some cappuccinos. 

Cappuccino and my In The Company of Women tote bag, Funnel Mill, Santa Monica, CA

Cappuccino and my In The Company of Women tote bag, Funnel Mill, Santa Monica, CA

Now, bear with me for a moment as I take you on a bit of a tangent. If you grew up in the 90’s, you may remember the cult classic Mike Myers film, “So I Married an Axe Murderer” (or “SIMAAM” as my super-hip friends and I called it). In the opening credits of the movie, we follow an absurdly large coffee cup as it leaves a cafe table empty, then is washed in the kitchen, and finally is refilled with espresso and the fluffiest foam to be served to Mike Myers (who jokes that he ordered the LARGE cappuccino... HELLO!). Ok, so the largeness really isn’t a factor here at all (the cups at Funnel Mill are a perfectly reasonable size), and this is in no way one of those 90’s poetry slam coffee joints. What is similar here is that impossibly fluffy foam, plopped on top of espresso in such a heap that it simply can’t be contained by the cup. I mean, just look at that luscious spillage. 

Luscious, luscious foam at Funnel Mill in Santa Monica, CA 

Luscious, luscious foam at Funnel Mill in Santa Monica, CA 

The amount of foam, while lovely and impossibly fluffy, is perhaps too much. And the espresso, while certainly solid and far better than everyone’s favorite coffee chain (cough), isn’t really anything to write home about. So, we’ll deem this the absolutely perfect “90’s Cappuccino,” great for enjoying some avant-garde poetry or perhaps a live performance of “Smelly Cat.” 

That being said, I absolutely cannot wait to go back to Funnel Mill to do a tasting of their impressive rare coffee beans brewed in the syphon, or perhaps the traditional Cha Tao tea ceremony. Clearly these folks know their stuff, and I’m told they’ll happily talk to you about coffee for hours on end. Please note: I’m still on the fence regarding whether or not I’d ever sample the $80 Luwak-poo coffee. I’ll get back to you.

Funnel Mill

930 Broadway
Ste A
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Cafe Solar | Westchester, CA

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There are certain pockets of LA that don’t quite feel like LA. You know what I mean: You’re walking along a perfectly average stretch of busy Los Angeles street. It’s covered in colorful graffiti and peppered with painfully hip boutiques, there’s a rainbow umbrella topping a silver cart full of fresh fruit, and the sun beats down mercilessly through the clouds of exhaust that are being kicked up from the four lanes of traffic whizzing by you. It gets kind of overwhelming, so you decide to turn a corner. And suddenly, you have no idea where you are. It’s like you’ve been transported to some little town in Europe, or maybe it’s more like a suburb on the East Coast. Westchester is kind of like the latter. 

Café Solar

In Westchester, the normal (read: not necessarily filthy rich) people have actual houses, with actual yards, and their kids ride their bikes in the street. They have block parties, they hang out at the community garden, and up until recently, most of their brunch choices have been chain restaurants (IHOP, anyone?). Luckily, there’s a new kid in town: Cafe Solar. 

Avocado Toast, Fruit Plate, and Detox Juice, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

Avocado Toast, Fruit Plate, and Detox Juice, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

Cafe Solar seems like exactly the thing that Westchester needed - an approachable, casual neighborhood hangout with just the right amount of hipster. What is the right amount of hipster, you may ask? I’d say enough to ensure the presence of good coffee and fresh pressed juices, rustic chic decor, and succulents on the tables - check, check, and check! They even have kombucha on tap, and the eggs they serve up are organic. The gorgeous blue tiled floors are an added bonus. At the same time, Cafe Solar in no way feels stuck up. It’s cozy, welcoming, and clean, and the staff members we chatted with were incredibly friendly.

I came here mid-morning on a weekday with a good friend and her young son - Cafe Solar is great about accommodating kids, by the way - and it was very quiet and open. The window seats with pillows are cozy, or you can choose to dine outside on their narrow patio. I hear there’s free wifi, too, so this would be a perfect place to work and have a nice cup of coffee.

Pumpkin Pancakes Special at Café Solar, Westchester, CA

Pumpkin Pancakes Special at Café Solar, Westchester, CA

The highlight of our dining experience was the pumpkin pancakes. After chatting with staff, we were informed that this seasonal special was not to be missed. They did not lie -  the pancakes were perfectly moist and flavorful, with ooey gooey chocolate chips inside and light whipped cream on top. This was the first time I’d seen bananas put on top of pumpkin pancakes, but let me just say that it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a pretty good thing. 

Pumpkin Pancakes Special, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

Pumpkin Pancakes Special, Café Solar, Westchester, CA

We also tried the avocado toast, which put a unique spin on the other avocado toasts we’ve seen around town lately. The thick slice of grilled rustic sourdough bread was covered with smashed avocado, then topped pickled onions, roasted corn, and scrambled eggs. The flavors were unexpected, but quite nice! We also enjoyed the fresh fruit plate with yogurt, a cup of their delicious coffee, and the “Detox” pressed juice. My friend swears that the potent juice kept her budding cold at bay. 

Avocado Toast, Café Solar, Westchester

Avocado Toast, Café Solar, Westchester

Next time you’re in Westchester and you’re in the market for a comfortable, low-key place to enjoy all day breakfast, Cafe Solar is your answer! I’m looking forward to going back to sample some of their gorgeous pastries and tempting crepes.