The Los Angeles craft-coffee scene has reached new levels with the arrival of Verve Coffee Roasters flagship outpost in a sprawling light-filled space brought to life by local outfit Design, Bitches.
Architect John Lautner's Walstrom House served as inspiration for the asymmetrical timber-clad interiors, which are dressed with plant-life by landscape architects Terremoto LA and artwork such as multiple large-scale pieces by Brooklyn-based Young Jerks and a custom macramé installation by Bay Area artist Windy Chien. There is also a cantilevered cupping lab filled with Heath Ceramics, rift-cut white oak wood, and metal tasting counters.
In the main café, a fresh healthy menu of dishes such as the buckwheat soba noodles and sesame banana pancakes is served against a backdrop of the landmark 4th Street Bridge while, a glass-encased roasting room serves 18 taps of limited brews that are used for the rotating cold coffee programme.
Upstairs, a training centre holds coffee education classes where you can taste a unique Mateo Blend, inspired by LA culture, along with non-alcoholic tipples, like the Cascara Negroni, while learning about the global Farmlevel to Streetlevel programme the company supports.
ADDRESS
500 Mateo Street