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Urth Caffé Downtown
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Urth Caffé Downtown
8.1
This European-style organic coffeehouse serves health-conscious California cuisine with generous indoor and outdoor seating in the Arts District. The cafe roasts its own organic coffee and sources sustainable ingredients for farm-fresh pizzas, sandwiches, and signature salads that appeal to both adults and children.
Must-Try Dishes:
Urth Pizza, Turkey Burger, Tortilla Soup
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Organic coffee roastery with farm-to-table California cuisine
Who should go: Health-conscious families, organic food enthusiasts
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid long lines
What to order: Farm-fresh pizza, organic coffee, seasonal sandwiches
Insider tip: Order at the counter first, then find seating - service is fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on surrounding Arts District streets - metered during business hours. Small lot nearby at $8 flat rate. Easiest to find spots before 10am weekends.
Dress code: Ultra casual - activewear, jeans, t-shirts are the norm. Arts District vibe means anything goes.
Noise level: Moderately loud - bustling cafe atmosphere with espresso machines and conversations. Fine for casual catch-ups, not ideal for intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min line to order, then find seating. Peak brunch (10am-1pm) can hit 30-40 min.
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line typical, minimal wait before 11:30am or after 2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including vegetarian pizzas, grain bowls, and multiple salads. Easily 40% of menu.
Vegan options: Yes - clearly marked vegan items including avocado toast, Buddha bowl, and dairy-free milk for all drinks.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available for sandwiches, several naturally GF salads and bowls. Cross-contamination possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd-3rd dates than first dates. The counter-service format and cafe noise level work against romance, but the outdoor patio adds charm. Choose weekday afternoons for a more relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's counter-service seating. Arrive before peak times (before 10am weekends, before noon weekdays) or be prepared to hover for tables. Outdoor patio turns over faster than indoor seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly for all ages. High chairs available, simple menu items kids enjoy (cheese pizza, grilled cheese), and the casual atmosphere means parents don't stress about noise. Popular with stroller crowd mornings.
Best For
Better for: Best choice when you want legitimately healthy, organic food that actually tastes good - not virtue-signaling salads. The house-roasted coffee is excellent, and it's one of few spots where health-conscious eaters and picky eaters both find plenty to enjoy. Outdoor seating is superior to most Arts District options.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, intimate meal or full table service. Also skip if you're on a tight budget ($$$ pricing for cafe food) or hate waiting in lines. For pure coffee focus without food, nearby specialty shops are better. If the organic/healthy angle doesn't matter to you, you're paying a premium for something you don't value.
Urth Caffé Downtown
7.9
A pioneering Arts District cafe housed in a restored 1920s egg factory warehouse with soaring bow truss ceilings and an Art Deco clock tower. The European-style coffeehouse offers organic coffee roasted on-site plus an extensive all-day menu from vegan options to indulgent pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Organic Coffee & Espresso, Urth Salad, Spanish Latte
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Historic 1920s warehouse restoration with heirloom organic coffee roasted on-site since 2008
Who should go: Coffee enthusiasts and laptop workers seeking beautiful all-day space
When to visit: Open 7am-10pm weekdays, until 11pm weekends; less crowded midday
What to order: Heirloom organic coffee, Urth salad, seasonal pastries, breakfast bowls
Insider tip: Counter service with number placement; free WiFi makes this ideal for extended stays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction Ave and surrounding streets - easier on weekdays, competitive on weekends. Paid lot across street $8 flat rate
Dress code: Supremely casual - athleisure, jeans, anything goes. Laptop crowd sets laid-back tone
Noise level: Moderately loud - warehouse acoustics amplify conversation buzz. Fine for casual chat, challenging for intimate talk
Weekend wait: 15-25 min line at counter during peak brunch (9-11am Sat/Sun), evening much calmer
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min counter wait midday, virtually none before 11am or after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 40% of menu vegetarian including bowls, salads, and savory pastries
Vegan options: Very strong - dedicated vegan section with 8+ items including cashew milk for coffee
Gluten-free options: Good - clearly marked GF pastries, bread options available, separate toaster
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early-stage dates (coffee meet-up) than romantic dinners. Counter service and warehouse buzz work against intimacy, but the stunning space photographs well and gives you something to talk about if conversation stalls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's counter service only. Order at register, grab a number, snag your own table. Seating is first-come during busy hours, but the sprawling warehouse usually has spots. Go before 10am weekends for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs available, kids menu, casual vibe means no judgment on noise. Parents love it for weekend brunch. The warehouse space lets kids move around more than traditional cafes.
Best For
Better for: Coffee quality trumps chain cafes, unique architectural Instagram appeal, all-day menu flexibility (breakfast at 3pm), laptop-friendly culture with reliable WiFi, vegan/vegetarian selection beats most brunches
Skip if: You want table service and pampering, need quiet for business meetings or romantic conversations, prefer neighborhood cafe coziness over industrial chic, or are in a rush (lines form at peak hours)