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Urth Caffé
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Urth Caffé
8.0
LA institution serving exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious California cuisine in Spanish-style building. Founded in 1989, Urth pioneered the organic coffee movement and offers extensive breakfast menu featuring everything from vegan options to decadent pastries, all made with sustainable ingredients in a European-style coffeehouse setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Spanish Latte, Sticky Buns
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: America's first exclusively organic coffee company with celebrity following
Who should go: Coffee enthusiasts and health-conscious diners seeking variety
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid crowds, opens 7am daily
What to order: Spanish latte, breakfast burrito, eggs verde, sticky buns
Insider tip: Order at counter then find seating; no tipping required
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive; small lot behind building. Arrive early or consider nearby municipal lots within 2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual California - activewear, jeans, sundresses all common. No dress code.
Noise level: Moderate to high during peak hours - lively coffeehouse atmosphere makes intimate conversation challenging at busy times
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait typical; weekday mornings (7-9am) move faster
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie burrito, multiple egg dishes, avocado toast, salads
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan menu with 10+ items including vegan pastries, tofu scramble, plant-based milk options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available, many naturally GF options like egg dishes and bowls
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. High energy and communal vibe works for coffee dates or weekend brunch, but noise level and counter-service format aren't ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Order at counter, then find your own seating. Arrive before 9am on weekends or after 1pm to avoid peak crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, high chairs available, menu has crowd-pleasing options. Patio seating gives families space. Popular with local parents for weekend breakfast.
How long does a meal here take? Plan 60-90 minutes total during busy times (including wait and order time). Food arrives 10-15 minutes after ordering. Can be quicker during off-peak hours.
Is the coffee really that special? Yes - Urth pioneered organic, heirloom coffee in America. They roast their own beans and the quality difference is noticeable, especially in espresso drinks. Coffee enthusiasts consider it destination-worthy.
Best For
Better for: Organic coffee quality, health-conscious variety (vegan/vegetarian options), Instagram-worthy Spanish architecture, sustainable sourcing commitment. Best breakfast diversity in the area.
Skip if: You want quick service (long waits are standard), intimate ambiance (very busy/loud), or budget breakfast ($$-$$$ pricing). Choose Blue Bottle for faster coffee, Huckleberry for quieter brunch vibe.
Urth Caffé
7.8
European-style coffeehouse roasting its own heirloom organic coffee with extensive all-day breakfast menu. Self-service counter with free wifi and spacious seating popular for working and socializing over farm-fresh organic cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Urth Salad, Spanish Latte, Moroccan Baked Eggs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: House-roasted heirloom organic coffee with extensive vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian menu options
Who should go: Remote workers, students, and health-conscious diners seeking organic all-day breakfast
When to visit: Mid-morning weekdays for seating, expect weekend lines
What to order: Spanish latte, Urth salad with proteins, 9-grain pancakes with maple syrup
Insider tip: Order at counter and grab a number; no tipping required at this self-service spot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building (limited spots), street parking available but competitive. Consider walking or biking from nearby Main Street.
Dress code: Super casual - athleisure, yoga wear, and beach casual are the norm here
Noise level: Moderate to loud - coffeehouse buzz makes it great for working solo but challenging for intimate conversations
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - majority of menu is vegetarian with creative plant-based proteins
Vegan options: Outstanding - extensive vegan options clearly marked, including vegan pastries and milk alternatives
Gluten-free options: Very good - gluten-free bread, pancakes, and clearly labeled options throughout menu
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early-stage dates (2nd or 3rd). Counter-service format and noise level make it too informal for first impressions, but perfect for relaxed weekend brunch dates where conversation flows easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's all walk-up, first-come seating. Arrive before 9am weekends or after 1pm to skip the line. Weekdays after 10:30am are typically wide open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very family-friendly with high chairs available and a kids menu. The casual self-service setup means no pressure, though weekend crowds and wait times can test patience with young children. Best for ages 5+.
Good spot to work remotely? Excellent for laptop work - free wifi, plenty of outlets, and no pressure to leave after eating. Mornings are ideal; afternoons get busier but still manageable. Just order something every 2-3 hours to be courteous.
How's the coffee compared to specialty shops? Their house-roasted organic beans are legitimately excellent - this isn't just cafe food with decent coffee, it's serious coffee with good food. Spanish latte is the signature move.
Best For
Better for: All-day organic breakfast with serious coffee quality, laptop-friendly atmosphere, and dietary flexibility (vegan/GF). The self-service model keeps prices reasonable while maintaining high ingredient quality.
Skip if: You want intimate ambiance, full table service, or quick in-and-out breakfast. Also skip during peak weekend brunch if you're not prepared to wait - the line doesn't lie about popularity.
Urth Caffé
7.8
Organic coffee pioneer and European-style café serves health-conscious California cuisine from vegan options to decadent pastries. Bustling Main Street location offers extensive outdoor seating for leisurely lunches and laptop workers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Urth Salad with pine nuts and feta, Chicken pesto sandwich, Spanish latte
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Thirty-plus years roasting exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious menu
Who should go: Health-focused diners, remote workers, coffee enthusiasts
When to visit: Arrive before 11:30am to avoid peak lunch lines
What to order: Urth Salad, organic coffee drinks, freshly baked pastries
Insider tip: Order at counter and grab table number—no tipping expected here
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Main Street (often full). Nearby paid lot on Hill Street ($3-5). Bike racks available.
Dress code: Casual California - activewear to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Moderate to high - energetic café buzz, better for casual meetings than confidential discussions
Weekend wait: Counter service only - 10-15 min wait to order during peak brunch hours
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min to order, seating may take longer 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive options including vegan pizzas, salads, and grain bowls
Vegan options: Strong selection - clearly marked dishes, dairy-free milks for coffee drinks
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF bread, pasta options, and naturally GF salads
Good to Know
Is this good for a business lunch? Yes, but with caveats. Counter-service format is casual, but outdoor tables work well for 2-3 person meetings. Noise level requires you to lean in slightly. WiFi reliable for post-lunch work sessions.
Can I work on my laptop here? Absolutely - it's designed for it. Free WiFi, plenty of outlets at window counter seats, and no pressure to leave. Just buy a coffee every 2-3 hours to be courteous.
Is it kid-friendly? Family-friendly but not kid-centric. High chairs available, menu has simple options kids like (pizza, pasta), but energetic café atmosphere isn't ideal for very young children at peak times.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious diners wanting organic ingredients without sacrificing indulgence (pastries, pizzas). Superior coffee quality. Flexible for solo dining, laptop work, or casual business meetings.
Skip if: You need full table service, quiet ambiance for intimate conversations, or quick in-and-out lunch (lines can be slow). For formal business dinners, choose a traditional restaurant.
Urth Caffé
8.4
Pioneering organic coffee roaster expanded into European-style cafe serving health-conscious California fare from breakfast through dinner. Sprawling outdoor patio and extensive menu featuring avocado toast, salads, and artisan sandwiches accommodate families seeking fresh, quality ingredients.
Must-Try Dishes:
Urth Salad, Chicken Pesto Sandwich, Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: LA's original organic coffee pioneer with 30+ years roasting heritage
Who should go: Health-conscious families wanting fresh, organic all-day options
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to avoid peak breakfast and lunch crowds
What to order: Any organic coffee drink, salads, fresh-baked pastries
Insider tip: Arrive off-peak or expect 30+ minute waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street (metered, competitive) or paid lot behind restaurant ($8 flat). Weekends are challenging - arrive early or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual California style - athleisure, jeans, sundresses all welcome. This is a no-pressure, come-as-you-are spot.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - bustling cafe energy makes conversation easy but not intimate. Outdoor patio is quieter than indoor seating.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical, can stretch to 45+ during peak brunch (9am-1pm Saturday/Sunday)
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait common (12-1:30pm), otherwise minimal to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 40%+ of menu is vegetarian with creative salads, grain bowls, and veggie sandwiches
Vegan options: Very good - clearly marked options including vegan pastries, plant-based milk alternatives, and dedicated entrees
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available, several naturally GF salads and bowls, though no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual daytime coffee date than romantic dinner. Bright, busy atmosphere lacks intimacy, but the quality coffee and relaxed vibe work well for low-pressure getting-to-know-you meetings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Weekday off-peak times (2-5pm) you'll walk right in. Weekend mornings expect 30-45 min waits. Put your name in, grab a coffee, and browse Main Street shops.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - one of Main Street's most family-welcoming spots. Kids menu available, high chairs provided, spacious patio accommodates strollers. The casual vibe means no one blinks at kid noise. Best for toddlers through teens.
Best For
Better for: Organic ingredients you can feel good about, extensive all-day menu that pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents, reliable quality across locations. Choose this over generic chains when you want wholesome food without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Skip if: You're seeking cutting-edge cuisine, romantic ambiance, or quick service. The wait times and self-service model frustrate people wanting polished table service. For adventurous California cuisine, hit up Bay Cities or Rustic Canyon instead.