Intelligentsia Coffee
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I went to Santa Monica for my aunt's birthday celebration. Since I was driving over an hour to get to Santa Monica, I knew I had to make a stop at Intelligentsia Coffee. Back in the days, it used to be my favorite coffee and it brought back such nostalgia. It was busy on a Sunday afternoon. Inside were chill vibes. I saw people on their laptops while others were enjoying a cup of coffee with family/friends. I got the Iced Angeleno for $8.00 and added the vanilla cold foam for $1.50. Talk about a caffeine boost. Warning, do not consume in the afternoon if you want to sleep at night. It had four shots of espresso!
First time at Intelligentsia Coffee upon a recent visit to AK. Had the seasonal smoke salted maple latte - delicious with oat milk. Also tried the cinnamon roll and it was one the best I had. Loved the vibe going in to the coffee spot almost a semi-hidden entry with lots of people mostly consumed by laptops vs folks having coffee together - granted went there on an early weekday. With other java spots on AK, this might be one that tops my list.
I was debating between a 4 or 5 star review. 5 for ambiance, vibe, seating, and the clean street view. I do love this spot as a hang. The staff also get a 5 star, and are super friendly. The coffee, to my surprise, is very limiting in selection - for instance, they have no dark roast option for any of their beverages. This was surprising. I don't particularly like light roast and find myself coming back for the mediocre coffee, but worth it for the amazing hang.
Intelligentsia isn't a coffeeshop that I frequent, but after a recent visit, it's one I definitely plan on coming to more often. It's one of the rare coffee shops in LA (that isn't a Starbucks or another huge chain) that opens at 6 am. This location is on Abbot Kinney, meaning that it's fairly busy at all times, but you can score a seat if you come early on a weekday. The baristas are always friendly and despite how busy it is, always manage to get my coffee out fairly quickly. Ambiance is pleasant and airy with high ceilings. Coffee is always excellent. My go-to is the avena latte, which is delicious with added cayenne pepper. Would highly recommend, and one of my favorite coffee shops on the west side.
Skip This Coffee Shop! Intelligentsia Coffee has locations throughout Los Angeles. Usually you have good service and they care about their output. My experience at this location was horrible! I spent 7.50 before tip on a coffee drink. The drink was premade and came out of a tap. Cup slammed on the bar. When I picked up the cup to get a lid, the drink leaked on me as the cup was broken. Returned the drink to the counter and was asked what do you want me to do: any place with customer service will say ok let me replace it. And perhaps provide the customer with something as leaked on them and they had to come back. Note drink was only 3/4th full in the cup when I initially received it. As for cleanliness of the place: it could be cleaner. Too many people. Plus bathroom was dirty and without toilet paper. Both rolls were empty. When you are charging this much for drinks, you would expect the shop to be kept up!
I love intelligentsia and how calm and artsy the ambience is. They always have a good playlist, and it's a perfect place to have a hot tea or their delicious lattes. The baristas are always so friendly, service with a smile, and I'm just obsessed with the layout of this cafe! They have a lot of beautiful art displayed across the cafe.
Was looking for coffee shops along Abbot Kinney and stumbled upon this one! The outside contains a large mural of horses and the Venice Beach sign. It was stunning and there were tables facing the mural for people to do work and sit around. The inside was also really nice and aesthetic but oh boy it was crowed. There were tables lined up facing the coffee area and also seats at the counter itself. I decided to get one of their signature drinks, Avena latte. It was sooo delicious and creamy, you can really taste the orange peel. The coffee though isn't too strong. Nice pick-me up location that's conveniently accessible and close to Venice Beach. Studying here might be difficult though as there's very limited spots and can get crowded.
I stopped into Intelligentsia in Venice for a coffee with friends and it ended up being a really pleasant experience, especially since I am still pretty new to coffee. I am definitely not a coffee expert, but even I could tell the drink I ordered was smooth and well made. It had a clean, balanced flavor that did not feel too strong or overwhelming, which I appreciated. They only had two holiday drink options, but both were festive and fun without being overly complicated. It made it easy for someone like me, who usually feels a little indecisive when ordering coffee. The prices were a bit higher than I expected. I know Abbott Kinney tends to lean pricier, but a few items still surprised me. It would not stop me from going back, but it is something to keep in mind if you are just popping in for a quick drink. What really stood out to me was the atmosphere of the Venice location. It is genuinely a great place to get some work done. The space feels calm but still has enough energy to keep you motivated. Being right on Abbott Kinney means you are steps away from great shopping and plenty of places to wander during a break. It feels like the perfect mix of convenience and comfort, especially if you need a change of scenery during the day. Overall, Intelligentsia Venice is a solid spot for quality coffee, easy seasonal choices, and a productive work environment. Even as a relative newcomer to the coffee scene, I enjoyed it and would definitely stop by again.
Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney is like stepping back into the Venice of the 90s--effortlessly cool, unassuming, and refreshingly free of pretense. It reflects the neighborhood's original charm, blending laid-back vibes with an inviting energy that feels like home. The interior strikes the perfect chord: understated with a slight edge, a space that draws you in whether you're meeting with a friend or grabbing your coffee to go. Everything here flows seamlessly, from the industrial design to the playlist that always seems to hit the right note conveying the perfect vibe for the moment. My ideal Saturday starts early, cruising down Abbot Kinney while the street is still quiet, and stopping at Intelligentsia for a Black Cat espresso before heading to the beach. It's become a self-care ritual--simple, grounding, and the perfect exhale. The lattes here are unmatched: mellow, rich, and flawlessly consistent. For those who know their coffee, the craftsmanship speaks for itself. Of all the coffee spots I've experienced over the years, this Intelligentsia remains my number one. It's not just a café; it's a nod to the old-school soul of Abbot Kinney. If you know, you know.
A very high 3 stars! My favorite thing is the space to work in. Seating is kind of hard and uncomfy if you're staying for a while but the ambience and vibes are great. There is some construction in the neighboring building so it can get loud/annoying. Staff are friendly. Very pricey charges $1 for honey/simple sweetener. Drinks are good but I do think for the price you are paying ($8-9 for a latte) you would expect more. Stronger flavors/coffee essence. read more
I love a coffee shop with a good seasonal menu. I got their mont blanc coffee which is black coffee (seems like a cold brew?) And there's orange oil. After I got obsessed with coffee with orange oil from Hopper and Burr, I wasn't able to find it again and I'm so happy to have found it here! Too bad it's so far for me. read more
1 month ago
I went to Santa Monica for my aunt's birthday celebration. Since I was driving over an hour to get to Santa Monica, I knew I had to make a stop at Intelligentsia Coffee. Back in the days, it used to be my favorite coffee and it brought back such nostalgia. It was busy on a Sunday afternoon. Inside were chill vibes. I saw people on their laptops while others were enjoying a cup of coffee with family/friends. I got the Iced Angeleno for $8.00 and added the vanilla cold foam for $1.50. Talk about a caffeine boost. Warning, do not consume in the afternoon if you want to sleep at night. It had four shots of espresso! read more
Super cute little local gem. Great drinks at good prices. Amazing vibes, very relaxed and homey. Love coming here. Everyone is nice and friendly too. Lived my oat milk latte and Americano. Definitely a go to. Parking might be challenging but drinks would make up for that. read more
8 days ago
First time at Intelligentsia Coffee upon a recent visit to AK. Had the seasonal smoke salted maple latte - delicious with oat milk. Also tried the cinnamon roll and it was one the best I had. Loved the vibe going in to the coffee spot almost a semi-hidden entry with lots of people mostly consumed by laptops vs folks having coffee together - granted went there on an early weekday. With other java spots on AK, this might be one that tops my list. read more
Business owner information
Kris D.
We're very glad you stopped by and took time to leave this review,…
24 days ago
Good ambiance to work for a short while. Music can get loud but the wifi is steady. VERY mid coffee for $7.50 read more
I was debating between a 4 or 5 star review. 5 for ambiance, vibe, seating, and the clean street view. I do love this spot as a hang. The staff also get a 5 star, and are super friendly. The coffee, to my surprise, is very limiting in selection - for instance, they have no dark roast option for any of their beverages. This was surprising. I don't particularly like light roast and find myself coming back for the mediocre coffee, but worth it for the amazing hang. read more
Intelligentsia isn't a coffeeshop that I frequent, but after a recent visit, it's one I definitely plan on coming to more often. It's one of the rare coffee shops in LA (that isn't a Starbucks or another huge chain) that opens at 6 am. This location is on Abbot Kinney, meaning that it's fairly busy at all times, but you can score a seat if you come early on a weekday. The baristas are always friendly and despite how busy it is, always manage to get my coffee out fairly quickly. Ambiance is pleasant and airy with high ceilings. Coffee is always excellent. My go-to is the avena latte, which is delicious with added cayenne pepper. Would highly recommend, and one of my favorite coffee shops on the west side. read more
7 months ago
Business owner information
Kris D.
We appreciate you stopping by, Terrence! Glad to hear the experience…
Skip This Coffee Shop! Intelligentsia Coffee has locations throughout Los Angeles. Usually you have good service and they care about their output. My experience at this location was horrible! I spent 7.50 before tip on a coffee drink. The drink was premade and came out of a tap. Cup slammed on the bar. When I picked up the cup to get a lid, the drink leaked on me as the cup was broken. Returned the drink to the counter and was asked what do you want me to do: any place with customer service will say ok let me replace it. And perhaps provide the customer with something as leaked on them and they had to come back. Note drink was only 3/4th full in the cup when I initially received it. As for cleanliness of the place: it could be cleaner. Too many people. Plus bathroom was dirty and without toilet paper. Both rolls were empty. When you are charging this much for drinks, you would expect the shop to be kept up! read more
I love intelligentsia and how calm and artsy the ambience is. They always have a good playlist, and it's a perfect place to have a hot tea or their delicious lattes. The baristas are always so friendly, service with a smile, and I'm just obsessed with the layout of this cafe! They have a lot of beautiful art displayed across the cafe. read more
Business owner information
Kris D.
Thank you for your visit and the kind words, Ruby. We're glad you…
8 months ago
Was looking for coffee shops along Abbot Kinney and stumbled upon this one! The outside contains a large mural of horses and the Venice Beach sign. It was stunning and there were tables facing the mural for people to do work and sit around. The inside was also really nice and aesthetic but oh boy it was crowed. There were tables lined up facing the coffee area and also seats at the counter itself. I decided to get one of their signature drinks, Avena latte. It was sooo delicious and creamy, you can really taste the orange peel. The coffee though isn't too strong. Nice pick-me up location that's conveniently accessible and close to Venice Beach. Studying here might be difficult though as there's very limited spots and can get crowded. read more
Business owner information
Kris D.
Thank you for checking us out in Venice, Christina! We appreciate the…
7 months ago
I stopped into Intelligentsia in Venice for a coffee with friends and it ended up being a really pleasant experience, especially since I am still pretty new to coffee. I am definitely not a coffee expert, but even I could tell the drink I ordered was smooth and well made. It had a clean, balanced flavor that did not feel too strong or overwhelming, which I appreciated. They only had two holiday drink options, but both were festive and fun without being overly complicated. It made it easy for someone like me, who usually feels a little indecisive when ordering coffee. The prices were a bit higher than I expected. I know Abbott Kinney tends to lean pricier, but a few items still surprised me. It would not stop me from going back, but it is something to keep in mind if you are just popping in for a quick drink. What really stood out to me was the atmosphere of the Venice location. It is genuinely a great place to get some work done. The space feels calm but still has enough energy to keep you motivated. Being right on Abbott Kinney means you are steps away from great shopping and plenty of places to wander during a break. It feels like the perfect mix of convenience and comfort, especially if you need a change of scenery during the day. Overall, Intelligentsia Venice is a solid spot for quality coffee, easy seasonal choices, and a productive work environment. Even as a relative newcomer to the coffee scene, I enjoyed it and would definitely stop by again. read more
Business owner information
Kris D.
We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review, Rachel! Thank…
Intelligentsia on Abbot Kinney is like stepping back into the Venice of the 90s--effortlessly cool, unassuming, and refreshingly free of pretense. It reflects the neighborhood's original charm, blending laid-back vibes with an inviting energy that feels like home. The interior strikes the perfect chord: understated with a slight edge, a space that draws you in whether you're meeting with a friend or grabbing your coffee to go. Everything here flows seamlessly, from the industrial design to the playlist that always seems to hit the right note conveying the perfect vibe for the moment. My ideal Saturday starts early, cruising down Abbot Kinney while the street is still quiet, and stopping at Intelligentsia for a Black Cat espresso before heading to the beach. It's become a self-care ritual--simple, grounding, and the perfect exhale. The lattes here are unmatched: mellow, rich, and flawlessly consistent. For those who know their coffee, the craftsmanship speaks for itself. Of all the coffee spots I've experienced over the years, this Intelligentsia remains my number one. It's not just a café; it's a nod to the old-school soul of Abbot Kinney. If you know, you know. read more
1 year ago
5/5 great music and ambience if your looking for a remote cafe to work in but if you have meetings it can be pretty loud. There is also outdoor sitting as well. Great customer service and friendly staff . read more
6 months ago
Very cool coffee shop with lots of space to work. I also loved how they serve their coffee... I just got a regular drip but they gave it to me on a tray with another cup full of coffee so that I could refill it myself. The drip tasted pretty good! read more
Business owner information
Kris D.
Glad to hear you and enjoyed the coffee and presentation, Alex! We…
2 years ago
Intelligentsia coffee was one of most beloved coffee shops ever. Not only their drinks were delicious but their cafes were super cool with awesome decore especially the ones that team up with "green Door" group! I had the same vision about their location in Venice but unfortunately it was a bummer to see that this location was not anything special. I got their famous Aveno latte (half sweet) based on the barista's recommendation with a dust of Cayenne pepper. Unfortunately I could only taste the pepper and the milk. The coffee tasted so flavorless and weak. The inside is so plain and boring.... The parking is a nightmare but there are paid parkings in the back. I will be not returning for sure to this location. Perhaps I will go back to the greendoor location in Carson but not anytime soon! read more
1 year ago
Many customers were working on their MacBooks, creating a calm and creative environment. The ambiance was fantastic. I found free parking nearby, which was very convenient. I highly recommend this place. read more
1 year ago
Okay, I'm convinced. This is some fantastic coffee :O !!! I can't believe of my 6 years living in LA, this is my first time trying this place. The ambiance here is so hipster and lively, but that really goes for any place in Venice, esp Abbott Kinney. Service was a bit slow tho; this may be due to the fact I came on a holiday. The baristas were friendly and you can tell they really know their regulars (: I ordered an iced vanilla latte ($7.50) which was incredibly smooth, and I could actually taste unique hints of their distinguished beans. I got a ham & cheese croissant as well which was from the same vendor that supplies many surrounding cafes in LA, so nothing special there (they also don't heat up your pastry, sigh); plus, they charged $8 for this, whereas it is $5 for the exact same pastry at other places like Demitasse in SM. This cafe is a great place to get some work done as they have various types of seating (counter, upper stage, side chairs flanking the bar, outdoor tables). Outlets are scarce though--I think I only spotted 2--so try to charge your electronics prior to coming here. They have a restroom for patrons to use. Parking can be tricky, but we saw a lot of street parking stalls open (non-metered) as well as a small lot in the back. Overall, Intelligentsia is defs on the pricier side here but I'd come back for their quality coffee and work space. I recommend visiting to anyone in the Venice area~ read more
1 year ago
Came here for a pick-me-up after lunch. Place was packed, but the line moved quickly. Service was pleasant and efficient. I ordered the Avena Latte, which I appreciated came with oat milk (for those with lactose intolerance, you get me)! Pretty well-spiced with notes of cinnamon and ginger; however, it was a bit on the watery side, and I wished for more of a cayenne pepper kick. All in all, decent spot for coffee in a trendy part of Venice! read more
1 year ago
I used to love Intelligentsia in the past. Always going there when I was in LMU before class. After years of living in Indonesia, I'm finally back here for the nostalgia and the good coffee. But somehow, it all changed. The place itself is still crowded as usual, service is just the same but the sad part is the interior is now filled with paintings and the merch are put in a cart. I'm fine with the artsy stuff but it's just all around the place, which kinda becomes messy. I miss the hom Coffee was surprisingly not great, too bitter and milk was too much. My favorite place is kinda gone now and it saddens me so much :( hope they can improve their coffee. read more
I like this place a lot! It's got a lot of space and the interior is cool and industrial. Lotsss of seating indoor, with some out front, too. The employees I encountered were all friendly and my iced latte was really delicious! I will say, the vanilla flavor in my drink is quite faint -- I just asked for more syrup. There are also a good selection of pastries that look delicious. I know where to go when I'm in Venice! read more
While Intelligentsia is a tad pricey for me (I'm balling on a budget) the food and drinks are wonderful, and keep me coming back for more. I'm particularly partial to their cinnamon roll (tastes like a sourdough and has a fluffy cream cheese whip on top) that offsets the bold flavors of their mocha. The baristas are welcoming and very efficient-- even if there's an initial line, they are quick to work through the orders and maintain quality, a testament to their craft. Generally, this coffee shop is bustling with people working on laptops, friends meeting here for drinks and the occasional family. Regardless of who is here, the shop is generally calm and pleasant to be in. Seating might be hard to find (they have outdoor and indoor) but it seems like that's because people don't want to leave and I don't blame them. read more
1 year ago
3 months ago
Oh, sad. A surprisingly disappointing way to end my last coffee drink of the year for me, with my final coffee order from Intelligentsia on the last day of 2023. I arrived at 11:40 AM, waited in line for about 10 minutes, and ordered a simple drink--an oat milk latte. Strangely, after I placed my order, the cashier in a grey shirt with a bit of a mustache mistakenly shouted 'one chai latte?' I promptly moved to the left with the other waiting customers. I observed the two gentlemen in front of me receiving their drinks, followed by four others after me, leading me to suspect my drink might have been overlooked. I approached the sole female barista on duty today, inquiring if my order was missed. Her response was, 'Oh, I think we got confused on your order and gave it to someone else... (??)' Despite my clear visibility standing to the left of the ordering line, their indifference was apparent. Though the latte only took a minute to prepare, there was no apology. I acknowledge I'm often too accommodating; I should have spoken up 15 minutes earlier. Having lived in LA for over 5 years, I remember this location being better in the past. I concur with some negative reviews--there's a sense of snobbishness, indifference, and rudeness among the workers. Their poor customer service today validates those reviews. Additionally, their latte quality is subpar. Previously a 5/5, I now feel a 2/5 rating is generous. I'll choose their other locations in the future. read more
Bright airy atmosphere, lots of seating! Friendly and efficient service. Iced matcha tea was yummy and the matcha tasted like it was high quality. Solid pastry selection, I think they get theirs from Sugarbloom? Great place to hang out with friends or do some work. Gets pretty busy on weekends. read more
Vibes inside were really nice, good place to get work done but it can get a little busy so noise is definitely there. I got the cherry grenadine. I was really skeptical of it at first because the barista said it has a tart flavor and can get bitter if you order the mocha. I settled for just the normal latte with oat milk. My total was about $7 after tip. The drink itself was pretty good but it didn't taste much like cherry. It also didn't taste like any other regular latte so I'd say there is probably the most subtly fruit flavor to the drink. The barista was very helpful in answering my questions about their menu. My friend got their avena latte and I would definitely come back for the two drinks we ordered. The avena was more of like a cinnamon latte which was nice as someone who loves cinnamon. The parking can get tricky, then again, it's Venice. We had to find street parking somewhere else and walk but it was nice to take a look at the cool little stores around. read more
I have visited this coffee shop quite a few times. But it's been a while. I'm the kind of person who will stick to what works. I always ordered a vanilla iced latte and it was delicious. The croissants they carry are some of the best in town. Service I can't say is all that great. They are busy, yes. But there is something about it that doesn't quite seem welcoming. I don't know, maybe that's just me. I ordered a vanilla latte, not iced. And an egg and ham biscuit. Both shockingly disappointing. The coffee for one was not as rich as I recall it, and I didn't taste any vanilla in it. The sandwich was great in size, but a little bland. I don't know about you but if I pay $18 for a coffee and a sandwich, it better be worth it. read more
3 years ago
3.5 stars as this intelligentsia did not compare to my experience in Austin. I brought my boyfriend here in hopes to get the incredible nitro matcha latte I got in Austin that was easily better than any I've ever had. Sadly I arrived to this location which did not offer that drink, which was weird to me since it's a chain. Anyways, I ended up getting an iced oat milk matcha latte with some sweetener, it was good, but being I had the idea of what I had at the other intelligentsia location I wasn't that impressed. The flavors earthy and definitely needs the sweetener if you don't like the dirty kinda taste. The workers also have this kind of stuck up and careless energy. The lack of care for normal customer service bothered me as most cafes have chipper people who seem to care about providing positive service, I did not get that vibe here. Workers seemed kinda rude and didn't give much to care to giving good service. Also did not give me much matcha for the ridiculous price of nearly $8. It was halfway filled, maybe less and then all ice, and still then was not full. For the price, I would expect the drink and experience to match but it did not. They should get the nitro matcha latte as it is much better than the iced one. Not sure I'll come back. read more
I really like the layout of this cafe, great place to sit and do work or have a chat with friends. The coffee and tea is good too, I got the avena latte iced and they asked if I wanted to actually put the cayenne on top and I said yes, it was an interesting touch but I would get it again. read more
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More info about Intelligentsia Coffee
1331 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
Venice
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(310) 399-1233
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http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/
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Ask the Community - Intelligentsia Coffee
Hi, what days of the week do you offer discounts on your bags of whole bean coffee? Thanks!
Are there restrooms in the store that customers can use?
Hello! We do not currently have restrooms for public use as the inside of our cafe is currently closed to the public. Our apologies for any inconvenience!
How hard is it to find street parking? Thanks!
It's a little difficult, depending on the day and time, if you come early, should be easy but it's usually a two our limit. Weekends might be a little troublesome.
What's the closest to "bulletproof" (butter & MCT oil in your coffee) you can get here? Do they have butter?
Hi Amanda! Unfortunately we do not have any "bulletproof" coffee/butter on the menu.
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Intelligentsia Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026
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