I totally thought I'd written a review to go w/ my rating, but apparently not! I visited a couple months ago w/ a friend, and when we asked what they had tables out for (that they were cleaning up), they said Yori had its pop-up there as one of the stops for the LA Bakery Walk! The Saero owner must've been friends w/ the owners of Yori because he asked if we wanted to try a BLT sandwich each. I was so happy & excited b/c I'd actually wanted to try the LA Bakery Walk but didn't get the opportunity to and had no idea my friend & I would somehow end up getting to have a taste of it! We enjoyed our BLT's so much; prob the best tasting one in recent memory (this sounds like a review for Yori, but I'm also highlighting Saero's generosity/hospitality XD). Afterwards, we each ordered a drink and highly enjoyed those as well (smooth, w/ strong espresso flavor), esp in the very calm atmosphere at Saero where our voices didn't have to compete against really loud music and aggressively working espresso machines. Super hard to find parking for but a great spot for an early Sunday morning when more ppl are likely to be sleeping in (; read more

#198 in my Coffeeshop Chronicles. I was at St. Vincent's getting my bracelet fixed and per usual, I found myself in desperate need of a caffeine fix. A quick yelp search led me to Saero in walking distance. I ordered their Layered earl grey and their cornbread latte. Both drinks were pretty small for the price, and not worth it, in my opinion. The drinks tasted fine but neither were memorable or stood out to me when compared to similar drinks I've had elsewhere. Ultimately, I felt like the two drinks fell short and didn't deliver. ****************** My Ratings: 1 Star: Terrible; just thinking about it makes me angry. 2 Stars: Wasn't a fan so Not likely to return. 3 Stars: Meh. Average. Might return if others drag me. 4 Stars: Yum! Likely to return. 5 Stars: Amazing! Would plan my day around it. read more

3.5/5! i saw it was like #7 beli list on top matcha in LA but it wasn't that amazing to me tbh. when i got home i saw it went to #10 lol i knew i wasn't tripping we got the regular matcha einspanner (thicker and creamier) and strawberry version (more liquid-y and sweet like ice cream) read more

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8/10 Got the matcha einspanner with oat milk. Great matcha and tastes really similar to dumbstruck which is my favorite matcha so far. Onlyy thing is $10 for a matcha is killing my soul, but the interior is vibey at least read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Checked out Saero as part of my quest to find THE BEST Eapresso Tonic in DTLA... ...how did they fare? First off, let me just say that they're a nice, clean spot located in the Spring St. Arcade building which is the perfect rest stop from the hustle and/or bustle of a DTLA stroll. The verdict? Not bad, but not top tier like my current #1 tie: Virtu Coffee and Soro Coffee... ...THE BIG DIFFERENCE? No citrus slice in the drink. It's that peel that really balances out the flavors and without that, I can't, in good conscience, award that fifth and final star. read more

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Personally my favorite matcha in LA!! I love a strong matcha flavor and Saero delivers. The most hyped matcha spots around LA have strong matcha as well, but their drinks are too thick and viscous for my liking. I prefer the matcha here at Saero because it's smoother and more refreshing. The sweetness is perfect and not too sweet. Service is quick and I've personally never seen a line. The spot is in an indoor area with other shops and restaurants around. The cafe is clean, buts it's more of a place to go in and out. There isn't much seating, just a few benches. Even though I love this place, parking is always a hassle in Downtown LA. I try to find meter parking. read more

Saero - Hojicha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The street parking is so cancer, I'd suggest parking in the lot right next to saero, i forgot if it's 5 or 10 but you have to be there for 10 minutes only or something like that for $5? The drink wasn't that good nor memorable but I remember it being decent, somewhere in a top 10. The service was pretty quick since there wasn't any line. The stores pretty small but a pretty cute minimalist aesthetic to it. read more

Saero - Matcha Einspänner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Stopped by this shop on weekday, there was only one staff but she was so friendly and helpful. I ordered a hand pour- Huke Washing Station, Ethiopia. Unfortunately all of their beans are light roasted, so the acidic level is high/noticeable. I'm not a fan of high acidic coffee in general, but I still wanted to try. As described, I tasted mostly the mandarin note and unavoidable notes of sourness. My coworkers ordered matcha latte, they use brown sugar as their sweetener which is very unusual. They rated their matcha latte as average. Overall this place is slightly highly priced, the portion is very small. The store is small but clean and simple. A great place for a quick drink, but not highly recommended. Parking is also tough. read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The layered matcha here was strong AF. Good if you're looking for a strong matcha that's almost bitter. There was still a subtle sweetness though. I got it with oat milk and it was $10 I also tried my friend's matcha einspanner and that one was good, just less strong. Coffee shop inside had an aesthetic design with some seating and tables outside in the hall. I don't think it's ideal for working/studying at, but more so a pit stop to relax at. read more

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My sister and I love to try different coffee shops within the LA area. Saero is less than a mile away from us and we were surprised we have not stopped by before. Downtown LA is extremely difficult when it comes to parking, be prepared to either pay $10-$20 or circle around a few times for street parking. Barista is friendly and the space feels welcoming. It is a well maintained establishment and aesthetic. Seating is limited and don't think it is ideal if you would like to sit down and study or work. The coffee is decent. I had high expectations since all the pictures looked promising. Unfortunately, the coffee had nothing unique nor memorable. It is on the pricier side, which I typically don't mind IF the coffee is great. You expect high quality, creativity, and richness in flavor when paying premium prices; Saero did not deliver. Worth trying, but definitely not my favorite. read more

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*Note: TDLR at the end of the review Cornbread Latte: 6/10 It was good? Corn flavor is there. Espresso was good. The breadcrumbs on top was weird. Granted it is a "cornbread latte." Idk I'd rather you put a thin slice of moist cornbread on top or something. Or like a cornbread crisp. I'm taking a sip and then BOOM, I'm choking on some cracker crumbs LOL. I appreciate the thought of trying to add texture, but the crumbs are just weird and don't mix well. Also, bro $8.25 For a fuckin toddler's cup? Yeah yeah it's DTLA, but shit, at least be worth the $8.25 instead of being two sips of coffee and a cup full of fuckin ice. Service: 5/10 It was service. They take your order, make your coffee, and call your name. Ambiance: 7/10 It was a super small place, but the inside and outdoor were aesthetic af. Cool place for a short chat, but I'd say it's more of a grab and go for sure. It's super cramped when there's a line. Super instagramable. For parking, it's DTLA, you know already. TDLR: I swear all these reviews are performative af. Coffee absolutely not worth the price whatsoever. Small size and full cup of ice for $8.25. Idgaf that it's DTLA. I will say that it's Instagram worthy, so if you want aesthetic photos, this place is great. Absolutely would not come back here lol. read more

Saero - Cornbread Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Super yummy matcha spot. The matcha here is VERY green and has a strong, rich flavor without being overly bitter. My only complaint is that I wish the drink was bigger because I finished it way too fast. I'd put it almost at Community Goods level. Honestly, I think the matcha itself might even be better than Community Goods, but the cream top isn't quite as good. Top 10 matcha on Beli for a reason :) The only downside is parking can be a bit annoying, and it's located inside a small plaza rather than having its own standalone space. That said, the interior is super aesthetic, clean, and a nice place to hang out while enjoying your drink. Definitely worth checking out if you're a matcha lover. read more

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Yumm the matcha & coffee here is delish! Been coming here multiple times throughout the year and brought a few friends with us and they never disappoint us. The owner is friendly and the vibes are on point. Would def recommend. Loved the cornbread latte and strawberry matcha read more

Saero - Strawberry matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I got a vanilla iced latte. Staff was friendly but it was hard to find parking. The drink was a little too watered down. Did not enjoy read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

2/20/2026 LAYERED MATCHA Matcha is from a small farm in Kagoshima in Japan. Unnamed brand. White label. Creamy, sweet, bright, clean, light bitterness at end. Vegetal in taste, light nutty almond flavor. Matcha is pre-mixed and made. However, this layered matcha was so good! It is life-changing matcha! The matcha itself is sweet with a creaminess to it. Good mouthfeel. It was so good that I ordered two! Do not sleep on this drink! LAYERED EARL GREY Strong Earl Grey flavor, strong bergamot scent. Creamy sweet. Not sweet as in sugar, but the cream was sweet. As an Earl Grey fan, this was delicious! However, the Layered Matcha was better, if I had to compare the two. SAËRO SIGNATURE This tasted creamy and sweet as well. Definitely from the cold top. Sharp smoky flavor of the coffee. Personally, it tasted like the usual cold top coffee you get anywhere minus the smoky flavor of the coffee. They have two savory baked items: Butter Salt Bread and Everything Salt Bread. SEATS / BATHROOM There are some seats inside and outside. It's all wooden bench seats. Not the most comfortable, but I did see people working on their laptops. Very quiet inside and no music playing either. The bathroom is right next to Säero. But you have to ask the security guard to open it for you. CUSTOMER SERVICE They were helpful and friendly. They answered some questions on where they source their matcha. PARKING Super hard to find parking! No street parking, super rare and difficult to find. Best to park at the paid public parking lot directly across the main entrance of Arcade Building. It is $13 for all day parking. You can purchase the ticket via machine. No attendants. This part of DTLA is crazy. Personally, this is my one and done place. I would come back if they opened elsewhere in a better area. Many shops have closed inside the Arcade Building. Not a lot of operating shops or restaurants inside. Not sure why they took that space. Parking is super difficult and also a difficult area to walk around too. That means less foot traffic, which is needed for businesses. read more

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Yes yes yes, a thousand times yes! Saero is one of those hard to forget matcha stops. This teeny shop with beautifully designed interior found the balance of having unforgettable crafted drinks and perfect vibe. I landed on the layer matcha, which is literally what it sounds like, a matcha base with a matcha cold foam. The matcha was perfectly colored, slightly sweet and all flavor. I overheard a few saying how their coffee is immaculate, so it seems like Saero is just overall doing it right! read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great matcha! Strong and delicious. I got the strawberry matcha, and my friend got the einspanner. Solid all around, a little pricier, but I'd say it's worth it for the most part. The space is located in a sort of literal food hall, and finding it can be a little tricky, but after a little walking, you will. The space is small inside, but they have "patio" seating outside the cafe itself, so it's a good place to sit and chat. It's very aesthetically pleasing with your typical minimal japandi style things. Because it's DTLA, parking can be a bit of a pain, and that's the only major downside. The baristas were kind and knowledgeable of the menu and made our drinks pretty quickly. read more

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On TikTok they were talking about their strawberry matcha, so I had to see what the hype was about! GETTING THERE: Very easy to get there via Metro. I believe it's street parking. Note that this place is tucked inside an arcade building, so if you navigate their via Google Maps, walk into the building looking thing and it's inside. WHAT I ORDERED: Ddalgi Matcha Einspanner THE DRINK: This was nice. The strawberry flavor definitely came through without overpowering the matcha, and the matcha was clearly good quality. I'm unsure if this was the best strawberry matcha I've ever had, especially for the price (this was $10.83 after tax, before tip, with an oat milk sub). SERVICE: Very open to answering my questions and drink came out fast! VIBES: Cute place that would be nice for grabbing coffee with a friend. There's some seating (including outside the shop) there but I don't necessarily think I would go there to get work done. BOTTOM LINE: I think this place is fairly solid - I would definitely want to come back to try the other drinks like the earl grey. read more

Saero - Ddalgi Matcha Einspanner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cute little spot! This is located near the Broadway theater in an alley like area filled with lots of restaurants. There's plenty of seating but parking is definitely a challenge. Luckily I was able to walk here from work! I got the hojicha Einspanner which was creamy and had just the right amount of bitterness. The cream on top was very sweet which balanced well with the tea but I think I would've liked it to be a little less sweeter. read more

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Was in the area and decided to try this place with a friend. We ordered the Säero Signature and the Layered Matcha, and unfortunately both were disappointing. The Säero Signature tasted mostly like milk, with the coffee coming through only as a faint aftertaste. I honestly couldn't distinguish any of the flavor notes. The Layered Matcha was just okay. The foam was very liquidy and quickly melted into the drink. While I liked the flavor of the foam on its own, it mixed in almost immediately, which weakened the matcha flavor. Once combined, the drink wasn't very creamy and felt flat overall. On top of that, parking was very difficult to find, which added to the overall frustration. Personally, I wouldn't return. read more

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Went on a coffee run to Saero Coffee today and it was a nice little coffee stop. I tried the ddalgi matcha einspänner, cold brew, and the Saero signature, and all three drinks were okay. The ddalgi matcha was a good blend of strawberry, matcha, and cream, your typical strawberry matcha. The cold brew was strong without being too bitter, and the Saero signature had a really rich, creamy flavor, but a little bitter. The cafe itself has a clean and modern vibe but it is pretty small. Service was friendly and the drinks came out quickly. read more

Saero - Saero Signature, Cold Brew, Ddalgi Matcha Einspanner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This is a great spot to catch if you're downtown. Parking might be a little tricky but in an easy spot right off the main street. Tried the cold brew and it was great! More on the mild side, does not have a complex flavor BUT mad decent and refreshing. I definitely recommend if you're into solid black coffee. Besides that the barista's were friendly and welcoming. The shop is very small but has some tables if you need to sit. Overall solid read more

If you're a matcha or coffee lover like me wandering around downtown LA, this spot called Säero is absolutely worth a visit. The space has a clean, modern vibe that feels inviting without trying too hard. Perfect for grabbing a drink, catching up with a friend, or getting a little work done. The standout for me was Ddalgi Matcha Einspänner, a blended drink made with matcha, milk, and strawberry. It's not just good but excellent. The flavors are beautifully balanced: the earthiness of the matcha comes through without being bitter, the milk creates a smooth creaminess, and the strawberry brings such a fresh, fruity sweetness that ties everything together. It's very refreshing, unique, and surprisingly addictive! Their other coffee and matcha drinks hold up just as well with reasonable pricing. No wonder it's always a wait every time we visit. A great spot with exceptional drinks, especially if you're looking to explore matcha beyond the basics. Säero alone is worth the trip. read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Yummmmm! This is a coffee shop that I can see myself going to every morning or even afternoon. The only downside is the location. It is located in downtown. We all know that downtown parking situation is really bad. Very expensive to park or very difficult to find a meter parking. Sunday meter parking is still free, however, finding a spot is insane. I drove 2 circles before finding a spot on Sunday. I was lucky to be able to park somewhat close by to the coffee shop. The staffs were nice and patience. I ordered their sig coffee and was hesitant on Hojicha or earl grey. I love Hojicha, but I heard good things about the earl grey here. So I didn't know which to choose. The staff (possibly the owner) was kind. He was really helpful on helping me decide lol I did end up with the earl grey. It was a good choice. For the sig coffee, I was already amazed with the first sip. It only got better and better. A perfect coffee for the morning. I was a bit sad because it was a pretty small cup for the price. I finished before I got to my car lol Earl grey!!! This was very good. The earl grey was strong. I loved it. With just these two drinks, I can pretty much say that all the other drinks would be good as well. Quality!! Drinks were well executed. I do want to visit again, but I dunno if I wanna drive in circles for parking... read more

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Downtown is a genius decision to open a cafe, matcha is fine. Latte sucks. Go to Koreatown instead

I was in the area picking up a cake so I decided to pop in for some coffee and was excited that they had a corn latte since they happen to be one of my favorite since becoming popular. The latte was really good and the corn flavor was perfectly balanced so it didn't overpower the coffee. I would definitely go back and try some of the other drinks. read more

Saero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Another top tier matcha spot to add to my top fav list for LA cafes! Def up there in my top 5 for me!! So far, I have visited Saero twice and have came to love the place! Saero located in a plaza in DTLA, which makes parking to be quite difficult. During my first time, I had to drop off my friend to order for us both and then picked her up. I was able to secure street parking on the second visit and get to sit and enjoy my matcha. I'm saying this because after all the trouble with parking, it was still worth it because of how good their matcha was! I ordered the Layered Matcha both time and it hit! The matcha was def deep and strong, yet not bitter and very umami! It is a little on the higher end in term of price, but it kinda like that for other matcha spot. The interior inside is pretty minimalistic, with stone like counters and wall, as well as added touches of wooden furnitures. There are some seatings inside and in front of the cafe. Can't wait to visit Saero again when I'm in the area! read more

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Solid new matcha/coffee shop in downtown! My partner and I decided to swing by here before grabbing some breakfast nearby. What we ordered: Layered matcha (9/10) - good quality ceremonial grade matcha. Topped with a house made matcha cream top. Not too sweet. Saero signature (7.5/10) - comes w/ double espresso shot which is good quality. Drink has good flavor not overly sweet. Downside is they only use whole milk for this drink. Overall it's a solid option in downtown for a good quality drink. It is pretty pricey though in my opinion. Both drinks came out to just under $20. Also the fact there's no dairy alternatives for their signature drinks kind of sucks. read more

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SOOOOO sauuuuuuuur good i came back 3x in one week. it's close to broken mouth too hehe! I love LOVE LOVE their ddagi matcha and hojicha. GENUINELY, the best hojicha i've had in a long time. I usually prefer matcha, but the hojicha over at saero TAKES THE CAKE. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, ive found places that have a similar flavor profile as the hojicha here but the creaminess is unmatched. IT TAKES GREAT EVEN MELTED, ah and the owner + workers are so nice. I hope their business goes well. I love the decor inside as well, its well thought out. Its expensive but its ok ill get saero again and cry LOL I'm enthusiastic, I'm hoping they open a location in oc, im always happy to come by. Just the parking situation sucks. read more

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The Matcha is very strong, creamy, earthy, and umami, but a bit astringent. Up there with Rōk & Stagger in terms of quality but I wouldn't ever come back because of the prices (matcha came out to $10 and salt bread was $7) and parking situation is a pain. They get their baked goods from a local baker, YORI Bakery. The inside filling of the Strawberry Salt Bread was fresh, fluffy, and they use real strawberry! But the salt bread itself was not as good as Out of Ordi's. Overall great spot but just not convenient for me and a little too overpriced, so go to KTown instead if you're able. read more

Saero - Layered Matcha & Strawberry Salt Bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Good coffee. Full bodied and rich in flavor. Definitely on the more expensive side. Store has an industrial/ minimalist feel, it's quiet with very low light, it's the type of place where you're not sure you're allowed to sit on the benches because they look like art. Service was fast, not friendly but not cold, just kind of sterile (maybe just have an ordering screen then?) It's not the type of place I would go to catch-up with a friend but would def come back just for the coffee. read more

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This place is on my list of favorite tea/coffee shops. I'm so glad I decided to stop by this location. I got a delicious Matcha Latte. It was one of the best Matcha's I've had from a coffee shop. They have top of the line ceremonial grade Matcha. The color is so bright green. I forgot to take a picture prior to demolishing the drink. Customer service was also excellent. I received preparation suggestions on the coffee my son purchased. I was worried about my Matcha being prepared with too much sweetener. I prefer Matcha with no sweetener. The sales person let me know that their Matcha is not heavily sweetened. He was absolutely correct. It was perfect! I will definitely go back and purchase more from Saero. read more

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Located in a cute little market and inside the shop itself is very tiny, unless you sit outside. We parked at the nearby parking spot which was $5 for first ten minutes and $20-$30 after that. Thank goodness our drinks came out in less than 5 minutes!! Layered matcha (7.5/10) was good, although the top could have been a little more sweet. It had a strong ceremonial matcha flavor. Our two drinks came out to be almost $20 for a small cup but that is LA for you :') I definitely prefer Rok or Community Goods more but this place was worth a try! read more

Saero - Layered matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're planning to stop by Saero in the DTLA, just a heads-up: there's no dedicated parking, so you'll have to use public lots nearby (around $15). Now the drinks; honestly worth the trip! The Layered Matcha is rich, bold, and super flavorful. The Ddalgi Matcha surprised me in the best way: the strawberry syrup is fragrant and creamy without being overly sweet or artificial. They also have pastries, and they're so good: fresh, buttery, and the perfect little treat to go with your matcha. Overall, a solid matcha stop in downtown if you don't mind the parking! read more

Saero - Ddalgi Matcha & Layered Matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Another stellar matcha spot in town and this time it's neither ktown nor silver lake, but DTLA! Yep I knew parking's tricky and traffic's a hassle but I would say it's worth the effort. The ceremonial grade matcha was bold and umami and the cream top wasn't just there for decoration or the look, but did complement the drink flawlessly. I had it with whole milk but it wasn't turning overly creamy with the strong matcha taste balancing the overall drink. It's indeed tad pricey hitting double digit with tip, but you paid for the quality you get. The venue did give the simple and aesthetic Japanese cafe vibe, though I needed to call out limited space available and it's not the kind of cafe you visited to sit down and work, but more for just enjoying your drink or socialize. Would certainly come back for their Hojicha or Earl Grey Latte! read more

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Newly opened cafe! super small but cute. Layered earl gray (5/5): absolute yes! everything i would want in an earl gray latte. would definitely come again for this drink. of note, only comes with whole milk. Layered matcha (3/5): not bad but not my favorite. the latte isn't very strong/rich but the cream on top is pretty good (but thin in consistency). Parking is very difficult!! We were lucky enough to find street parking but only after circling a couple of times. Very minimal amount of seating as well. read more

Saero - layered earl gray & layered matcha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Shop is super cute and minimal. Service was great and drinks arrived pretty fast. I definitely appreciated the cup quality and the espresso was surprisingly really good (for a person who rarely enjoys drinking espressos). The espresso was incredibly fragrant with a natural sweetness. Overall rating: Drink: 10/10 Service: 10/10 Menu: 10/10 Restaurant Vibes: 10/10 Price to Overall Dining (POD): 10/10 read more

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overall: I def want to come back to try their drinks. food: we got the layered earl grey, layered matcha, and hojicha einspanner. all the drinks were strong which i loved and not too sweet. service: staff were friendly and drinks came out pretty quickly. we came during a weekday morning and it wasn't busy. ambiance: some seating inside the store. the store is located in the spring arcade building so there are other shops and seating inside the building. parking is pretty bad granted it is in DLTA but i think it's worth it for the drinks. read more

Saero - layered earl grey, layered matcha, hojicha einspanner - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Happy Soft Grand Opening! (: Finally a new matcha/coffee joint for historic DTLA! I am so thrilled and excited to welcome Andrew and his friendly team to Arcade center. I normally go to Damo which is such a cluster annoyance to get into. I got the Layered Matcha and it doesn't disappoint! Super earthy, strong, and a hint of sweetness! They also have Hojicha (richer taste less caffeine) lattes too?! (Need to try next time) I am in heaven. Update: tried the Hojicha latte w/ almond and it's so good! I'm really picky and judgmental about Hojicha and they do it right!!! It's strong and you get the Hoji flavor(: I'm thrilled and happy about that now I have to decide what mood I'm in matcha or Hoji lol Light amount of seating they have wood bench seating with sleek metal side tables for those who are strolling and need to rest and enjoy your latte. I hope they have such great traffic and thrive! Their matcha is the best in DTLA as of today! Please support local and be sure to check this spot out if you are a matcha/hojicha lover! read more

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my friend said this was one of her favorite matcha spots and i finally got a chance to try! i came on saturday around 11am. i got the matcha einspanner bc i loove a cream top, and this one had condensed milk which i haven't tried in a cream top before! the condensed milk flavor def was prominent, so if you like that flavor you'd love the drink. it went super well with the matcha and was the perfect amount of sweetness for me. the staff are also very kind and the cafe itself is in such a cute area with other food and little lights hanging from the ceiling. there was metered parking on the street and i'm glad i found a spot since it was pretty busy. read more

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