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Lost Souls Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles, California
Personal story by
Waltski-Rocks
created on
Nov 17, 08
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If Starbucks is a full throttled proclamation, then Lost Souls Cafe is a whispered secret known to the true coffee lovers in Los Angeles. Vintage and secluded, created by the minds of non-corporate and non-trendy dreamers, the cafe offers its patrons a taste of self expression, serenity, and open artistry. I was very pleased to have been invited to join a friend for a cold drink and great conversation in this rustic yet jazzy environment. So this Yelp review is my contribution to say thank you to the staff and owners of Lost Souls Cafe. The service and hospitality was SUPREME!
Unlike the trendy coffee shops, Lost Souls works on the different consistencies with their beans. Grinding is one of the key aspects that separate them from the norm. They're secret method capture the bean's flavorful oils and keep them isolated in a timely manner to ensure their drinker will enjoy the richest of finer or coarse coffee. The extraction time is very important and executed on every drink here. Since it was one of hottest days in LA, I wasn't feeling a hot drink. It was nearly 102 degrees that afternoon so I opted for the Cookie Monster from the Soul Cooler menu. My barista, Dustin, did an excellent job on this ice blended beverage. This whirlwind of Toddy coffee, vanilla, Oreos, crushed ice, and non-fat milk tasted like heaven. Not too sweet but enough make the sesame street character come back for more. The forefront of Oreos did not overpower the toddy coffee and vanilla that lingered the background. I couldn't compare it to any other beverage because this drink is in own league - taste and presentation. I couldn't get too much information about their Toddy process but I assume its one of their best kept secrets. I do have future plans on returning to the caf and trying each beverage. Again, it's the grinding process that makes them unique.
Let point out the a few things to help make your visit a pleasurable one:
- Recommend Times: Visit in early morning or late afternoon and you'll find time to chill, hang out, and not rush into the commuter traffic. If you're looking to catch up on your reading or studies then I recommend during the early afternoons between 1pm - 4pm.
- Meriendas (the light meals): Sandwiches, desserts, and parfaits are pre-made and nicely displayed. The cafe only presents the best in local meriendas that is hand picked by the owners. There's no processed or manufactured foods here.
- Parking maybe difficult. I wouldn't want anyone to drive around fighting and searching for street parking. I suggest parking at the local lots and paying the flat fees. I was able to find two local lots that are one block away - Paragon Parking and Joe's Auto Parks on South Main St. Yes, it's like $5.00-$8.00 depending on which day you visit, but you get to enjoy a few hours in one part of historic LA. This is an opportunity to explore the area surrounding Central City (a district in downtown LA).
- Free Wi-Fi Access: Yes, feel free to bring your laptop and headphones. Again, the cafe offers a place of serenity for anyone looking to get work done or escape from the everyday norm.
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