Balconi Coffee Company (CLOSED)

This specialty coffee hideout—just outside Olympic Collection, near bustling Sawtelle Blvd—is the place to go when you need a somewhat dark and quiet space for a cup of joe. Once inside, you're greeted by giant French film posters and a bit of random and obscure wall art, but the main focus here is the coffee and brewing techniques. Balconi is known for their siphon (think: chemistry lab-like contraption) vacuum coffee and espresso. If dip coffee is your thing, choose from one of the six global blends courtesy of Verve and Four Barrel, brewed to perfection using the glass siphons. A must-try is the shop's unique Almond Espresso Latte ($4.25), made with espresso, steamed Clover Organic Farms' whole milk (the only other option here is soy milk) and sweetened pulverized almonds—it tastes like liquid marzipan. And if you're all java'd out, opt for the popular matcha Green Tea Latte ($3.50). Don't fret—you'll still get your fill of caffeine.