The best coffee shops in Brentwood

Located just off of the freeway, this tiny "shack" is directly behind the swanky Bel Air Bar + Grill restaurant. Grab a cup of joe in the mornings (they open early), or stop by for an afternoon pick-me-up. The cafe serves Groundwork coffee, in addition to breakfast items such as a breakfast burrito, bagels and lox, as well as lunch items, such as salads, soups and sandwiches. The staff here is friendly and there are alfresco tables, should you choose to eat outside. Note: the only views here are of gas station patrons and traffic on the 405, which explains why most people get their coffee to-go. The coffee shop doubles as a mini convenient store with cards, bottles of wine, candy, smoothies, and more on hand—providing quick and easy snacks to the small Bel Air neighborhood that is not quite in Westwood (south of Sunset) and not quite in Brentwood (west of the 405). So if you find yourself stuck in traffic on Sepulveda, head to this casual community pit stop coffee shop.

Restaurant, bakery and market, Brentwood Country Mart's Farmshop is the one-stop shop for Angelenos with an expense account—from local Brentwood moms to all of Hollywood. Brunch, lunch and dinner—at the helm of Thomas Keller's ex-right hand man, Jeffrey Cerciello, who never fires a misstep—focuses on seasonal, local ingredients. Brunch is exceptional—try the French toast made from thick brioche slices topped with seasonal fruit or housemade pastrami and eggs, while to-go (courtesy of the market and bakery) items like Sunday fried chicken and pre-made sandwiches are perfect for a gourmet picnic. The coffee poured here is Lamill and delicious when paired with one of the freshly baked goods.

Fresh-baked pies, pastries, cookies, danishes, cakes and bread line the shelves of this family-owned bakery. Pull up a chair on the patio and tuck into a rosemary chicken sandwich, one of several reasonably-priced savory options on the menu. Their coffee is fantastic as well, and pairs perfectly with a breakfast treat.

Enter the double blue doors of this quaint French café that’s more of a patisserie than your average coffee shop. Expect all things French—quiche, gateau, ratatouille, soups, omelettes and more. Pull up a seat, grab a coffee and take in the Parisian vibes; there are even alfresco seats out front for prime people watching as well as picnic tables in the back. The best part? There’s free Wi-Fi as well as parking behind the café, so you don’t have to hunt for a spot on Wilshire.

This Brentwood charmer, adorably situated at the front of Tavern restaurant, is where you go to pick up a prepared artisan sandwich and fresh croissant before heading on your merry Westside way. Try the "Monkey Bread," chocolate croissants, and buttery cookies to pair with your cappuccino. There are pre-packages foods (think: salads and sandwiches) on hand as well, in case you stop by for an on-the-go lunch.

This homey coffee shop is like grabbing a cup of joe and eats in your own living room—if you were to live in a cottage. Order from the large chalkboard menu and take a seat near the fireplace at night or in the garden patio (the best seat in the house) on a sunny day. The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner items, plus a full drink menu that boasts specialty items such as Honey Spiced Latte and espresso beverages for picky drinkers—they have dairy, soy, rice and almond milk. There's free Wi-Fi and the cafe stays open until 11pm every night, perfect for late night study sessions. The cozy atmosphere is furthered by themed nights, hosted by the cafe, including Grilled Cheese Night 6-11pm on every Tuesday, where $5 will get you chips, salsa and grilled cheese sandwiches, with any beverage purchase.