The Coffee Roaster

If you miss the jumble of chairs infront of The Coffee Roaster entrance, don't worry—your nose will lead the way. A Sherman Oaks staple since 1987, this homey little coffee shop continues to roast beans from around the world in-house (hence the giant roaster and bags of beans to the left as you enter). A small bar with a couple stools is the only place to sit inside, but feel free to shop around while Tracey Meehan—the motherly owner who is normally behind the counter—pours your drink. Prices are steep (a small 8-ounce cup of drip coffee goes for $3.75) but it's the quality here that sticks out. The daily brew changes every 24 hours, but there is also a rotating list of medium brews on the menu, as well as fresh pastries and a jar of chocolate biscotti that is a must for dunking. More of a tea person? Tins boasting all kinds of flavors line the wall for purchase, as do coffee paraphernalia ideal for at-home brewing.