Ever since I arrived at the University of Southern California, I’ve been on the hunt for a cute, quaint cafe to study in and live out my “Lady Bird” fantasy. What’s a girl to do? Study at Leavey Library?
No, the best cup of coffee doesn’t lay at the Annenberg Cafe Feat Illy or the School of Cinematic Arts Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (although, I must say I love both). And, it’s definitely not at the USC Village Starbucks — consistently overrun with elbowing freshmen and PhD students hungry for their next caffeine fix.
I ventured outside campus, into University and Exposition Park, for my quest. I evaluated the cafes according to three criteria:
1. Caffeination (Or, do I feel the buzz?)
2. Affordability (Not trying to spend a pretty penny on lattes)
3. Overall Vibes (The “Lady Bird” effect. Can I see myself studying here and meeting the love of my life?)
Bonus points if it’s quiet and relatively unknown — especially if it’s a small business.
USC has a history of shutting down staples like Nickii Park’s Keck Hospital coffee stands and the beloved Ground Zero Performance Cafe in favor of corporate chains. Support these unique, local coffee shops instead; all within walking distance of campus.
1. With Love Market & Cafe
By far, this cafe was my favorite discovery. Located at South Vermont Ave just north of the freeway, With Love Market & Cafe boasts a wide variety of Mexican-fusion coffees, freshly pressed ginger shots, and even an on-site market that accepts CalFresh EBT. The shop possesses an alluring, vintage charm to it with its bright, orange decor and secluded outdoor seating. What’s not to love?
I tried one of their most popular drinks: the horchata latte. It did not disappoint. The latte was a perfect blend of cinnamon, espresso, and vanilla — yet, it wasn’t too sweet. I can’t stand it when the flavorings overpower the natural coffee flavors. Needless to say, I felt buzzed.
Other standout beverages include the Cafe de Olla, a traditional Mexican beverage spiced with piloncillo sugar and cinnamon; The Fuego, a mango, pineapple, and citrus smoothie paired with a kick of cayenne and tajin; and the Charlie Brown, a distinctive half-lemonade, half-cold brew blend.
With Love Market & Cafe also serves all-day breakfast, from the hearty three-egg “The Beast” breakfast burrito to the spicy ham & egg breakfast sandwich — which features a homemade olive tapenade. The Cubano is also quite excellent: tangy pulled pork, pillowy ciabatta, and a healthy dose of pickles (my favorite).
Their on-site market is stocked with a wide range of fresh produce, grains, and canned goods that can all be purchased with CalFresh EBT. In fact, With Love Market & Cafe runs a promotion where if you spend $10 on groceries, you get $20 back to spend on produce.
Check out With Love Market & Cafe here and at 1969 South Vermont Avenue.
2. Eruta Nature
You might have seen Justin Solomon’s peculiar ivy-clad coffee cart parked outside the Trousdale Parkway campus entrance. I certainly have — on my way to class 12 minutes late.
This time, I decided to stop and smell the roses (fake ivy).
Justin, a junior studying business administration, started Eruta Nature just over two months ago. He didn’t expect to create a coffee brand — instead, Eruta Nature was initially marketed as a sleek, organic and sustainable clothing company. However, Justin needed alternative methods to fund his venture. And so, the coffee cart was born.
Eruta’s specialty lattes are no joke. For $6.50, you can select from Justin’s handcrafted catalog of decadent, luscious flavors: Maple French Toast, Orange Mocha, Pumpkin Pie, S’mores, and even Cookie Monster.
However, the Snickerdoodle latte is undoubtedly the fan favorite. Its sweet vanilla and cinnamon syrups will make you forget that you’re even drinking coffee. Known non-coffee drinkers swear by it.
The Mocha Hazelnutty is also a classic. Justin marketed the drink as a Ferrero Rocher chocolate in a cup. And let me tell you, he was right.
If you know me, you know that those little gold-foiled chocolate nuggets are my weakness. There’s something about a coffee-hazelnut-chocolate combo that makes me swoon. It’s a beautiful blend — silky, smooth, and nutty.
Small batches of fresh coffee beans are roasted less than five days prior to Eruta Nature’s pop-ups, while each latte flavor is delicately innovated from Justin’s family recipes. Each drink feels special; crafted with tender love and care.
Justin personally oversees the entire operation, with a couple of friends assisting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9-2 p.m. He promises exclusive, winter-themed drinks following his successful Halloween launch of the marshmallow-pumpkin Witch’s Brew and strawberry-chocolate Sleepy Vampire.
I can’t wait.
Although there is no physical cafe, the coffee cart experience is one not to be missed. Who knows? Maybe I’ll meet a handsome stranger outside of Trousdale one day.
Check out Eruta Nature here.
3. Nature’s Brew
I’ve been a longtime self-proclaimed Nature’s Brew connoisseur. Stepping into the cafe feels like a warm hug, erasing all the sins committed yesterday at Bacari West Adams just next door.
Their signature lattes are decadent and tasty — definitely for the sweet tooths out there. The USC latte combines caramel, english toffee syrup, and grey salt into one ultimate blend. The lavender latte and Vietnamese sweet coffee are acclaimed, but I must say my favorite drink has to be the Snickerdoodle latte. It’s the perfect cinnamony, sugary fix to trick your brain into feeling the autumnal spirit amidst sunny palm trees. I sure do miss the changing leaves and murky fall skies of the Midwest.
Alas, iced coffee it is.
I can easily spend an entire, “productive” morning at Nature’s Brew, especially with fuel from a smoked salmon Brooklyn bagel or Nana’s sandwich — a zesty, well-seasoned combination of fried eggs, balsamic onion, and organic mixed greens.
At $9 - $13.50 per omelet or breakfast sandwich, Nature’s Brew is definitely on the pricey side. Not to mention, their lattes start at $5.50 without any drink customizations applied. But, the vibes are unmatched — Nature’s Brew is always bound to be bustling with the latest hipster wannabes and art majors.
Check out Nature’s Brew at 2316 South Union Avenue.