Coffee drinkers in Mar Vista rejoice! Venice Grind’s newly open, serving organic Groundwork Coffee and really yummy pastries from local bakeries.
The place is cute, Ikea-esque, with small tables and hardbacked chairs. The pic looks kinda dark, but it’s actually quite bright and sunny in there.
If it’s sunny, you can also sit at the tables out front, or on the patio out back. Plus, there’s free wifi and easy-to-find metered parking
The one downside: My pear tart was served on a paper plate, with a plastic fork and knife wrapped in a napkin. And all drinks, even for people who were hanging out there — were served in paper cups.
I get the sense that the place doesn’t like washing dishes? I did ask if I could use my own mug — The girl behind the counter gave me a puzzled look, but said okay…
Thanks to reader jean for telling me about the place :)
Venice Grind. (website not up yet) 12224 Venice Blvd. Los Angeles. 310.397.2227.
The Venice Grind does have ceramic cups (in two sizes), but I have always had to ask for one. It would be nice if they asked, “Paper or ceramic?” I have also seen ceramic plates. I guess you have to ask for one of those, too.
The coffee IS really good, and the servers are nice.
Comment by pebble — April 15, 2006 @ 10:04 am
The woman did ask whether I wanted it “for here or to go” — But my saying it was for here I guess didn’t automatically translate to getting the tart on a ceramic plate :P
BTW — A good tart’s super hard to cut with a flimsy plastic knife ;) Anyway — Thanks for the tip. Will def. specify ceramic next time :)
Comment by Siel — April 15, 2006 @ 3:53 pm
Good news!
I have it from a reliable source that they are going all ceramic with stainless steal utensils on the inside. Just give them some time to adjust
VG
Comment by veniceGspot — June 15, 2006 @ 7:54 pm
For real? I’m so psyched! You know, I biked over there not too long ago. Venice Blvd. has a bike lane — yey!
Comment by Siel — June 15, 2006 @ 10:45 pm