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August 17, 2007
Intelligentsia: Signs of Smart Coffee in Silver Lake
After much anticipation, this afternoon marked the opening day of Chicago's Intelligentsia Coffee in Silver Lake at their new Sunset Junction location. I've been looking forward to this opening since the announcement of their arrival some months ago, mainly because after falling in love with their bean roasts while on vacation in the Windy City last year, ordering bags of beans for home brewing via the internets was getting to cost me a pretty penny. This way, so long as the parking situation is palatable, I can slip into their chic new local emporium, pick up a bag or two of beans, and get one of their creamy signature espresso drinks while I'm at it.
Which is precisely what I did today, and was pleased to be a part of their debut.
The inside of Intelligentsia is a departure from the buttery yellow and warm wood tones of their Midwestern outposts; instead their floors boast lovely blue and white tiles, the counter tops are stainless steel, the ceilings high and flocked with lights suspended on squiggly wires, all of which combined give the place an overall air of boho chic urbanity. The staff were warm and friendly, and the atmosphere rather congenial. Folks were already taking advantage of the refuge their covered patio offers. I grabbed a bag of the Flecha Roja beans from Costa Rica off the shelves, and when I inquired about the future availability of Intelligentsia's house blends, the associate let me know that he wasn't sure if they would be carrying them, since right now they were focused on their Direct Trade line. I happily accepted my bag of beans and admiringly watched as my barista put the swirled milk design atop my tasty latte.
Welcome to LA, Intelligentsia. We're happy to have you.
If you want to help them celebrate their opening, there will be a reception at the store tonight at 7 p.m.
Intelligentsia
3922 West Sunset Boulevard, Silver Lake
Open Monday-Sunday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
More photos after the jump!
Latte artistry
From the front entrance
It's fun to watch the coffee experts in action
A row of bagged beans beckons (and apparently stimulates my desire to alliterate)
All photos by Lindsay William-Ross for LAist
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This is great news!
Now, all we're missing is Philz.
So...with much eager anticipation, I headed over to Intelligentsia after leaving Sunset Junction last night. I was very excited and filled with maximum optismism for my soon to be awesome coffee experience.
Too bad they suck.
After being told I could not modify the milk-coffee ratio of my au lait, I then waited for 12 minutes as my cup of coffee was brewed to order. Look...I love that they brew their coffee to order...but 12 minutes? And even then..had it been even remotely good, I would've been cool with it. But the coffee was watery, weak, and flavorless. My au lait tasted more like water and milk. I could barely make out the coffee!
I didn't want to be a bitch, but I felt I needed to tell them that this coffee was no good. I was very apologetic for even having to mention it and even offered up the "opening weekend" as an excuse.
I believe in second chances. They gave me an unwarranted drink voucher...so here's hoping that in a few weeks they get their act together. Seriously...they made starbucks look good.
poor, poor mornings nights..........