Generally my small town sensibilities steer me away from Downtown LA. However, my voracious interest in hospitality excellence was sparked by my housemate’s repeated claims that Boxx Coffee Roasters is the best coffee in the city. Each of us being bona fide coffee aficionados (myself a former professional), I took him for his word. This Saturday we ventured out to the Los Angeles Arts District to visit Boxx.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the incredible aroma wafting through the air of freshly roasted coffee degassing elsewhere in the facility. The bar and seating were quite aesthetically pleasing, even juxtaposed against the “modern office” architecture.
The product knowledge exhibited by the staff was impressive — the team knew every offering, and every tasting note I might expect from each coffee. They seemed actually interested in guiding people toward something they might like. As a former coffee/hospitality professional, it was refreshing to be received with such a quality manner of salesmanship.
The presentation and craftsmanship were impeccable. The Ethiopian pour over I ordered was impeccably served in a lovely assortment of ceramics and glassware. Some dry grounds were served alongside the pour over; these projected citrus and botanical scents. The cup itself gave notes of sulphur on the nose, invoking memories of bygone 4th of July celebrations.
The opening sip had an inviting, muted sweetness, with a suggestion of mandarin orange.
As it cooled, more flavors were revealed. The profile opened up to a more citrus-forward tone, with a heavy black tea note lingering on the palette.
I couldn’t help but follow up with a cappuccino as my second round.
Throughout the visit we were served a blend of David Bowie, KISS, and the Smiths at a tasteful volume on the PA system. The playlist, paired with the furniture, plants, and bar accents, harmoniously dialed in an excellent atmosphere for a solo outing or an afternoon stop on a coffee crawl with a party.
In keeping with my preference of avoiding DTLA, I will not become a regular haunt. Nevertheless, should my path lead back through the Little Tokyo/Arts District area, I will gladly return to Boxx.