Cafe Balcony

I love studying at Cafe Balcony, if I can find a seat and a plug! If it's warm out, the outdoor seating is very pleasant, and even though it's right off Santa Monica Blvd, you feel a world away. The atmosphere inside is extremely calm and very conducive to getting work done, and it's regularly filled with laptop-toting students, studying away. The coffee is made with an old-fashioned siphon, which looks like something out of Dr. Jekyll's laboratory, but produces a very nice cup of coffee. I've also had the banana vanilla smoothie which was a good, though sweet and filling option for a hot day. My only complaint is that they don't really use the space too well. There are a few tattered couches that can't really seat more than one person a piece, and there's only one or two outlets in the main seating area. But on the upside, it does offer free wifi and a warm environment, unlike Literati Cafe, my other default study-spot in the area. Pros: Good Coffee, Free Wi-fi, Great for studying, Friendly barista, Outdoor seating, Pretty easy street parking Cons: Cash only, Too few outlets and seats! more

There is free internet, which is a plus, but very limited seating - the tables are small and there are few (uncomfortable) patio-style chairs, in addition to the seating at the counter. The for-here mugs for the tea are very small and the prices are on the expensive side for both drinks (my small cup of green tea was about $3) and the food (upwards of about $7 for sandwiches). Their restroom is very dirty. Street parking only. Pros: Free internet, late hours Cons: Limited parking, seating, prices more

For here cups free internet good music comfortable seating it's not a chain! I only wish they had a message board... nuff said Pros: has everything a good cafe should have!!! Cons: No notice board more

This place is what I've been looking for in a coffeeshop. Cozy, great coffee, and great service. Their cappuccino's amazing, perhaps the best in L.A. Pros: Ambience, Coffee, Service Cons: Limited seating more