Coffee Colab

There may not be a coffee shop that embodies the grittyness and creativity of Downtown's Fashion District as eloquently as Coffee Colab. Turn down 8th street and you'll find the tiny espresso bar roasting beans from Suits & Knives and a few other LA-based roasters, while antique knicknacks (think old typewriters) and coffee-inspired artwork decorate the space. One such piece of art is the menu, which takes the form of a black Chemex coffee maker, listing the shop's available coffee orders: espresso, black coffee, cold brew, latte, Americano, mocha, cappuccino and cortado. Place your order and, if you're looking to stay awhile, snag one of the few chairs or benches outside. There's WiFi, but Colab isn't very conducive to working—just sipping and watching Fashion District denizens go by.