The Shack in the Back

Located just off of the freeway, this tiny "shack" is directly behind the swanky Bel Air Bar + Grill restaurant. Grab a cup of joe in the mornings (they open early), or an afternoon pick-me-up. The cafe serves Groundwork coffee, in addition to breakfast items such as a breakfast burrito, bagels and lox as well as lunch items, such as salads, soups and sandwiches. The staff here is friendly and there are alfresco tables, should you choose to eat here—note: the only views here are of gas station patrons and traffic on the 405, which explains why most people get their coffee to-go. The coffee shop doubles up as a mini convenient store with cards, bottles of wine, candy, smoothies, and more on hand—providing quick and easy snacks to the small Bel Air neighborhood that is not quite in Westwood (south of Sunset) and not quite in Brentwood (west of the 405). So if you find yourself stuck in traffic on Sepulveda, head to this casual community pit stop coffee shop.