looking for things to do in echo park, or where to get coffee and matcha before exploring? our echo park shop on temple is a good place to start, not the whole itinerary. we love the places around us that have their own point of view. here are our owner's picks for a drink, coffee, dinner and a sandwich.
thunderbolt, for drinks and a thoughtful food menu. a neighborhood cocktail bar on temple with southern-inspired food and a genuinely useful set of gluten-free options. the current food menu marks the qualifying dishes clearly, from vegetables to fried chicken, rather than making you decode a server's shrug. if gluten avoidance is a medical need, ask the team about preparation and cross-contact before ordering; a menu label is not a kitchen guarantee. 1263 w temple st (https://www.thunderboltla.com/all-day-menu).
granada, for coffee in an actual living room. our owner calls this one of the coolest places to get coffee anywhere in la. granada is a cafe inside a home in angelino heights, with a living-room feel that is not just a design idea: you really are in their house. they use couplet matcha, too. go for a coffee or matcha, take in the room, and treat it like the neighbors' place it is. 1451 carroll ave (granada's site).
butchr bar, for dinner and the team behind it. our owner loves the vibe and the people here. they butcher meat in-house; their restaurant menu moves around, so check what they're serving before you go. our owner's pick is thursday steak frites night, but the rotating sample menu online does not confirm it as a standing special. 301 glendale blvd (https://www.butchr.bar/).
bodega park, for sandwiches worth crossing the neighborhood line. technically over in silver lake, but absolutely on our list. chef eric park's menu draws from new york, korea and southern california. eater describes its chopped cheese as beef, american cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños on a pressed hero roll. our owner puts its sandwiches among the best in la. 2852 w sunset blvd (https://www.bodegapark.la/).
come see us at 1638 w temple st (https://coupletcoffee.com/pages/locations) before you head out. then go see what our neighbors are doing.