A typical Starbucks run for me goes something like this — bolting for work each morning, fighting for a parking spot and ordering a Grande Pike Place via the Starbucks app with the hope to skim a few minutes off waiting in line. It’s not exactly a soothing experience. And pretty much is the absolute opposite of what Starbucks is hoping to achieve with its newest high-end boutique coffee shop called Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Loving the comfortable seats and clean design of the first Starbucks Reserve Roastery in LA.
Just last weekend, Kevin and I walked out of our hot vinyasa yoga flow class (we’ve become so LA!), and noticed a sleek new coffee shop across the street. But wait, is it a Starbucks? There were no token green-and-white awnings. No flashy signs or drive-thru. A quick Google search revealed it was indeed a Reserve Roastery shop — and the first one in LA (with 2 more coming to hipster-heavy Silver Lake and Downtown LA neighborhoods).
Suggested food pairings on the counter where you order the fancy coffee
You won’t find many of these shops right now – but according to Starbucks, they’re planning to open 20 to 30 more just like this one, including one in Shanghai next year. The idea for this “Willy Wonka of Coffee” experience was dreamed up by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. Recently, Schultz stepped down as CEO to concentrate on this project. And I gotta say that I love the concept. And it meets the comfort that we both enjoy and the coffee connoisseur in me that enjoys the San Francisco Bay area-born chains of Philz Coffee and of Blue Bottle Coffee.
These new Starbucks have a look that’s something of a cross between industrial chic loft and mad scientist laboratory with its strange looking beakers and Bunsen burner-like devices on the countertops.
I’m so intrigued with what I just ordered
So what’s on the menu? Well, you’ll find the typical Starbucks drinks like a Cafe Mocha. But how about ordering an “Origins Flight,” which includes 3 different 8 oz reserve coffee?
Get ready for a kick of caffeine with the Origins Flight
Or you can try the madness like I ordered called the “Siphon Experience,” described by the barista as “a highly visual experience of full-immersion brewing and vacuum filtration.” Catch that? It was actually really cool – involving open burners, glass bulbs and coffee getting sucked from one container to the other.
Will the siphon experience be part of my typical weekday coffee run? Probably not. But I’d consider it for a weekend. The process takes about 15 minutes so don’t come in a rush (or if you’re getting the caffeine jitters). It also is $12, but packs a pretty strong punch. And here’s an insider tip: use your Starbucks Reward to try it out. I mean, the show alone is worth it.
Kevin is ready for a show!
A Barista makes a really fancy cup of coffee for me on what looks like a blow torch
And after a long wait (and before the caffeine withdraw jitters set in!), we are served. This place will surely be a new coffee shop stop in our routine.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
359 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Mid-Wilshire Neighborhood
Open daily from 6 AM – 10 PM
Tip: Use your Starbucks Rewards for any of the pricier drinks and try something different that you wouldn’t find at your local Starbucks.
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