Whole Bean, Medium Roast Coffee In LA

[BHAppeal]

A friend in the armed services has recently been posted to what he is only allowed to describe as The Land Of Sand. One of the few pleasures they have is freshly brewed coffee. He brought a grinder, filters etc, but is always looking for good beans. I want to send him some beans -- medium roast is his preference -- and while I can do with a Starbucks here and there, I would welcome suggestions from those in the know as to where in LA they purchase whole bean medium roast coffee that is something above the ordinary, for someone who certainly deserves it. Coffee is the highlight of their (often mighty unpleasant) day.

Thanks.

[Maxmillion]

Peets or Trader Joes.

[jadekarrde]

Only the Conservatory is worth buying beans from. Roasted on the spot, virtually always roasted to perfection. They have French Roasts and other dark roasts, but they primariliy sell varital beans which are all medium roast.

[sweetTooth]

This is coffee from a grocery store, but I find it not to have the burnt taste of dark roasted supermarket coffee. I actually don't like most Starbucks coffees and prefer medium roasts. It is the Breakfast Blend from Trader Joe's. It is Organic and fair-trade to boot and sells for about $7 for a 13 oz box. I use it for my daily french press brew. I haven't had this coffee brewed in a drip coffee maker, but will report back in a day or two, as I just brought in a box to work.

[annapurna7]

Try the Conservatory for Coffee & Tea in Culver City. They have been carrying Puerto Rican beans which has made me a very happy camper. :)

They definitely have a medium roast. Here is one from their site, but definitely check out the store for more. http://www.conservatorycoffeeandtea.c...

[ElissaInPlaya]

I second this recommendation.

[BHAppeal]

Went to Conservatory and it fit the bill perfectly. Many thanks to all for their suggestions.

[susans]

Newhall Coffee Co. has some medium roast fair trade coffees you might consider. They roast locally. https://www.newhallcoffee.com/catalog...

[sel]

And 2 lb. bags available at many Costco and Sam's stores for a low price!

[Das Ubergeek]

Not sure where in LA you are, but down here in OC, Martin Diedrich is the king of medium-roast; he doesn't like the dark roast. You can buy his beans fresh (no more than 2 days post-roast) at his two coffee shops, Kean Coffee in Newport Beach or Tustin.

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Kean Coffee
2043 Westcliff Dr Ste 100, Newport Beach, CA 92660

[stuffed]

I'd like to like Kean. Orange County needs good coffee. But Martin Diedrich's expertise notwithstanding I've experienced serious inconsistency at Kean. I've found quakers among beans roasted there. Also, more than a few times I smell and taste baggy undertones. It certainly doesn't approach someplace like Intelligentsia.

[katydid13]

Graffeo in Beverly Hills has a regular (i.e., not dark) roast that I would characterize as medium. A more budget-conscious selection would probably be Peet's.

[Snoopy]

Not in LA, but check out Blue Bottle: http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/ Looks like they don't ship out of the US, but you could get shipped to you and then send out. Just another thought.

[will47]

They ship USPS, which means (I think) that they can ship to an APO box address.

[sel]

That's what I was going to suggest, I regularily order from them and pick up a bag when I'm up north. The best very fresh coffee beans, easy online ordering and while not cheap it is the best and priced fairly!

[Bradbury]

I'm partial to Alana's for whole-bean, medium roasts. Roasted right there on the spot, extremely helpful and gregarious proprietor who knows his stuff and will help you figure out what you want most, and attractive prices thanks to (very) low overhead...

[cant talk...eating]

Good question - Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena, Conservatory in Culver City, or any Whole Foods - probably any decent non-chain place will have that (what's with super-dark-roast and chains??). Get some single-estate beans from a variety of places (Central Am., Sumatra, etc.). What a nice gift!

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Jones Coffee Roasters
537 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

[tnsquire]

the new whole foods in tarzana roast there own coffee and have alot to chose from

[jaykayen]

Intelligentsia, definitely