Looking for a barista gig in LA that goes beyond just pulling shots and making lattes?
If you're aiming for a job where you can actually grow your skills, connect with customers, and work in a space that values creativity, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we'll explore seven spots that don’t just hire baristas—they build them. Places that want you to craft perfect drinks, yes, but also challenge you to experiment, learn, and bring your own flavor to the table.
Ready to find the cafe where your passion steams? Keep reading.
Maru Shop
With two locations—one in the trendy Los Feliz neighborhood and the other in the artistic Arts District—Maru Coffee is one of the top barista positions in Los Angeles for those who want to be part of a dynamic coffee culture while serving high-quality brews.
The Los Feliz location has a cozy, neighborhood vibe that feels more like home than a regular café. The atmosphere is laid-back yet trendy, making it a great place for both customers and staff. Over at the Arts District, the space has an industrial, creative energy, perfect for anyone who loves working in a buzzing, artsy environment surrounded by local creatives.
What are the perks of working at Maru Coffee?
- It's a place that values quality and craftsmanship.
- It serves a variety of drinks, so you get to experiment with different brewing methods and perfect your craft.
- You’ll work in a trendy, minimalist environment that attracts a cool, creative crowd.
Oh, and you get to enjoy their signature coffees every day! (Our top picks are cream top, spiced cold brew, bon bon and espresso tonic!). What's not to like about that?
Demitasse Coffee
Demitasse Coffee has multiple locations throughout the Los Angeles area, each with its own distinct vibe but all sharing a commitment to high-quality coffee.
The biggest perks of working at Demitasse Coffee are that:
- You’ll be part of a coffee culture that champions unique and high-quality drinks.
- You'll have the opportunity to experiment with some of the most unique coffee drinks around, like Kyoto Cold Brew, Minty Cubano, and Lavender Hot Chocolate.
- There’s room to grow as you get to experiment with both the brewing process and customer interaction.
If you're looking to work at a place known for giving baristas artistic freedom in their drinks, Demitasse is the spot for you!
Alchemist Coffee
If you're looking for a cozy, low-key spot to craft some amazing coffee and serve up some unique flavors, Alchemist Coffee and its laid-back vibes of Koreatown are perfect for you.
Alchemist is all about pushing the boundaries of flavor, so expect to work with some seriously unique drinks. Think Misugaru Lattes, Tiramisu Lattes, and even Crème Brûlée Lattes. The place has a coffee culture that emphasizes artisanal, high-quality brews, so you’ll get to make coffee that feels like it’s a true work of art.
The main perks of working at Alchemist Coffee include:
- Getting to work with a team that takes coffee seriously.
- The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, perfect for building a connection with your regulars and getting to know the community.
- The owner, Marcelo, really pushes for high-quality coffee at an affordable price, so you’ll get to be part of a business that values both quality and accessibility.
Oh, and if you’re a fan of good food to pair with your coffee, Alchemist has you covered. I mean, have you tried the Egg Bat Sandwich?
Trust me, it’s a chef’s kiss.
Heads up: Parking can be a bit tricky.
DSTN – Indie Coffee Roasters
If you're the kind of bartender who appreciates a little attitude and flavor in your coffee, DSTN—Indie Coffee Roasters is where you want to be.
It's got a retro vibe, an indie soundtrack playing in the background, and coffee so fresh you can taste the effort behind every roast. And no, I'm not talking about that watered-down stuff you get from chain coffee shops. I'm talking about real coffee.
Ale and Max, the owner-operators, are total coffee pros—they’re roasting their own green beans in-house and shipping them out to members—so if you're serious about your coffee, you'll love working here.
Here are the perks of working at DSTN – Indie Coffee Roasters:
- Hands-on learning with the best, so you get to gain skills that go beyond basic brewing.
- You’ll be working with some of the freshest, most flavorful coffee out there.
- If you’ve got creative ideas for new drinks, ways to improve the atmosphere, or even new ideas for the shop, owners will listen.
Not to mention, you'll be in the thick of a cool, indie scene that's full of character! Amazing, right?
Go Get ‘Em Tiger (GGT)
Go Get ‘Em Tiger has become a staple in LA’s coffee scene, known for its expertly crafted drinks and sleek, relaxed atmosphere.
Should you decide to work here, you'll be working alongside award-winning baristas. The founders are U.S. Barista Champion Award winners, so you’ll be learning from the best in the business.
Also, every drink at GGT is a personalized masterpiece. Customers come in eager for your recommendations and love it when you take the time to ask about their preferences. They appreciate it when you're willing to quiz them on what they like (or don’t like) to craft a drink that’s made just for them.
So, if you value:
- Great community & high engagement with customers
- A workplace where your input is appreciated
- A workplace with convenient parking (and this one offers a parking garage with plenty of space!)
—Go Get ‘Em Tiger is the spot for you.
Urth Caffé
Urth Caffé is all about quality, from sourcing heirloom organic beans to crafting European-style brews.
You should seriously consider working here if:
- You're obsessed with quality and want to serve art instead of just coffee.
- You want to truly understand each coffee you're serving (Urth hosts coffee tasting at their roasting facility every Thursday!)
- You want to work at a place where employees are rewarded based on profits rather than just sales (So when the company does well, so do you!)
- You're looking to develop skills beyond just brewing (think inventory management, labor scheduling, and how all the behind-the-scenes stuff makes the business tick).
Overall, Urth Caffé is one of those coffee shops that are expanding fast, with locations in Southern California, Tokyo, and more to come, so that means you're getting room to grow within the company.
Civil Coffee
Looking for a place where you can stretch your coffee skills and connect with customers in a meaningful way?
Give Civil Coffee a shot.
This is one of those places where customers rave about baristas that are patient and attentive, and that's because at Civil Coffee, you’re encouraged to take time to connect with customers and provide personalized service instead of just pumping out drinks as fast as possible.
It's all about quality over quantity here.
Working at Civil Coffee is great because:
- Their menu features unique and inventive beverages that allow baristas to flex their creative muscles. Think The Figueroa (espresso, condensed milk, cinnamon, milk, and a Maria cookie) or the Honey Hojicha Flat White (roasted matcha with oat milk, honey, and cinnamon). You can't not stand out as a barista if you're making drinks like these!
- During peak hours, long lines are inevitable here. But you're taught time management skills and how to stay composed under pressure, so you get to learn how to handle the rush without sacrificing the quality of your work.
- Civil Coffee’s rewards loyalty. As the business grows, so do the chances to move up within the company.
So yeah, if you don't mind handling busy shifts, this coffee shop may just be the one for you!
