Erika C.
Yelp
Chill café that's become my go-to for late-night dessert + coffee.
Cafe Upper has become one of my usual spots after late dinners with friends, and for good reason. While LA is full of trendy cafés that are often overcrowded or hard to get into, this place has stayed refreshingly low-key. It can get a little busy, but I've always been able to find a seat whenever I've gone.
One of the biggest perks? They have a parking lot. That alone is gold in Los Angeles.
Another major plus: their late-night hours! They're open until 2AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on other days, making it the perfect post-dinner chill spot.
Places like Spot Dessert Bar or M3 (formerly TPO Café) also stay open late, but they're small, packed, and parking is a nightmare. At Cafe Upper, I've always been able to find a seat, and I never have to stress about where to park.
As for the drinks and food, I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5. The menu has grown recently (hello, hojicha!), and while it's not the best café in LA, the drinks are definitely above average and consistently good.
My personal favorites:
Pistachio Einspänner - creamy, balanced, nutty goodness.
Vienna Latte - smooth and rich. A dependable go-to.
My husband usually sticks with the Vienna Latte, but he tried the new Hojicha Latte and wasn't a fan--he said it had a strange aftertaste. On the other hand, my brother-in-law loved it, so it really depends on your palate.
Overall, Cafe Upper is a cozy, reliable, and unpretentious café that I keep coming back to. Whether you're grabbing dessert, meeting friends, or need a quiet space to wind down late at night, this place delivers without the hype or the hassle.