Heavy Water Coffee Shop

Great coffee! Straightforward menu. Seating is limited indoors, but there's seating outdoors. Cute neighborhood shop with great local baked goods for sale!

I really want Heavy Water to succeed because they’re in such a unique spot in Chinatown, an area that doesn’t have many coffee shops. With so much potential to become a bustling go-to spot, it could be an amazing addition to the neighborhood, but my recent experiences have been quite disappointing. I’ve visited a couple of times, and the drinks have been inconsistent. The cup sizes are on the smaller side, and unfortunately, the quality doesn’t quite justify the price. I’m happy to spend on a fantastic coffee, but my last visit left me feeling underwhelmed. Baker’s Bench pastries, found in the back, thankfully lifted my spirits—those are worth checking out! My recent visit highlighted some issues that are holding them back. For example, they ran out of foam and had to remake it, which resulted in a messy presentation—one customer even ended up with foam all over her cup. Our own orders were mixed up, and to add to it, there was a noticeable lack of warmth. Another customer who walked in waited a while without acknowledgment, which didn’t feel welcoming. The experience was frustrating enough that we ended up going to another coffee shop later in the day to lift our spirits. I really hope Heavy Water can address these service and consistency issues, as the location has so much promise. With a little more attention to detail and a friendlier vibe, I believe they could become a great staple in Chinatown.

These guys are Amazing and they DO have very good coffee, specially pour over ❤️ I was getting filter coffee every day from them during 4 months! And I love their VIBE. Also they have interesting menu for holidays 💫 I will miss them 🙏🏽

Great new coffee spot. What separates this place apart from the rest is the high quality ingredients and attention to detail. My go to is a pour over or filter coffee here but the PSL & matcha are unmatched. Highly recommend. Oh, and they have a cool garden hang-out spot in the back with plenty of tables to sit at. It reminds me of this European open-market back in Sweden. Great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and just vibe.

You can get really good coffee almost anywhere these days. And you can get good coffee at good prices. This place has good coffee. The prices not so great. $6 for a small latte. On top of which they charge $1 for vanilla syrup. Their specialty stuff look very interesting. But again pricey. They trying really hard to gentrify Elysian Valley it seems. They got a Cassells over here now? And some other small businesses. Geez. Exactly what a residential zone needs. Overpriced hipster businesses. Even when they can’t afford to rent space in silver lake they come where they can displace the residents. Because we all know los paisas, aunties and uncles aren’t shopping here. The upside is, I’m spending more time learning how to brew my own coffee at home. Buying your own espresso machine isn’t such a bad investment anymore.

Expensive and not welcoming experience at this coffee shop. Hard to find parking sometimes as it is in the area and this shop just makes it a bit worse sometimes even on weekdays. Neighborhood is nice and quiet but like I said customer service isn’t good, I got there with my girlfriend and no good morning or good gesture just a look. Didn’t feel like trying the rest of the shops after the experience. Reading comments, I won’t return and try their coffee but I would probably go and try the Bakers Bench Bakery.

Good place to get coffee at, lots of other little places to eat as well too (burgers and pastries) in the same little plaza. You'll normally find cyclists here on weekend mornings.

Finding side parking was fine for me (it can get crowded). It’s tucked in a nice friendly neighborhood, which I thought is a cool touch. One of my concern was that they ran out of coconut cream (which was part of many their special drinks). I also overheard they ran out of their cups for another customer’s hot drink, so lids did not fit. This was not something I expected on my Monday morning. Other than that, customer service was great and place was nice and tight to sit in.

Stopped by to grab a coffee drink after grabbing some pastries from Bakers Bench and I got the Blue Heaven and it was delicious! The mixture of the chai with espresso and house made vanilla syrup with the coconut cream top made for such a heavenly drink. Service from the lady at the counter was friendly and helpful. I loved the ambiance and overall décor and theming of the shop. The blue coloring everywhere was a nice touch to go with the name of the shop. There is not a lot of seating inside but there is some and you can go to the courtyard outside if you want a table to enjoy your coffee. I also like that their pastries come from Bakers Bench which is a fantastic pastry shop. Looking forward to dropping by for drink again when I'm in the area! Parking is available on the street across!

Hidden away in the cottage square in Chinatown around the corner from Eastside Deli is this gem of a coffee shop. We ordered the Blue heaven and a regular latte. Both were delicious but we really enjoyed the coconut cream topping. Service was friendly. Ambiance was an intimate shop, not much seating inside but you can definitely enjoy your coffee and treats in their courtyard, which we loved. This will surely be our favorite spot for coffee and pastries. Pastries are from Baker's Bench, which is found inside the courtyard to your left. Enjoy!

Had very bad and sour tasting coffee recently from here. Plz improve the quality if you are charging as much as you are. I used to like it but the quality went way down hill recently.

What a great first experience at Heavy. Will need to come back try a different drink. The Ethiopian espresso as an americano was nice. Both staff members were very friendly and had a good working dynamic between them. The spot is nice and secluded from the main streets near DT/Chinatown. Cool little spot. There is only street parking but Sunday I found parking so not bad. Def a great option in the area and they have some outdoor seating

Listen, I HATE to be the person to make these kinds of accusations, but the bitter truth about this place is that there is a Heavy racist vibe at Heavy Water Coffee. There are a few reasons here. For starters, and yes I realize this is a smaller example (we'll get to the bigger ones later), but just ARRIVING to a Latinx community that has drastically pre-existed your lifestyle and forcing a dairy free diet down everyones throats is giving "white savior" energy. I realize this probably wasn't their intention and this isn't the hill I want to die on, but this is the definition of institutionalized racism - the idea that you know better than the community that already lives here and you're going to help them with your modern idea of health. Since then, they have integrated dairy products, but I'm not convinced that its for any reason other than making money off of the very community they were unknowingly alienating. The main reason for the racism claims are a bit more damning. You're going to read this and think I'm exaggerating, which adds to the ridiculousness of the reality of the situation. Do I dress a bit like a "cholo" as the white community would dictate? Sure, but that doesn't justify me walking up to the counter and the owner exclaiming "Whats up holmes" loudly and proudly for the whole cafe to hear. I tried my hardest to write it off as a joke or someone feeling a little too comfortable, but I just couldn't get past it, so I tried to address it. All i asked was, "Hey man, why do you feel comfortable saying that to me." To which he replied, "Oh come on dog, I grew up around here and MULTIPLE Mexican friends of mine sad it was ok to talk like that!" He chuckled as he said this to me which made me realize it was going to be a pretty pointless discourse so I chose to just walk away. You can't really reason with someone with their heels so violently dug into their own ignorance. I exited and took a sip of my coffee. To make matters worse, who ever roasted this batch of Guatemalan had essentially took a blow torch to the beans. The initial sip was overpowering, with a skunked beer after taste. If you're going to be rude and ignorant, the very least you should do on the other hand is produce a decent cup of coffee. I write this not necessarily to get this shop "cancelled." I genuinely hope the leadership at this place and the community surrounding it read this and use it as an opportunity for growth. I personally wont be returning, but I will say to my fellow Latinx brothers and sisters that this shop is currently not run by "allies" as they would have you believe.

Surprised by this lil place, stopped in on my drive because it caught my eye the other day. They have vegan pastries. Service was kind and helpful, wasn't sure if I'd like what I ordered, ginger tonic, because it had espresso too but it was great! Will be returning :) There looks to be a courtyard in back to relax in, the interior of the shop is teeny tiny, and just street parking, I think.

First time here today and it did not disappoint. I ordered the iced latte with oat milk and cinnamon and the first sip was perfection. The coffee is really strong and great quality. The staff was friendly and personable they made suggestions and let me know the most frequently ordered items. Something to consider they only serve oat, almond, and soy milk. The shop itself is small with a few bar stools with some additional seating outside. There's street parking available out front but depending on time of visit it can get packed quickly. Overall, what's wonderful gem of a find. I can't wait to come back.

This hidden gem is spectacular. I had their blue heaven drink and let me tell you it's very good!

Great coffee. Friendly staff. Perfect lil coffee shop. Hang out in the patio behind or chill on the sidewalk out front. Go.

This is my favorite coffee shop in LA. It's tucked away near Dodger Stadium and right next to the Los Feliz Flea on the weekends. It has an awesome back patio and garden to hang out in. I love bringing new people here! The coffee is wonderful and flavorful. They have so many great drink options but they also keep it real with a neighborhood cup that's just $2. Who does that anymore? It's awesome. Everyone who works there is kind and helpful! I cannot recommend Heavy Water enough. And be sure to pair your drink with a pastry from Baker's Bench in the same courtyard! You won't regret this combo!

This is a coffee spot in Chinatown around the corner from Eastside Italian Deli where you don't expect to find artisanal coffee (much less a popular deli) on the edge of a residential area. Picked up a couple of lattes for friends and family and everyone loved them. Looking forward to coming back to try their other offerings as well as pastries.

Cute and small coffee shop tucked away across from a great Italian spot. Ordered an iced vanilla latte, coming straight off an 8am flight from Orlando, the coffee brought me back to life. Slightly pricey but I get it, LA is LA.

Got the matcha spanner. Severely disappointed as the color and the taste of the matcha isn't ceremonial. Not worth the money.

Ordered the Spanner matcha. It's delicious but 9 dollars for an insanely small amount. 2 sips, and it was gone. I should have asked for no ice. It's definitely a pricey spot. Cute but pricey.

I live in the neighborhood and was so excited that another coffee shop was opening up, especially after the closure of Clark Street. I really wanted to like this place more, I don't dislike it, but recently it's just felt not very welcoming. It feels too cool for skool, like a self important Silverlake crowd seeped into the Forgotten Edge :,) I do love the back patio though, it's really nice to sit out there with a latte. I'm not even a big fan of oat milk and prefer whole with coffee, so now I'm realizing... why am I still going to Heavy Water? I'll spend my money somewhere else, like Aquarela down the street, who feel more inclusive and have great coffee! Wish I liked this place more and I see the vision. Who am I kidding, I'll probably be back. But only when I have to. Or I want to use the patio.

Do you work in DTLA? Did you just grab lunch at Eastside Italian Deli? Well, then this is the perfect place for you to grab a coffee before heading back to work. Heavy Water is just across the street from Eastside and they offer your basic coffees for as low as $2 and some more creative beverages for those feeling adventurous. The shop is very small (standing room for ~8 ppl) but they have some sparse outdoor seating as well.

Matcha is bad quality and over priced. Color is completely wrong and texture is grainy. Matcha is pre mixed and not freshly whisked.

This awesome little coffee shop really focuses on the quality of the coffee and art of the experience. There's an adorable little garden patio out back to enjoy your drink (and some treats from Bakers Bench next door). Great addition to the neighborhood with very friendly staff.

Great cold brew, fast and friendly service, and the pricing is extremely fair; especially considering the location. I'll be back :)

Matcha Spanner is BOMB!!!! The staff is really nice. The girl with curly hair is so sweet. thank you so much, drink was delicious!

We were eating out at Eastside Italian Deli and I badly needed caffeine so when I saw the street sign promoting coffee I ran in. Ordered a matcha vanilla latte and paid $8.50 for it... to say I was astonished is an understatement. I got the matcha latte and it was grainy and SMALL. Filled with ice in an 8 oz cup, I barely had any drink. Overpriced and disappointing.

Went here while traveling to LA. Great cup of coffee with top notch customer service from the owner Tim. Glad I could help support a small business while in town.

Smooth very tasty drinks. Nice to visit after checking out the Los Feliz Flea new location. Fast service and accommodating ambiance with the little lot behind.

One of the best espresso's I've had in a long time. Great staff and service and some good reading materials while I waited and drank my coffee

Great neighborhood coffee shop! Beautifully and delicious Latte, thanks Rob! I always enjoy the atmosphere, great staff.

What I love most about this coffee shop is how they have 3 different iced teas ready to go every time I have visited. Today they had Iced Green, Iced Blueberry Rooibos, and an Iced Matcha. Although it may not be a big deal to others, it seems like coffee places in Los Angeles don't keep iced tea brewed. Instead they steep it for you while you wait, and then pour it over ice. So you basically wait- to get watered down tea. Considering LA is pretty much hot and dry 90 percent of the year, it just makes sense to have cool iced tea already brewed! Make sure to try the Blueberry Rooibos Tea at Heavy Water. It is an amazing tea!!

Went to Eastside Deli and seen this place so thought I'd stop by for an iced coffee. Customer service was non-existent , they were out of almost everything I requested and the coffee was not good. It literally looked like heavy water. Won't be back.

I live a block and a half away and I am thrilled that there's a high-quality, independent cafe here now that I can get to without driving! The cinnamon buns and other pastries are to die for. The staff are always friendly and efficient. The outdoor seating is really nice, both the sidewalk and the courtyard. I love the Dodgers references, the option of a $2 neighborhood cup, the fact that there's no upcharge for oat, soy or almond milk. But what really puts this over the edge as my favorite cafe in LA is the values that shine through in how they operate, from the menu footnote to the ingredients they use. It's nice to be able to spend money at a business and feel good about it!!

Magical, divine. You get what you give in life, and this coffee shop gave me the best vibes. This coffee shop will meet you where you're at, in the best way. I didn't even know I needed to stop here until I did and then I knew. A neighborhood spot that is part of the story of your day. Not to mention top tier latte crafting and gracious mindful professional service. Fire. Love it so much. Thanks ^_^

Coffee is good! Everyone behind the counter was chatty and cool. The best part about this spot is that it shares an open yard with other businesses so the seating is unique. So quiet and peaceful. Good spot to read a book.

Stopped by before their grand opening. The workers were attentive and answered all my questions. The drinks were good and came out fast. This place has oat milk as their default. Other options include almond and soy milk. There's ample seats in the front and in the store. Around the back, there's more seating with shade and greenery with restrooms and other shops. Limited street parking as this is a residential area. There's usually more parking on Alpine St.

Prices are insane and coffee tastes awful. They did some sort of coconut cream top which was disgusting on a flavorless mocha. Unfortunately later took a friend here when visiting from out of town and they had the same thought. Overall an awful addition to the neighborhood, can get the best Vietnamese iced coffee or better brewed coffee all over Chinatown. Every matcha is advertised as ceremonial grade, and making your own sugar water shouldn't make the drinks nearly $10.

They only offer two types of milk and out of those they might not have one! I was told options are oat milk and soy. I requested oat milk and I was told they ran out. This could have been a good local coffee shop walking distance to work but unfortunately not reliable.

If you guys like overpriced & wack customer service then this place is for you! Coffee doesn't taste bad, but it's super overpriced. I live up the street and wanted to support a local coffee shop, pretty disappointed tbh. I won't be supporting anymore.

Tiny, cute coffee shop in Echo Park with an ADORABLE outdoor sitting area around the back where you can sip your delicious Columbian espresso.

So glad that I found this little gem. I visited a couple times with my toddler and we both love it. I love the hot mocha and she likes the barista who is always kind to her and loves the outdoor patio in the back filled with flowers and plants. Street parking only.

Tried their cream top cold brew. The cold brew is good, but their cream top uses coconut milk which curdles from the lack of additives. You gotta mix real real good. It's nothing special for the price. I do hope they find a better recipe to make it actually creamy. As a dairy drinker, it's just alright!

Delicious coffee and super friendly staff! Super cozy environment, absolutely recommend this place!!

I had the time to visit this new coffee shop after having brunch in Downtown LA, hoping it would be good. The shop was small and cute. Great customer service, basically what's driving this review (would give an extra half star if I could, making it a 3.5 rating for me). I got an iced oat latte with vanilla and it tasted quite sour to me and turned me off quickly. The complex of the shop was nice, which looked newly renovated with a bunch of different shops opening up currently or soon. Overall, not sure if I would come back.

Great small local neighborhood spot to grab a coffee and chill. They have a patio which is nice too. The workers are friendly. I usually get their hot vanilla latte and I've tried their cold brew as well. Both good! They use oat as their default fyi - no regular milk here. Will be back for sure.

cute little shop in the little burgeoning Chinatown adjacent plaza. Cinnamon rolls that could kill they're so good and HUGE and of course they sell out early. Staff is always friendly and champs bc it's a small shop that gets pretty hot. Coffee is a bit too sour for my taste but I prefer a darker roast.

I was excited to try out this new coffee shop. I didn't realize it was a Vegan Coffee shop until I ordered a latte with whole milk and the person at the register said they don't carry any dairy. If I would have known prior, I would not have come. I checked the website and Instagram, it does not say it's a Vegan Coffee shop. Not knowing ahead of time felt very disappointing. Hence the reason for the 3 stars. I purchased a bag of coffee beans and cinnamon rolls. I've made espresso and drip coffee from their coffee beans, I must say in espresso form for an iced latte tastes best. In my opinion, I felt their coffee beans in a drip coffee form did not taste good even when adjusting the grind size multiple times. The coffee shop had outdoor tables to sit at, and I've seen photos that there's a back patio. Street parking available.

Love this new coffee shop in LA - there's really no other place with an outdoor space like this. Feels like a hang in your backyard with a cup of coffee that's honestly perfect every time.

Wow! This is my new favorite coffee shop in LA. Great parking, Great coffee, and lots of space to sit and hang out. I do wish they had a shower.

A great neighborhood spot with a cozy patio. Matcha latte was excellent and friendly staff. Will definitely be frequenting this spot often.

Tasty coffee and pastries in a minimal yet comforting little space. The vibe is enhanced by the warmth of the staff and the owner.