Paradocs Coffee & Tea

I’m always searching for new coffee shops in LA and this was a gem! There was a line of people waiting for it to open, so I knew it was legit. One of the best spots I’ve tried. It was GOOD. Had to give 5 stars for the barista who was taking orders AND making coffee quick and seamlessly. I tried the white chocolate latte and matcha croissant. I’m a fan! My only disappointment was that they didn’t have any of the breakfast items I was interested in like the bacon sandwich or chicken panini… only what was shown in the cases. I’ll definitely come back! Ambiance reminded me of a coffee shop in NY. No frills, not overdone but delivers. Exactly what I need in my life. Also affordable and not overpriced in my opinion.

Hidden gem tucked in Little Ethiopia. Small venue with 3 tables and a few extra seating. Great coffee roasts that rotate throughout the month, so it’s nice to try different demographics of coffee beans. Croissant and baked goods are displayed in the front with a nice varietal. Definitely try the most popular: Ethiopia Yigacheffe or the Tanzania Kilimanjaro!

Great spot ! Kind of a hidden gem, the pastries are next level good. I ordered the pumpkin croissant and it was moist, flaky and so good. Also got a latte which is hard to beat at this price, also good. They have a couple unique lattes and pastry options a few seats inside and the service was fast and friendly. Recommend stopping by

owner was just simply rude when I requested to order a shot of espresso, didn't want to ring me up because I didn't have a $1 cash, I was expecting to pay full price of with a cc, not sure why he didn't give me that option. His delivery was loud and condescending, super embarrassing to get spoken to like that in a place full of other customers as it got very quiet in there once that happened. Ended up walking to another coffee shop next door instead, will not be returning.

Grumpy boss but could very well be LAs greatest coffee. I’m biased though, I appreciate everything the guy puts into his craft and truly rooting for his success. I’ve been coming here for 7 years and referred numerous clients. Definitely keep coming back because it’s a single owner that oversees the whole process from roasting to brewing. Love that dedication to mastery. Respect. You don’t have to be friendly when you’re this good. These other reviewers have it wrong, he’s not grumpy to any particular nation race or creed, he’s grumpy across the board regardless of your status. And it’s not a glitch, it’s part of the Paradocs experience you need to learn to expect and love.

Love this place! I've been coming for years, owner is incredible and vibes are immaculate. Great lattes and matcha for an affordable price. Pastries are homemade and amazing too. Highly recommend the matcha croissant.

Paradoc’s is a must try. I’ve been to literally *all* of the coffee shops in a 10-15 minute walking distance from my job. In total I’ve tried 5 coffee shops, including Paradocs. By far Paradocs has blown the other shops out the water. The quality of the coffee and taste has been consistent. And the barista who works there is incredibly fast and kind. Seriously a talented man. Upon first sip of the iced dirty chai I got this morning, I knew I was never going to another coffee shop in this area. Plus it’s near Hansen’s so you can pick up a cupcake if you’re feeling it.

I have no idea where all these positive reviews are coming from. The guy who runs this place is so rude! He acts like he’s mad to have a customer. Everyone has bad days here and there so I decided to give it another shot today and it was exactly the same. My coworker was so intimidated by him that she didn’t even feel comfortable telling him he made the drink wrong… we just wanted to get out ASAP.

I'd rate this as a top ten coffee shop in all of LA. It's non-descript. Almost hidden. Hole-in-the-wall vibe. Taka is the owner and he is the true definition of a sole proprietor. I've never seen another barista there. It's just Taka and he knows how to make a good drink. The pastries are amazing and the decor is NOT. But I don't care. Good music, great coffee, and a nice place to sit and relax before getting back to the hustle and bustle of LA. Thanks, Taka!

I'm always searching for new coffee shops in LA and this was a gem! There was a line of people waiting for it to open, so I knew it was legit. One of the best spots I've tried. It was GOOD. Had to give 5 stars for the barista who was taking orders AND making coffee quick and seamlessly. I tried the white chocolate latte and matcha croissant. I'm a fan! My only disappointment was that they didn't have any of the breakfast items I was interested in like the bacon sandwich or chicken panini... only what was shown in the cases. I'll definitely come back! Ambiance reminded me of a coffee shop in NY. No frills, not overdone but delivers. Exactly what I need in my life. Also affordable and not overpriced in my opinion.

Great coffee and yummy pastries! It's a little gem in the wall. I wasn't able to go in but I can tell it's a cute vibe.

Taka is great. The pastries are made fresh in the back. The coffee is some kind of special, I don't know what they put in there. They have the best chocolate croissant I've had in my life and I've traveled to Paris. It's a hidden gem!

stepping inside this place is like being transported. it does not feel like the quiet Little Ethiopia street anymore, but like a cafe tucked in the side street of a bustling city - the music was jazzin, the people were chattin! there seemed to be quite a few regulars, so it seems to be a nice neighborhood spot. the pastries looked and tasted quite good for being home made (we tried the ham and cheese croissant + pumpkin croissant)! drinks (soy cappuccino + latte) were also pretty well made, though the milk was quite hot and the caffeine was weak. everything had fair prices too. parking wasn't too bad, we found street parking a block away in the neighborhood. worth the drive on a weekend without traffic!

WARNING: HE LITERALLY REFUSED TO LET ME BUY ITEMS HE HAD. similar to others who have written about the owner (see Winn and Jasmine), my experience was AWFUL this morning. Beware of a rude owner and strange practices. I've never been to this place until today but had been wanting to try it. I walked in and tried to order three pastries and he said I could only order one without ordering a drink as well. I said I had already had a coffee this morning and was ordering for me and my boyfriend so at least needed two but he said it doesn't work for his business model for people to buy more than one pastry. This was strange because (1) I didn't see a sign that said this was the policy. (2) It was my first time and instead of the owner having a respectful conversation about whatever policy and welcoming me to his place and explaining he'd like my business etc., he was short and rude (3) if I bought a coffee and a pastry, it would be less than if I had paid for the 3 pastries I wanted to buy. (4) If he doesn't make money on pastries, why have them? This whole kind of scenario (as others have stated) makes him seem unwelcoming at best, discriminatory at worst. I won't be returning.

Guys!!!!!! Im telling you,this is the best coffee in LA(coffee is amazing, the guy is too nice and it's a cool spot with good music)

blueberry matcha 8/10! wish there was more lol but it was p good, couldn't taste blueberry as much, it was v faint but overall less substance and more light inside is a cute shop service is great 10/10

First time stopping by and it's a pretty small shop, kind of hard to notice if you're driving by too fast. Cafe is located on a street with many Ethiopian restaurants, which there are also plenty of meter parking here too. Surprisingly a quarter is 15 mins on this street, so that's pretty good! Walking in, it's a very peaceful and quaint little coffee shop. It seems like it specializes a lot in matcha drinks, so I was really interested in trying the iced blueberry matcha. I got the large size (about $5) and it's quite worth for the size you're getting. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't have any matcha croissants available, but a lot of the pastries seem to have been sold out by 12pm on a Sunday. Wish there could have been more! Drinks were served rather quickly, there's only one man working the station and he seems to be well experienced in his craft. I was really pleased to see how dark green my drink was, so I know it's gonna be good matcha! Overall my drink was really refreshing, I really liked it a lot! The blueberry was very very subtle I would say, so I wish I could have tasted more of that, but the drink overall was pretty nice. My bf's americano said his was pretty standard, so that's good to hear at least too. Hope I can try the matcha croissant next time.

Great and quality array of coffees teas and other drinks in Little Ethiopia on Fairfax.

On my way to a larger chain, I instead pulled over to support a small business and purchase some pastries for a new mom and her husband. This guy tells me I can't buy pastries unless I buy a drink. I say ok I'll buy a drink but he still won't sell me 4 pastries because he doesn't want to sell out. He was so rude about it too.

I visited Little Ethiopia and coincidentally parked outside Paradocs; seeing that it was a local cafe, I wanted to try it out. I walked in, and there was no one at the front. Eventually, a staff member came out to take my order, and I ordered the Kyoto cold brew. I have to admit it was quite an awkward - yet brief - experience. The staff member worked quite hastily but was also quite short with me. In total, the order and pick up took maybe a whole minute, and the staff member abruptly went back to the back. I wasn't sure what the situation was, but it definitely wasn't a welcoming first experience. Paradocs has a petite interior and patio that can seat maybe 6-10 people, and their menu is quite simple. I enjoyed seeing their unique flavors here, but the experience leaves more to be desired. Overall, though, the price was fair, and the coffee was dark and savory. :).

Great place to stop by for some coffee as the Urban LIghts and tar pits are nearby if you're visiting LA. The outside is unassuming and apparently this place has really good baked goods and croissants because they were all sold out when we stopped by around noon which is wild. LATTE MIEL Really really good! The sweetness of the honey is not overpowering and the cinnamon adds a nice touch of spice to a well blended and bold coffee flavor with creaminess and nuttiness of the oat milk. It's the right amount of sweetness without anything. Would definitely come back and try some of their other menu items. They seem to take their craft pretty seriously.

Excellent Ethiopian pour over. Delicious pastry, but was it something I said? Dude did not seem happy to serve me.

My wife and I wanted to try a new place for coffee. We were so pleased with Paradocs! The pour over was amazing. The barista guided me on flavor and nailed it. My wife had a vanilla latte and she wants to go back tomorrow if that tells you anything. We had almond and pumpkin croissants and they were both delicious. See you tomorrow!

Wanted to try something new on my to work but low key regret it. The ambience is nice but I was really craving a blueberry matcha latte (which I usually get from DULCE) but unfortunately the item was just too watery upon first sip. Service was again nice but I'd rather just make the drive elsewhere.

This place is a solid part of the neighborhood and that strip of Fairfax. He makes superb lattes, cappuccinos... everything. His prices are fair. And the quality is superb. Love this place.

Favourite local coffee a shop, this place is a true gem!Drinks are always perfect and the pastries are so fresh. After discovering this coffee shop just a short walk from my house, it has quickly become my go-to spot for morning pick-me-ups and treats (sweet and savory). The ambiance strikes the perfect balance between quaint local charm and modern comfort, making it an ideal spot for both quick visits and long, leisurely stays (also has a few tables if you work remote and enjoy working in a shop). The service here is nothing short of wonderful. The one staffer (who I think is the owner)greets everyone with a warm smile and treats regulars and newcomers alike.

More a local grab and go kinda spot than a coffee bar, but excellent coffee, coffee beans, and tea! My go-to local roaster

Owners are an awesome couple that hand-make the pastries and roast the beans. Genuinely best chocolate croissant I've ever had and the coffee is amazing! Ignore the people who think they're being discriminated against bc they're refused a pastry lol. Taka (the owner) is a great guy once you get to know him

I came for a matcha latte and left with a matcha latte, but I really wish I had come earlier in the day because I saw some of the pastry pictures on Yelp and they look amazing! It's a cute little shop, not super ideal for working or studying, but it's a nice local meeting spot. I'll be back to try some of the matcha pastries soon!

First time at this little place. It is very cozy and the service is great. I ordered the matcha latte which was very delicious a little bit more bitter than everywhere else which makes me think that they use good quality matcha. They don't have a big food menu, just some croissants, I got the caprese one and it was good. It looks like a popular place since a line was forming before I left

Very chill little coffee shop with relaxed vibes. Lots of different roasts available and really nice tea lattes etc available as well. Staff was extremely kind and helpful

Overall Great Coffee & Calm Vibe. The One Per Pastry Rule Is Weird, But They Arm Small In Size & Made In Small Quantities.

My favorite coffee shop near my office. The owner is very nice, and the shop itself is cozy. I've only tried one pastry but I intend to try more because they often sell out. The one I had was amazing.

The coffee, pastries, and smoothies are all solid choices for a snack on the go. The quality of the product has nothing to do with the lack of stars on this review -- today I walked in to sit and rest on the couch inside the store after having bought a drink earlier that morning, as I fairly often do at this establishment as I work down the street. Because I had already had a drink this morning, I abstained from purchasing another one, and was soon greeted by the employee/owner (?) that each time I visit or sit in the store I must purchase something. I was quite honestly shocked by this, as someone who has become a fairly familiar face and customer at the store. Might I also mention, the cafe was empty, save for one person. As a frequent cafe-goer, I know how the cafe business model functions: a desirable ambiance is presented for a customer to sit/study in, which often leads to a purchase of a drink, if the provided ambiance is desirable and the service is good. Instead, I was met with coldness as he tried to urge me out of the store. I hope that in the future he leads with compassion and openness for his community, and respects loyal customers, especially locally working customers. Luckily I quit my job, so either way Paradocs will not have my business anymore.

Visited back in late September - I was in the area doing the #localadventurechallenge and needed some serious caffeine - this was the perfect place! For starters, the barista was just awesome - so friendly and knowledgeable! And his recommendation was SPOT ON! So I ended up trying one of the special brews he had going that day - a cup of the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe and wowwww!! I have to say it might just be one of the best tasting blends I've ever had! I only added a slight amount of honey and cream (after sampling it straight black) so I could really get a taste for it. Geez it was so good! Not bitter at all - smooth and subtle and complex all at the same time! Absolutely loved it! And the atmosphere inside the shop was just fun - felt so vibrant and different! Would definitely love to come back post-Covid to sit and have a coffee and people watch bc the location rocks! Highly recommend!!

Super hidden coffee shop. Very mellow and chill. No a/c though Got the matcha affogato and it wasn't bad. Served in a chilled glass. The ice cream was alright. A tad bit icy. Their matcha blueberry drink was good though. Lighter side of the blueberry.

Super chill owner and coffee spot . I got a decaf oat milk ( very tasty ) iced latte . Nothing mind blowing but a really solid latte and I would be happy to go back if I was in the area. The shop has a vintage feel to it and is kept very clean . Apparently the pasties are yum - we didn't get to try as most were sold out by 11 on a Sunday :)

This place is cute. A quaint little coffee shop. The music is so fun. It's old timey piano. Especially on a rainy day. I would have shown you all the pastry we got but we ate it. I feel like this place needs to get some extra love and support from the community. I wish I could have seen the baristas smile.

We found Paradocs by chance, stopped in traffic on Fairfax in Little Ethiopia on a Sunday evening. Then I was lucky again to find a parking spot just half a block down! The shop is tiny on the street but goes far back once you go in. It's filled with an eclectic mix of seating and has a very warm and cozy vibe. The owner is very friendly and more than happy to explain the different drinks and brewing methods they offer. I had a Con Panna (espresso w/ whip cream) that was so good I had to order a second before we left :) My son had the Kyoto Cold Brew which is the product of a 36-hour brewing process. I tried a sip and it was the smoothest coffee I've ever tasted. They also have a pretty big selection of teas if that's your preference and the food looked delicious. Paradocs is a wonderful little coffee shop that serves great coffee in a relaxing atmosphere in a very busy part of town. I can't wait to go back :)

Best coffee ever! Exquisite pastries! Lovely owners. Kind to my dog. What more could I possibly want in a coffee shop? It's humble, and it's honors kind.

This is my go-to place for great coffee and matcha lattes. Also fantastic homemade pastries that disappear within an hour. Get here early. Great spot for sipping your morning beverage while working on your laptop.

The food is good but the owner plays favoritism. I work next door to this place, I told my coworker who got busy with work that I'll go grab us both something so I go and try to order us croissants (2) and the owner tells me there's a one food item per person policy I found that odd as there were no signs stating this. I thought His business so whatever I'll take my croissant and go. I go back again the next day trying to order a different type of croissant and he tells me "I'm saving this for someone sorry". So I ordered a different one. I didn't make a big deal or scene or anything but when I went back to my office I got an ick feeling. I couldn't tell if I was being discriminated against? He just plays favoritism with customers ? Or tries too hard to make his food / drink items seem "exclusive" ? Or all of the above ? I'm thinking all of the above now that I sit here and write this.

On my recent trip to Japan, someone told me about Paradocs Coffee and Tea after I mentioned that I was visiting from LA. After I ran errands nearby, just looked up and found out the coffee place was very close...so I decided to stop by. Street parking was quite busy, but I was able to find a spot in the residential area - 2 blocks away. As others mentioned, I would have easily passed if I did not know such a cute coffee place exists. Anyhow, I ordered Arnold Palmer and Matcha brownie. Started to chat with the very friendly owner how I found this cafe and we both visited the same curry place in Osaka...lol. Arnold Palmer was very refreshing and the owner explained they use their homemade lemonade plus mango tea. Matcha brownie was perfect...not too sweet, not too dense, right balance of matcha flavor... I bought croissant to take home, and ate it next morning...boy, it was really good. I wish I lived nearby, but would like to visit again when I am in/near the neighborhood for sure.

I love the matcha tea in the small coffee place. The place is super cozy. It is a nice place to get a hot tea The manager is really nice and helpful . I recommend this place.

A Perfect Latte - no need for any sugar when the espresso is brewed just right... mmmmmm...so good. What a fab unexpected place! Music they were playing was so relaxing and I loved my pot of tea! I felt like the coffee quality is much better than a commercialized place (obviously!). There was a good selection for coffee and teas. Matcha brownie is something I will have to try next time. Even though there was only one person working at the counter, I still felt that it was all prepared in a timely fashion. Seating is limited but you can tell locals like this place. It was filled with people in a relaxed atmosphere when you walk into the coffee shop. Everything is made only better coming from the gracious and warm employees. See you again soon!

If you want the best coffee in the city with the mom and pop personal touch to it, remember to go to Paradocs. This lovely couple Taka and Yumi are the best, and this is the OnlY place where you'll find your drink or food will be made to the best quality and perfection. My drink is always made just how I like it and Taka's customer service and appreciation of his customers is not only shown through his engagement and kindness, yet through each coffee creation he makes. I rolled by today on my way to the Marina. I simply asked myself where I could get my favorite latte. No question it was Paradocs, and before I knew it, my car was already there. So if you want your coffee done right, let your car take you here too. And simply enjoy your latte or whatever knowing it's just the way you enjoy it. Happy Sunday. I'll surely be back soon:)

This a hidden gem that gets 5 stars in the Ethiopian part of town. I called to check if the coffee house was still open and they were. The friendly man who answered took my order and when I arrived it was ready to go. I had ordered an 24 oz iced coffee with a bit of cream and sugar. The coffee was okay but I didn't want the barista to redo it because they were closing up - so the 3 stars are for the coffee and not the shop.

Super adorable coffee shop in Little Ethiopia! Met up with Elite Yelper Isobel L. (before dining with our other friends on Valentine's Day at Meals by Genet [highly recommend dining there as well!] and she introduced me to Paradocs Coffee & Tea (located right next to Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant-Market). Parking: Street metered parking in front. There's also free residential parking all over (watch for signs). However, I decided to feed the meter and scored parking right in front of Meals by Genet (where I later dined). I didn't like the free residential parking since the cars were parked a little too close than I would have liked. Upon entrance, we were greeted by Taka, the owner. He's very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about his products and craft. I was in awe and a little overwhelmed by the large selection of teas displayed behind him. Luckily, Taka helped me narrowed down my choices, lol! My $4 Iced White Tea was delicious, unsweetened and refreshing, which quenched my thirst. The White Tea tasted light and gentle, which also soothed and instantly comforted and relaxed me. It came in a large size and took three minutes to perfectly brew. Once my drink was completed, Taka brought over my drink to me. Paradocs Coffee & Tea also sells assorted savory foods and pastries. However, I didn't buy any since we were eating dinner later. Ambiance and Decor: Loved the cozy and antique feel! Extremely chilled vibes here with plentiful outlets and strong Wifi. The one unisex restroom here is clean, well maintained and nicely stocked. Overall, I definitely enjoyed my drink and time here. Looking forward to visiting here again whenever I'm in Little Ethiopia.

Just moved back to Little Ethiopia and quite honestly if I knew about Paradocs I might have never left. Tried it for the first time a few wks ago and now will be checking in often. The Guatemalan Huehuetenango roast was exceptional and their croissants will make u have to hit the gym more often bc of their deliciousness.

Great little local coffee shop. I always love to support hardworking businesses like this. Very friendly and inviting, you instantly feel welcome. Great variety of drinks, prices are fair. We really enjoyed our cinnamon honey lattes, served extra hot on a cold day, it was the perfect pick me up. Worth checking out if you are in the area.

The quintessential coffee shop lives and is here at Paradocs. This one man show delivers great Coffee and Tea options. If you are in the area skip Starbucks and head over to Paradocs for some brew. If you want to try some of their wonderful pastries you better get there early as it is first come first serve. Thank me later.

I love all things matcha, so I was pretty excited to try this place. Came on a Wednesday late morning and their pastry shelf was nearly empty. I really wanted to try their Matcha Croissant but they were completely out by 11am when I stopped by. Ended up getting a Chocolate Chip Cookie, which was pretty mediocre. Also got a Iced Blueberry Matcha drink, which was also pretty whatever. The drink itself was very light and I really had to put effort in distinguishing the blueberry taste. Really wanted to like this place but was disappointed by my overall experience.

My boyfriend and I were on our way to the Hayao Miyazaki / Studio Ghibli exhibit & desperately wanted some iced coffee (as we are not LA residents and the hot drive up was both grueling and tiring). I hopped on Yelp and simply typed "coffee" and found Paradocs. With no expectations other than a caffeine boost we were both pleasantly surprised at the deliciousness of our drinks. We got a iced caramel latte and a iced blueberry matcha, both of which were refreshing and delicious. However, the iced caramel latte was the highlight for the both of us, as the flavors and strength of the coffee was rich and velvety and paired beautifully with the sweet caramel taste which was not overpowering nor artificial tasting. Definitely added to favorites !!

out of town and have been visiting a bunch of coffee shops this week while in LA and this place was definitely on top. The espresso was incredible and the shop itself was very comforting. The barista was very helpful and kind. I will definitely be coming back when I visit even if it's out of the way!

I perchanced into this petite gem on my excursions to Holocaust Museum & LACMA. It is such a lovely cafe and no crowded tables or jammed up space, thank God! Cafe Mocha was bland.... You cannot do wrong with Cafe Mocha, but they butchered it with non-assuming flavor. I am gonna try other coffees next time.

I got the green tea affogato, which was pretty tasty. I initially thought that the price was a little high, because I've had regular coffee affogatos before, but you get quite a big portion of gelato. The presentation is also very nice and matches the overall aesthetic of the coffee and tea spot. They also sell fudge here, which was also nice. It's very rich. I would recommend this too. This is a nice place to stop by and take a break in Little Ethiopia!

Such a cute little joint with amazing service and great atmosphere. Their pastry is sooooo good! I had to stop myself from getting another one or those cinnamon snails (sorry I don't know what they're called)