Cody P.
Google
Stagger’s name gets brought up an awful lot in discussions regarding the best matcha in LA, so of course I had to come and try for myself. For a Saturday afternoon, I expected the crowd to be much worse (it was still bad though, don’t get me wrong). The plaza is disproportionately small in comparison to the crowds that Stagger Coffee draws. Luckily, valet parking is available for a small price. The line was sticking out the door, but conveniently, there were umbrellas provided for guests standing in the hot sun. In total, we probably waited about 15-20 minutes to reach the front counter and order.
One of my friends ordered the donut latte, which is dine-in only. So we HAD to find a place to sit. Miraculously, a table for three freed up as soon as we finished paying. Other guests were not as fortunate. Several people were confined to the back alley, standing against the wall or sitting on the concrete to enjoy their drinks (which honestly was also a vibe).
The double matcha was good, and I liked the cream top. But I felt like the vanilla was a bit overpowering. I thought that their coffee was better than their matcha. I really liked the London Black, which was coffee with Earl Grey tea. The donut latte was good too. It’s espresso sized and is served in a cute little ceramic demitasse cup, which is why you have to dine-in to order it. They dust the cream top in cacao powder and make a little hole in the middle so it resembles a donut. Sweet, creamy, a little chocolatey, and coffee - just like a donut dunked in a cup of Joe.
Even considering my critiques, I still really enjoyed my matcha. I don’t think Stagger has the best matcha in LA, but their matcha is still delicious and worth a try. If I come back, I would want to get the London Black, but I think it might be a seasonal thing.