Jacob L.
Yelp
My friends and I have had our eyes on this place for a while now and it's felt like it's taken forever from the time the signs went up to them finally open.
We dropped by today with a friend and each all offered a coffee and pastry. I got a cold brew latte and an apple danish, my partner got a cold brew and tomato pesto danish, and my friend got a flat white and croissant. All of us got our orders to dine in.
Overall, we liked the danishes (which were large and flakey) but there were no prices posted. They ended up being around $8 to $9. Really wish they post prices but I know not posting prices is something fancier places do but not something typical in Gardena. Anyway, not mad I paid that much since I could have asked but I do know it's a strategy to not post prices because it sort of traps customers to not want to back out of a purchase of embarrassment and also to allow the establishment to change prices at will.
Next, our coffees were all good (and the prices were posted for those), but the coffees we got were safe options. The Boy and The Bear are known for excellent coffee, but their menu definitely caters more to the initiated. As someone who's not a coffee connoisseur, I'd love to explore something new, but the minimalist menu doesn't offer much guidance. You can ask the staff, but with the line moving quickly, it's easy to feel rushed. If you're unfamiliar with specialty coffee, I'd recommend doing a bit of research beforehand.
This was actually our second visit. The first time, we left without ordering because the menu felt too opaque. Today, we followed through thanks to a friend nudging us to just pick something simple.
All in all, I don't fault a specialty coffee shop for not explaining what specialty coffee is--but given the stark, elevated aesthetic, a little signage or guidance wouldn't hurt. I get that some might say "just Google it," and sure, maybe these places don't have an obligation to educate. Still, the ultra-minimal vibe can unintentionally create a slightly intimidating atmosphere for newcomers and definitely not something people in Gardena would be used to.
As for the atmosphere, the shop leans heavily into an industrial throwback vibe. The entire space is coated in sky blue with a clinical feel--tiles cover nearly every surface, including the benches. The acoustics are stark, with noticeable echo throughout, especially in the hallway near the restroom.
On the practical side, there were no visible utensils for the pastries, and napkins weren't provided with our dine-in orders. There weren't any dispensers either, though I suspect both might be available if requested. Still, it would've been nice if they were offered proactively. Also, my dine in order came in a glass and my friends came in a plastic cup.
Also, the trays are undeniably cute, but not very functional. Unlike most cafés, these trays are super smooth and slick--everything on them slides around. As I carried ours, the food shifted and spilled slightly (carrying a tray in each hand was also less than convenient).
At the table next to us, I watched two women struggle to carry their orders as their drinks slid and their coffee sloshed out. A bit of texture or rubber padding would go a long way.
One more thing: there's a gated parking lot adjacent to the shop, but it's not open to guests. While street parking wasn't difficult, it's worth noting that nearby homes have posted signs reading "no coffee parking," which suggests that parking has already become a point of tension in the neighborhood.
All in all, I'm glad The Boy and The Bear has opened and elevated what coffee means in Gardena. That said, the shop feels somewhat transplanted, with little adjustment for a neighborhood that's distinctly different from Redondo Beach, Pasadena, or Culver City. A few thoughtful tweaks--whether in signage, service flow, or spatial warmth--could go a long way in making the experience feel more grounded and welcoming.
***edit: last thing, the person helping us kept calling me babe which I understand is just like "honey" or "sweetie" but still felt kind of odd. Really didn't like it but can understand if others are neutral about it. Sir would have been fine.