Think of the best piece of toast and jam that you've ever had. And then think of something a million times better and this is what you'll find at Sqirl. I originally came here for the coffee from hearing about G&B-- who has now moved to two locations at Grand Central Market and Larchmont. They served Forty-Ninth Parallel espresso back in the G&B days and pulled pretty consistent shots, although not the best that I've had of "Epic Espresso" by Forty-Ninth Parallel. However, the espresso usually got overshadowed by the AMAZING toast that they serve there. Recently, after G&B moved on to bigger things, I've been back twice. The first time (only a week ago) they were serving great espresso from Kuma Coffee but when I went back this morning (June 27), they had already changed the espresso to Phil and Sebastians Coffee Roasters. Personally I had never heard of it, but the espresso was pretty good- I thought it was kind of nutty and honey flavored, with a bitter aftertaste (not my all-time favorite). From the label on the espresso bag I found out that these roasters actually roast their espresso with honey and their espresso is from Finca Hartmann, Panama. They claim notes of "chocolate, orange and vanilla." Those particular flavors didn't come through for me, but I'll live... **Awesome side note: I went back on July 1, and they were serving ANOTHER different espresso-- Heart's Stereo espresso. I asked them why they kept changing it up and they said that they wanted to switch between brands so it was always tasting its best. So refreshing to hear that.

Overall, this place is the bomb diggity. It's pretty small inside but on the *rare* beautiful LA days (sarcasm), the outdoor seating is lovely! As I said before, the food is delectable and I can say that this is one of my top favorite places in Los Angeles.  Also, the people that work there are incredibly friendly and don't give you weird looks when you stuff your face or start yelling about how good the food is.

Recommend: TOAST! With their nut butter and (my current fave) Murray Berry Jam (The Japanese Raspberry- my sister and I have decided to move there for their raspberries). 

Note: Not a great place to study but instead a great place to eat, socialize, hang out, or drink copious amounts of coffee!

Price: $$ (a bit pricey for the food, but worth it) 

Vibe: Friendly, homey, relaxed

Espresso Rating: 8/10- they keep changin it up! 

Overall Rating: 9/10

Hours: M–F 7a–4p, S–S 8a–4p

Website: http://sqirlla.com/