Although I would not have found this location on my own accord, Dinosaur holds its own in the Silverlake coffee scene. Located next to a McDonald's at the intersection of Fountain and Sunset with an unassuming brick facade, Dinosaur coffee is a beautiful space. They serve Four Barrel Coffee (which has clearly made its presence known by now in Southern California from San Fran) in beautiful ceramic cups which are also for purchase. Although I feel that most of the beautiful coffee shops are calculatingly hipster, Dinosaur has a fresh feeling with the wood work and design that looks like a skeletal underbelly of a dinosaur. As for the taste of the espresso, it was a good take on "Friendo Blendo"--a blend of Guatemalan and Ethiopian coffee that Four Barrel has been serving since the beginning--with a fruitiness and a sweet finish. Although it didn't blow my mind, I will definitely be coming back to Dinosaur for some good vibes and good coffee.

Recommend: Wander to the back and get some life advice. Also go across the street for some great pizza at Garage Pizza or over to Jay's Bar for quality cocktails (you never know what you might need to come down from that caffeine high).

Notes: Lots of taken tables with people on laptops (pro, if you need a place to study... con, if you just need a table to drink coffee)

Price: $$

Vibe: Silverlake neighborhood crowd, quiet

Espresso Rating: 8/10

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Address: 4334 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90029

Hours: 8am-6pm everyday

http://www.dinosaurcoffee.com