After passing this centrally-located spot for years, I finally ventured in to the Coffee Connection and was delighted to find a spacious, peaceful atmosphere. I was most recently here with friends, and we separated out into a “workaholics” table (hello) and the “chatters” table (or self-described “meditators”).
Plugs are generously placed along most of the walls. Our group chose a four-person table, opened our laptops and logged on to the solid wifi with no problem.
Penina’s Ratings
Coffee: Good
Food: Will update once I’ve tried it, but I’ve had good reports from others
Wifi: Effortless, solid
Ambience/Decor: Spacious, warm and mostly quiet
Ambience/Business: Good for solo and small group work (see my note below about larger meetings)
Service: Friendly, quick
Clientele: Locals, students, families
Bathroom: Multi-stall, with hooks, and a shelf near the sink for your stuff
The coffee is flavorful, and the service has been quick and friendly (I am usually there during the late afternoon). I admit I had avoided this spot because it’s connected to a church, and I expected to be accosted, or at least glared at. Nothing like this has ever happened to me during any of my visits, and all other reports I’ve heard or read say the same.
For larger meetings, the Coffee Connection has an impressive selection of meeting facilities, in addition to the café and courtyard. I should add there’s even more going on here, with music, art and theater productions, support for humanitarian causes and dedication to sustainability.
Because of the ample meeting facilities, I recommend calling ahead if you’ve got a stressful deadline and need to make sure things will be quiet while you’re there.
Coffee Connection
3838 S. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90066
(310) 391-1380
Penina’s Wifi Etiquette
- Buy stuff. Do I really need to say this? After seeing otherwise with my own eyes, it turns out I do. My rule of thumb is to buy something about every two hours.
- Be gracious. Your two coffees and a scone aren’t doing all that much to pay the rent for the hours you spend in a café. Help make it a friendly, welcoming place so they can attract and keep more customers.
- Follow the rules. Busy urban areas limit wifi use because higher costs require them to generate quicker turnover. Sometimes plug placement is limited: if your power cord is a tripping hazard, then don’t use it (or negotiate with the wifier closer in to swap locations so you can charge up).
- Be considerate. Go outside to make phone calls.
- Be very considerate. Your laptop should not make a sound—not even little beeps: use headphones. Same for the radio you brought to follow the game.
- Tip generously. And tip again if you’re there through a shift change.
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