Cows End

i really tried to adopt this cafe as my preferred hot spot, and even though their hi-fi is pretty good i am going to look elsewhere in the future. the problem is that there is so much traffic in the front room, and also on the walkway that one cannot really get some ‘peace of mind’ time. people struggle to climb the stairs with sleeping babies in their strollers, while the health obsessed patrons eat their berry cereal next to a chain smoker. when i complained to the barista about the smoke coming inside the shop, he said they couldn’t do anything about it since the smoker was sitting on the outside chairs. how come then starbucks doesn't allow smoking on their outdoor patios? if you try to go to the second floor looking for some quite and productive time, you'll feel like you are entering a condemned zone. it's dirty, with half broken furniture and scarce electric outlets. It’s probable the management figured out they get enough business from tourists so they don't need to cater to the locals; at least, not to the non-smoking ones. Pros: okay menu Cons: bad service, smoking customers more

Good spot for trendy folks, but for the best coffee in LA go up the street 5 blocks to Joni's where they roast the beans on-site. Pros: Good location Cons: weak coffee more

It has a funky, eclective vibe near the beach. Good coffee an pastry selection. Great place to chill on a Sunday morning to read the paper and take a walk on the beach. Parking is non-existant. more

I have visited the cows end at least once a week for years but come on guys!\r Its time to get some effort into getting the place in order, Your staff are more interested in talk and nonsense than taking care of customers, It always takes to long to get served usually because these is to few crew, and then those who are there more often are more interested in each others talk than in me the customer.\r The place needs a damm good cleaning and simple things like a fly mesh on the window in the upstairs back room has been needed for so long its not even funny. This is not rocket science?\r \r Its also always to hot , stupid fans are all over the place, Get real put one small ac unit in and you will save a fortune on electric and keep us all happy and spending more?\r \r I love the food, But someone should take a look into ordering Quantities nothing left in the counter at 12.30 on a Sunday No Bagels, Danish or ? And just a few pastries No wonder you can not afford an AC Unit, Yet I love the place Why I do not know? Sorry to sound so negative but how on earth will it ever improve if people only keep writing fluffy nonsense instead of the facts about what should be the best coffee house in VENICE.\r \r Finally I can not get my scone toasted? What ? I can only assume the staff can not be bothered to deal as I was looked at like I came from another planet when I asked What is this ? So I order a Bagel on one visit from the 3 left in the display, when I do get my bagel is almost toasted beyond belief, I am over making a fuss I now only visit and order a bottle of water.\r \r HOW SAD IS THAT? When it is so simple to just get it right. \r Finally in the interests of full disclosure, I can not stand the corporate coffee house on the other side of the street. Sorry Starbucks yet I gotta say its experiences like mine that fuel the corporate bottom line. \r more

I liked the atmosphere of this two-level coffee shop. There were bright red sofas (though it was hard to find one that wasn't occupied) and lots of tables on both floors and even tucked away on the stairs. Much more personable than your typical mass-produced coffee shop. The coffee was really good. I ordered a sandwich too (they use Boar's Head meats), and it was just OK. They have a make-your-own sandwich option where you pick your own meat, cheese, condiment, veggies, and bread. Parking was hard because of the proximity to the beach. Pros: atmosphere, good coffee, plenty of seating Cons: parking, average food offerings more

Cow's End is a Venice landmark. By summer day, tourists enjoy an astoundingly wide variety of iced coffee drinks at this establishment (one block from the beach). By night, Venice locals sip hot things, talk, and study. Great place for people watching. The fact that it has continued to thrive with a Starbucks only two storefronts down is a testament to the wide variety of beverages and friendly neighborhood service. What many don't realize is that Cow's End doubles as a decent deli, offering a myriad of sandwiches to choose from or build. It's no Stroh's when it comes to gourmet food, but you could grab lunch here and be satisfied. \r \r Caution: the wait in line is sometimes as long as the drink menu. And, whatever you do, beware looking closely at the giant wood cow hanging from the ceiling - the thick layer of dust may be enough to send you to Starbucks afterall. Pros: Huge drink menu, peoplewatching Cons: Long line, hot inside more

I rode by Cow's End and had to come back to try it. I was not disappointed, and neither were the friends I brought with me. The beverage array is staggering, and the pastries are very good. Parking is a little tricky, because it's so close to the beach. more

The people working at Cow's End know just about everything about coffee, and if you want something off the menu, they'll give it their best shot, usually with favorable results. It's a bit bizarre to compare going into the very personal, human coffee shop that is Cow's End and then go into the Starbuck's across the way, where the hipster staff seems to do its best to avoid eye contact or even a courtesy ""hello"" as they overcharge you for their cookie cutter fare. Cow's End does take longer, but it's worth the wait. more

Its a very relaxed environment at this coffee house by the beach. On some nights there is live music. Dog friendly. Its not the fastest coffee near the beach, but its still my favorite. Locals wait patiently in line while chatting about the events of the day. If youre in a hurry go to Starbucks across the street. more