We first covered Maru Coffee back in 2017, and in the years since, it has become a favorite spot for the Sprudge team to spend time in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA. Funny unknown fact: much of the writing process too The new rules for coffee (Ten Speed Press, 2018) was powered by takeaway coffee from Maru.
This grows and changes over the years, and so does Maru. Now they have two locations, roast their own coffee and open a third outpost in Beverly Hills in 2022. Their original cafe in Los Feliz is still one of LA’s most charming coffee shops, and it’s a perfect time to check in on Maru again to find out what’s new and what’s next.
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Sprudge Maps is presented by La Marzocco and the Pacific Barista Series.
As told to Sprudge by Michael Caro.
Introduce yourself to our readers – tell us about your cafe!
Maru Coffee is a Korean-American owned coffee company with two locations and a roastery in Los Angeles. The name Maru comes from an old Korean phrase “San Ma Ru” meaning mountain top. We approach coffee very simply and consciously in the pursuit of creating memorable flavors and experiences.
What equipment do you use in your store?
Slayer Steam X three-group, Kees Van Der Westen Slim Jim, La Marzocco, Syneso. We like to switch it up and explore different brands. Nuova Simonelli Mythos, Mahlkönig EK43 and K34, Mazzer Kony S.
Which fryer or fries do you serve?
We have been roasting our own coffee for about three years now, on a 15kg Giesen, in addition to our newly added 15kg Loring Falcon.
How is the neighborhood where you are? What are other cool things nearby?
We currently have two locations (Los Feliz and Arts District) and a third location (Beverly Hills) is expected to open this summer.
Los Feliz is a neighborhood surrounded by many residential properties. People who live here also hang out in the neighborhood. There are many small independent shops and restaurants, but the main nearest attraction is Griffith Park, where many Angelinos often hike and picnic. The Greek Theater in Griffith Park also holds many great concerts. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles. People here love supporting local trade and people are proud of their neighborhood.
The Arts District is an industrial area that is in the midst of transformation. While there are many department stores and large trucks driving by, it is also a place where many new great restaurants, creative studios and offices opened up. Nearby there are good restaurants like Damian by the famous chef Enrique Overa, with whom we have a coffee partnership, Bestia and Yess Aquatic, which will open soon. Soho House is also across the street from our store, and also a boutique hotel Kensho Ryokan opens for the spring.
Did you shut down during a mandatory Coronavirus shutdown, and if so, for how long?
During the pandemic, we mostly stayed open as a to-go service store.
How has Coronavirus affected the daily work of your cafe?
We have had our share of challenges, as have many other companies. Our cafe is designed with the intention of creating a warm atmosphere and celebrating the analog energy where simple coffee can bring people together in a common space. The pandemic forced us to reconsider how we could still create a moment of serenity for our neighbors, even behind a glass shield.
What is something cool or unique about your cafe that you would like people to know?
For the coffees we roast and serve, we want to use single-grade coffee as often as possible to develop uniform and distinctive flavors. In addition, all our offerings are of single origin, even our espresso offerings.
Is there a community organization or charity you would like to shout about as part of this function?
ACLU
Thank you!
Do you want your cafe in a Sprudge Maps Spotlight? Register your store for Sprudge Maps, our user-driven compendium of coffee shops around the globe. It’s completely free. Sign up today!
Sprudge Maps is presented by La Marzocco and the Pacific Barista Series.
Images by Maru Coffee, used with permission
