👋 Hi, I'm Nicholas Roberts. I create and perform music and write this daily blog about creativity, culture, and my life.

I live in Los Angeles with my wife and golden retriever.

Email me: hello@nicholasroberts.io

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I've written before about how I spent an inordinate amount of time at coffee shops.

I know which ones charge extra for oat milk.

Today, I'm sharing a list of coffee shops that I go to frequently.

Some for the coffee. Some for the vibe. And some for the WiFi.

1. Republic of Pie: ROP is the essential coffee shop of North Hollywood and Burbank. Dozens of tables and seats, a line out the door, and a rotating selection of pies every single day keep people coming back, myself included. The WiFi policy here is a strict two hours, since it's such a popular working spot. You're guaranteed to see someone working on edits for their screenplay or overhear a conversation about "the industry." They also have live music almost every single night of the week.
2. Superba: There are a few Superba locations around LA, but the one in North Hollywood offers sweet pastries and coffee every morning. Sitting around is not an option. This is a to-go only kind of place. But if you're walking to the park or trying to get some exercise when you wake up, Superba on Lankershim is worth a stop.
3. Amp Coffee: Amp is half coffee shop and half band rehearsal studio. Although the businesses aren't connected, most of the musicians who are rehearsing in Amp studios will pop out of their rehearsal rooms to grab a cup of coffee or tea. The coffee here is strong, and I quite literally feel amped up whenever I grab a latte and practice my songs. As a bonus, the seating arrangement is nice and air-conditioned and not too loud, despite being inside of a music studio.
4. Aroma: Aroma is for being seen. A huge amount of seating in this hip LA coffee shop attracts influencers, writers, and creatives of all types. Whenever you go, expect to wait in the line that trails out the front door. It's not uncommon to wait for 20 to 30 minutes for a seat at this brunch spot. However, once you manage to get a spot, there's plenty of shade and good breakfast food to keep you inspired as you work or catch up with friends.
5. Coffee Commissary: This is where I work most of the time, if I'm working out of a coffee shop. I wish there were more vegan options for food on the menu, but the coffee and tea selection is on point. Grab a cookie or a sandwich to go with your coffee. Plenty of seating and good WiFi for working on a screenplay or a blog post like this one.
6. Black Elephant: Get a great cup of coffee to go. There's a small patio seating area, but it's pretty small. Plus, there are tons of great thrift stores in this part of Burbank. So I’m usually here on a Saturday or Sunday morning grabbing a coffee on my way to do some thrifting.