If you’ve been in Los Angeles long enough to know that coffee isn’t just a drink but a full-on lifestyle, then you’re probably already familiar with Nice Coffee Roasters. This DTLA coffee hub just marked its one-year anniversary, celebrating in true caffeine-fueled style with a Friday night party that brought out LA’s coffee-loving crowd. Nice Coffee turned their café into a haven for coffee geeks and casual sippers alike, featuring complimentary coffee drinks, snacks, and a spirited Amateur Latte Art Competition. While wine and beer were on tap, the real star of the night was that perfect pour of espresso.
The main event? A friendly but fierce battle among 16 home-baristas, all vying for the title of latte art champion. No professional experience allowed—just raw, unfiltered enthusiasm. Competitors had a shot at winning some serious swag from Nice Coffee Roasters, with the top prize being the coveted Baratza Encore ESP grinder, a gearhead’s dream. With Special Guest Judges like Jaymie Lao, Nicely, and Nicole Rucker, it was a night where hearts, rosettas, and tulips (the latte art kind, of course) stole the show.
But the story of Nice Coffee Roasters is more than just foam patterns in a cup. It’s about the journey of two coffee lovers—Doug and Elliott—who’ve built a roastery that blends passion with precision. Here’s what they had to say about the philosophy behind their beans, the roasting process, and the ever-evolving world of coffee profiles.
On Sourcing Beans: Finding the Right Farms, the Right Beans
“We aren’t just looking for good coffee; we’re looking for coffee that tells a story,” says Doug, leaning back with a smile that suggests he’s just taken a sip of something special. Nice Coffee Roasters takes pride in working directly with farms that prioritize sustainability and fair practices.
“We’ve got relationships with farmers who are just as passionate as we are—people who put their hearts into what they’re growing,” Elliott chimes in, the enthusiasm evident in his voice. They’re not about chasing certifications; it’s about knowing the people behind the beans and making sure every cup has integrity. “We’ll fly out to meet a farmer, see their process, understand the struggles they face. We want to know that they’re paid fairly for their work and that they’re not just maintaining the land but respecting it.”
The result? Beans with depth, character, and an origin you can trace back to a handshake in a field halfway across the world.
On Sourcing Beans: Finding the Right Farms, the Right Beans
“Every roaster talks about the science, but to us, it’s also a dance,” says Doug. At Nice Coffee Roasters, their approach to roasting is about listening to what the beans are telling them. Their DTLA space is filled with the warm hum of machinery and the rich aroma of coffee, but it’s the balance between intuition and data that sets them apart.
Elliott, with a quick laugh, adds, “Yeah, we geek out over moisture content and roast curves, but at the end of the day, we want you to taste something that makes you stop and think. Or better yet, something that makes you not think at all, just enjoy.” It’s about coaxing out the natural flavors while maintaining a style that is approachable and unpretentious. The roasting process at Nice Coffee is tailored to bring out the best in each batch, whether it’s a bright, citrusy Ethiopian or a deeper, chocolatey Colombian.
“We try to let each coffee tell its own story,” Doug says, “but we give it a little nudge to help it shine.”
On Sourcing Beans: Finding the Right Farms, the Right Beans
“We want to keep it interesting, both for us and for the people drinking our coffee,” Elliott explains when talking about the profiles Nice Coffee Roasters chooses to feature. While they have their staples—beans that regulars crave and keep coming back for—there’s always room for experimentation. “But we don’t go crazy for the sake of being different. It’s about finding something that really works and sharing it in a way that makes sense. Like that time we brought in a natural-processed Costa Rican that had this wild blueberry note—people went nuts for it.”
For Doug and Elliott, the focus is on building a lineup that’s diverse yet cohesive, with a little something for everyone. “Some days, you want that easy, smooth cup. Other days, you want something with a little more punch,” says Doug. And Nice Coffee Roasters delivers on both fronts, appealing to the adventurous and the tried-and-true.
“It’s like music—sometimes you’re in the mood for a new track, other times you just want to hear the classics. We try to make sure we’ve got both on the playlist,” Elliott adds, making it clear that their passion for coffee is about creating experiences, not just drinks.
A Community That’s More Than Just Coffee
Nice Coffee Roasters has become a local favorite not just because of the quality of the coffee, but because it’s a place where people connect. Events like their one-year anniversary bash bring that community spirit to life, reminding everyone why they keep coming back. It’s not just about a perfectly roasted bean; it’s about the vibe, the energy, and the people who gather around a shared love for coffee. As Elliott puts it, “Good coffee is a given—we’re here for those moments when a cup of coffee makes everyone excited. When people go to our spot, it is more than just the drink itself, it is really about the community that we create. Because at the end of the day, we want to provide a service that is just as good as the drinks that we serve.”
So, next time you’re in DTLA, stop by Nice Coffee Roasters. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just looking for a great cup, you’ll find a warm welcome and a brew that’s worth savoring. And who knows? You might even catch Doug and Elliott behind the counter, sharing stories over the steam of the next great pour.
For More Information Visit nicecoffeeroasters.com
Address: 555 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
*Here’s another great coffee shop highlight to check out in L.A., Laidrey’s Coffee Roaster
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Nice Coffee Roasters
