With the opening of two new shops within the span of a month, Echo Park’s craft coffee shop scene is certainly on the rise. The latest addition is Andante Coffee Roasters, the Mid-City micro-roaster that recently opened a second location near Sunset and Alvarado.
Andante’s coffee beans, locally roasted in Koreatown, are a definite draw for coffee lovers, who can pick up a bag to-go or enjoy a pour-over on site. During a recent visit, however, the barista recommended a different type of caffeinated beverage: Andante’s Mint Matcha Latté ($4.50).
Made with Sencha’s mint-infused matcha tea, sugar, and whole milk this pale green concoction immediately evokes a scoop of mint ice cream on first sip, followed by a savory nuttiness brought on by the matcha, a Japanese tea made from antioxidant-packed ground green tea leaves. Served hot or iced, the latté arrives wonderfully frothy and far less sweet than the matcha lattés you’ll find at large coffee chains.
With expertly-pulled espresso drinks and a wide selection of Art of Tea blends, Andante offers several ways to perk up a dull day, but it’s that velvety matcha latté that has us looking forward to weekday coffee runs.
Andante Coffee Roasters, 2201 W. Sunset Blvd., Echo Park
