Our honest review
Community Goods Reviews: Is the Hype Real?
The short answer is yes, with one big catch. The drinks and breakfast live up to the buzz, but the line and the tiny room can test your patience. This Community Goods review covers what is great, what is not, and who will love it most.
Best for
Matcha and breakfast
Biggest downside
Weekend lines
Our verdict
Worth one visit
Our Community Goods Review in 30 Seconds
Community Goods is one of the few viral LA cafés that earns its reputation. The Einspänner Latte and Rocky’s matcha are genuinely excellent, and the breakfast sliders are the best reason to come before noon. The room is beautiful but small, seating is scarce, and a weekend visit can mean a long wait on the sidewalk. Go on a weekday morning and it is an easy recommendation.
Our Community Goods Review Scorecard
| Drinks Coffee and signature lattes | Excellent |
| Matcha Rocky’s ceremonial matcha | Excellent |
| Food Sliders, toast, sandwiches | Very good |
| Space Design, light, seating | Good |
| Wait Weekend mornings | Poor |
| Value Prices for LA | Fair |
Community Goods Pros and Cons
What We Love
What Could Be Better
Community Goods Review by Category
Here is how each part of the experience holds up in our Community Goods review.
Coffee and Signature Drinks
Excellent
The Einspänner Latte ($7.50) is the drink to order. The Espresso Tonic ($7.00) is the refreshing pick, and Vic’s Cafe con Leche is the sweet, cozy one. The plain espresso drinks are clean and well made.
Rocky’s Matcha
Excellent
The Matcha Latte ($8.00) is smooth, grassy and not overly sweet. If you want it stronger, try the Matcha Americano or the Joe Matcha Latte from the I.Y.K.Y.K. menu.
Food
Very good
The Breakfast Sliders ($12.00 for four) are the highlight, and the Pistachio Toast ($10.00) is a close second. The $18.00 sandwiches are big and satisfying, but pricey.
Pastries
Good
Croissants, kouign amann and cookies are solid add-ons. Popular pastries sell out, so do not count on a specific one late in the day.
Space and Design
Good
It is one of the prettiest cafés in LA, but it is small. At peak times there is nowhere to sit and it gets loud.
Service and Wait
Fair
Staff work fast once you order. The problem is getting to the counter: weekend lines can take an hour or more.
Edinburgh Ave vs Pacific Design Center: Which Is Better?
Both cafés serve the same core menu, but our Community Goods reviews of each one came out very different.
Edinburgh Ave (Beverly Grove)
Pacific Design Center (West Hollywood)
So, the Pacific Design Center café is the better choice for most people, because you get the same drinks and food with a shorter wait and more room. Choose Edinburgh Ave only if you want the original room. See both in our Community Goods photos.
Is Community Goods Worth the Price?
Community Goods is not cheap, but it is in line with other specialty cafés in Los Angeles. Price comes up in almost every Community Goods review, so here is what a typical visit costs before tax and tip.
Typical Orders
| Coffee and a pastry Cappuccino + Plain Croissant | $12.00 |
| Classic breakfast Breakfast Sliders + Einspänner Latte | $19.50 |
| Lunch Tuna Sandwich + Latte | $25.00 |
| Breakfast for two Sliders + Pistachio Toast + two drinks | $37.50 |
Our Take on Value
The drinks feel worth it because the quality is high and the matcha is real ceremonial grade. The sandwiches are the hardest to justify at $18.00 each. The best value is the Breakfast Sliders, since one $12.00 order easily feeds two.
See every price on the full Community Goods menu.
Who Will Love Community Goods?
You Will Love It If
You May Want to Skip It If
Tips Before You Go
Community Goods Reviews FAQs
Is Community Goods worth it?
Yes, for one visit at least. The drinks, matcha and breakfast sliders are excellent. Go on a weekday morning to avoid the long weekend line.
What is Community Goods known for?
The Einspänner Latte, Rocky’s ceremonial matcha, the Breakfast Sliders on Hawaiian rolls and its minimalist, photogenic room.
What should I order at Community Goods?
Start with the Einspänner Latte or a Matcha Latte, plus the Breakfast Sliders. The Pistachio Toast is a great second pick.
Is Community Goods overpriced?
Prices are high but typical for specialty cafés in LA. Drinks run $4.50 to $8.00, and the $18.00 sandwiches are the priciest items.
How long is the wait at Community Goods?
Weekend waits at Edinburgh Ave can pass an hour. Weekday mornings and the Pacific Design Center café are much quicker.
Is the matcha at Community Goods good?
Yes. It is Rocky’s ceremonial-grade matcha from Fukuoka, Japan, and it tastes like real green tea rather than sweet milk.
Is Community Goods good for working?
Not the Edinburgh Ave café, which has very little seating. The Pacific Design Center café has more room.
Which Community Goods location is better?
The Pacific Design Center café is better for most visits, with the same core menu, a shorter wait and more space.
Does Community Goods have vegan options?
Yes. Oat and almond milk are free, the Banana Bread is vegan, and the Pistachio Toast is vegan without honey.
Is Community Goods good for breakfast?
Yes. Breakfast is its strongest meal, served until 12pm on weekdays and 1pm on weekends.
Our Final Verdict
Our Community Goods review comes down to this: it lives up to the hype on taste. So, the best way to visit is a weekday morning at the Pacific Design Center café with an Einspänner Latte and the Breakfast Sliders, because you get the best of the menu without the long wait.