Dad’s Review
I’m back in Los Angeles visiting my daughter Jackie. One of my favorite things about these trips is that we usually find time to explore a local coffee shop together. This time Jackie suggested that she, David, and I check out Boondocks Coffee tucked away on Broxton Avenue in the heart of Westwood.
I’ve always enjoyed the UCLA area. Unlike much of Los Angeles, everything feels walkable. Students, professionals, tourists, and coffee drinkers all seem to flow through the neighborhood on foot. It has an energy that’s difficult to describe but easy to appreciate.
Boondocks itself is a relatively small coffee shop, but the floor-to-ceiling windows make the space feel larger and more open. Despite all the glass, direct sunlight doesn’t blast through the windows, keeping the interior cool and comfortable. Given that it was a warm Southern California afternoon, I appreciated that.
The décor is modern and simple. One wall featured minimalist graphics that were probably intended to be artistic. Whether they succeeded is above my pay grade. Music played throughout the shop, and there was even a subwoofer sitting on the floor. As someone who is deaf, I actually enjoyed that detail because I could physically feel the music. It’s a different experience than hearing it, but one I genuinely appreciate.
There was plenty of seating for laptop work along with several couches for people looking to relax and socialize. The place was mostly packed, which I usually consider a good sign. Empty coffee shops make me nervous.
One thing that immediately stood out was that Boondocks isn’t your typical coffee shop. Alongside traditional espresso drinks, they offer several signature beverages unique to their menu, including the Salted Latik, The Boondocks Einspanner, The Westwood Fog, and a variety of matcha drinks. It’s always refreshing to see a coffee shop willing to experiment a little rather than simply serving the standard lineup.
We arrived shortly before 4 p.m., which happened to be closing time. Interestingly, nobody seemed in much of a hurry to leave. Customers continued chatting and enjoying their drinks well after the official closing hour. It felt more like a neighborhood gathering spot than a business anxiously watching the clock.
Since the weather was absolutely perfect, we took our drinks outside and grabbed a table on the sidewalk. The cool Mediterranean-like climate of West Los Angeles couldn’t have been more pleasant. It was one of those afternoons where the temperature is perfect, the breeze is light, and life seems a little less complicated.
My only disappointment was entirely my own fault. I forgot to request my latte in a ceramic mug. When Jackie brought my drink outside, I was greeted by a paper cup. Tragic, I know. A proper latte simply feels more civilized in a ceramic mug.
Fortunately, the coffee itself redeemed my mistake.
I ordered my usual latte, and the barista did an excellent job. The drink was smooth, balanced, and had a pleasant milk-to-espresso ratio. The espresso flavor remained present without overwhelming the milk, creating a comfortable and easy-drinking latte. As for latte art, there wasn’t much to discuss. The foam on top resembled a blob, which happens to be the exact same artistic masterpiece I produce at home, so I am hardly qualified to criticize.
Overall, Boondocks left a very favorable impression. Good coffee, comfortable seating, creative drink options, and an excellent location in one of my favorite Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Most importantly, it provided another opportunity to spend an afternoon with my daughter. The coffee was good, but those moments are what I remember long after the last sip is gone.
I’d happily visit Boondocks again the next time I’m in Westwood.
My rating is 8/10
Jackie’s review
My Review of BOONDOCKS COFFEE ROASTERS.
This is a place that just recently opened in Westwood. I have noticed it several times as I walk along Broxton Plaza, which is a nice little road that is closed to cars and I often take on my walk to and from work. The place is mostly comprised of college students, there were many younger / early 20 somethings that appeared to be studying. It reminded me of my college and medical school days that are now, finally, behind me.
When you first walk in, there’s a great sound system with two large speakers and a bass speaker on a stylish wooden shelving unit, complete with small plants, merchandise, and unique decor. The overall vibe of the space feels very mid-century modern, but with eclectic pops of color. I really liked the space, and the floor to ceiling windows allowed for warm, natural lighting that added to the bright feeling of the cafe.
Dad ordered his classic plain latte. I decided to branch out, finally deciding on the Latik Latte. Latik is a filipino dessert topping, and can either refer to fried coconut curds or a sweet coconut syrup (depending on the region). This spot boasts other filipino influences in their menu. I looked into the name a bit more; boondocks is a sort of American bastardization of the Tagalog word bundok, meaning a remote mountain top. This word came about during the early 1900s, at the height of the Philippine-American war. In these high up, secluded bundoks, Arabica coffee beans flourish. Per the website itself:
Boondocks Coffee Roasters takes immense pride in its Filipino-American immigrant roots. Our primary mission is to shine a spotlight on the rich coffee offerings from the Phillipines and showcase them on the global specialty coffee map.
As for the experience of drinking the coffee itself, I was pleasantly surprised as I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never before had latik. The coconut was mild, and the latte was not overtly sweet. It was topped with a home-made whipped foam that was equally mild (but not in a negative way!) These days, I have a sweeter tooth when it comes to my coffees. However, I find that a classic vanilla latte is often too sweet for my liking. This novel latte struck a perfect balance between the bitterness of espresso and the sweet touch of coconut syrup. As for a final flair of detail, the barista added freshly shaven coconut bits to the top.
I’d rate this place pretty highly, to be honest! It’s been a while since I was impressed by a spot like this. My only criticisms is that I wish the space was a bit larger as it is heavilly traffic’d by college students. However, this is obviously of no fault to the establishment itself!
My rating is…
drumroll please
### 9/10
Recent Comments