5 FOR FRIDAY - COFFEE IN LOS ANGELES

Today is the debut of Spiky's 5 For Friday! (Applause!) As promised, each week I'll be featuring my Top 5 -- from the sauciest pizzas to the moistest cupcakes to the heartiest sandwiches. For this Friday's list, I chose the beverage that holds most dear to my heart. Whether you call it Java or Joe or Frothy Delight, it's the caffeinated necessity that most of us find we can't live without. So why not drink the best that's out there. 

1) Cafe de Leche - located in Highland Park this sweet corner coffee shop with hip decor and ample seating serves up Stumptown Coffee both in their espresso and drip coffee.  
Drink to get: Iced Organic Agave Latte 

2) Coffee Commissary - located on Fairfax just north of Melrose, this sweet little place, featuring Victrola Roasters, is tucked into a brand-new loft space. While it caters to those that rent the space, it has quickly become popular for writers, as well as those on the go.
Drink to get: Cubano con Leche or a hand-poured brew

3) Intelligentsia - located in a number of cities from New York to Chicago to right here in Los Angeles (notable venues - Silverlake & Venice) their high quality brew originates from their own roasted beans. They always serve up "in season" beans to maintain their vibrant flavor. 
Drink to get: Vanilla Latte or just a shot of their Black Cat Espresso

4) Bricks and Scones - located on Larchmont just north of the busy strip, this quiet, cozy coffee shop serves up the beloved Intelligentsia bean without the "20 minute wait" that most Intelligentsia venues require due to their popularity.  
Drink to get: Double Shot Latte (and don't forget a warm fresh blueberry scone to accompany it. It's a MUST here.)

5) Ruisseau - also known as The Coffee Guys, this small coffee cart can be found tucked deep into the gates of Park Labrea or parked on various television and film sets catering to crews. The owner, Edward Ackah-Miezah, serves up fair-trade coffee from various roasters and his coffee is as consistent as his outgoing personality. Also, his punch card program gives you a free coffee after every ten you purchase. 
Drink to get: Iced Single Shot Soy Latte


Runner up: Spring for Coffee - Downtown LA