Matcha Box Is LA's First Official Matcha Green Tea Bar

While the matcha trend has picked up plenty of steam in New York City, it hasn't quite landed in Los Angeles. In steps Matcha Box, which took over a former boutique on West Third Street around the 4th of July Weekend. Since then, it's been quietly open for locals, but Eater dropped by yesterday for the full experience.

White first did a matcha bar pop-up in New York for two months back in 2010, showcasing some of the products she sells at Matcha Source, her online matcha store. But Matcha Box is a complete green tea experience, whereupon imbibers can take in the minimalist space and sip on true ceremony green tea matcha, which originated in Japan.

Beyond that, consider The Hero, mixing almond milk and served hot or over ice. The Empress employs lemon and muddled mint for a refreshing matcha drink. The Matcha Bitch is an even more creative beverage, with ginger and maraschino for a cold and tart combination.

Along with matcha drinks, one can order some Lodge Bread Co. toasts slathered with green tea peanut butter (on this occasion, though usually matcha, butter, and salt) and lightly salted cashew butter for the perfect morning pick-me-up. Another great tip for locals or people in the area: there's a Monday through Thursday happy hour where you can get any drink and two cookies for $5 from 5 to 6 p.m. There's even a "pay what you want" period (almost like going to LACMA in the evenings) posted weekly, in case you're timid about dropping a few bucks on the matcha.

Hours run 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Matcha Box
8036 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048