A Moody New Espresso and Breakfast Contender Arises on Melrose

Los Angeles’s reputation as a lazy breakfast town is mostly well deserved, as evidenced by the nonstop arrival of colorful, artistic places to plunk down with a friend over a fried egg sandwich and an Americano. Here’s one more example: Point Five Espresso Bar, now open along Melrose Avenue.

Point Five quietly opened last month, but already has the look and vibe of places that have been around for years. The shop trades a purely sunny aesthetic (think Great White in Venice) for something a touch more moody, akin to the coastal vibes found at The Boy & The Bear in Redondo Beach and Culver City. Expect drip coffee, lattes, and of course straight espresso pulled from a shiny new La Marzocco machine.

Point Five also has a full menu of breakfast and lunch eats available, from eggs and pancakes to smoothies, sandwiches, and toast. It’s not quite the Australian-leaning array of options at a place like Westwood’s Ministry of Coffee, nor is it the high-minded stuff at Echo Park’s all-day Triniti cafe. Instead, hone in on staples offered in the $10 to $15 range. The full opening menu is below.

The new Point Five Espresso Bar is already open along Melrose, just west of Fairfax. Expect hours most days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., though the kitchen closes at 4:30 p.m.

Point Five Espresso Bar
7965 ¹⁄₂ Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA

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