By: Ani Antonyan ‘24

Tired of studying at Leavey Library? Need a change of scenery and to get off campus? Exploring LA and trying nearby coffee shops is a great way to motivate yourself to get started on that project you’ve been dreading or devote yourself to a study session. So grab your laptop, your TAP card, and computer charger, and get ready to power through a few hours of studying and crunching assignments at these great nearby coffee shops!

By: Lanie Brice ‘24

If you’re looking to go back in time through art, you’ll probably struggle to find inspiration outside of the Getty or the LACMA, known for its once Instagram trending installation. Luckily, there’s another hidden gem museum much closer to USC if you’re looking to immerse yourself in fine art, take a walk around a gorgeous pond area, or grab a bite to eat at the outdoor cafè that is the cherry on top of the Parisian vibes. It’s called the Norton Simon Museum, and it’s located just north of us in Pasadena.

By: Karla Leung ‘22

Dulce Founder James Choi graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Accounting ‘05, then went on to work at Ernst and Young. Whenever he had the time, Choi would help out his mother at her Swiss Chocolate shop in Palo Alto, but pursued accounting at Ernst and Young to financially provide for himself and his mother. However, when his mother started battling ovarian cancer, she wanted to follow her dream of starting a bakery in Little Tokyo. Neither Choi nor his mother knew how to run a bakery, but Choi agreed when his mother got a business partner on board. When his mother’s bakery business partner dropped out, Choi decided to put in his 2-week notice at Ernst and Young to open their first Cafe Dulce in Little Tokyo in 2011. A few years later, they opened another at the USC Village in 2017.

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

One of my favorite local coffee houses, Groundwork Coffee makes you feel like you’re lounging in your own living room. My favorite drink is the chai latté with their very own homemade whipped cream. If you’re looking for an extra kick of caffeine ask for the “dirty chai.” For some powerfood try one of their salads or my personal favorite is the toasted ham and cheese croissant…

By: Samantha Romero ‘16

1. République: located in Hancock Park, this French Cafe, bar, and bistro is absolute goals! The communal tables and natural lighting make for a welcoming atmosphere. My favorite choice for brunch is the Belgian waffle served with fresh berries and maple syrup. Also, don’t forget to try the freshly squeezed orange juice…