Have you ever been stuck in a new city and out of the blue, the craving for coffee occurs? In your desperation you stop at a chain coffee shop, and the result is you being slightly disappointed you will never see those three dollars again.  

Here are four more ways you can distinguish a good coffee shop from a mediocre or truly awful coffee shop. 

*I would like to put a disclaimer that this is not an exhaustive list, and that there are many exceptions to these rules*

Coffee shops can be difficult to figure out. Some may look great from the outside and have cute decor on the inside, and yet have horrible coffee. Some may look bad from the outside and be in a bad area, and yet you order a latte and it is truly the best drink you have ever experienced. 

So what should you look for in a coffee shop? 

*I would like to put a disclaimer that this is not an exhaustive list, and that there are many exceptions to these rules*

For each person in this world the term "coffee" means something unique. For some it may be a drink to get them though the early hours of a work day. For others, it may be the reason they get up in the morning.

To me, coffee is such an important part of my story. And I want to share my story with you. 

Have you ever been in downtown Los Angeles and suddenly had a craving for specialty coffee but lacked the faintest idea of where to go? Check out this guide for all of the great shops in Los Angeles, when Van Dyke is too far of a drive.