Natures Brew

Ranked #000

USC/University Park

2316 South Union Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007

https://www.naturesbrewcafe.com

Power Outlets: Outlets Available

Wi-Fi: Reliable Wi-Fi

Noise Level: Moderate

Workspace: Good

Cost: $5-15 per person

Coffee = Good

Food = Good

Bathrooms = Clean & Accessible

Staff = Great

Guests = Students/Young Professionals

Parking = Manageable

Introduction

Natures brew does a lot right event though it doesn’t live up to the flashy finishes that other coffee shops in LA all seem to be following, which I think is okay. It meets the ideal thought of what your around the corner coffee shop is and that seems to fit well since it locates itself nearby USC.

They cater well to the student and remote work crowd. After doing some remote work here I have noticed a few quirks that keep it from being a top-tier swichlist contender, I find myself enjoying the pace and vibe each time I go. This is a solid weekday option for when you want to stay focused without beging surrounded by the hyper-curated or influencer-friendly environments.

Oulets Available

Outlets here are accessible. You will find them underneath the side wall tables attached to the wall. Unlike other coffee shops, these are not closed and ready to use. There are no bells and whistles about it here such as USB-C charging, but you will get your standard outlet.

You can feel free to stay charged all day, there are no limits on outlet use and it is not the type of place where you feel like you are overstaying your welcome by being plugged in.

Wi-Fi Available

Download Speed: 24 Mbps

Upload Speed: 6.7 Mbps

Ping: 20 ms

Jitter: 1 ms

Wi-Fi here gets the job done. When hopping on you get a splash page, click to agree to terms, and thats it. No passwords, no time limits, and no random disconnects throughout the day. Speeds stayed solid and I didn’t experience any lag even as the cafe started to fill up.

Moderate Noise

67dB Average

This coffee spot walks the line between quiet and active in a way that is mostly in your favor. There is a bit of an odd sound overlap between the dining space and the kitchen. This is really only perceivable when you are sitting close to the coffee bar. The music overhead was playing tunes by The Smiths with The Red Hot Chili Peppers songs bleeding in from the kitchen area. It’s not loud, just a little sonically uncoordinated. That said, the crowd itself is mellow. People are focused, heads down, working. Even kitchen clatter blends into the background. It’s a functional, moderate noise level.

Good Workspace

Natures Brew was clearly designed with some intention around seating variety, even if comfort didn’t make it into every details. There’s a large communal table, individual seating, bar-height group tables, and a few smaller setups. The tables are big enough for full setups like laptops, notebooks, a drink and even a mouse. There are plenty of space between the tables as well.

The seating itself isn’t built for long haul comfort. Metal backrests and minimal padding mean that you could be shifting around if you are staying for more than a couple hours.

The lighting is a little dramatic and uneven since there is one big window that lets in a flood of daylight that bounces off the dark floors and brick walls. If you are facing the door, there is a bit of a glare situation. If you are facing the coffee bar it will be softer and easier on your eyes.

Cost $5-15 per person

You can comfortably work here all day for under $15, which is increasingly rare. Coffee sits around $5, food between $10-15, and no one is going to give you a hard time if you don’t re-order. There is no seat time policy. Water is available for free at the condiment station. It’s a low pressure environment that respects your presence as a guest, even if you’re settling in for awhile.

Good Coffee & Food

I tried the vanilla iced latte, a bit of a favorite of mine if you haven’t caught on from other reviews. To me, I would describe it as a melted marshmallow in a watery coffee. I’ve noticed that vanilla iced lattes can taste this way at certain shops. It is a little too sugary in taste for me and I usually find it as an indicator that the specialty coffee drinks are not their bread and butter. It seems like a good place to get a fresh ground cup of drip coffee, however.

The toasted chicken sandwich that I ordered was exactly what I wanted it to be. It wasn’t too big or too heavy and easy to eat while working. The vinaigrette on the side salad was sharp in the best way, someone even mentioned how good it smelled as they were sitting next to my table.

I didn’t catch any dietary labels on the menu, for example vegan or gluten free, so keep that in mind if that is important to you.

The pastries looked fresh but were limited in selection, which likely means that they keep their batches tight. Food here feels thoughtfully portioned and built to pair well with a workday. Not messy, not greasy, just solid.

Great Staff & Students/Young Professional Guests

Everyone behind the counter was friendly without being performative. They brought food to my table, asked if I needed anything, and genuinely seemed to enjoy working together. The energy feels light and collegiate, probably since they are presumably USC students, and that lends itself to a relaxed, productive atmosphere. You’re not being micromanaged as a customer, which I appreciate.

This space attracts a focused crowd. Most people were on laptops with headphones working quietly. You get a sense that everyone here is building or creating something. It’s not a social vibe, but there’s an unspoken solidarity in being around other people trying to get stuff done. It feels like a working neighborhood cafe.

Manageable Parking

There’s free street parking around the side streets, I didn’t have to circle the block more than once. No permit restrictions and the only thing to be wary for is when you need to switch sides of the street for street cleaning days. There is a bike rack right outside and rentable scooters nearby. It’s Las not far from public transit, but definitely more convenient by car.

Summary

Nature’s Brew feels like a space that’s quietly working for remote workers. It’s not engineered for digital nomads or curated to go viral, it just happens to do a lot of the right things. Open outlets, stable Wi-Fi, a calm crowd, and good food make this a strong mid-tier work spot. The lighting and seating could be improved, but they’re not deal-breakers.

I probably wouldn’t go here for a day full of meetings but if I am writing, designing, or studying, this is a workspace worth adding into rotation.