Obet and Del's Highland Park is a standout Black and Filipino-owned coffee shop in Los Angeles, known for its bold flavors, retro ambiance, and strong community connections. Founded in January 2020, it blends Filipino influences with modern coffee trends, offering unique drinks like the ube-based Filipino Iced Coffee and the Thai Town Latte. Recognized by Eater LA, The Infatuation, and the Louis Vuitton City Guide, it’s a hub for both coffee enthusiasts and remote workers. With fast Wi-Fi, local Bicycle Coffee beans, and a welcoming vibe, it’s more than just a café - it’s a neighborhood favorite. Open daily from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Obet and Del's Highland Park Coffee Shop Quick Guide
Obet and Del’s: The Coffee Shop Changing the Game | SoCal Wanderer | Season 3, Episode 5 | PBS SoCal
Coffee Menu and Filipino-Inspired Drinks
At Obet and Del's, the coffee menu is a celebration of Filipino heritage, brought to life through unique brewing techniques. By using locally sourced beans from Bicycle Coffee, the shop reimagines traditional Filipino flavors into exciting café drinks that shine in Los Angeles' bustling coffee culture. Below are two standout categories from their menu.
Filipino Iced Coffee and Featured Beverages
The standout drink on the menu is the Filipino Iced Coffee. Thrillist describes it as a "caffeinated, creamy, and sweet blend featuring Filipino purple yam and oat milk". The star ingredient, ube, gives the drink its signature flavor, paying homage to the sweet, rich taste profiles cherished in the Philippines. Oat milk serves as the perfect complement, adding a velvety texture that highlights the ube's natural sweetness without overshadowing the bold coffee notes.
Highland Park-Inspired Drinks
Another highlight is the Thai Town Latte, a drink that reflects the neighborhood's character. This latte blends tea with oat milk, star anise, vanilla, and tamarind. These drinks are more than just beverages - they're a fusion of traditional flavors and modern coffee-making, weaving a narrative of heritage and community in every sip.
The Space: Atmosphere and Layout
Design and Decor
Obet and Del's brings a retro vibe to life with its colorful interior and sleek, curved racing stripe design along the walls. This combination creates a backdrop that feels both modern and nostalgic, blending contemporary style with a nod to the past. The space is furnished with wood tables and cushioned seating, offering a balance of comfort and practicality.
The café’s logo, originally crafted decades ago by Joshua Oliveros's parents, serves as a subtle tribute to family heritage while complementing the modern coffee culture. It's no wonder Time Out has pointed out how the inviting design appeals to both locals and Instagram enthusiasts alike.
This thoughtful design carries through to a layout that caters to both productivity and community engagement.
Seating for Work and Socializing
The seating arrangement is tailored to meet the needs of remote workers and social butterflies alike. Recognized by The Infatuation in lists like "The Best Coffee Shops In LA For Getting Work Done" and "11 LA Coffee Shops With Really Fast Wifi", Obet and Del's is celebrated for its work-friendly atmosphere. With fast Wi-Fi and flexible seating options, the space seamlessly supports focused productivity while remaining a hub for social interaction. To top it off, occasional community events add to its welcoming neighborhood charm.
sbb-itb-1d31003
What Sets Obet and Del's Apart
Filipino Heritage in Coffee
Obet and Del's weaves Filipino heritage into every aspect of its menu and atmosphere. One standout is the Filipino Iced Latte, a vibrant mix of ube (Filipino purple yam) and oat milk. Thrillist describes it as "a powerfully caffeinated, creamy, and sweet concoction made with Filipino purple yam and oat milk". Its eye-catching purple color has also made it a hit on Instagram, with Time Out calling it a crowd favorite.
But it’s not just about the drinks. The café’s personality shines through its music and its warm, "neighborly hospitality", as the owners describe it. On their website, they explain, "Everyday we share our roots through our menu, music, and neighborly hospitality". As a Black and Filipino-owned business, Obet and Del's aims to create a space where everyone feels at home. Their mission? "A space where people of all flavors feel welcome to connect, create, and be a part of their community".
This commitment to heritage naturally extends into their partnerships and local engagements.
Community Connections
Obet and Del's isn’t just a coffee shop - it’s a gathering place that strengthens neighborhood ties. Owners Knox and Oliveros regularly host food pop-ups featuring local vendors, creating opportunities for connection . This community-driven approach has earned them a spot in Eater LA's "21 Outstanding Coffee Bars in Los Angeles" and recognition in the Louis Vuitton City Guide for Los Angeles 2024.
Visiting Obet and Del's: Practical Tips
Planning a trip to Obet and Del's? These tips can help you make the most of your visit, whether you're there for the coffee, the atmosphere, or both.
When to Visit
Obet and Del's welcomes guests daily from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For a peaceful start to your day, head there early in the morning when the café is at its quietest. If you're looking for a calm spot to work or unwind, weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM are a great choice. On weekends, arriving right at opening time can help you grab a prime seat before the brunch crowd rolls in. These off-peak times ensure a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
What to Order
Kick things off with their Filipino Iced Coffee, a flavorful blend featuring Filipino purple yam (ube) and oat milk. For something inspired by the neighborhood, try the Thai Town Latte, which combines tea with oat milk, star anise, vanilla, and tamarind. If you're in the mood for espresso-based drinks, the café uses beans from local roaster Bicycle Coffee, ensuring every sip is rich and satisfying. After placing your order, settle in and soak up the inviting ambiance.
How to Use the Space
Inside, you'll find a retro-inspired design paired with plenty of seating options. The layout strikes a balance between vintage charm and modern comfort, making it perfect for both focused work sessions and casual conversations. Whether you're staying for a quick coffee or an extended visit, the spacious setup makes it easy to feel at home.
Conclusion: Why Visit Obet and Del's
Obet and Del's brings Filipino heritage to life through its coffee and atmosphere. From the signature Filipino Iced Coffee, featuring ube and oat milk, to the Thai Town Latte infused with star anise and tamarind, every drink tells a story of tradition and creativity. This thoughtful approach connects customers to Filipino culture in a way that's both delicious and meaningful.
The café’s family roots add a personal layer to the experience, transforming it into more than just a coffee stop. For those who appreciate businesses driven by community and heritage, Obet and Del's offers something special.
The retro-inspired interior isn't just about aesthetics - it’s practical too. With fast WiFi and comfortable seating, it’s perfect for remote work or catching up with friends. It’s no wonder The Infatuation highlighted it as a standout spot. Guests frequently mention the warm service and inviting vibe as reasons they keep coming back.
On top of that, Obet and Del's keeps things accessible. Using beans from local roaster Bicycle Coffee, they manage to balance quality with budget-friendly to mid-range pricing. Open daily from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, it’s convenient for early risers and those looking for an afternoon pick-me-up.
This Black and Filipino-owned café is a testament to how cultural celebration and excellent coffee can go hand in hand. Whether you're there for the unique Filipino-inspired drinks, the work-friendly setup, or simply the sense of community, Obet and Del's is a must-visit in Highland Park. It’s a place where quality coffee meets cultural storytelling, creating a space that truly reflects the vibrant coffee scene of the neighborhood.
FAQs
What makes Obet and Del's coffee shop special in Los Angeles?
Obet and Del's coffee shop in Highland Park is a charming spot that blends a sense of nostalgia with a modern twist, all while embracing a strong connection to the local community. Step inside, and you'll find a retro-inspired setting filled with colorful decor, wooden tables, and cozy seating that makes it feel like a home away from home.
But what really makes this place special is its thoughtfully crafted menu of specialty drinks. They offer unique creations like the golden milk cappuccino, a soothing blend of turmeric, honey, and coconut sugar. You’ll also find beverages that celebrate cultural flavors, such as the Filipino iced coffee made with purple yam and oat milk. This dedication to both creativity and community has made Obet and Del's a standout in Los Angeles' ever-evolving coffee scene.
How does Obet and Del's showcase Filipino culture in their menu?
Obet and Del's shines a spotlight on Filipino culture through their inventive menu, particularly with their Filipino-inspired drinks. A must-try is their Filipino iced coffee, a creamy and flavorful treat that features purple yam and oat milk, capturing the essence of traditional Filipino ingredients in every sip.
Another standout is the Thai Town latte, a fusion that combines elements of both Filipino and Thai cuisines. These carefully crafted beverages not only honor Filipino heritage but also deliver a coffee experience that's truly distinctive.
When is the best time to visit Obet and Del's for a quieter experience?
For a laid-back experience at Obet and Del's, try visiting during their quieter hours. They’re open every day from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the calmest times are usually right after they open in the morning or later in the afternoon as they near closing.
Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends, with mid-morning or early afternoon offering a peaceful window to enjoy their specialty coffee. If you plan your visit during these off-peak hours, you’ll get to soak in their warm, community-centered vibe without the usual buzz of a busy crowd.
