Tilt Coffee Bar is a tranquil hidden gem, located deep in the chaos of Downtown Los Angeles. The sleek glass kiosk is located across a bridge surrounded by lush grass in a spacious open courtyard next to the Medallion Apartments with a few colorful tables and a setup of wooden platforms which blend in with the natural scenery. All of this is accented with a suspended sculpture of a lotus flower from the sky. It’s a unique space, and the perfect place for soaking up sun while sipping on one of their delicious and well-crafted drinks.
It is appropriately named, as it sits tilted on the hillside in two sleek and box-shaped modern kiosks, one for ordering coffee and one for enjoying it in if you’re in need of some getting some work done in the shade using the free WiFi.
Three-time competitor at the World Latte Art Championship Kyuho Choi founded the shop with business partner Suk Hong at the end of 2016. The two compliment each other well- Hong, with an architectural background acts as Tilt’s designer and Choi, with six years of experience on bar, is the lead barista. Tilt exclusively serves coffee from Portland’s Heart Coffee Roasters (I’ve been there, check it out, here!) which is well appreciated in the full-bodied taste of the coffee.
I ordered the signature “Ice Cloud Latte”— iced layers of espresso, milk, maple syrup, and thick cold cream mixed together for frothy indulgence. I got mine with almond milk and light cream because lactose and I don’t have a great relationship, but the traditional drink can be enjoyed with your milk of choice.
If you’re craving something warm, the shop is are also well-known for their “Cloud Mocha,” wherein layers of espresso, steamed milk, chocolate, and daily fresh made cold cream come together to unite into big gulps of hot-and-cold, rich chocolatey goodness.
If you’re not a fan of java, non-coffee drinkers can enjoy a variety of teas from Red Blossom Tea Company, based in San Francisco. No-coffee Conner ordered a strawberry lemonade and shared a sip with me 🙂 It was very refreshing, flavored with freshly crushed mulled strawberries and accented with lemon slice.
I’ll definitely be returning to Tilt to read, work on my laptop or soak up the sunshine in this hidden oasis of serenity in bustling DTLA.
Visit Tilt at 334 S Main St, kiosk #1. Hours are Mon-Sat 7am-7pm and Sun 7am-6pm.Â
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