Much like when we went off to school and got really into slacklining and Godard films, Culver City is going through an identity change. Thanks, in part, to the Arts District and the metro, this West LA neighborhood is exploding with things to do, eat and see—from burgers and beer to ancient technological curiosities.
Bar Nine is a coffee roaster and cafe whose aesthetics, quality and hospitality combined make it a top dog in third wave coffee culture. Their clean lines, even cleaner packaging and dedication to the pour-over brewing method makes the coffee shop a go-to spot for Westside caffeine fiends. But what really sets this shop apart is its brewing, cupping and latte art classes (and their glass to-go cups!). A lot of Bar Nine’s efforts are put towards educating the public on how to be the masters of brew. Plus, they even roast their own beans on site, which doesn’t happen too often. And the people that work there actually care about your well-being:
“I have this fierce grandmother gene in me that makes me super protective of my guests. Eat a croissant! Have some more coffee!! Did you drink enough water this morning?!” spouts a Bar Nine barista.
Basically, Bar Nine is the bee's knees.
So we talked to the ever-lovely Evan Damkoehler (the aforementioned barista extraordinaire with the raging granny gene), who serves as Bar Nine's director of education development, about two of our favorite things: coffee and Culver City.
“I've been in coffee for nearly 15 years. What keeps me 'in it' is the everyday potential of making unique and important connections with people. Being able to lift someone's spirits, gift them with a moment away from their busy day, or to even just be a bright spot—to share a laugh or provide someone with a needed pick-me-up ... that’s what drives me. I love coffee, its history, its traditions, potential, and the community it grows. At Bar Nine, we love to explore different ways to make coffee better, and focus just as much on making personal connections with our people.”
Standby as Evan, the caffeinated wise one, takes us on a tour of Culver City with Bar Nine as the nucleus:
Images courtesy of Bar Nine
Evan in her element.
How would you describe Culver City? What's the culture around town? What sets it apart from other parts of LA?
Evan Damkoehler: Culver City has always been a home to studios. Sony is of course at the heart of it, but even just in the little neighborhood Bar Nine calls home, we have a ton of digital, game, and post-production studios. I see lots of these folks every day, and they work exceptionally hard, so recreation and relaxation are incredibly important to them, and so the standard of good food, art, fun and hospitality here is very high.
Any tips for first time visitors and other noobs?
ED: If you love pain, walk or even run up the Culver City Stairs. Apparently the view at the top, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, is worth it. I love snacks and video games on my couch so I've never done them, but many of my more adrenaline-inclined friends swear by the experience. Also, the farmer's market is on Tuesdays, and whatever you do, don't ask for ketchup on your burger from Father's Office.
Farmers Market. Image courtesy of @maria_morr
Take us through your ideal day in Culver City.
ED: I’d start with a breakfast burrito from Cerveteca. Then I would head straight to my local addiction, The Museum of Jurassic Technology, which in my opinion would make an incredible first date spot. (Especially the creepy room with all the displays of old world cures. Get a little freaked out, then head to the rooftop tea lounge … super romantic, right?!). Hit up Picnic LA for a fantastic lunch—they carry our cold brew, which I can’t go three hours without. Next, catch a show from the Actor's Gang at the Ivy Substation, because that's an absolute must as well. When the clock strikes five, a gin and tonic from Public School (they make their own tonic!) is in order. Catch a movie across the street at the ArcLight and take note of the dancing lion out front—a great example of the public art program all over Culver City.
Cerveteca breakfast burrito. Image courtesy of @cevetecaculvercity
Rooftop terrace at The Museum of Jurassic Technology. Image courtesy of @emilycapoo
Most underrated restaurant in town?
ED: I don't hear nearly enough about the awesome little French bistro, Meet in Paris, which is so shocking to me! They serve up steamed mussels in broth, with warm French bread. Wash it down with an extensive wine and beer list. Not only that, but they do all you can eat on Tuesdays. What else is important on this earth!? It's small with a great patio for people watching and a really fantastic waitstaff. Plus, if you sit inside, you can watch the chefs flambé from their open concept kitchen. Seriously, just go.
Meet in Paris. Image courtesy of @_victoria.li
Image courtesy of @thedish24
In your humble opinion, what drink should we order at Bar Nine?
ED: I usually tell people to go with their gut—what you normally order—and try it from us. Personally, I always order a shot of espresso to have in the cafe, and a cold brewed coffee to take with me (we serve our to-go drinks in glass, so you can look super cool walking around town and bring them back to use again.) If it's super early in the morning, I crave hot coffee, so I'll usually get a pour over.
Bar Nine is all about the Modbar pour-over. Image courtesy of Bar Nine
Evan’s Culver City 5
Coolhaus, $
ED: Coolhaus! Seriously, funky flavored ice cream and homemade ice cream sandwiches. You can't go wrong.
Wrap your beak around this bad boy. Image courtesy of @coolhaus
Father's Office, $$
ED: They’re known for their burgers, but the french fries are where it's at for me. It gets packed, and I have a 9 p.m. barista bedtime, so I always go pretty early.
Just don't ask for ketchup. Image courtesy of @easteats
Backstage Bar, $
ED: Best karaoke in town, and I love me some karaoke!
Backstage happy hour is 4 - 8 p.m. Image courtesy of @aleksangelico
Arcana: Books on the Arts
ED: There's something about a bookstore's smell that is incredibly healing. This is my go-to spot for a new book.
Arcana—one of LA's favorite bookstores. Image courtesy of @jeffmindell
Kirk Douglas Theatre
ED: The Kirk Douglas Theatre is small, intimate, and the Center Theatre Group is perfectly picky about what shows they put on.
The Kirk Douglas Theatre first opened its doors in 1946. Image courtesy of @discoverla
Check out Evan's "Latte Art 101" class at Bar Nine on July 1st and keep up with her on Instagram @endervondam.
