Once upon a time, the big chain burger joints, restaurants, and coffee places were probably little local institutions that got very popular because they had a quality products, good ideas, and a connection to a community.
Java Man is now what they once were – a place where the servers know your name, where they serve pastries and sandwiches made in-house, along with soup, breakfast burritos, and the odd bowl of steel-cut oatmeal or homemade granola with yogurt. The little coffeehouse with a big heart turns 20 this year, and once again our readers show their appreciation with their votes.
Java Man: 157 Pier Avenue, HB. 310-379-7209.
Runner-up: Catalina Coffee Co., 126 N. Catalina Ave., RB. 310-318-2499.
