Java Man – Nobody is going to franchise what Java Man does anytime soon – this cool, smart, and quirky little establishment is Hermosan at heart. The converted house has a comfortable feel that wouldn’t translate to a strip mall – the spacious interior with slightly mismatched furniture is natural instead of contrived. The coffee, snacks, and pastries taste homemade, the welcome feels genuine, and as has been the case for years, they’ve been voted the best place to go when you’re a quart low on caffeine and need a recharge.
Java Man, 157 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 379-7209.
Runner up: Catalina Coffee, 126 N. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. (310) 318-2499.
