Fall is here and so are the pumpkin spice ads. But if you’re looking for a PSL alternative to Starbucks, Eastside cafes and restaurants are also brewing their own autumn-inspired concoctions.
From housemade piloncillo syrups to fresh calabaza lattes, here are six spots serving up unique drinks this season.
Acurrúcame Cafe
This cozy cafe is known for its seasonal menu that pops up on Instagram. Starting Oct. 3, they’ve got three specialty iced drinks, hitting the fall and spooky vibes:
- Pumpkin Spice – fresh calabaza and espresso
- Beetlejuice – matcha and fresh blackberries
- Franken Berry- espresso and blueberries
Details:
Location: 2609 E Cesar E Chavez Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find them on Instagram
Anhelo
Their Piloncillo Pumpkin Spice drink is made with housemade piloncillo pumpkin spice syrup, blended with espresso. You can get it hot or iced with your choice of milk.
Cafe Alegria
This pop-up makes a fall Calabaza Latte with real pumpkin puree, spices, brown sugar and espresso. You’ll find them on weekends only at the Silver Lake Farmers Market on Saturday and at Tenampal on Sunday.
Location:
Saturday: 8 a.m.- 1:30 p.m., 3700 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 1859 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
Find them on Instagram
Guisados
Better known for its tacos, this restaurant also makes a Pumpkin Horchata, made with whole milk, cinnamon, rice flour and real pumpkin. Need a caffeine boost? Add cold brew espresso. The drink is available through Nov. 30.
Mystyx Kafe
This pop-up is the ultimate metal coffee spot, usually set up outside of Superior Grocers. It recently released its “Avrakadavra with Unholy Concoction” menu, which includes a Pumpkin Spice Latte with cinnamon cold foam.
Details:
Location: Corner of Cesar E. Chavez and Rowan avenues, Los Angeles, CA
Find them on Instagram
Brown Owl Cafe
This East L.A. coffee shop has a variety of drinks on its menu, plus some seasonal treats. Not afraid of pumpkin overload? Grab a Pumpkin Pie Cold Foam drink and pair it with a slice of their pumpkin loaf.
Did we miss your favorite fall drink? Let us know on Instagram. Check our guide for more coffee shops to explore in Boyle Heights.
Jackie Ramirez contributed to this story.