Urth is a chain of cafes around LA. They have a really nice environment and are famous for their organic coffee. They serve all kinds of coffees and teas, and even have boba. I like their fresh fruit smoothies too. They serve soup, salad, sandwiches (which are a little overpriced) but yummy. My favorite part about Urth are the desserts! They have a huge selection and i’m never disappointed when I try a new dessert.

At times, this cafe can be very busy but usually you can find a seat in the outdoor back patio. If you’re lucky you might spot a celebrity too. I think I saw Hilary Swank last time I went and mandeelish said Katherine McPhee was photographed here. So a good place to people watch :)

tricky service during rush hour, but delicious boba and coffee drinks with amazing pastries.

Urth Caffe is one of my favorite self-indulgent weekend brunch spots.

UC is a little zen-kissed haven in the middle of Venice, but close enough to Santa Monica that it’s just a hop, skip and a jump.

The vibe is just great. It’s full of people on the weekends who, like me, sport that blissed-out, just-worked-out glow. While it’s always packed on the weekends (which is when I usually go), I never seem to have any trouble scoring one of their little cafe tables.

My favorite spot is by the little fountain, but in the shade so you’re out of the often-boiling sun. It’s so quiet and peaceful there. No one bugs you if you stay too long.

The food is pretty good, if a little pricey. I like that they have so darn many breakfast options (their omelettes are a little odd – like an egg pizza, where the omelette part is the crust, and the cheese is piled on top). The yogurt/granola/fruit parfait is reasonably priced and delish.

The drinks are a little overpriced, indeed. I usually get the chai, which doesn’t disappoint (and they have several “flavors,” too!).

What I also love: You can score half-priced, day-old “bake sale” pastries and mini-pies for around three bucks a pop, which is virtually half-priced. While not as fresh as their pricier counterparts, the deal can’t be beat, especially considering these are gourmet, quality pastries and baked goods (not your stale, cheap-ass wannabes).

Even on a weekend, I rarely have trouble finding parking on a nearby residential street (2 hour max). I wouldn’t bother with valet unless you’re really unlucky in the “parking karma” department.

Anyway, for people watching, relaxed ambiance, and pretty tasty (if slightly expensive) grub, it’s hard to beat Urth.

the place where they make pretty designs in the coffee. (sp. spanish latte me thinks), and the BEST pumpkin pies (delish crust) on earth.

they have great lower-calorie selections and day-old pastries without comprimising too much taste.