What to Order From the Community Goods Menu in Los Angeles

Community Goods has established itself as a cornerstone of the modern Los Angeles café scene. Located in the Melrose district, this spot transcends the typical coffee shop model by blending a highly curated culinary program with a lifestyle-oriented retail space. The menu is a deliberate collection of elevated comfort food and precision-crafted beverages, with a particular emphasis on high-grade matcha and creative espresso drinks. Navigating this menu requires an understanding of what makes their specific ingredients—from the house-made syrups to the ceremonial-grade matcha—stand out in a city saturated with specialty caffeine options.

The Definitive Guide to Community Goods Food Items

The food program at Community Goods is concise but impactful. Rather than offering an exhaustive list of brunch staples, the kitchen focuses on a few signature items executed with high consistency and premium components.

Breakfast Sliders and the Art of the Hawaiian Roll

The Breakfast Sliders are the undisputed centerpiece of the Community Goods food menu. Served as a set of four, these mini-sandwiches utilize soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls as the base. The texture of the bread is crucial here; it provides a pillowy contrast to the density of the fillings.

Inside each slider, you find fluffy scrambled eggs, which are cooked to a soft curd to maintain moisture. This is paired with American cheese—a choice made for its superior melting point and nostalgic saltiness—and a signature house-made hot sauce. The hot sauce is vinegary and bright rather than overwhelmingly spicy, designed to cut through the richness of the eggs and cheese.

For those looking to enhance the experience, the menu offers two primary add-ons: applewood smoked bacon and fresh avocado. The bacon adds a necessary crunch and smoky depth that balances the sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls. While the standard set is priced at approximately $10.00, adding both bacon and avocado brings the total to around $14.00, transforming the sliders into a substantial meal.

Pistachio Toast on Pullman Sourdough

The Pistachio Toast is a sophisticated alternative to the ubiquitous avocado toast found elsewhere in Los Angeles. This dish uses a thick slice of Pullman sourdough, known for its tight crumb and sturdy crust, which serves as a canvas for a rich, house-made pistachio spread.

The spread itself is creamy but retains a slight grittiness from the crushed nuts, emphasizing a natural, earthy sweetness. It is finished with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of vanilla sea salt, and a touch of honey. The interplay between the savory olive oil and the floral notes of the vanilla salt makes this one of the most balanced items on the menu. At $9.00, it represents a specialized use of ingredients that are rarely combined in a casual café setting.

Elevated Sandwiches: Tuna and Turkey Options

The sandwich selection at Community Goods focuses on high-quality proteins and textural variety.

• Tuna Sandwich: Priced at $16.00, this is not a standard deli offering. It features a well-seasoned tuna salad paired with gem lettuce and pickled shallots for acidity. The inclusion of salt and vinegar potato chips directly inside the sandwich (or served on the side depending on the daily preparation) provides a sharp, crunchy element that defines the dish. It is served on a ciabatta roll, which provides enough structural integrity to hold the moist fillings without becoming soggy.
• Turkey Sandwich: This sandwich utilizes Hobbs applewood smoked turkey breast, a premium deli meat known for its clean smoke profile. It is complemented by fontina cheese, basil aioli, arugula, and roasted red peppers. The basil aioli is a standout component, offering a fresh, herbaceous creaminess that ties the smoky turkey and the bitter arugula together. This is served on a ciabatta baguette, priced at $16.00.

The Matcha Program: A Deep Dive into Sourcing and Preparation

Community Goods is perhaps most famous for its "Rocky’s Matcha" program. Unlike many cafés that use a generic culinary-grade matcha powder, Community Goods treats matcha with the same technical rigor as a third-wave coffee roaster treats a single-origin bean.

Ceremonial Grade Blends and Single Cultivars

The menu distinguishes between different grades and origins of matcha, allowing customers to choose based on their palate preferences:

1. Matcha Latte (Fukuoka Blend): The standard matcha latte ($7.00) uses a ceremonial grade blend sourced from Fukuoka, Japan. This region is known for producing matcha with a bold, umami-forward profile and a vibrant green color. When paired with milk (or oat milk, which is a popular substitution here), the Fukuoka blend retains its characteristic "grassy" notes without being drowned out by the sweetness of the dairy.
2. Gokou (Single Cultivar, Uji): For the matcha purist, the Gokou cultivar ($10.00) offers a more nuanced experience. Sourced from Uji, the historic heart of Japanese tea production, Gokou is celebrated for its intense creaminess and lack of bitterness. It has a naturally sweet, nutty finish that is best appreciated with minimal interference.
3. Hojicha Latte: For those who prefer a lower caffeine content and a toastier flavor profile, the Hojicha Latte ($6.00) uses roasted green tea from Uji. The roasting process gives the tea a reddish-brown hue and a flavor reminiscent of cocoa and toasted grains.

The Matcha Spänner Experience

The most "viral" item in the beverage category is arguably the Matcha Spänner (or Matcha Einspänner). Inspired by the Viennese Einspänner coffee, this drink consists of a high-quality matcha base topped with a thick layer of house-made sweetened cream and a dusting of sea salt or cocoa.

The technical success of this drink lies in the density of the cream; it is whipped to a point where it sits on top of the liquid rather than mixing immediately. The proper way to drink it is without a straw, allowing the cold, salty-sweet cream to hit the palate first, followed by the warm or iced earthy matcha underneath.

Specialty Coffee and Signature Espresso Drinks

While the matcha gets significant attention, the coffee program is equally robust, utilizing premium beans and house-developed syrups.

The Signature Einspänner Latte

Similar to the matcha version, the Einspänner Latte ($7.00) is a decadent take on an iced latte. It features double espresso and milk, topped with the signature sweetened cream, sea salt, and cocoa powder. The use of sea salt is critical—it acts as a flavor enhancer that makes the chocolate notes in the espresso pop while tempering the sweetness of the cream.

Vic’s Cafe Con Leche

A nod to traditional Latin coffee preparations, Vic’s Cafe Con Leche ($7.00) incorporates condensed milk and cinnamon. The condensed milk provides a silky, heavy mouthfeel that differentiates it from a standard latte, while the cinnamon adds a warming spice that lingers on the finish. It is a sweet drink, but the double shot of espresso ensures that the coffee flavor remains the protagonist.

Vanilla Bean Latte

The Vanilla Bean Latte ($7.00) at Community Goods is often cited as one of the best in Los Angeles. The reason lies in the syrup. Instead of using a mass-produced vanilla extract, the café produces its own syrup using real vanilla beans. This results in a complex, floral sweetness with visible vanilla specks, avoiding the artificial "birthday cake" flavor profile common in lower-end coffee shops.

Refreshing Alternatives: Espresso Tonic and Yuzu Lemonade

For those seeking a lighter, more refreshing beverage, the menu offers:

• Espresso Tonic ($6.50): A combination of tonic water, a double shot of espresso, and dried orange peel. The acidity of the tonic and the citrus oils from the orange peel highlight the fruity notes in the espresso, making it an ideal choice for a warm California afternoon.
• Yuzu Sparkling Lemonade ($6.50): A non-coffee option that uses house-made yuzu lemonade and sparkling water. Yuzu offers a more complex, aromatic citrus flavor than standard lemon, with hints of grapefruit and mandarin.

The Pastry Case: From Bando Bread to Tahini Brownies

The pastry selection at Community Goods is curated to complement the beverage menu, with several items catering to specific dietary needs.

Bando Bread (Vegan Banana Bread)

The Bando Bread ($6.50) is a fan favorite. It is a vegan banana bread made with almond flour, which gives it a dense, moist texture and a slightly nutty flavor. While the bread itself is vegan, it is often served with a side of passionfruit butter. The tartness of the passionfruit cuts through the density of the banana bread, though vegans should opt to skip the butter.

Artisanal Croissants and Savory Bakes

The café offers a rotation of high-quality pastries, including:

• Ham and Cheese Croissant: A savory option featuring Gruyère and cheddar cheese, providing a sharp, salty contrast to the buttery, laminated dough.
• Tahini White Chocolate Croissant: An inventive pastry that uses the earthy bitterness of tahini to balance the intense sweetness of white chocolate.
• Tahini Brownies: These are gluten-free and offer a fudgy, rich chocolate experience with a marbled tahini swirl that adds a savory depth.

Curated Goods: The Retail Component

The "Goods" in Community Goods refers to the curated selection of retail items available in the shop. This is not a typical merchandise shelf; it is a selection of high-end lifestyle products that reflect the café's aesthetic.

• Books and Stationery: The shop stocks niche coffee table books (such as Type 7 or Bafic), Stalogy notebooks, and high-quality MD Paper products.
• Home Goods: Customers can find artisanal candles, cards, and bottled juices that align with the brand's minimalist and quality-focused identity.
• Accessories: Items like pencil packs and specialized lighters are often available, making the space feel as much like a boutique as a café.

Logistics: How to Visit Community Goods

Due to its popularity on social media, visiting Community Goods requires some planning.

Location and Hours

The primary location is at 710 N Edinburgh Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046, just off Melrose Avenue.

Standard Operating Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Saturday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Managing the Wait

The line at Community Goods is a well-known factor. On weekends, it is common to see a queue stretching around the block.

• Pro Tip: To minimize wait times, aim to arrive on a weekday before 10:00 AM. If visiting on a weekend, arriving 15 minutes before the doors open is the most effective strategy.
• Order Ahead: The café often utilizes platforms like ToastTab for online ordering. While this doesn't bypass the wait for items that sell out (like the sliders), it can streamline the process for coffee and matcha orders.

Seating and Parking

The interior of the Edinburgh Avenue location is small and primarily designed for ordering and retail browsing. There is limited outdoor seating in the back and along the side. Many patrons treat it as a "to-go" spot, taking their drinks to walk along Melrose.

Parking is primarily street-based. The surrounding residential streets have various permit restrictions, so it is essential to read the signs carefully. There are also paid public lots within a 5-minute walk for those who want to avoid the stress of street parking.

Summary of Itemized Pricing

While prices are subject to change based on seasonal ingredient costs, the following is a representative snapshot of the Community Goods menu:

Why the Community Goods Experience Matters

The success of Community Goods lies in its ability to combine high-quality "third-wave" beverage standards with food that is genuinely crave-able. It avoids the clinical feel of many specialty coffee shops by leaning into a warm, community-focused vibe and offering food—like the Hawaiian roll sliders—that feels accessible yet elevated. Whether you are there for the ceremonial grade matcha or the viral sliders, the attention to detail in the house-made components ensures that the experience lives up to the significant hype.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most popular items at Community Goods?

The Breakfast Sliders and the Matcha Spänner (matcha latte with cream top) are the two most frequently ordered items. The Vanilla Bean Latte is also a top choice for coffee drinkers.

Are there vegan and gluten-free options?

Yes. The Bando Bread and Tahini Brownies are popular vegan and gluten-free options, respectively. The menu also offers alternative milks (oat and almond) for all coffee and matcha beverages. The Pistachio Toast can be modified, and staff are generally helpful with dietary inquiries.

Does Community Goods take reservations?

No, the café operates on a walk-in basis only. Due to the limited seating, it is not suitable for large groups or long study sessions.

Can I buy the matcha powder to take home?

The café often stocks Rocky’s Matcha tins and other retail tea products, though availability varies. It is worth checking the retail shelves while waiting for your order.

Why is the breakfast slider served as a set of four?

The sliders are designed to be shared or eaten as a complete meal. Using the 4-pack of Hawaiian rolls allows the kitchen to maintain the characteristic pull-apart texture that makes the bread so soft.

Is there a second location?

While the Edinburgh Ave location is the most famous, the brand occasionally operates pop-ups or secondary stands. However, the full food menu (including the sliders) is typically exclusive to the main Melrose-area location.