Though not everyone is on board with the term "Silicon Beach," it's hard to deny that Los Angeles' tech scene is growing to rival its northern neighbors in Silicon Valley.
Communities like Santa Monica, Venice, and West Hollywood — where many startups have set up shop — are known for their proximity to the beach and laid-back lifestyle.
But Los Angeles is much more than sun and sand — there's a huge food and drink scene to enjoy there as well. Startup execs can sample top-notch cuisine from a large variety of restaurants, many of which place a priority on locally sourced ingredients and innovative construction.
We've asked some of our friends working in Silicon Beach startups where they like to eat and drink in their neighborhood. Their suggestions covered quite a bit of ground, from coffee shops in Hollywood to vegan establishments in Venice. Whether it's for a quick power lunch or after-work drinks, the focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients they can enjoy on the go.
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Groundwork Coffee
Other locations in Downtown LA, Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Hawthorne, and Portland
This Venice-born organic coffee shop, which has grown to include several other locations in Los Angeles and Portland, is a favorite morning stop for many Silicon Beach-based entrepreneurs. Christopher Gavigan, The Honest Company's cofounder and chief purpose officer, and Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute, both listed it among their favorites.
"While the coffee at this Venice staple is the perfect morning pick-me-up, it's the avocado toast that keeps me coming back," Kaye told Business Insider.
The avocado toast comes topped with corn, sweet chili sauce, queso fresco, and a soft-boiled egg. Kaye's direct-to-consumer bedding and home goods startup recently opened a one-room hotel in the neighborhood.
Café Gratitude
Other locations in Downtown LA, Larchmont, and San Diego
Cafe Gratitude offers a 100% plant-based menu and an uplifting message. You'll spot the words "What are you grateful for?" on the plates and positive affirmations on the menu.
Said Gunnar Lovelace, cofounder and co-CEO at the organic-food site Thrive Market: "Great food, shared values, and their chocolate cake is addictive!"
"The Parachute team practically runs on their matcha lattes," Parachute founder and CEO Ariel Kaye said. "We need a tab."
Back on the Beach
445 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica
When it comes to happy hour, Back on the Beach offers an experience you're unlikely to find in most other cities.
"It's the only restaurant where you eat with your feet in the sand, literally on the beach," Sam Polk, cofounder and CEO of Everytable, said to Business Insider. "I go there on Friday evenings after a long week to decompress, and also meet friends and family there every Sunday for beach volleyball and brunch. It also helps that my brother, Daniel Polk, is the head chef!"
Egg sandwiches, huevos rancheros, and an ahi tuna salad are menu highlights at Back on the Beach. Everytable is a new healthy fast-food chain that has different prices based on the median income of residents living in surrounding neighborhoods.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider