Ora

Isai Xuncax

I’m a huge coffee lover, and I’ve been wanting to check out this coffee shop for ages. Finally got the chance, and it was an absolute blast! The staff was super friendly, and the place had this really cool vibe. I tried their iced latte, and the flavor was so unique! I read somewhere that they source their beans from Ethiopia. Definitely will return!

SarahNicole Creates - Photo & Video

Absolutely amazed by this space and the beautiful people that run it. This space is exquisite and offers plenty of cozy spaces to unwind. I added Buffalo cauliflower to my bowl and it was delicious. I’m a solo traveler so finding gems like this give me hope for this wild world. Thank you, Ora, for being a vibrant light for the community and serving heart made, nourishing goodies. 🌹 Stay connected with me and the adventure 💛@FlyFreeSarahNicole

c D

Got the pistachio matcha and it was bomb. Tony the owner even brought it right to my table. Great food, vibes and service.

yeshay

the vibes are immaculate here feels like a museum and the hints of culture r so amazing and great food

Shortinez

This place is nice, beautiful and clean. Loved it! Came in to do some work but didn’t realize they close at 5pm so instead of working, I just ate. And everything was SOOO delicious. I have many allergies (lactose, preservatives, etc) and this place was the best option I could’ve chosen to walk into. Honestly would go back and try more items on the menu!!

Naeema Olatunji

This is such a dope place! From the delicious coffee cake & divine golden milk to the music and books. It’s a whole vibe! Plus the staff deliver excellent customer service! Do yourself a favor and come on in!

OMAR A. MUHAMMAD, TH.M

UPDATE: During Kwanzaa 2024, I decided to embrace its principles by having a business meeting at the newly reopened ORA formerly called Hot and Cool Café. The establishment has undergone significant improvements and features a fresh look with the same owners. I ordered the Green Eggs burrito, and it was delicious. We experienced extra-mile service by the new business manager, AI mara’at. Thank you. I loved the old Hot and Cool Café, and I love ORA even more. The atmosphere is filled with creativity and positive energy. The walls, floors, and decor all reflect cultural pride and a sense of community. The food is absolutely scrumptious, and everything I've tried has brought my taste buds to ecstasy. It's rare for me to eat out and not feel the need to add seasoning. You can truly feel that the food is prepared with a lot of love. Recently, I brought my family from Texas here for brunch, and they couldn't stop thanking me while praising their meals. The children enjoyed the vegan sliders and finished everything, while the parents fell in love with the vegan nachos and appreciated the generous portions. My wife ordered the Soul Bowl and wished she could have had more. I opted for the vegan breakfast burrito, which was completely satisfying. The family also loved the flavors of their smoothies, and they even tried to get the recipe so they could replicate it back in Texas. I highly recommend the Hot and Cool Café in the legendary Leimert Park Village. When you visit, be sure to tell them Omar sent you!

Sparkling Chelle

Minding my black owned business and came across this jewel! You know the vibe is going to be amazing when you walk in to the owner burning sage. I was amazed at the dope energy in this place! So inviting and truly refreshing! Their menu was short and perfect — range feat a few specialities. The place was clean CLEAN and the art on the walls, the floors, and the building added the most fun touch. I ordered a Mocha with Almond-milk and it was truly the best one I’ve had since my visit to LA! What a gem of a cafe in the heart of South LA. I can’t wait to come back!

Hugo Aguas

This is a really cool black-owned coffee shop. They had a delicious coffee cake with some caramelized sugar on top I also ordered a latte with 2% milk that was absolutely delicious. My friend ordered the Cinnful Latte and it was a standout. She had it with coconut milk and I'm not a fan of milk alternatives. BTW, they even allowed my ESA animal in, which I adored. Did I mention they have soaps and shower bombs for sell by a third-party? Cool spot!

Tikel Stevens

Tens across the board 🙌🏾 I stopped in after a work out with my little sis and we both ordered food. I had to chew with my eyes closed because I couldn’t believe my taste buds 😂. The food was really THAT good. It’s a vegan spot and I am in love. I will return. I had the vitamin c smoothie and the breakfast burrito that’s served all day. Mind you I am not vegan and don’t even like regular burritos. But this one?? Whew!

Lori Smalls

Needed to kill some time between appointments thought I’d stop in the Hot and Cool café. The staff is really friendly and I thought the food was good. Would like to come back when they are playing music.

Officially my favorite cafe in Leimert. Great coffee. Even better service. Really thoughtfully designed place with little nooks for a semblance of privacy for meetings or solo work. Some outlets (could have more available probably, but when is that not true). Can’t wait to explore the food menu more and check out some shows.

Amazing cafe in will continue to spend my money there I love the atmosphere and the customer service is wonderful. However, my only wish is there to be more than 1 outlet to charge while getting work done. So I have to migrate once it dies for that reason but I am never there and not spending at least $20 there. So I would love more outlets, more than one. Assuming the utilities bills ran up, understandable. Just need maybe 2 outlets in a common area.

Chef Devon has created some really tasty menu items. I just swung by for the Kale Yeah! drink and it was really refreshing. I'll definitely be coming back!

The ambiance of the black coffee shop was truly inviting, creating a comfortable atmosphere for patrons. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, tantalizing the senses with every breath. Each cup was prepared with care, resulting in a consistently delicious and satisfying experience. The staff members were friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall positive visit. I would certainly recommend this coffee shop to others, for a delightful coffee break.

Charley Feldman

Officially my favorite cafe in Leimert. Great coffee. Even better service. Really thoughtfully designed place with little nooks for a semblance of privacy for meetings or solo work. Some outlets (could have more available probably, but when is that not true). Can’t wait to explore the food menu more and check out some shows.

Johnny Hamilton

Chef Devon has created some really tasty menu items. I just swung by for the Kale Yeah! drink and it was really refreshing. I'll definitely be coming back!

Pinto

Amazing cafe in will continue to spend my money there I love the atmosphere and the customer service is wonderful. However, my only wish is there to be more than 1 outlet to charge while getting work done. So I have to migrate once it dies for that reason but I am never there and not spending at least $20 there. So I would love more outlets, more than one. Assuming the utilities bills ran up, understandable. Just need maybe 2 outlets in a common area.

Two Two Steele

The ambiance of the black coffee shop was truly inviting, creating a comfortable atmosphere for patrons. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, tantalizing the senses with every breath. Each cup was prepared with care, resulting in a consistently delicious and satisfying experience. The staff members were friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall positive visit. I would certainly recommend this coffee shop to others, for a delightful coffee break.

Came here a few times both alone and with my partner. I was amazed at how big and beautiful this place was the first time I walked in! There was a day where there was a large group of people chatting and socializing, I think they said were artists/actors/etc of some kind - the community seems friendly and welcoming. Drinks and food are good, it's more of a cafe style rather than a restaurant style. The one thing I personally wish they would improve on is the labeling of gluten-free menu items, as well as the knowledge from the service staff as to which of their menu items are gluten-free. I came in one day asking the cashier which of the bowls were gluten-free and, with a deadpan expression, said the soul bowl. I asked oh are you sure? None of the other bowls are gluten-free? She said yes, that the BBQ chix was made of soy, still with a deadpan expression. Maybe it was truly gluten-free, but I woke up in the middle of the night with severe stomach/intestinal pain which I tend to experience if I've eaten gluten. I would love to try this place again and support this local business, but only after asking several different service staff about the menu.

Coffee, croissant and tea. The tea was just tea. For peach/ ginger. Nothing popped. But the location is smooth. Been twice and is now my weekend ritual

Damon Shelby

Coffee, croissant and tea. The tea was just tea. For peach/ ginger. Nothing popped. But the location is smooth. Been twice and is now my weekend ritual

Airee Kim

Came here a few times both alone and with my partner. I was amazed at how big and beautiful this place was the first time I walked in! There was a day where there was a large group of people chatting and socializing, I think they said were artists/actors/etc of some kind - the community seems friendly and welcoming. Drinks and food are good, it's more of a cafe style rather than a restaurant style. The one thing I personally wish they would improve on is the labeling of gluten-free menu items, as well as the knowledge from the service staff as to which of their menu items are gluten-free. I came in one day asking the cashier which of the bowls were gluten-free and, with a deadpan expression, said the soul bowl. I asked oh are you sure? None of the other bowls are gluten-free? She said yes, that the BBQ chix was made of soy, still with a deadpan expression. Maybe it was truly gluten-free, but I woke up in the middle of the night with severe stomach/intestinal pain which I tend to experience if I've eaten gluten. I would love to try this place again and support this local business, but only after asking several different service staff about the menu.

Drinks are good My only issue is how long you'll be waiting for your order, even when the establishment is pretty empty. It's the main reason I don't come to Ora as much as I used to.

Couple weeks ago my coworker and myself after finishing some work nearby decided to have a cup of coffee, I was checking some places and discovered this amazing shop. Once we got there the place is huge and super cool with high ceiling. They even have some very cool cave looking seats with cushions each with a light above, where anyone could enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a meal, however there is a note saying that only 90 minutes are allowed for costumers to stay, not so sure if someone had spent longer than that. One thing that I noticed about this seats is that I personally would love that each had its own outlet just in case we run out of battery while enjoying the moment. There are also more places to seat while eating, drinking and even doing some work. Not sure how good the food is, all I can personally tell is that I had the berry coffee and it was absolutely delicious, my coworker had the moccha hot latte and a muffin and the 2nd time I had iced pistachio latte both very delicious and my coworker also loved his drink. I highly recommend this drinks to anyone craving for some coffee. The workers are very nice and helpful. Based on my coffee experience I'd rate the price from 1 to 10 dollars not sure how much the food will cost

Jorge Hernandez

Couple weeks ago my coworker and myself after finishing some work nearby decided to have a cup of coffee, I was checking some places and discovered this amazing shop. Once we got there the place is huge and super cool with high ceiling. They even have some very cool cave looking seats with cushions each with a light above, where anyone could enjoy a nice cup of coffee and a meal, however there is a note saying that only 90 minutes are allowed for costumers to stay, not so sure if someone had spent longer than that. One thing that I noticed about this seats is that I personally would love that each had its own outlet just in case we run out of battery while enjoying the moment. There are also more places to seat while eating, drinking and even doing some work. Not sure how good the food is, all I can personally tell is that I had the berry coffee and it was absolutely delicious, my coworker had the moccha hot latte and a muffin and the 2nd time I had iced pistachio latte both very delicious and my coworker also loved his drink. I highly recommend this drinks to anyone craving for some coffee. The workers are very nice and helpful. Based on my coffee experience I'd rate the price from 1 to 10 dollars not sure how much the food will cost

While the space is beautiful and open, great for coming to get some work done or meeting a friend, the service was so incredibly slow. It took 15 minutes for one latte and they were not busy and had multiple people working behind the counter. Normally I wouldn’t make such a fuss, but I planned ahead to make sure I had enough time to stop for coffee before work, and 15 minutes for a latte when it’s not busy at all is wild.

Leeanna White

While the space is beautiful and open, great for coming to get some work done or meeting a friend, the service was so incredibly slow. It took 15 minutes for one latte and they were not busy and had multiple people working behind the counter. Normally I wouldn’t make such a fuss, but I planned ahead to make sure I had enough time to stop for coffee before work, and 15 minutes for a latte when it’s not busy at all is wild.

It’s disappointing for me to say this because I’ve supported Hot and Cool Cafe since before its transition, but my recent experience left me deeply unsettled. The owner’s attitude was unnecessarily harsh, and it revealed something larger about how some Black-owned spaces operate. Every Black owned business is not necessarily for the community. Some exist within the community but are not of it. They welcome our dollars, but not always our presence or our humanity. I was there working quietly for some time, having already spent over fifty dollars that day. Without reason, the owner approached me and said, “Let someone else sit there.” There was no one else waiting. The tone and timing felt deliberate, as if my comfort in that space was somehow an inconvenience. As a Black woman who has consistently supported this establishment, the encounter felt dismissive and disrespectful. What makes it more frustrating is that they removed the outlets, knowing that many people come here not only to eat or drink but to work, create, and connect. The decision feels symbolic of a larger issue, a shift away from community-building toward mere commerce. It reflects a misunderstanding of what true community means. It’s not just about existing in a Black space, it’s about creating one that nurtures, welcomes, and supports. Leimert Park once carried a spirit of unity, creativity, and authenticity. Now, many of the newer shops are overpriced, with quality that doesn’t match the cost, and an energy that feels disconnected from the roots that made this area special. Experiences like this are reminders that not every space that markets itself as “for us” truly represents us. Real community requires more than presence; it requires care, intention, and respect. No, I will no longer be supporting Ora, and I will not be advising other people to do so. Many of my business partners, associates, and friends have supported them through me, as Leimert is my community as well.

Chasity Londyn

It’s disappointing for me to say this because I’ve supported Hot and Cool Cafe since before its transition, but my recent experience left me deeply unsettled. The owner’s attitude was unnecessarily harsh, and it revealed something larger about how some Black-owned spaces operate. Every Black owned business is not necessarily for the community. Some exist within the community but are not of it. They welcome our dollars, but not always our presence or our humanity. I was there working quietly for some time, having already spent over fifty dollars that day. Without reason, the owner approached me and said, “Let someone else sit there.” There was no one else waiting. The tone and timing felt deliberate, as if my comfort in that space was somehow an inconvenience. As a Black woman who has consistently supported this establishment, the encounter felt dismissive and disrespectful. What makes it more frustrating is that they removed the outlets, knowing that many people come here not only to eat or drink but to work, create, and connect. The decision feels symbolic of a larger issue, a shift away from community-building toward mere commerce. It reflects a misunderstanding of what true community means. It’s not just about existing in a Black space, it’s about creating one that nurtures, welcomes, and supports. Leimert Park once carried a spirit of unity, creativity, and authenticity. Now, many of the newer shops are overpriced, with quality that doesn’t match the cost, and an energy that feels disconnected from the roots that made this area special. Experiences like this are reminders that not every space that markets itself as “for us” truly represents us. Real community requires more than presence; it requires care, intention, and respect. No, I will no longer be supporting Ora, and I will not be advising other people to do so. Many of my business partners, associates, and friends have supported them through me, as Leimert is my community as well.