You’ve seen the aesthetic. The vintage leather couches, the walls covered in local art, and that specific North Hollywood vibe that feels both effortless and painstakingly curated.
But here’s the thing. Most people walk into Moby's Coffee & Tea Co expecting just another caffeine fix. They’re wrong.
Honestly, the Los Angeles coffee scene is exhausting. It's full of minimalist white boxes where you feel like you’re sitting in an operating room rather than a cafe. Moby's Coffee & Tea Co is the antidote to that. It’s messy in the best way. It’s colorful. It’s loud with the sound of community, not just the hiss of an espresso machine.
The Real Story Behind the Counter
The shop was started by Patrick and Jennifer Higgins right after they got married. Talk about a honeymoon phase. They were later joined by Libby Ward, a regular who basically became family. That’s the "vibe" people talk about on Yelp, but it’s rooted in actual human connection. They didn't just hire a branding agency to create a "community" feel; they built it because they were actually there, every day, pulling shots and hanging art.
Recently, they had to move. Landlord issues—the classic LA story. They landed at 10513 Burbank Blvd, right on the border of NoHo and Burbank. The new spot is twice as big. It has a patio. It feels like the old place but with more room to breathe.
What You Should Actually Order (And What to Skip)
If you’re a purist, their drip coffee is organic and locally roasted. It’s solid. No preservatives, no chemical junk. But let's be real: you’re probably there for the signature stuff.
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The Shiny Squirrel is the one everyone posts about. It's a blended drink—espresso, chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel. It's basically a dessert in a Mason jar. Is it sweet? Yes. Is it for the "I only drink black pour-overs" crowd? Absolutely not. But if you want a liquid hug, that’s the one.
Then there’s the Sweet Lady Grey. It’s a tea latte with lavender and caramel milk. It sounds like it shouldn't work, but it does.
Don't sleep on the food, though.
- The License to Kale Empanada: Flaky pastry, sautéed kale, and lemon zest. It’s surprisingly bright.
- The Millennial Bagel Sammie: Avocado, tomatoes, and everything seasoning. It’s a cliché, sure, but it’s a well-executed one.
- Protein Balls: If you’re pretending to be healthy after a 600-calorie latte.
The Weird Drink Sizes
They don't do "Small, Medium, Large." This isn't a gas station. At Moby's Coffee & Tea Co, you’re choosing between a Guppy, a Forell, and a Whaley. It’s quirky. Some people find it annoying; others find it charming. Personally, I think if you’re going to a place called Moby’s, you should expect a few nautical puns.
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Community Is Not a Marketing Buzzword
In 2026, every business claims to be "community-focused." It's usually a lie. But Moby's actually hosts food drives. They display local art that you can actually buy. They have board games. You see people actually talking to each other instead of just staring at MacBook Airs in total silence.
The shop is minority-owned and woman-owned. That matters in a neighborhood that's rapidly gentrifying. It feels like a stake in the ground for the "Old NoHo" soul.
Is It Worth the Hype?
There are downsides. Parking in that part of North Hollywood can be a nightmare. Sometimes the line moves slow because the baristas are actually, you know, talking to people. If you’re in a massive rush to get to a meeting in Century City, maybe go to a drive-thru.
But if you want to remember why we go to coffee shops in the first place—to feel like we belong to a neighborhood—then Moby's Coffee & Tea Co is where you go.
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Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the hours: They generally run 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Don't show up at 5:00 PM expecting a latte.
- Bring a dog: They are super dog-friendly. They even do "pup cups."
- Look at the walls: The art rotates. It’s one of the best ways to see what local NoHo artists are up to without going to a stuffy gallery.
- Try a "Whale-ness" Shot: If you’re feeling under the weather, their house-made elderberry and fire cider shot is a localized punch to the immune system.
Go for the coffee. Stay because the couch is comfortable and nobody is rushing you out the door. That's the Moby's way.