[Porsche-O-Phile]

I have to agree with Nostatic on Peets - I actually love that place but seldom have the occasion to get into one. Problem is there's only two around here (one in Belmont Shore on 2nd street, which is impossible to find parking for, and one in Seal Beach, which is quite a way out of the way for me). So usually I go to CBTL. Also my wife used to work for them - they're a helluva lot more sophisticated/knowledgeable about their coffees than the average "Ice Blended" sipper would ever realize. They actually started as a whole-bean purveyor years ago and only sort of grudgingly went into prepared drinks to survive against the onslaught of Charbucks and to diversify in general. Thankfully it's working.

If we're talking chains, another one I like is Caribou, but the furthest west I've seen them is Colorado. They're predominantly a midwest chain (used to love 'em when I lived in Chicago though). For a chain, they ain't bad and they brew up good joe.

It's A Grind ain't bad in a pinch either. A bit generic, but okay. Better than the evil green mermaid.