Fairfax

We don't know for sure if German-born Dieter Rams, known the world over for his “less but better” approach to industrial design, has ever visited Los Angeles, much less the town of Fairfax. Nevertheless, his impact on our first cafe there is undeniable.

Inspired by the neighborhood’s thriving music scene, our architects at wrk-shp looked to Rams’ contributions to the audio industry—among them, Braun’s world famous SK-4 record player. Austere yet aesthetically pleasing, and always user-friendly, these objects guided them in creating a cafe that’s unfailingly functional, yet warmly inviting.

A well-oiled machine in their own right, our team of baristas works between counters designed to resemble the paneling of the sort of 1970s audio equipment a Functionalist could only dream of. Pops of orange—like light catching the Gibraltar on the table before you—recall how Rams highlighted important buttons and features with bright colors. For seating, Vitsœ stools actually designed by Rams will make you and your friends comfortable while you enjoy your coffee—and machine or not, our cafes don’t run without it. In addition to pastries, Fairfax offers our suite of espresso, blend, and single origin coffees.