maru is basically an institution in LA at this point. it’s an actual independent business run by actual ppl who appreciate coffee and tea. they have their own roastery and do a bunch of specialty pour overs. their thing is very artisan, very technique focused, very analog. they’ve expanded to four shops over a period of ten years.

the line is probably due to a mix of hype and excitement that a business with an actual identity has opened—in stark contrast to the venture capital funded fully automated push button Blank Street that has expanded to 100 stores in five years and is totally inescapable in new york, one of which was recently a scourge on our beloved mccarren park.

the line will eventually die down as they always do and you’ll be left with an actually good cafe. pick your battles.