Hidden Gem: Latte Da Espresso in Oak Park Center

Taking a break from Starbucks once in a while can be a pleasant excuse to explore the neighborhood and stumble upon an independent, family run coffee shop like Latte Da Espresso.

The coffee shop opens early, serving up breakfast bagels with eggs and cheese, as well as bacon or ham. The lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads and soups. Drink specials include mochas and frappuccinos.

"The family that runs this neighborhood gem gets to work at 6 in the morning and doesn't leave until late afternoon," said a reviewer on Yelp.com. "They work and work and work and pump out consistent, quality food and coffee every day, with smiles, and at affordable prices."

Hidden Gem: Latte Da Espresso
Address: 1902 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill
Hours: Mon to Fri, 6 a.m. until 3 p.m.; Sat and Sun, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Good To Know: Latte Da Espresso has an outdoor seating area. Lunch is only served 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends.
Local Specials: "The Wake Up Call" coffee and Kona Mocha frappuccino.

Have you been to Latte Da Espresso? What did you think? Share your review in the comments.