Deus Ex Machina

Tucked away on Venice Boulevard sits one of LA’s most wonderfully weird concepts: Deus Ex Machina. Part motorcycle showroom, part cafe, part art gallery, this eclectic space somehow manages to tie together custom bikes, surfboards, and quality espresso into a cohesive whole that feels distinctly Venice.

The cafe portion takes its coffee seriously, serving beans from Handsome Coffee Roasters alongside a menu of solid, unfussy fare. Whether you need a quick caffeine hit or a proper sit-down lunch, the food here holds its own against the visual spectacle of the space. It’s the kind of place where you can grab an excellent cortado and still appreciate the craftsmanship of a beautifully restored vintage motorcycle in your peripheral vision.

What truly sets Deus apart is the back patio, an unexpectedly tranquil retreat from the sensory overload inside. It’s become a favored spot for the laptop crowd looking to knock out some work while soaking in the Venice atmosphere. The combination of good wifi, better coffee, and a clientele that skews creative makes it feel less like grinding away and more like participating in something.

If you’re hunting for a spot that captures the peculiar energy of Venice—equal parts laid-back and aspirational, artsy and commercial—Deus Ex Machina delivers. Come for the coffee, stay for the people-watching, and maybe leave with a sudden interest in learning to ride a motorcycle.