CELEBRATING OUR 20th YEAR!

HISTORY

OF

THE COW’S END CAFE

Back in the day (pre 1988) in the Los Angeles area before Starbucks, Coffee Bean or any of the big chains had moved in, Clabe Hartley had an idea to re-create the feeling of his youth in Old Town Chicago.  A time when artists, plumbers, office clerks, businessmen and wiseguys came together and discarded their working façade to sit, eat, drink great coffee and solve the world’s problems.  When he mentioned the idea to others they thought he was crazy.  But being the stubborn guy that he is, he paid no heed and proceeded with his vision.  It wasn’t the first time people had thought that he was crazy and probably wouldn’t be the last. So, he re-modeled a site in a building that in earlier years he had built (another crazy idea).  Word spread in this eclectic neighborhood that he was at it again.  Everyone watched and waited.

Hence was born in Venice Beach, (a perfect substitute for Old Town Chicago) The Cow’s End Cafe. The very first day he opened to a crowd of approximately 500 people, which amazed even Clabe.  From that day on The Cow’s End began to be a local hangout that even the tourists wanted to join in the experience.  The Cow prospered and people met there and married, made business deals, studied and got law degrees, but most of all, they sat, they ate, they drank great coffee and solved the world’s problems.

Then one day seeming disaster hit, Starbucks opened three doors down.  Friends and customers panicked “What will happen to The Cow?” they clamored.  Clabe quietly listened to their concerns.  “We don’t want to become like every generic strip mall. Our neighborhood is special”.  Clabe realized that this was going to be David facing Goliath.  He rolled up his sleeves and went to work.  Instead of going more mainstream he furthered his original concept by going against the grain.  The Cow became even more reflective of his neighborhood and more than just coffee.  The bottom line was that his supporters grew in numbers and even greater lines formed in the doorway.  The regulars tolerated the lines that formed, because the Baristas knew what their regular fare was and had it ready before they could spew out their order.  It was udder delight for all!  The tourists loved hanging with the locals and the locals were mini-celebrities to them. So, the saying began, “It’s not just The Cow coffee, it’s the experience.”

Only the BEST and Freshest goes in! 

No Preservatives or Artificial Ingredients Added.

We use Organic as much as possible.

We make everything to order.

We use only Boar's Head Meat and Cheeses.

Support your Local Businesses!

The Cow's End Cafe buys from Local Baker's and Purveyors.

The Cow's End uses Eco-Friendly products as much as possible.

Reuse and Recycle! 

Recycling Bins on the Premises.

The Cow's End believes in Giving Back to our communtiy.

We support our Local Schools and Childrens Program.

Thanks for Supporting our Cafe.

Congratulations to John PianoLocal Venice Resident2009 Winner GQ Better Man of the Year