TERA is spotlighting Eagle Rock small businesses to support our neighborhood’s recovery from the pandemic.
This month, we’re featuring Muddy Paw Coffee, a pet-friendly coffee shop that helps support local pet rescue groups. Muddy Paw was founded and is operated by Darren La Borie and Natalia Aldacour, who opened their beloved Eagle Rock location in July 2019.
Below is an interview with co-owner, Natalia Aldacour:
What is the story behind Muddy Paw?
The idea of opening Muddy Paw Coffee came during Katrina, when we decided that we wanted to raise money for local heroes that were doing their best to rescue and save the animals affected by the hurricane. We figured that as a small business our contribution would not make much difference to a big organization like SPCA, so we created Muddy Paw inspired by unsung heroes who are making a difference for animals in their community: where we donate a portion of all of our proceeds to small local rescues and organizations in towns and cities across the country. We developed Muddy Paw as an extension of our roasting company that we have been running for over 29 years.
What are are your favorite drinks that Muddy Paw serves?
This is hard to answer. In Summer… our Cold Brew Espresso Mojito (which does not have alcohol) or the Watermelon Mint Cooler if you want an ice tea drink. Fall brings our Real Pumpkin Spice Latte and winter we will serve up our Smoked Maple Bourbon Cortado. All of our drinks are made from scratch with natural ingredients.
What is something that you think is a hidden gem of your menu or would be a surprise to most customers?
We roast our own coffee different from most coffee shops and are known for our dark roast. Since we do not have a middle man, our coffee is always fresh and bagged in house. We usually cycle coffee through our shop within a week or two. Also we have a signature Cold Brew Espresso that takes us 3 days to make which delivers a… SMOOOOTH…. yet dark, rich, and bold flavor.
What else do you want to share with the Eagle Rock community?
Please know that a portion of everything you buy in our store goes back to animal rescues in the LA area that are making a difference in our community. Our menu is mainly VEGAN yet we have items for all! All of our drinks are base vegan but we can accommodate all other needs, same goes to our pastries and we also cater to customers that have gluten intolerance too. WE LOVE IT HERE! We knew we would be happy coming, but the last 18 months have been challenging to say the least, especially since we opened right before the pandemic.. and we could not have made it without this amazing community that has embraced us from day one. Lastly, stay tuned for Jazz nights once a month and other amazing events that raise money and awareness to local animal organizations.. yes you can bring your pup as your date. 🙂
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Muddy Paw Coffee is a local gem in Eagle Rock with exceptional coffee, unique drinks, tasty snacks, plenty of outdoor seating, and (often) some very good pups to meet!
Muddy Paw Coffee
4610 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
muddypawla.com / (213) 269-4802
Open Daily: 7 AM – 7 PM