Considering that Glendale is L.A. County’s third largest city and specialty coffee’s reach is growing, it was inevitable these factors would converge. Glendale now has a handful of interesting coffee bars, and Highlight Coffee is your best bet.

Frank Kim’s impressive corner specialty coffee bar opened in 2016 at base of a historic tan brick building. As barista Hugo said, “We have the best coffee roasted locally, nationally, and even from across the border in Canada. Comforting, and flavorful.” Highlight carries beans from multiple roasters, including Demitasse, Sweet Bloom, and Phil & Sebastian. They brew using a two-group La Marzocco espresso machine, pourover, and cold brew, and serve creative specialty drinks.

Coffee Lemonade ($3.75) is a seemingly unlikely combo featuring two parts house-made lemonade and one part cold brew. During my visit that meant a blend of Colombian and Salvadorean beans from Demitasse, Kim’s former employer. The tart, tangy lemonade combined with the earthy, but relatively bright cold brew delivered a surprisingly balanced jolt. If Glendale can generate more coffee bars like Highlight, the city will greatly benefit.