OK, Friends of Caffeine, here’s a new place to grab some designer java while waiting for Alfred Coffee to open on Studio City’s Ventura Place. Hop on down to brand-new Coffee Source, which held its grand opening on Sunday at its strip mall location and Tujunga Avenue and Ventura Boulevard.

Proprietor John Fuller, area resident for more than 25 years, wants to create a community center that not only features “third wave” coffee but—eventually—the work of local artists, live music and the chance to support community activities like North Hollywood Food Pantry.

The centerpiece is the Giesen six-kilo coffee roaster. Soon you'll be able to take a seat at the circular bar to watch “roastmasters” operate this spectacular baby, which provides fresh beans daily (also available by the bag). Pastries and treats come from Sherman Oaks’ Crème Caramel LA and other local sources.

“There isn’t anyplace to get a really good cup of coffee in Studio City,” says John. Them’s fightin’ words from a proprietor so close to Gelato & Espresso Bar, Aroma and Marie et Cie., who might beg to differ. But one thing Coffee Source has got that the others don’t: ample morning coffee-time free parking before the other mall establishments open for business.

11400 Ventura Blvd., 818-853-7562