A Guide to Koreatown Coffee Shops
Heyri Cafe
Breathing new life into an adorable historic home built over a hundred years ago, Heyri Cafe is one of the most aesthetically gifted coffee shops in Koreatown, given its dreamy garden patio featuring brick paved floors, vibrant flowers, lush shrubs, tall palm trees, the soothing sound of water flowing through a fountain, light bulbs strung together overhead, ample furnishings, and ultimately, the perfect environment for lunch with friends, a productive study session, or a romantic dinner with that special somebody.
The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious coffee beverages, teas, nutritious fruit smoothies, fresh juices, delectable desserts, and gram-worthy Korean fare developed by an executive chef. Should you meander on in at the tail end of an exhaustive work day, feel free to take a load off with a crisp craft beer or glass of fine wine.
Alfred Coffee
Alfred can be found occupying a kiosk inside the lobby of the LINE Hotel – where locals and visitors alike are treated to a grande setting showcasing glossy tile paved floors, cement columns, elegant ceiling accents, vibrant plants, cozy booths, and the tantalizing aroma of gourmet java. The attention to detail that has gone into designing the hotel’s lounge area with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues and long-overdue coffee dates.
Sharp Specialty Coffee
Near and dear to the heart of the neighborhood, Sharp offers guests a bright boho ambiance accentuated by warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, potted plants, ample communal workbenches, and amenities for a productive day. Snag a stool next to the sun-soaked front window and flip through the pages of your favorite novel as the world passes on by or grab a high-quality pick-me-up on the way to the office.
Alchemist Coffee Project
If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Alchemist Coffee Project, which has been a center for coffee culture in Koreatown since 2016 and is passionate about intentionally crafting some of LA’s finest specialty drinks. Furthermore, they have tasty eats ranging from photogenic avocado toasts to artisan sandwiches, as well as a beautiful lounge area complete with exposed brick walls, marble and wooden tabletops, rustic elements, sophisticated light fixtures, speedy WiFi, and shelves stocked with neat trinkets.
6xs Coffee
6xs procures for patrons an adorable atmosphere underscored by soft pink walls, flower bouquets, art pieces, and several chic seating arrangements. In addition to delectable signature beverages like the cocoa powder and house-made cream hinted Einspänner, the menu at this hidden gem among Koreatown coffee shops boasts exceptional teas, bomb bagel sandwiches, and scrumptious pastries.
Loft Cafe
Situated on the bustling corner of 6th and Oxford, Loft Cafe serves soul-stirring lattes, fruit-graced waffles, and heavenly cakes amidst whimsical digs underscored by black and white checkered floors, cherry red tabletops, plush banquette seating, walls adorned with great big mirrors that are pointed diagonally toward the creatives swapping ideas below, lavish blue drapes, and a cute little upstairs loft that overlooks the whole scene.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Around the early 2000s, in Oakland, a slightly disaffected freelance musician and coffee lunatic, weary of the commercial coffee enterprise and stale, overly roasted beans, decided to open a roaster for people who were clamoring for the actual taste of fresh coffee. His humble vision has since blossomed into a network of cafes across the United States, Japan, and Korea. That being said, whether you’d like to settle into a cozy corner and appreciate the company of loved ones over a steamy cup of joe, grab an afternoon pick-me-up, or peacefully study amidst the old-world elegance and ease of a reliable neighborhood gathering place, whatever the case may be, Blue Bottle has got you covered.
Caffe Bene
Around the corner from Robert F. Kennedy Inspiration Park, Caffe Bene is a relaxed enclave with wood-paneled walls, cement columns, windows that let the sunlight pour on through, and plenty of wooden chairs and tabletops. The staff maintains a tempting selection of coffee drinks, refreshing fruity elixirs, and sweet treats.
Anko
What this quaint shop on Western Ave may lack in size, it more than makes up for with wholesome hospitality, photogenic appeal, a cute common area where guests can mingle with friends and try some fantastic Korean desserts, and last but certainly not least, fantastic boba and java.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has a reliable work and gathering space that features tables to sit down at and stay awhile, there’s also a lovely sidewalk terrace shaded by umbrellas. The founders, Herb and Mona Hyman, weren’t trying to start a coffee empire when they set off for a trip to Europe together.
After enjoying outstanding coffee throughout the continent, the couple decided to bring the specialty coffeehouse concept back to America. That being said, the brand was established in 1963, opening its first store – which continues to operate to this day – in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles. Since then, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has grown to over 1,000 stores worldwide.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best Koreatown coffee shops, check out our list of the Top 15 Coffee Shops in Hollywood!
I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page, Google account, website, or Instagram account.