Coffee Confessionals Invites Guests to Spill the Beans in LA

Bucking a national trend toward quick service among isolated customers, a community-driven cafe in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, called Coffee Confessionals is wholeheartedly embracing creativity, conversation and connection.

“I wanted to create a cafe where people could come get a cup of coffee and meet a stranger that could become a friend,” Coffee Confessionals founder and CEO Jing Lin recently told Daily Coffee News. “I understood that deep and lasting friendships are built on common themes and being able to confide in each other — the good and the bad that you’re going through in life.”

Lin said she worked with designer Lauren Cheek on an interior that can shift between everyday cafe mode and performance-focused programming, including open-mic afternoons and occasional comedy events.

“I wanted it to feel like your living room, but also modular in many ways so you can rearrange the tables for larger or smaller groups, and be event-friendly as well,” Lin said.

White walls help frame colorful portrait art, a neon purple “Coffee Confessionals” sign and hanging lanterns over the coffee bar.

“Our motto is ‘Spill Your Beans,’” said Lin. “The idea is to tell your story and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”

Lin said the concept was sparked by a friend’s experience moving frequently and the loneliness that can come with rebuilding a social circle. The shop is intended to provide a “third space” while fostering connections between guests through its open, relaxed layout and programming.

“I want people in the community to find their tribe, whatever their interests are,” Lin said. “It’s a chance to connect with others and not feel so lonely with issues we may think we’re dealing with alone.”

A self-described storyteller, Lin studied film and later entertainment industry management before working in various studio roles.

“After many years of working in the studio system with companies like Disney and Universal, I later felt like I lost touch with what I originally wanted to do, which was just to tell human interest stories — similar to what Humans of New York did,” said Lin. “I wanted to do something creatively just for myself.”

From there, Lin said she leaned into writing and coffee, building a blog and spending time with roasters and at coffee events.

“It really felt like my tribe,” said Lin. “This little seed of an idea came that maybe I could open a coffee shop — really get to talk to strangers and patrons and get to know their stories.”

Jing Lin behind the counter at Coffee Confessionals.

Fueling those stories are espresso-based drinks supported by a Mazzer grinder and a La Marzocco Linea Classic S. Beyond traditional drinks, the shop also offers “matchagatos” and “focus lattes” with lion’s mane.

“I love adding adaptogens to my own coffee mix, and I started back in the day when mushroom coffee was just starting to come into the marketplace,” Lin said. “We use a tincture for our coffees with adaptogens because I find that usually incorporates the best without affecting the taste of the coffee too much.”

The shop gets its coffee from an undisclosed California roaster, working off a five-point sourcing checklist that touches on overall quality, affordability and “ethical production standards,” according to Lin.

Since opening, Lin said the shop has drawn a wide mix of customers, with seating inside and on a patio that’s advertised as dog-friendly.

“It’s really a melting pot of diverse groups in L.A.,” Lin said.

Following the shop’s positive initial reception, Lin said she plans to expand the programming calendar to include monthly “wellness meet-ups, board game nights, improv” and more.

Coffee Confessionals is located at 5718 Hollywood Blvd in Los Angeles.

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