Cuties Coffee

Coffee shop · East Hollywood

Cuties Coffee

Coffee shop · East Hollywood

710 Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Highlights

Cuties is a cozy, LGBTQ-owned espresso bar that blends great coffee with community vibes and events, perfect for relaxing or sparking conversations.

710 Heliotrope Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90029 Get directions

hicuties.com

@eater

"Los Angeles’s prominent LGBTQIA+ coffee shop Cuties has closed. Owners for the Heliotrope shop in East Hollywood, which had been hailed as a safe gathering space for Southern California’s queer, transgender, and other communities, say simply on Instagram that “our organization does not bring in enough revenue to pay for our space.” They add that they have “been accumulating debt to our landlord... [but] continuing to accumulate debt in an environment that shows little promise of operational safety in the near future is unwise.” The HelMel address, which opened in 2017, was turned back over to the landlord on August 1, and Cuties will return to life as an underground coffee pop-up with a big online presence. What’s more, co-founder Virginia Bauman says that they are turning over ownership entirely to longtime manager Sasha Jones, naming her CEO of the company and transferring equity in the process. “This brand began with two white folks. If this project is to continue to fulfill its original values, it comes with ownership and leadership, with both centering Blackness.” For now Cuties will continue to host events, listening sessions, and informational panels on Instagram and elsewhere, and fans can continue to support via Patreon." - Farley Elliott

Influential LGBTQIA Coffee Shop Cuties Closes Because of Coronavirus - Eater LA

View Postcard for Cuties Coffee

@eater

"LGBTQIA+ coffee shop closed after three years due to financial issues. Ownership turned over to a prominent staff member." - Matthew Kang

LA Restaurants That Have Permanently Closed During the COVID-19 Crisis - Eater LA

View Postcard for Cuties Coffee

@eater

"Cuties Coffee, located at 710 N Heliotrope Drive, Los Angeles, is a queer cafe and gathering spot that celebrated its first anniversary in July. It hosts many events aimed at supporting trans and queer youth, including partnerships with salons for haircuts, programs to help find housing, and clothing and toiletry donations. The cafe was founded by Virginia Bauman and Iris Bainum-Houle, who also initiated a monthly event called Queers, Coffee & Donuts. Despite its success, the cafe faces financial challenges and has launched a Patreon fundraiser to cover operating costs." - Mona Holmes

LGBTQ Coffee Shop in LA Launches Crowdfunding to Stay Open - Eater LA

View Postcard for Cuties Coffee

@eater

"Cuties, a queer-focused coffee shop, is exploring a new survival model through Patreon and adjusting hours and efficiencies." - Farley Elliott

A Mini Golf Course With Booze Could be Coming to Hollywood Soon - Eater LA

View Postcard for Cuties Coffee

Madhavan Sriram

Google

I arrived early to the apartment i was supposed to be renting for the weekend and needed to kill some time. Cuties coffee was there right by the corner and the vibe of the place caught my fancy. The place is branded and made to make people from all types and genders feel comfortable in an inclusive place (LGBTQ Friendly). The coffee shop is just that. Don't expect fanciness or comfort here but expect a place where you can just sit down to some really cool music (can't emphasise this more!) and watch people from different walks of life walk in and relax. It is a place where you can make great conversations and read interesting books (The choice of books matched my taste exactly and got my hooked)

Sophia Flot-Warner

Google

Such a cozy little spot! Visited with a friend after an audition. Had the bacon and leek quiche. Very tasty! Also experimented with a lavender mocha latte with oat milk! Super delish! Kudos for the barista's adventurous spirit! No decaf tho. And they had a spoken word event on the patio!

Victoria Reuveni

Google

I adore Cuties Coffee shop! Not only are the coffee and noms delish, you can feel the love for the community infused into every inch of the space. If you’re local you have to visit! It’s a fantastic spot for LGBTQ+ folks of all ages to come and schmooze away from bars. If you’re not in LA tell your friends who are to support this amazing LGBTQ+ coffee shop! Be sure to pick up a pronoun pin and snap a selfie with their pink wall or their rainbow awning!

Hottesome (Quintin Ellis Jr)

Google

Love cold brew at cuties. LGBTQ+ business/cafe that is all inclusive.

Khan Rosenrot

Google

A great space to be in. Books to read, wifi, and tons of outlets to charge with. TBH I'm not a big coffee drinker so I can't speak to that but what I had was tasty, the barista was kind, and there was no line. Parking was easy to find.

Kate Newman

Google

I adore coming to this coffee shop. They're so friendly here and their drinks are AMAZING. Lots of vegan options here too. It's a small place, but they have made great use of this space - seating inside and outside, and a little loft with even more places to chill, study, or catch up with a friend. Outlets galore on the top level if you need to recharge or use your laptop. An absolute gem, just like the folks who run it.

Cody Putman

Google

Love this shop. Every time I go the coffee is great, espresso on-point, baristas are cool and kind, and the environment feels fun, queer, and community oriented. Good seating, pricing is decent, and plenty of cool art to look at on their walls.

Phoebe L.

Google

Love the pink lighting and green walls, it's very soothing and cozy inside - I really feel like I'm in a safe space oasis. I had a mocha and a homemade donut, both were delicious! The mocha was very espresso-forward and not too sweet (aka perfect). Bonus points for being right next to one of my favorite ice cream shops (Scoops)!