Cafe Upper, a cafe in Koreatown in downtown Los Angeles, has become a magnet for coffee lovers and students after going viral on TikTok.
Visitors stepping inside are greeted by the rich aroma of fresh coffee and the low hum of conversation and keyboards tapping. Nearly every seat is filled with people chatting, studying, or working on homework, creating a lively yet focused atmosphere.
The menu, displayed on the wall near the entrance, features photos of popular drinks, helping customers quickly decide on what they would like to order.
At the counter, a friendly staff member is ready to take orders as soon as customers approach. After ordering, patrons receive a small buzzer that signals when their drinks are ready, allowing them to settle into the cafe’s cozy, well-lit interior.
Drinks are placed on the pick-up counter, in visually clear cups so that you can see the drink, often Instagram-ready, adding to the cafe’s social media appeal.
Cafe Upper has a 4.2-star rating online, where customers can view the menu before visiting or order delivery through Postmates or Uber Eats. Prices range from $9 to $20, and the cafe is open until midnight, making it a convenient spot for late-night study sessions or social gatherings.
Preston Yi, a college student, ordered Upper’s popular “matcha einspanner.” He said he typically avoids matcha late in the day but found the drink gave him the energy to study. “It’s a lot better than other places I’ve tried,” Yi said.
Though not overly large, Upper’s space is designed to feel open enough for a steady flow of visitors while still maintaining an intimate, inviting vibe. Its combination of aromatic coffee, viral social media attention, and a relaxed, sensory-rich environment has turned the cafe into a must-visit spot in K-Town.
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