Downtown Los Angeles has a new spot to sip, gossip and gush over Issa Rae Fandom. And, of course, caffeinate, take a few Zoom calls and get creative.
Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen has expanded to Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) at 718 Hill South Hill Street, with a pop-up running through the summer.
Started by co-founders Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan, in Windsor Hills in August 2018, Hilltop’s intention was to create an inclusive space to foster community, creativity, and connection over high quality food and drink. By 2019, Issa Rae, who grew up in South Los Angeles (and later went on to create and star of in the hit HBO series Insecure) partnered with the duo to open Hilltop’s flagship location in Downtown Inglewood. In 2020, the company expanded again, opening a third location on Eagle Rock Blvd.
Now, Hilltop’s first DTLA spot opens in a historic building dating back to 1913.
“Downtown LA has such a rich history of creativity and resilience,” Rae said via email. “We are excited to share the Hilltop experience with the dreamers and doers of the local community.”
Smoked Salmon “Droptop” from Hillston Coffee + Food
The Downtown Hilltop menu will feature favorite menu items including the Bangin’ Breakfast Sandwich (fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon and spicy mayo on a brioche bun), the Soul Bowl (creamy grits topped with a poached egg, braised collard greens, and charred corn), plus Hilltop “Droptops”, fancy toasts topped with ingredients like smashed avocado and shaved fennel or dill cream cheese, crispy capers and smoked salmon. Signature drinks include the Matcha Chata, an iced matcha latte and horchata hybrid; a lavender latte, plus locally roasted coffees.
The pop-up will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and offer 279 indoor seats, plus 30 patio seats. Private meeting and event space is also available to book.
In keeping with its mission to support creators who are on their own climb, Hilltop DTLA will continue a partnership with SoLA Contemporary, a BIPOC woman-led nomadic arts non profit that serves as a cornerstone of cultural and artistic innovation. SoLA advocates for change by empowering diverse communities to explore the intersection of identity, social justice and politics through the power of contemporary art.