The city of Los Angeles, California has yet another place for people to get their java fix. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has launched Pam’s Coffy, a coffee shop dedicated to caffeine, and the iconic actress/activist Pam Grier. The store is a part of the Vista Theater, which Tarantino purchased in 2021. Its name references Jack Hill’s 1973 blaxploitation classic “Coffy,” starring Grier.
Pam’s Coffy, opened on February 14, following several months of advertising to build up hype. Originally Tarantino wanted to call the shop Coffy but after speaking with Grier, who he worked with on 1997’s “Jackie Brown,” he decided to make the name more of a direct reference to her.
The shop is part of a larger revival effort for the 400-seat Vista Theater. The Visa first opened its doors in 1923 but unfortunately faltered in 2020. With the director swooping in to purchase it about a year later. After some work, it officially reopened in November 2023, showing Tony Scott’s 1993 film “True Romance.” Which Tarantino co-wrote the script for alongside Roger Avary.
Pam’s Coffy is as film-focused as it is dedicated to coffee. It looks like a 1970s relic with oversized posters for movies like “Coffy” and “Goliath and the Vampires.” There are vintage TVs with VCRs, including a special film nook hidden behind a beaded curtain. “The whole vision was let’s make it funky,” says Mayra Garcia, an employee of the Vista Theater and Pam’s Coffy. “Let’s make it like two high school kids are putting together a little coffee shop.”
The menu includes Tarantino’s custom coffee blend made by Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. “[Quentin’s] been enjoying it for the past five years and was like, ‘You know what? I think we need a little cafe, a little coffee shop with this coffee,’” explains Garcia. There is also a rotating assortment of pastries from Los Angeles bakery Cake Monkey. Some of these offerings include hand-held pies, sweet and savory scones, pie by the slice, miniature cakes, and more. As well as a line of vegan pastries. If none of that is your bag you can also grab a bowl of good old-fashioned cereal. “If he needs a little snack, it’s cereal,” Garcia adds about Tarantino. Each bowl is served with milk or a milk alternative.
Currently, Pam’s Coffy is only open from 9 AM to 5 PM seven days a week. But they plan to expand those hours as the theater adds more special events. Since the cafe also has a beer and wine license, meaning they can serve alcoholic beverages as their hours expand.
So far Pam’s Coffy has been a hit with the locals. You can check it out yourself at 4473 Sunset Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
