Harun Coffee returns to Leimert Park with African traditions and a speakeasy twist

Harun Coffee has reopened its doors in Leimert Park, bringing back a beloved local spot after its 2023 closure. The new location on Degnan Boulevard now features an expanded menu, a speakeasy, and a listening lounge for live performances. Its return marks a small but notable shift in a neighbourhood facing ongoing gentrification pressures.

The original Harun Coffee, founded by Chace Johnson in 2019, shut down in 2023 amid broader changes in the historic Black cultural district. While exact figures on minority-owned businesses forced to close or relocate remain unclear, long-standing spots like Harun have felt the strain of rising rents and redevelopment. Since then, new businesses such as ORA and Lore have moved into the area, altering Degnan Boulevard's character.

The revived Harun Coffee now centres on African coffee traditions, offering Ethiopian beans and seasonal mocktails. Its breakfast menu includes flaky buttermilk biscuits with various toppings, while evenings feature bar bites like tamarind-glazed nuts and brown-butter coffee cake. The shop's interior showcases functional art furniture, including a bi-level table and spool stools by designer Shin Okuda.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., the space also houses a speakeasy for nighttime events. First-time visitor Sneh Chawla praised its unique design and welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, Community Labs, a private investment firm, is working to preserve Leimert Park's identity by supporting minority-owned businesses like Harun.

Harun Coffee's reopening has drawn long lines and renewed community interest. The shop's blend of cultural programming, local art, and African-inspired offerings sets it apart in a changing neighbourhood. For updates, customers can visit haruncoffee.com or follow @harun.coffee on Instagram.