Since the Sanrio brand first introduced the iconic cat in 1974, Hello Kitty has been globally adored—and now, you can enjoy drinks with her at the Hello Kitty Grand Café.
BY EMILY JOY MENESES
SPECIAL TO BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Photos courtesy of Emily Joy Meneses
For many of us, we know her, we love her, and we’ve certainly been seeing a lot more of her around lately. But what else can explain the sudden reappearance of Hello Kitty into much of pop culture? And even further, into the coffee world?
The start of Hello Kitty’s iconic legacy can be traced all the way back to the 1970s, when Sanrio founder Shintaro Tsuji added her to the company’s lineup of iconic characters, where she made waves as a style icon, displayed on bags, cosmetics, toys, and even bullet trains.
In 2020, Shintaro Tsuji stepped down to put the company in the hands of his grandson, Tomokuni Tsuji. The recent shift in leadership may explain Hello Kitty’s recent venture into spaces for younger audiences.
Welcome to the Hello Kitty Grand Café
When it comes to Hello Kitty’s entry into the coffee world however, we’re setting our sights on Sanrio’s very own creation: the Hello Kitty Grand Café. With decor, food, and beverages inspired by Hello Kitty and friends, the café is a treat for adults and children alike.
There are several locations along the western coast of the United States, and we ventured to the one in Irvine, Calif. The café menu features your typical espresso-based drinks, along with a fun selection of teas infused with a variety of fruits and florals like lychee and passion fruit. There’s also an option to make reservations and visit The Bow Room, a closed-off section of the café where you can enjoy Sanrio-themed cocktails or afternoon tea, complete with a charming and elaborate array of desserts.
Entering the Café
I visited the café on a sunny winter Saturday and immediately saw how popular it is, with a line for to-go orders stretching far beyond the store’s entrance. The café was colorful and minimalistic, with neon signs and pastel paintings of Hello Kitty and friends adorning the walls. The dine-in portion was limited to two tables—so if you’re planning to stay in or go with a huge party, we definitely recommend making a reservation!
To my surprise, the line for to-go orders moved quite fast, and it took about 30 minutes to reach the counter. While waiting in line, you can easily pass the time exploring the store’s interactive array of cute merchandise, take pictures with the life-size Hello Kitty figurine, and even watch Hello Kitty donuts being made.
What We Ordered
When it was our chance to order, we got some pastries (cookies shaped like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Keroppi of course) and three drinks: a soy cappuccino, hot lychee green tea, and iced rose green tea. Beyond its vibrant decor, the café’s drinks and food items are quite impressive. The tea was delicately flavored, and the espresso was bold yet balanced—rivaling that of any popular coffee establishment.
If you happen to live close to a location, the Hello Kitty Grand Café is definitely worth trying—whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids, celebrating something special, or just want to treat yourself to some sweet nostalgia. Click here to learn more about the café and its locations!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Based in Los Angeles, Emily Joy Meneses (she/her) is a writer and musician passionate about culture and collective care. You can regularly find her at Echo Park Lake, drinking a cortado and journaling about astrology, art, Animal Crossing, and her dreams. Explore her poetry, short stories, and soundscapes on her website.
