Endorffeine Coffee in Chinatown is a small, precision-focused café run by former biochemist Jack Benchakul. Known for its minimalist approach, the café offers a concise menu of five hot and three iced drinks, emphasizing pure flavors without sugar or unnecessary additives. Located in Far East Plaza, Los Angeles, it’s a unique spot where every cup is crafted with care and scientific precision.
Key highlights:
- Signature Drinks: Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte, Palm Sugar Whiskey Latte, and House Coffee (steamed cold brew).
- Approach: No sugar packets or milk for pour-overs, with a focus on showcasing coffee’s natural flavors.
- Atmosphere: Nine-seat horseshoe bar, no-laptop policy, and a lab-inspired design.
- Hours: Open Friday–Monday, 9 AM–6 PM. Closed Tuesday–Thursday.
Endorffeine is perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking a carefully brewed, flavor-forward experience.
About Endorffeine Coffee
The No-Frills Coffee Approach
Endorffeine Coffee takes a minimalist stance: coffee should shine on its own. Owner Jack Benchakul has made some bold choices to uphold this philosophy - there are no sugar packets or sweeteners at the bar, and for certain drinks, like Ethiopian pour-overs, milk isn't even an option. This approach stems from what Benchakul calls his "coffee epiphany", a moment of clarity he experienced at a Blue Bottle cart. As he puts it:
That moment was my coffee epiphany, I realized you don't have to add cream or sugar and the product can stand on its own.
The simplicity extends beyond ingredients. Benchakul, who operates as the sole barista, takes his time to ensure every drink meets his standards. Unlike high-volume coffee chains, service here is slower but deliberate, with a focus on precision in every cup. The café’s design reflects this ethos too. Its 9-seat horseshoe-shaped bar, paired with under-counter Modbar equipment, removes barriers between barista and customer, giving patrons a front-row seat to the brewing process.
Every detail at Endorffeine is a testament to this commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The Brand's Core Values
Benchakul’s background as a biochemist plays a vital role in shaping Endorffeine’s identity. His scientific mindset is evident in everything from water chemistry to brewing techniques. For example, he uses water with 170 to 200 TDS (total dissolved solids) and customizes mineral blends for espresso and cold brew. Inspired by his "coffee epiphany", Benchakul even offers two additional water recipes - one for cleansing the palate and another to awaken the taste buds while customers wait.
The café’s name, "Endorffeine", is a blend of "endorphin" and "caffeine", symbolizing the scientific precision and joy that Benchakul believes coffee can bring. He explains:
Endorphins are produced by our bodies, and here, represent one half of the coffee culture equation – the self; your experience can only be as good as an open mind will allow.
Endorffeine also enforces a no-laptop policy, encouraging customers to engage with the barista and each other. This creates an environment that prioritizes coffee education and meaningful interaction over remote work. Benchakul sums it up simply: "My hope is that people will understand that it's not a machine cranking out all of this stuff; it's a person making each drink".
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Location and Hours
Endorffeine Coffee can be found at 727 N Broadway #127, Los Angeles, CA 90012, tucked inside Far East Plaza in Chinatown. It’s located in Unit #127 and may be easy to overlook, as there’s no exterior sign. Once inside, you’ll spot its minimalist horseshoe-shaped bar and distinctive Erlenmeyer flask lighting.
The cafe is open Friday through Monday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it remains closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Since hours might change, it’s a good idea to check Instagram (@endorffeine) for the latest updates.
How to Get There
Far East Plaza has multiple entrances along North Broadway, making it simple to find your way inside. Parking options include street parking and nearby garages, and the location is wheelchair accessible. Public transportation is also an easy and practical choice, thanks to its central Chinatown location.
For a helpful landmark, look for Howlin’ Ray’s, a well-known Nashville-style fried chicken spot famous for its long lines. Far East Plaza has also housed other celebrated eateries like Pok Pok and Chego, cementing its reputation as a foodie hotspot in Chinatown.
The cafe accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, and other contactless payment methods. With only nine seats at the cozy horseshoe bar, the space fills up quickly during busy hours, so plan your visit accordingly.
Atmosphere and Owner Story
Interior Design and Atmosphere
Step into Endorffeine Coffee, and you'll find yourself in a space that feels like a blend of a modern lab and an art gallery. The centerpiece of the cafe is a horseshoe-shaped concrete bar with exactly nine seats - a nod to Thai numerology, where the number nine is considered lucky. The minimalist aesthetic is further emphasized by clean white and light blue walls and pendant lights shaped like Erlenmeyer flasks.
The cafe’s layout is all about transparency. Brewing equipment, including the sleek Modbar system, is cleverly hidden beneath the counter, while grinders are neatly placed in corner slots, almost like watchful turrets. This open design allows visitors to watch every step of the brewing process. To maintain the focus on coffee and conversation, the cafe enforces a strict no-laptop policy.
Bright lighting and stainless steel accents give the space a clinical vibe, but this is softened by the personal interactions at the bar. With limited seating, the cafe tends to fill up quickly during peak hours, so arriving early is your best bet to catch the meticulous brewing process in action. Every detail of the design reflects the precision and care that owner Jack Benchakul pours into his craft.
The Owner's Story
The cafe’s attention to detail mirrors the journey of its owner, Jack Benchakul. A former biochemist and molecular scientist, Benchakul’s path to coffee mastery began with a pivotal moment he describes as his "coffee epiphany." While working at Miette Patisserie in San Francisco, a colleague urged him to taste Blue Bottle coffee black - a suggestion that changed everything for him.
"That moment was my coffee epiphany, I realized you don't have to add cream or sugar and the product can stand on its own." - Jack Benchakul, Owner
After leaving the biotech world and exploring other coffee ventures, Benchakul created Endorffeine with a focus on precision and simplicity. He chose a hidden spot in Chinatown, inspired by Thai street vendors who excel at perfecting one or two specialties. As he explains:
"I was drawn by the similarity to Thai street vendors. Each of them will sell maybe one or two things... People will come from all over Bangkok because they really execute." - Jack Benchakul, Owner
His scientific background shines through in every detail, from crafting custom water recipes with 170 to 200 TDS tailored for different brewing methods to maintaining exact temperature control. Yet, despite the emphasis on precision, Benchakul believes the human touch is essential. Every drink served at Endorffeine is a testament to the balance between technical expertise and personal care.
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Complete Menu Guide
Endorffeine Coffee Complete Menu Guide with Prices and Descriptions
Brewing Methods and Signature Drinks
Endorffeine takes coffee brewing to an art form, blending precision with bold and inventive flavors. With under-counter Modbar equipment for both espresso and pour-over methods, the cafe ensures each cup is brewed with meticulous care. Jack Benchakul, the mind behind Endorffeine, even uses calibrated water to highlight the unique qualities of each brewing process.
For pour-over coffee, the technique involves manually agitating coarse grounds, resulting in a clean, balanced flavor - steering clear of the overly intense "funky flavor bomb" you might encounter elsewhere. Meanwhile, the cold brew is steeped for 36 hours and double-filtered, creating a sweet, low-acid base that forms the foundation of their signature drinks.
One standout offering is the House Coffee, a steamed cold brew that's heated until frothy, delivering a creamy texture without any milk. Sylvio Martins, Senior Staff Writer, describes the menu as:
The menu is short with five hot drinks and three iced, including diligently crafted cortados and single brews, plus less common finds like the milky (milk-less) house coffee.
Their signature lattes are equally noteworthy, featuring house-made syrups and coconut milk. Highlights include the Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte and the Palm Sugar Whiskey Cold Brew Latte, both inspired by Benchakul's Thai heritage and completely vegan. These drinks, along with the cafe's precise brewing techniques, reflect a menu that’s as thoughtful as it is concise.
Menu Items and Prices
Endorffeine’s menu is purposefully small, focusing on quality over quantity. Typically, the menu includes five hot drinks and three iced options. Below is an overview of the offerings, with pricing based on available data (note: prices may have changed since 2017):
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | $3.25 | A concentrated shot brewed using Modbar equipment for optimal flavor |
| Flat White | $3.75 | Espresso combined with carefully crafted microfoam for a silky texture |
| Filter Coffee | $6.00 | Single-origin pour-over brewed with hand-agitation techniques; no milk or sugar allowed to preserve its pure flavor |
| House Coffee | Varies | Warm, frothy coffee made from steamed cold brew |
| Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte | Premium pricing | A vegan iced latte featuring pandan syrup and coconut milk |
| Palm Sugar Whiskey Cold Brew Latte | Premium pricing | A Thai-inspired vegan iced latte with house-made syrups |
| Coconut Matcha Latte | Premium pricing | Matcha paired with house-made coconut milk |
The beans are sourced from top-tier roasters like Sey, Drop, Ilse, Prolog, April, and Leaves Coffee Roasters. To maintain the integrity of their brews, sugar and sweeteners are not provided, and milk cannot be added to single-origin pour-overs. As Benchakul puts it:
There are easier, faster methods to employ, but shortcuts result in a low-quality product and a diminished experience for our guests.
Best Drinks and Ordering Tips
Must-Try Drinks
If you're into bold, concentrated flavors, the Espresso is a must. Made with precision using a sleek under-counter Modbar system, this shot is described as "outrageously strong" and costs $3.25. It's a perfect showcase of Jack Benchakul's meticulous approach to coffee extraction.
For something smooth and earthy, try the Cold Brew, which is double-filtered and steeped for a full 36 hours. The result? A clean finish that highlights its natural flavors.
Looking for a dairy-free treat? The House Coffee is an unexpected delight. By steaming cold brew, it creates a frothy, milk-like texture without using any dairy - a sweet, creamy experience that's one of a kind.
For Thai-inspired flavors, the Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte and Palm Sugar Whiskey Cold Brew Latte are entirely vegan and feature house-made syrups paired with coconut milk. The Vanilla Pandan offers an aromatic sweetness with a bold kick, while the Palm Sugar Whiskey option brings a rich, layered flavor.
If you're a fan of bright, fruity notes, the Pour-over is your go-to. These single-origin brews, often featuring Ethiopian or Nordic roasts, highlight citrusy, plummy flavors. Crafted with controlled agitation and served without milk, these coffees are designed to let their natural characteristics shine.
For a balanced coffee-to-milk ratio, try the Cortado or Cappuccino. Both offer a 1:1 balance that complements the coffee's flavor without overpowering it.
How to Pair Your Coffee
Endorffeine's minimalist philosophy is all about appreciating coffee in its purest form. Skip the sugar or sweeteners - here, it's all about savoring the natural flavors as they were intended.
Grab a seat at the horseshoe bar to watch Benchakul's precise brewing process. If you're lucky, he might even share some home-brewing tips, like his suggestion to use a 1:1 mix of distilled and filtered tap water for the best extraction.
While the café keeps its food menu simple (mostly toasts), many regulars like to pair their coffee with vegan croissants from local vendors at Far East Plaza. For a more exclusive experience, check Instagram for updates on the "9" evening events. These intimate gatherings feature a three-course dessert and coffee-cocktail pairing for just nine guests - a chance to see Benchakul's creativity at its finest.
Service Quality and Overall Experience
Staff and Service
Jack Benchakul runs the show at Endorffeine, serving as the sole barista and personally crafting every drink with precision and care. Speaking about his approach, he shares:
"My hope is that people will understand that it's not a machine cranking out all of this stuff; it's a person making each drink."
With a background in biochemistry, Benchakul brings a scientific edge to his brewing techniques, often sharing practical tips for home coffee enthusiasts.
The café's unique vibe is further enhanced by its no-computers policy, which encourages guests to engage in conversation. At the cozy nine-seat horseshoe bar, Benchakul takes the time to learn customers' names, fostering a sense of community. Reflecting on these connections, he says:
"I think these personal connections we make in the hospitality industry really make us better people."
This combination of personalized service and technical expertise is what sets Endorffeine apart. Every cup reflects Benchakul's commitment to both craft and connection.
What Makes the Experience Special
Endorffeine goes beyond serving coffee - it creates an experience. The shop's under-counter Modbar equipment removes the traditional barrier between barista and customer, giving you a front-row seat to the brewing process. From the precise espresso extraction to the meticulous pour-over technique, every detail is on display. And if a shot doesn't meet Benchakul's high standards for aroma and appearance, it’s discarded and redone without hesitation.
This is not your typical grab-and-go coffee spot. As writer Garrett Palm puts it:
"This isn't the place for a quick coffee to go. This is a place where you come to marvel at the making of your brew."
Each drink is served in carefully chosen glassware designed to enhance the flavor, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience. Combined with the intimate setting and Benchakul's passion for educating his customers, Endorffeine feels more like a high-precision coffee lab than a regular café. It’s a place where every detail, from the brewing process to the presentation, is treated with the utmost care.
Conclusion
Endorffeine Coffee blends meticulous craftsmanship with heartfelt hospitality. Under the guidance of owner Jack Benchakul, every cup is a testament to precision - whether it's a 36-hour cold brew or an espresso calibrated to perfection. It's no wonder the café has been recognized as one of America's best coffee shops.
What truly distinguishes this Chinatown gem is its dedication to quality and its inventive nods to Thai flavors. Drinks like the Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew and Palm Sugar Whiskey Latte stand out, featuring house-made vegan syrups and coconut milk that pack a punch of bold, unforgettable taste - all while staying true to the café's minimalist ethos.
With just nine seats at the bar and a sleek under-counter Modbar system, Endorffeine offers an intimate space where you can witness the artistry behind every pour. It's a place where every sip reflects Benchakul's unwavering commitment to excellence.
FAQs
What makes Endorffeine Coffee's brewing process special?
Endorffeine Coffee blends science and artistry in every cup, thanks to its owner-barista's background in biochemistry. Their brewing process is all about precision, starting with custom water profiles designed for specific drinks - one for espresso, another for cold brew. The result? Flavors that are balanced and thoughtfully crafted in every sip.
The cafe focuses on beverages that let the ingredients shine. For example, their Ethiopian pour-over is served as-is, without milk or sweeteners, to showcase the coffee’s natural flavor. A standout on their menu is the "milky" house coffee - a sweet, low-acid cold brew that’s steamed to achieve a warm, frothy texture. It looks and feels like milk, but none is added.
At the heart of their operation is a stainless-steel Modbar system, which provides meticulous control over brewing variables. This combination of scientific precision and innovative techniques makes Endorffeine’s coffee a truly unique experience.
Does Endorffeine Coffee have a no-laptop policy? If so, why?
Currently, there’s no verified information indicating that Endorffeine Coffee has implemented a no-laptop policy or the reasons behind such a decision. The sources reviewed don’t mention any specific rules regarding laptop usage or provide further details on the matter.
If you’re planning to visit and want clarity on their policies, it’s best to reach out to the cafe directly for the most accurate and current information.
What are the best drinks to try at Endorffeine Coffee in Chinatown?
Endorffeine Coffee takes pride in offering a thoughtfully curated menu where every drink is made with precision and care. One standout is their milky house coffee - a milk-free cold brew that’s steamed until warm and frothy, delivering a rich, creamy texture without a single drop of milk. If you’re an espresso fan, the cortado is a must-try, perfectly balancing bold espresso with just the right amount of steamed milk.
For those looking to explore bolder flavors, their specialty lattes are a true treat. Favorites include the Coconut Matcha Latte, Vanilla Pandan Cold Brew Latte, and the Palm Sugar Whiskey Cold Brew Latte. Each of these drinks is crafted with house-made, vegan-friendly syrups and creamy coconut milk. If you prefer something lighter and refreshing, the nitro cold brew is a popular pick, served either on its own or as the base for their flavored lattes. These creative drinks and their attention to detail make Endorffeine Coffee a destination worth visiting.
