HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA — Far from your typical café, this vibrant concept with its unique name combines an eclectic mix of indie, house, and other genres of music with a whimsical ambiance that features unique plants and a disco ball overhead. At the heart of the operation, baristas craft traditional and signature drinks alongside “EVA”, a state-of-the-art AI-powered assistant barista.
The brand is the first specialty coffee shop concept in the world to feature this new technology alongside it’s human counterparts. And for those wanting to personalize their cup, IYKYK! takes it a step further by offering custom latte art printed directly from images on your phone.
Beyond the unique pop culture vibe, the brand’s success stems from its unwavering commitment to quality. Known for its elevated espresso, ceremonial-grade matcha, and inventive specialty drinks, IYKYK! has quickly become a local favorite.
Collaborations with beloved Huntington Beach eateries have further cemented its status as a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts. Founded in 2024 by entrepreneur Dawna Wyland and partners, IYKYK! Coffee Lab is a bold experiment in both flavor and atmosphere.
The flagship location opened on July 4th at Pacific City, a prime retail destination just a few blocks from the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. The second location, a pop-up that evolved into a full-time presence, is located at Orange Coast College. A perfect demographic for the brands vibe, OCC students have welcomed IYKYK! With open arms.
“We believe in offering a truly unique experience—one that celebrates the intersection of coffee, food, art, music, and technology,” said Wyland. “Our award-winning coffee beans are sourced directly from farmers and roasted locally. And our ceremonial-grade matcha is shipped fresh from Kyoto and Nishio, Japan, where it’s shade grown and carefully cultivated by multi-generational farmers.”
IYKYK! prides itself on making everything from scratch, including its house-made syrups that are featured in a growing lineup of signature drinks. Standouts include the You Salty Dog, Bonfire Cap, Honey Love, Perq, and Chagaccinno. For the holiday season, IYKYK! has added limited-time offerings like the Ginger Slaps Latte, Rose “Merry” Latte, and Mistletoe Matcha.
Looking ahead, IYKYK! hopes to expand its footprint in 2025, with plans for additional brick-and-mortar locations, distribution of the robotic barista technology, a retail clothing line, and an expanded catering division. In addition, the brand will launch e-commerce offerings and retail coffee options for home brewing enthusiasts. “IYKYK! is all about fostering community, collaboration and unforgettable experiences,” Wyland added. “We’re thrilled to bring that to even more neighborhoods, so don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a speakeasy-inspired IYKYK! pop-up near you. If You Know, You Know!”
