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Photos courtesy of Confidential Coffee & Tea. Above: workers 

DTLB is clearly trying to tell the rest of the city one thing: our urban core wants to be the king of, well, everything.

It undoubtedly holds the crown as the King of Parklets & Outdoor Dining and massive developments—but it is aiming for yet another title: given a new coffee joint by the name of Confidential opening up soon on Pine, it is becoming the King of Caffeine.

DTLB has Recreational. Cuppa Cuppa. Aroma di Roma. Cabinet. We got Rose Park opening its second location soon. And now, we have Confidential opening soon at 145 W 6th Street in DTLB.

According to owners Denise Maldonado and Gustavo De La Rosa, the shop will have a “more relaxed, laid back vibe” while being multi-roaster shop, carrying everything from local brands like North Long Beach’s Black Ring Coffee to regional and national brands that “provides more variety for our customers.” With a panda on their logo, they’ll also be offering panda treats—like the cake pops pictured.

The move couldn’t be timed better for North Pine, as dubbed so by its residents and business owners who feel Pine is largely disconnected from Downtown north of 4th Street.

In the past four years alone, North Pine has seen an influx of investment following the opening of Molina Healthcare in the old Press-Telegram/Meeker-Baker buildings. The Pie Bar, Romeo Chocolates, and Saints & Sinners Bakeshop have created what I dubbed Decadent Row while Toxic Toast Records and Ace of Hearts Tattoo bring Long Beach’s long love of music and body art to an area that was once booming with both.

As I’ve said, that North Pine needs now is a good bar and restaurant…

Confidential Coffee & Tea is located at 145 W 6th Street.