Sitting in Bars with Cake (2023) Plot Summary & Ending Explained

In the bustling city of Los Angeles, childhood best friends Jane and Corinne have forged a unique bond over the years, built on trust and companionship. While Corinne embodies an outgoing spirit, Jane prefers a more reserved approach, finding comfort in the observation rather than participation.

Corinne's position as the assistant to the fierce talent agent Benita stands in stark contrast to Jane's more modest role in the mailroom. Burdened by her secret crush on the charming intern Owen (a budding lawyer), Jane grapples with expressing her feelings, her timidity holding her back from pursuing her desires.

On March 7th, during Corinne's birthday, Jane surprises her with a delightful homemade cake—a gesture that sparks a revolutionary idea. Corinne proposes their adventurous project of visiting a different bar every week for a year, with each bar being accompanied by a specially themed cake catering to the crowd. This initiative, creatively named "cakebarring," aims to help Jane break out of her shell and initiate conversations with new people.

Together, they embark on this whimsical journey, with Corinne taking the lead in revamping Jane's wardrobe to help her gain confidence. Jane's parents, Tasha and Isaac, arrive for a legal conference and express their concerns about Jane's baking aspirations, leaving her feeling even more pressured.

As the days roll on, Jane keeps track of her progress in interacting with men, leading to awkward encounters—some filled with flirtation, while others are more innocent, yet memorable. Meanwhile, Corinne flourishes under Benita's mentorship, earning a promotion to junior agent.

However, life takes a sudden turn when Corinne suddenly suffers a seizure after experiencing a severe headache, which results in the shocking diagnosis of a brain tumor, upending their plans and dreams. Ruth and Fred, Corinne's parents, rush to support her and discuss moving her to Phoenix for treatment.

Yet, Corinne chooses to remain in Los Angeles with Jane, who vows to stand by her friend through thick and thin. Despite undergoing treatment, Corinne joins Jane in their cakebarring venture, using the rhythm of their shared experiences as a source of comfort during turbulent times.

In a show of solidarity, their boss organizes a fundraising 5K event in Corinne’s honor, complete with fun activities designed for her healing journey. Encouraged by this, Jane musters the courage to approach Owen under the pretense of discussing international property law—a meeting that adds a glimmer of joy to Corinne's otherwise worrisome health journey.

As the autumn leaves fall, Corinne opens up to Tasha and Isaac about her struggles not only with her illness but also her failing relationship with Dave. Furthermore, Jane acknowledges her waning interest in law school, realizing that life is too fragile. The cancer fundraiser serves as a poignant reminder that time is precious as Corinne's condition worsens, prompting difficult conversations about the realities of her illness.

As Thanksgiving nears, Corinne finds herself frequently hospitalized, while Jane becomes determined to complete the last 17 cakes for their cakebarrow journey. The holiday season invigorates Jane with newfound clarity and direction, leading her to consider a different path—a choice that involves prioritizing her friendship over her past aspirations.

With Corinne's health deteriorating, Jane makes the heartfelt decision to resign from her job in the mailroom to dedicate her time fully to caring for her best friend. This leads to an emotional farewell, not only to her career but also to the increasingly distant Owen.

Throughout their remaining moments together, Jane and Corinne share an array of emotions—from laughter to tears—creating lasting memories. One profound experience is when Jane, overcoming her stage fright, joins Corinne in a karaoke session, bringing a spark of joy amid the challenges.

Ultimately, the journey culminates in a poignant celebration of Corinne's life in Arizona. In a heartfelt tribute, Jane delivers the 50th cake—a birthday cake destined for Corinne—fulfilling her promise by opening the Silverlake Cake Bar in LA, a sweet homage to their deep-rooted friendship.

Throughout "Sitting in Bars with Cake," the story builds towards the heartbreaking conclusion where Corinne’s health deteriorates rapidly after a series of seizures. When Corinne has her final seizure, she develops amnesia, forgetting her past and her loved ones. This devastating loss hits Jane hard, especially because she’s been the primary caregiver and emotional anchor for her friend. In the hospital, the doctors tell Jane and Corinne’s parents that her condition is worsening and there is little they can do to save her. As Corinne’s health declines, Jane dedicates herself completely to caring for her, finding solace in their shared rituals like the pottery-breaking activity, which symbolizes their mutual support and the inevitability of loss. Despite her efforts to bring joy and memories through her cake expeditions, Corinne’s illness ultimately takes her from Jane.

The story then shifts to the aftermath, where Jane finally finds the courage to voice her true feelings to her parents: she no longer wants to pursue law school. This honesty is a turning point for her, as she begins to reclaim her identity beyond her grief. The final moments of the film focus on Jane’s determination to honor Corinne’s memory by opening her own cake shop, the Silverlake Cake Bar, filled with the whimsical flavors they had shared and inspired by her friendship. She also continues the tradition of taking cakes to hospitals and bars, keeping Corinne’s spirit alive in her work. The final scenes highlight Jane’s growth, showing that although she is devastated by her loss, she channels her grief into her passion for baking, and her love for Corinne remains forever intertwined with her craft. The film ends with a poignant sense of hope and remembrance, demonstrating how one’s friendship and dreams can endure even after death, inspiring new beginnings.