Best Coffee Shops in Pasadena CA

Pasadena, Calif., has a high concentration of cafes and coffee shops, each with a distinct atmosphere, menu, and point of view. You can find a place focused on specialty roasts, a cafe offering a full food menu, or a quiet spot for work or conversation. The diversity of these establishments makes Pasadena a destination for coffee lovers.

This guide will explore a selection of these cafes, highlighting the unique features and hyper-local details that distinguish each one.

Neighbors & Friends is a cafe with a mission beyond serving coffee. This establishment is the first to bring a build-your-own cheese box experience to the city. The cafe's menu features a range of coffee and tea drinks and breakfast and lunch items. A person can also get a selection of artisanal cheeses and a build-your-own cheese box. The shop sells a selection of handcrafted gifts made by local artists. The cafe is a small business that provides a welcoming space for the community.

Criterion Coffee is a cozy cafe located in Old Pasadena. The cafe roasts its premium organic drip, cold brew, and espresso coffees in the foothills of Altadena. The coffee beans are sourced from small farms worldwide, which is a key part of the establishment's philosophy. The affordable menu includes more than coffee and tea; it provides lemonade, milkshakes, and smoothies. The food menu has a selection of pastries, breakfast items, and salads made with organic ingredients. The cafe offers free WiFi and a comfortable space for people to work or read.

Copa Vida is a trendy cafe located in Pasadena's Civic Center District. The cafe offers a unique blend of New American cuisine, coffee, and tea. The establishment prides itself on its classy and casual atmosphere. Its extensive menu includes a wide range of food items, such as sandwiches, burritos, toast, soups, and salads. A notable feature of Copa Vida is its commitment to sustainability, with reusable tableware and compostable containers. The cafe offers free WiFi, outdoor seating, and an ample, comfortable space with two different sections of seating.

Home Brewed Bar is a unique and innovative cafe located in the heart of Pasadena. This establishment specializes in bubble tea, coffee, and tea. Its menu is also Filipino-inspired, including ube-flavored coffee and a taro latte. The food menu features an adobo egg sandwich and a variety of baked goods. The cafe has a cozy outdoor seating area, free WiFi, and a drive-thru service, making it a convenient option for those on the go. This is a unique destination for coffee shops in Pasadena CA.

Urth Caffe Pasadena is a tranquil and vibrant cafe in the Playhouse District. The cafe's architectural design is a masterpiece of intricate tile work, mosaics, and wrought iron. The building was constructed from the ground up and was designed to honor the local Mission Revival style. The cafe has a wrap-around patio and a central courtyard with a large mural. The extensive menu features organic coffee and tea, and a full menu of breakfast, brunch, and lunch items. Urth Caffe also has a unique, annexed room called The Madison Room, which has its own fireplace and provides a quiet space for dining.

DASH COFFEE BAR is a place to kick off your morning. The coffee bar offers a selection of espresso, cold brew, refreshers, matcha, and tea. The establishment provides a quick and efficient service, making it a convenient option for those on the go. The menu also includes a selection of baked goods and snacks. The coffee bar has outdoor seating and a pet-friendly policy. It also offers a beer bar for those who are looking for something a little different.

Republik Coffee focuses on providing an authentic, global coffee experience. The cafe is known for its high-quality coffee and a menu with a selection of quiches, toasts, and salads. The cafe is an excellent place for lunch and socialization. The menu includes cold brews, lattes, and cappuccinos. The food menu also features vegan cookies and a doughnut of the day. The cafe has a pet-friendly outdoor seating area, which provides a comfortable space for you and your dog to enjoy a meal.

Old Town Caffe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot on the second floor of a building in Old Pasadena. The cafe is known for its large portions of delicious food and amazing latte art. It is an excellent place for a casual meal or a coffee with friends. The cafe’s extensive menu includes a wide range of food and drink choices. You can find everything from breakfast burritos and waffles to honey vanilla lattes and egg avocado toast. The cafe has outdoor seating with a great view of the square below.

Cordova Cafe & Bottle Shop is a unique one-stop shop for coffee, beer, wine, and food. This cafe provides a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for friends, neighbors, and visitors. The establishment's concept is to be a place to start and end your day. The menu at Cordova Cafe features a wide selection of coffee and tea, and a large selection of beers on draft, bottles, and cans. The cafe also has a walk-up window for ordering coffee and a bottle shop where you can take home a selection of beer or wine.

Mandarin Coffee Stand is a small, woman-owned AAPI business located in the South Lake District's Harry Potter-esque Burlington Arcade shopping area. The coffee shop serves freshly brewed tea and high-quality specialty coffee. The cafe's location in a unique shopping area makes it a hidden gem. The menu includes a Mandarin blend of fair trade coffee beans from Yunnan and Guatemala. Other unique offerings include a Hojicha Latte, a Matcha Tonic, and a signature coffee milk tea called "Toasty." The cafe has outdoor seating and a pet-friendly policy.

Jones Coffee Roasters is a charming, family-run cafe in Pasadena founded in 1993. This coffee roaster is known for its rustic decor, artsy atmosphere, and a large selection of coffees. The cafe is great for a relaxed coffee date or a cozy afternoon with a book. The menu at Jones Coffee Roasters features a wide selection of hot and iced coffee drinks, pastries, and light breakfast options. Jones Coffee Roasters is a great destination for coffee shops in Pasadena CA.

Majano’s Coffee offers a unique take on classic coffee drinks. The cafe is known for its custom powder blend of Salvadorian-style horchata and various specialty lattes, such as the Spanish Latte and the Salvi-Horchata Latte. The cafe offers a wide range of drinks, focusing on lattes and a selection of teas. The menu also includes unique options such as a Mayan Mocha with a hint of spice and a Military Latte with green tea and a hint of chocolate. The cafe’s commitment to unique and custom drinks makes it a standout.

Intelligentsia Coffee Pasadena Coffeebar is stylish and modern with an industrial-chic setting. The cafe is known for its wide selection of freshly roasted coffees, sourced directly from trade partners. The cafe provides an excellent atmosphere for remote work. The menu features the full range of Intelligentsia coffees and bakery items. The cafe offers unique and delicious coffee options, such as the 'Angeleeno' iced coffee, which has four black cat espresso shots, oat milk, and homemade simple syrup.

If you’re considering making a move or investing in this vibrant city, it helps to work with people who know it inside and out. Heather and Spencer Sanderson are trusted local professionals who understand what makes Pasadena a unique and livable place, especially for pet lovers and homeowners alike.

Whether you’re searching for a home with a spacious yard, walkable streets, or easy access to dog-friendly dining and green spaces, Heather and Spencer help you narrow your search with confidence. Their experience and insight into Pasadena real estate mean fewer surprises and more clarity.

Reach out to The Sanderson Group when you’re ready to find your next home.