50 Best Cafes near South Pasadena

“I write for a music and coffee blog called Crooners In Coffeeshops, in which I interview local musicians at local coffeeshops. My writeup reflects the positive experience that I encountered at Kaldi Coffee on our interview date. Ever wondered where they shot the coffee scenes for films like Lady Bird, Prom Night, The Ugly Truth (AKA my favorite rom-com ever in the entire world) and tv shows like Brothers & Sisters, Parenthood, and most recently Splitting Up Together? Who knew that it was right underneath our noses tucked away in beautiful Pasadena, CA! Kaldi Coffee & Tea certainly has the appeal of the go-to coffeeshop with its weathered brick walls, worn wooden seating arrangements, maintained hardwood flooring, and classic oldies tracks playing in the background. Even with its somewhat infamous reputation in the film and television realm, the food and drink options are reasonably priced. An array of classic coffee and tea options with a seasonal signatures, like the deliciously refreshing honey vanilla latte that I couldn’t help but choose, showcase that they try to cater to every type of customer that rolls in. From the minute you step through the shop’s forest green framed doors, you can just tell that generations of coffee lover have come through here. Plus there is a strong sense of community with local artwork on display, and a bulletin board with notes of local events, offers, listings, etc. tacked to them. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot to spend the day reading, playing music (on their front seating area of course), or are a movie and tv buff looking to visit a place with some history, Kaldi Coffee & Tea is the hidden gem you’ve been looking for.“

“Cool neighborhood coffee spot with chill vibes, a little shop that sells some cool stuff beyond just coffee brewing tools and coffee beans, and some (limited) comfortable seating inside. There is also outside seating which is especially great during nice days. The espresso I got was wonderful, and it’s always appreciated when they’re served with a shot of cold sparkling water.

Vegetarian options: I didn’t see anything that wasn’t non-vegetarian. ??“

“First time going with my daughter. I love it. Fresh bread and the food absolutely fresh I got in love this place ❤️❤️❤️❤️“

“Great sandwiches. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere and the great service from the owner. A+ for customer service. The gentleman was exceptional. Don’t get quality service like that anymore. Would definitely recommend supporting this sandwich shop. We’ll be back! 🙌🏼“

“Such Wonderful atmosphere, food and coffee! 💖🎉🥳 They also have a super sweet display of gourmet treats!!! 🤩“

“Going local-origin for my next batch of pumpernickel bagels. Choco-latte and Nicaraguan chocolate down here are legit crazy awesome!“

“Guys I literally thought some of the photos must be fake... they're not. I got exquisite latte art (good coffee too!), beautiful plates of delicious food. I have no idea why this place only has 88 reviews, but the 4.8 stars is accurate! On top of that, it's a very cute location. Please try out Old Town Caffe!

We got the Salmon Bagel, Sweet Latte, Ube Frozen drink, and Egg Avocado Toast and they all exceeded expectations :)“

“Their signature soufflé pancakes“

“The service was amazing, the girls were great. They had just turned the oven off and my son wanted a croissant and the girls were nice enough to turn it back on just to make it! Definitely recommend this place. Also got their strawberry horchata latte it was delicious. Will definitely come back“

“I was craving a donut one day and when I found this place I was not disappointed! They had tasty gluten free donuts and I got a iced strawberry matcha drink that was delicious as well. The space has an inviting atmosphere and the staff is very helpful and friendly as well.“

“Guerrilla Cafecito is a great breakfast burrito joint & coffee house from the team behind Guerrilla Taco. The GTLA (steak & papas) breakfast burrito is the best in the city. Tortillas from Mejorado, so you already know. My only complaint… a little stingy on the salsa. But it’s 2024, so bidenomics and whatnot. I get it. But don’t let that stop you. The burritos here are out of this world.“

“Delicious !! Came with 5 friends, everything we ordered tasted soooo yummy 10/10 😍 service was extraordinary, our servers Heber and Xitali were so pleasant and attentive. We were so pleased with the food and service, we already want to come back!“

“Super riko selos recomiendo“

“I am excited to share the heavenly news that Doubting Thomas has been fully endorsed by the Kingdom of God and Jesus Christ, King of Wings! Congrats Chef Naomi!“

“Que Delicia! Todo Fresco! Y Vegano <3“

“First time here, parking is tight. Paid lots and street parking are what I saw, possibly more around back. Lots of people outside as there are many offices attached. Very clean over here, just outside of down town. Small menu but good and fresh! Fair prices. Seating available inside, also has an actual restaurant as well. Friend staff. Would recommend and would return, especially since it’s for a good cause. Keep it up!“

“Wow wow wow wow.

Great food. Everything is fresh and flavorful. Cooked to order. I had the chorizo and fried egg torta. It's a day later, and I'd love to have another right now!

Happy and accommodating service. Nice seating outside.“

“Excelente servicio. Comida exquisita y saludable. 💯%Recomendable. Gracias.“

“I loved the citrus tea.. it was delicious.“

“I can't say enough good things about James and Virtu Coffee in DTLA! James is not only super nice and chill, but he also genuinely cares about his customers. His coffee is consistently amazing, and he always goes the extra mile for repeat customers with great deals. It’s rare to find a spot where both the vibe and the coffee are top-notch, but Virtu Coffee nails it. Highly recommend stopping by and trying their coffee and pastries!“

“Modern, clean cafe with yummy Asian inspired treats. We got their chocolate mochi brownie, miso cinnamon roll, and cream bun.

All were delicious, but the mochi brownie was our favorite. The miso perfectly complements the cinnamon roll and the roll still tastes sweet. The cream bun was so soft and not too sweet.

Street parking available nearby. Cafe has good seating, high ceilings, and modern decor.“

“My favorite breakfast place when we visit DTLA. The atmosphere is excellent and it’s next to my favorite bar.“

“Excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and whole beans!

Such a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. It’s clear the owner cares deeply about the community and routinely offers popup opportunities for other businesses in the area.“

“Love their sandwiches! Delicious!!“

“Very healthy and delicious breakfast/lunch sandwiches (organic produce), salads and Coffee ☕️...and pastries...LAUSD Coffee cake the BEST 😋😋“

“Most unusual brunch with chef driven latkes deep fried to look like rye bread. Pickled lox was purple along with crème fresh and capers. Very filling. . . Only thing was the outside chairs were metal and needed cushions. Find used hotel chairs. Otherwise it was great. Bravo“

“It's so good. I had the French toast because I always get Mexican - enchiladas or chilaquiles - so wanted to change it up and it was so custardy, delicious, bathed with strawberries and bananas. I also want to support Gloria's and go against an unfair boycott of this wonderful local restaurant.“

“Always spotted this place when I’m in the area and decided to try it. The food took me by surprise. I had the chicken and waffle plate, the chicken and was nice and crunchy and juicy. This place is very hidden and located near the post office of HP. A true hidden place this cafe is. The service was wonderful! Always checking up on us if we were fine and if the food was good. Highly recommend!“

“es el mejor lugar los mejores cafes y postres ynoseles olvide llevar su rikisimo pastel selos recomiendo. está rikisimo todo“

“The people at the Kawada Hotel recommended this wonderful diner. I walked in and fell in love with the place. I'm not a fancy person,but I may as well have been eating at a Michellin Stared restaurant. The gentleman behind the counter was friendly. I love ❤️ a good diner for breakfast. If I were to recommend something, it would be to have something other than plastic silverware. Bring the kids...“

“This might be my favorite coffee shop in the area. It has plenty of indoor seating and workspace—perfect to get some remote work or studying done 💻. My favorite drink is the horchata cold brew, half sweet with some oat milk cause the cold brew is stronggg. I love picking out some grocery store items when I’m here too. The seaweed packs and dog snacks are perfect 👌“

“A little pricey but tasty. There was a fly in the store though, feel kinda bad for whoever ends up eating the donuts it touched in the display case ? I would beware of the ready-to-serve items. Feel like they shouldn’t prop the doors open?“

“Love to start my day with fresh orange juice and bagels here. Staff is welcoming and cheerful“

“This place was so amazing! I specifically want to talk about the service because it was phenomenal. Zen was amazing, and he had a great attitude and was super kind and interactive. He gave us an unforgettable experience. 100% would recommend.“

“almond and hazelnut butter!!!“

“Highlight Coffee Shop in Glendale, CA is a true gem for coffee lovers. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for a cozy coffee experience.“

“Immediately after I walked in I was greeted in a real way and asked what I was feeling like. They made me the special they have currently which was delicious. I also bought their Everything Bagel Croissant which was also delicious and unique. Geeky vibe with cozy energy. Excited to return.“

“Muy rico desayuno auntentico de Guatemala,servició excepcional empezando por la cajera y terminando con los meseros mi primera vez en este lugar y wow 10/10“

“Maru has really Nice green tea latte. I usually leaning toward coffee and Maru’ coffee is super nice. But, their iced green tea latte is something else.“

“Republik Coffee is as solid as it gets. It has good food, good coffee, and a good ambiance, which makes it a great hang out spot.The breakfast burrito, an almond danish, and a hazelnut cappuccino. It's not a large breakfast burrito, but I felt like all off the ingredients were good quality. The danish was good,and the cappuccino was solid as well.“

“If I could give the food 20 out of five stars I would,
Not to take anything away from the service or atmosphere because they were also superb! The Swedish pancakes were just like my mother made on special occasions and the scone was so moist it didn’t even need butter! Most of the people in there were regulars. I’ll definitely be back often!“

“best place! been coming here for sometime. can't wait for them to open in altadena.“

“Zweet Cafe has great service, food and comfortable seating (which is crucial for me since I stay and write most of the time.)“

“I ate a Lechon sandwich. Took a while to prepare but it was tasty“

“Best little bistro in Glendale! Love the French cafe vibes, affordable cocktails/wine/beer and yummy food. Seems like a popular place for brunch but I like coming mid-afternoon to enjoy their sidewalk patio with an appetizer and drink. Great service too!“

“This one is a nice place to meet people & enjoy the surroundings of the way it was built in LA

Vegetarian options: Not bad in trying ya Vegetable Plate throw in the side you do your own dish put anything in there add ya Salad to it.“

“A little over 3 years ago, Fleur Cafe opened, and has been a fine success as a small, one-of family restaurant with excellent service and great food at reasonable prices. Now they have expanded their kitchen, and finally introduced an expanded menu with wonderful new dishes added to the popular favorites! I personally enjoy the outdoor dining option, but they have also got a nice little dining room. Prices have gone up a bit, but it is still a very reasonable breakfast, brnch and lunch choice.“

“What I had
Breakfast burrito with steak ($15.5+$3)
Horchata latte with oat milk $6

What he had
Turkey bacon egg bagel $11.5
Vietnamese iced coffee $6.5

ORDER WHAT I HAD! The steak breakfast burrito was absolutely delicious. Great seasoning, great portions, evenly distributed so every bite had a little bit of everything. The steak were little strips, but it made it tender and easy to consume. The iced horchata latte was sweet and cinnamony with a great espresso taste, no watered down taste!

What he had didn't impress me as much, but it doesn't mean it wasn't good. It was fresh, and the eggs were fluffy and made perfect, but I'm not a big fan of turkey bacon on a sandwich and the bagel wasn't my style of bagel (I like them chewy). His Vietnamese latte was not sweet at all which typically is mixed with condensed milk so idk if a step was mistaken. We actually ended up mixing our coffees together.

I'm sure if we had told the gentleman he would've just made a new one or added sweetness, because he was so kind and inviting, but we were too focused on our food to really care.

Atmosphere is what took a star down. Cute and clean place but it was a bit stuffy. Would've just ate outside where the air felt nicer, but the one table was in the sun so it wasn't ideal.“

“We happened upon this delicious little gem, in Montrose, after viewing the immersive Van Gogh exhibit in Hollywood. Incredibly… the decor was all Van Gogh art prints! Perfectly in tun with our afternoon. The French owner is an absolute delight. We ordered a Moroccan chicken dish and beef bourguignon. The portions were very hearty and absolutely delicious. We also upgraded our dinner to include salad and a lovely blueberry tart for dessert. The entire experience was memorable! We’ll definitely be back and bringing friends!“

“👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍“