Nestled in the heart of sunny Southern California, Pasadena is more than just the home of the Rose Bowl Stadium and the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. This culturally rich city teems with picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, art galleries, and vibrant neighborhoods, offering an irresistible mix of small-town charm and cosmopolitan allure.
When you stroll down the streets of Pasadena, you’re greeted by an array of boutiques, top-notch restaurants, world-renowned museums, and a plethora of coffee shops. With the majestic San Gabriel Mountains as a breathtaking backdrop, Pasadena’s coffee scene is just as compelling as its vistas.
In this bustling city, coffee is more than a morning ritual – it’s a lifestyle. From third-wave roasters serving artisanal brews to cozy hideouts offering the perfect ambiance for a lazy afternoon, there’s something to suit every coffee enthusiast.
The coffee shops in Pasadena are sure to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Join us as we explore the city’s unique coffee culture. We’ll take you on a guided tour of the best Pasadena coffee shops. Each one offers its unique take on the beloved bean, promising a memorable and flavorful journey through this charming Californian city.
1. Copa Vida
We start off with a Pasadena coffee shop that has all the benefits of an airy and spacious area. You can also have access to metered and free side street parking, so combine this with open outdoor seating, and you have the freedom to dine as you see fit.
You also have the chance to try out their seasonal drinks, especially in the fall, when you can find salted caramel and pumpkin lattes to get into the spirit with friends or in your own company.
Address: 70 S Raymond Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
2. Republik Coffee Lounge
This place believes that life is too short to drink bad coffee. From the looks of their signature drinks, it’s difficult to find fault with this. You can choose from a black vanilla latte, cardamom oat espresso, sea-salted hazelnut cappuccino, and plenty of vegan options.
You also have a distinct wine bar that hosts tasting events, and if this doesn’t sound like you, there are always plenty of snack options, whether delicious sandwiches or quiches.
Address: 854 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101 (click for map)
3. My Place Cafe
This cafe has all the comforts of home, as the comfy furniture and pictures display Pasadena’s bright and vibrant personality with the ease of great coffee, snacks, and breakfast sandwiches you can make to meet your requirements.
You also get a good sense of community, as one of the cafe’s aims is to make your place your place. With events taking place here, there are plenty of reasons to stop by and perhaps make it your new regular spot.
Address: 2057 N Los Robles Ave Unit #10, Pasadena, CA 91104 (click for map)
4. Coffee And Plants
This coffee shop specializes in plant-based coffee, tea, pastries, and snacks, so if you’re struggling to find areas in your city that accommodate your preferences, this place could be your new favorite.
It also has a chic look that evokes the feeling of a boutique. This can offer a unique yet quirky experience that will make sitting in or taking away all the more worth it, or perhaps you want to try something new. It is a very dog-friendly coffee shop, which is nice to see.
See the video about Coffee and Plants at the bottom of the page.
Address: 62 W Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103 (click for map)
5. Dash Coffee Bar
If you want the best coffee Pasadena has to offer and simple snacks that go down well, you might want to check out Dash.
You’ll find a contemporary space with a good choice of seating, and the high ceilings and decorative plants are a modernist dreamscape.
You can find snack options such as their egg and cheese croissants and chicken melts, which are oozing with flavor and make for a nice treat if you’re ever having a tough week. So watch as all your troubles melt away as you stop by.
Address: 912 Union Street, Pasadena, CA 91106 (click for map)
6. Amara Cafe
This cafe has the personal touch that is the staple of a great dining experience. The staff is happy to review the menu with you and make recommendations.
It has a nice kiosk area to make purchases more manageable.
However, you’ll be pressed for choices. You can choose from grilled arepas, sandwiches, Cachapas, salads, tekes, plantains, empanadas, churros, and a stunning selection of coffee, hot chocolate, juices, teas, and lemonades.
Amara Cafe also boasts an extensive bakery section, with freshly baked goods such as croissants, muffins, cakes, and pastries that are perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Each item is beautifully crafted and baked to perfection, making it hard to resist trying them all.
Address: 55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
7. Philz Coffee
This place has a classy feel and many modern features that make it a refreshing change from the monotonous strain of everyday life. With a variety of blends, from dark to a single origin, there’s bound to be a strength that suits your palette.
The Philz community also ensures its coffee-making process is sustainable, with responsible sourcing to help the coffee harvesting process. It is taking steps towards a healthy planet, which is another reason to visit.
Address: 146 South Lake Avenue, Suite #106, Pasadena, CA 91101 (click for map)
8. Home Brewed Bar
Let’s say you want to go on a coffee-tasting tour of the city. If so, you can try the specialty tea and coffee from a concentrated area near the Copa Vida shop on this list.
We highly recommend this place in hotter weather. There, you can find iced Toddy lattes in vanilla, pistachio, Mexican spiced, salted caramel, coconut, and even Nutella if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Address: 39 N. Arroyo Pkwy Pasadena, CA 91103 (click for map)
9. Little Flower Cafe
The interior of this cafe may remind you of a bakery, and many of the pastries, croissants and baked goods would suggest so, but it is described as the perfect place to gather, eat delicious food, drink strong coffee, and listen to great music.
With several options on the menu that stretch beyond sweet treats, there are even more reasons to try their salads and soups. These can offer unique flavors that can be just the thing you need while on break or after a long day.
Address: 1422 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
10. The Pie Hole
This place is the ultimate stop if you’re a dessert and treat connoisseur. Here, you can get assorted pie holes, described as bite-sized pies containing pie filling inside, including apple and blueberry.
They also have a cozy seating area outside, so you don’t have to wait to try these sweet desserts. They will likely go down well with some Earl Grey tea or a specialty cup of joe.
Address: 59 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
11. Peet’s Coffee
This coffee shop loves its coffee, so it’s no surprise that the coffee beans are roasted by hand and that an exceptional variety of beverages are handcrafted, from the white chocolate mocha to the Havana cappuccino to your coffee of the day, which skips the milk.
If you go on cerian days, you might be able to try out some unique tea and coffee blends, and buying different types of coffee blends from them gives you more excuses to introduce these into your day.
Address: 605 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106 (click for map)
12. Bluebottle Coffee
Just as you enter this shop, you’ll see why many are drawn to it as we have yet to see any dark or dingy places that can take you out of the mood, but here, you can expect a brew with a distinct flavor that has strength and a hint of sweetness.
You’ve also got a distinct menu that shows you all the classics. There’s nothing we hate more than having to elaborate on the specifics of a menu, and here, the staff is warm enough to guide you to your desired beverage.
Address: 18 S Fair Oaks Ave Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
13. Superba Snacks And Coffee
If you’re tired of store-bought treats, try this place. It may have all the features of a traditional cafe, but its goods are full of flavor and color, so you’d be hard-pressed to walk past without at least trying what’s on offer here.
If you’re on the go, you can order via toast takeout and have it prepared and ready to go as soon as you enter, or you can have it delivered to you for convenience, but the excitement is very much with the inviting seating area.
Address: 712 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105 (click for map)
14. Rosebud Coffee
This coffee shop wants to work with the community, so it supports the homeless and at-risk youth. This is a very inspiring mission that helps bring people together, so visiting for a bite to eat and a cup of coffee is a great place.
You can also choose from breakfast and post-brunch menu items made with vibrant ingredients, which pair well with their exciting drinks menu.
Address: 2302 E Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91107 (click for map)
15. Urth Caffe
This cafe has unique features, from its exclusive heirloom organic coffees and hand-selected fine teas.
They have a farm-to-table variety of bites and beverages made with passion and a love for organic coffee.
You could try a rich and dense blueberry cheesecake or a Spanish latte. With an elegant indoor and outdoor seating area, it’s hard not to resist the urge to find out more about this place, which is possible if you’re in the area.
Address: 594 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101 (click for map)
Conclusion
You have now seen the best coffee shops Pasadena offers and hopefully, you will get to try one or two to see if you agree with our choice.
If you’re looking for a new workplace, these spots are great for improving your productivity and getting you out of that slump, so see what wonders are in store.
Even if you want to people-watch, there’s nothing better than sitting back and enjoying the ambiance of these vibrant places.
Check out the best coffee shops in California in the other Californian cities we cover, including those in LA – Culver City, Long Beach, Santa Monica and West Hollywood.
