Best 16 Pasadena Coffee Shops: Discover the Best Local Cafés
With an impressive array of coffee shops and a vibrant coffee culture, Pasadena’s coffee scene has become a well-known destination for coffee enthusiasts. This city, located in Los Angeles County, California, is home to a plethora of Pasadena Coffee Shops, each offering their own unique atmosphere and coffee blends. Many of the city’s coffee shops also offer Californian cuisine, making them not only great coffee spots but also lunch, brunch, and dinner destinations.
One of the highlights of Pasadena’s coffee scene is the variety of coffee shops available. From upscale cafés to cozy hole-in-the-wall spots, there’s a coffee shop for every mood and occasion. Many of these shops are also listed in our guides for Breakfast locations, lunch spots, brunch restaurants, and dinner options in Pasadena, making them ideal for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
In addition to their impressive coffee menus and food offerings, many of Pasadena’s coffee shops boast unique and stylish interiors. The eclectic mix of décor and design elements creates a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or getting work done.
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Best 16 Pasadena Coffee Shops (listed)
Pasadena, California is a city with a vibrant coffee culture and a plethora of coffee shops. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this article, we have curated a list of the 16 best Pasadena coffee shops, offering an overview of each one and highlighting what makes them unique.
Copa Vida
Location: 70 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Copa Vida is one of the most popular Pasadena Coffee Shops, known for its high-quality coffee, tea, and food offerings. The spacious, minimalist interior creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for working or socializing. They offer a variety of coffee and tea options, alongside a delicious menu that includes breakfast, brunch, and lunch items such as avocado toast, salads, and sandwiches. Copa Vida’s commitment to excellence and community-building makes it a must-visit for any coffee lover.
Intelligentsia Coffee
Location: 55 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105
Intelligentsia Coffee is a renowned specialty coffee roaster with a sleek, modern location in Pasadena. The interior features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to fill the space, and a prominent coffee bar that showcases their brewing process. While the focus is on coffee, they also offer a small selection of pastries and snacks. Known for their dedication to quality and sustainable sourcing, Intelligentsia is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique coffee experience.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters
Location: 260 N Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters is a locally-owned coffee shop that takes pride in roasting their beans in-house. The warm, rustic interior features exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and comfortable seating, providing a cozy atmosphere for enjoying their expertly crafted coffee. Though their primary focus is on coffee, they offer a small selection of baked goods and pastries. Jameson Brown’s dedication to quality and community makes it a local favorite.
Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar
Location: 1383 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar is a charming café known for its signature lavender and honey latte, as well as a diverse menu that includes breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. The bright and airy interior is accentuated by white walls, wooden accents, and plenty of natural light. In addition to their specialty drinks, they offer a variety of toasts, sandwiches, and salads made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The inviting atmosphere and delightful flavors make Lavender & Honey a must-visit.
Home Brewed Bar
Location: 39 N Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91103
Home Brewed Bar specializes in cold brew coffee and tea, with a focus on customizing drinks to suit individual preferences. The industrial-chic interior features exposed brick, high ceilings, and a mix of modern and vintage furniture, creating a unique and welcoming environment. While they don’t offer full meal options, they do have a selection of pastries and snacks. Home Brewed Bar’s innovative approach to cold brews and personalized drinks sets them apart in the Pasadena coffee scene.
Lincoln
Location: 1992 Lincoln Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
Lincoln is a café, bakery, and store that combines a casual atmosphere with quality food and drink options. The interior boasts an eclectic mix of rustic and industrial elements, with ample seating and a pleasant outdoor patio. Their menu offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch items, including pastries, salads, sandwiches, and more. The combination of a laid-back vibe, delicious food, and expertly crafted coffee makes Lincoln a popular choice for any time of day.
Art + Science Café
Location: 101 S Madison Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Art + Science Café is a small, intimate coffee shop that combines a love for both art and science. The cozy, minimalist interior showcases local artwork and features a few tables and a bar for seating. Their menu focuses on high-quality coffee and tea, with beans sourced from some of the best roasters in the country. While they don’t offer full meal options, they do provide a selection of pastries and snacks. Art + Science Café’s unique concept and dedication to quality create an enjoyable experience for coffee enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Jones Coffee Roasters
Location: 693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
Jones Coffee Roasters is a family-owned and operated coffee shop known for their in-house roasted beans and friendly atmosphere. The industrial-style interior features high ceilings, exposed beams, and an eclectic mix of seating options. Alongside their excellent coffee, they offer a variety of pastries, baked goods, and light fare. Jones Coffee Roasters’ commitment to quality, community, and sustainability makes it a beloved fixture in Pasadena.
Zona Rosa Caffe
Location: 15 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Zona Rosa Caffe is a Latin-inspired coffee shop that serves organic coffee and offers a range of unique drinks infused with flavors from Mexico and Central America. The vibrant, colorful interior is adorned with art and cultural elements, creating a lively atmosphere. They also offer a selection of pastries and light snacks. Zona Rosa Caffe’s distinct Latin flair and high-quality coffee make it a memorable destination in Pasadena.
Float Coffee Shop
Location: 380 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Float Coffee Shop is a specialty coffee shop located in the heart of Pasadena. What sets Float apart is their unique approach to coffee and their dedication to sustainability. They source their coffee beans from small-batch, single-origin roasters and focus on reducing waste by using biodegradable cups and utensils. The interior is modern and minimalist, featuring a mix of high-top tables and comfortable seating.
In addition to their coffee offerings, Float Coffee Shop has a variety of food options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Their menu features a range of sandwiches, salads, and pastries, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.
Urth Caffé
Location: 594 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101
Urth Caffé is a popular Southern California chain known for its organic coffee, tea, and farm-to-table menu offerings. The Pasadena location features a spacious, rustic interior with comfortable seating and an outdoor patio. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including a variety of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Urth Caffé’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and healthy menu options makes it a popular choice for any time of the day.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Location: 300 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a well-known international chain with a location in Pasadena. The interior offers a comfortable, casual setting with a mix of tables and cozy chairs. They serve a variety of coffee and tea beverages, along with pastries, sandwiches, and other light fare. While not as unique as some of the other options on this list, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a reliable choice for a quick coffee break or meeting spot.
Peet’s Coffee
Location: 605 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106
Peet’s Coffee is a popular chain with a strong reputation for quality coffee and tea. The Pasadena location features a modern, inviting interior with plenty of seating. In addition to their extensive drink menu, they offer a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Peet’s Coffee provides a consistent experience for those seeking a familiar and dependable cup of coffee.
Philz Coffee
Location: 146 S Lake Ave Suite 106, Pasadena, CA 91101
Philz Coffee, a San Francisco-based chain, has a location in Pasadena that offers its unique coffee experience. The interior is modern and spacious, with ample seating and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for their handcrafted, individually brewed coffee drinks, Philz also offers a selection of pastries and light snacks. Their focus on customization and high-quality ingredients make Philz Coffee a favorite among discerning coffee drinkers.
Starbucks Reserve
Location: 409 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Starbucks Reserve is a premium version of the ubiquitous Starbucks chain, offering a more upscale and exclusive coffee experience. The sophisticated interior features a mix of wood, metal, and glass elements, with a large coffee bar that showcases their brewing techniques. In addition to the standard Starbucks menu, they serve exclusive small-lot coffees and a selection of premium food options, including pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Starbucks Reserve provides an elevated experience for those who appreciate the familiar taste of Starbucks but are seeking something a bit more special.
85°C Bakery Café
Location: 61 S Fair Oaks Ave Suite 120, Pasadena, CA 91105
85°C Bakery Café is a Taiwanese bakery chain that has gained popularity for its wide variety of Asian-inspired baked goods and beverages. The modern and clean interior features an open layout with display cases filled with fresh pastries, breads, and desserts. While coffee is not the primary focus, they do offer a selection of coffee and tea beverages. 85°C Bakery Café is a perfect choice for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth or try something new and unique in Pasadena’s coffee scene.