Small-batch roasters, third-wave coffee shops, and enthusiastic baristas are all readily available in Pasadena, making it a city with a vibrant coffee culture. Where are the best coffee shops in Pasadena?
If you’re in Pasadena for any reason—a vacation to sunny California, a new life in the city, or just an interest in the local coffee scene—don’t miss out on these excellent coffeehouses. To help you get started on your Pasadena cafe hopping, here is a list of the top 10 coffee shops in the city.
The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Pasadena in 2023
1. Copa Vida
Copa Vida is a cozy café with a Central and Latin American flair, serving coffee, sandwiches, salad, and handcrafted desserts from Kayla’s Cake. Be prepared to order takeout if you come in the morning because it gets crowded, and it can be difficult to get a seat.
The catchy Spanish expression Pura Vida is where the name “Copa Vida” comes from. A literal translation into English would be “Pure Life.” This Pasadena coffeehouse, whose name translates to “Cup of Life,” is our go-to for morning java or an afternoon brew.
The coffee and the pastries are equally delicious, so we won’t tell you to choose between the two. Our Creme Brulee Macaron and Lavender lattes were delicious. If you can obtain a seat, Copa Vida is a wonderful spot to spend a few hours reading a good book in a relaxed setting.
2. Intelligentsia
The Pasadena café is the third Los Angeles location for Intelligentsia, and it is a popular with residents who are searching for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy their unique, artisanal food.
If you’re trying to decide between the East and Westside locations, we predict that you’ll choose the Old Town Pasadena one since it has more available space, more windows, and easier parking than the other two. The Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea at 55 East Colorado Boulevard is an institution that must be experienced.
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3. Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee is a chain that offers coffee tea, and baked snacks.
The Pasadena branch has a lot of open space and lots of tables with power outlets, making it a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and get some work done.
While all of Philz’s coffees are top-notch, the Peppermint Mojito is a fan favorite. You won’t feel like you’re spending too much because the prices are on par with those of other nearby shops. The café is located at 146 South Lake Avenue, Suite 106, Pasadena, California.
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4. Jones Coffee Roastery
Jones Coffee Roasters is high on our list of coziest coffee shops we’ve visited.
The staff is kind and willing to strike up a conversation, and they’ll even grind you a bag of coffee to take home. Jones has a warm and welcoming vibe because to its accommodating staff and enough indoor and outdoor seating.
Jones is known for its excellent coffee and pastries, both of which are on sale in the store. Jones, located at 693 S Raymond Ave, comes highly recommended.
5. Republik Coffee Lounge
Republik Coffee is a fresh, contemporary coffee establishment with fantastic outside seating and a somewhat European vibe. Republik has lovely outside seats and a cozy, welcoming vibe.
Try the vanilla latte if you’re in the mood for something unusual; it’s one of the best-tasting and smoothest lattes we’ve ever tasted. The dining area under the trees is lovely in the spring and summer, especially with a vanilla latte in hand.
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6. Highlight Coffee
Located on the border of Pasadena and Altadena, Highlight Coffee is a popular spot.
Highlight Coffee has a big mural by local Pasadena artists. The coffee beans are also roasted in-house at the Pasadena location. Even though they only have a few options, what they do have are high quality, and the service they provide is superb.
We’ve visited a lot of cafes in a lot of places, but we’ve never had a better time than we did at Highlight Coffee. Coffee, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch with a special Pasadena flair. The coffee shop at 2071 Lincoln Ave. deserves your attention.
7. Float Pasadena
Float’s tagline is “Sandwiches. Pop. Coffee.” Besides being informative about what’s on sale, the slogan’s spare language also hints at the sort of vibe the company hopes to create. The sandwiches and floats at Float are equally as tasty as the coffee, so it’s not necessary to choose between the two.
Even better than the rest of the float, the breakfast is excellent, and the calm, unhurried ambiance is ideal for getting things done first thing in the morning.
Sandwiches. Pop. Coffee. is highly recommended for a cup of bean juice or two.
8. Jameson Brown Coffee Roastery
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters serves a mix of specialty coffee drinks, from standard offerings like cappuccinos to less common varieties like pumpkin lattes.
No matter what time of day you visit, Jameson Brown, you will have no problem finding a seat.
For those who are hungry, there is a limited assortment of traditional pastries and baked items to pick from. The delicious Jameson Brown coffee kept us from caring. Go to 260 Allen Ave. if you want a full selection of coffee options.
9. Amara Cafe & Restaurant
So far, the cafes we’ve covered have been sparse on dining options. Amara Cafe & Restaurant turns that history on its head, capitalizing on the restaurant part of its name. Amara serves light dishes like arepas and churros and full meals like rice bowls.
The coffee is fantastic as too, which almost got overlooked. Considering how delicious the cuisine is at Amara, you may be tempted to overlook the coffee. The food is the main attraction of Amara, but the lattes are excellent as well. Indulge in some of Amara’s delectable dishes at 55 S. Raymond Ave.
10. Art + Science Cafe
Rounding out our list is the Art + Science Cafe. The decor and atmosphere of Art + Science is unique.
The design revolves around a T-Rex skull that has been put on the wall. That is all there is to it. But in all seriousness, Art + Science is a great little cafe with great coffee.
Art + Science serves up delicious versions of standard café fare, including pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Due to its high prices, Art + Science is not a cafe we would recommend frequenting. The café at 101 Madison Avenue is still recommended.
Takeaway
There you have it! The best coffee shops in Pasadena. As you can see, Pasadena is home to a wide range of cafes serving you delicious beverages. If you find yourself in the city, stop by one of these cafés and see what all the hype is about.
Perhaps you’ll meet a friendly barista or discover a new and delicious coffee recipe. If you’re ever in Pasadena, California, make sure to stop by one of these top 10 coffee shops for some of the greatest coffee around.
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