10 Delightful Cafes and Coffee Shops in Pasadena, CA
As coffee lovers living in Pasadena, finding favorite spots for a good cup of coffee is something we take seriously. Exploring cafes and coffee shops in Pasadena has become part of how we experience the city, and we’ve found some great places worth sharing.
Pasadena’s coffee scene offers plenty to love, from catching up with friends over a latte to savoring a pastry that takes you straight to Italy. Jameson Brown’s cozy seating and fresh roasts are ideal for an afternoon of work, while Carrara’s cannoli and espresso provide a little taste of Italy. Little Flower charms with its baked goods. CAR Artisan Chocolate Café might make you fall in love with mocha lattes.
This list highlights our favorites—places with excellent coffee, delicious food, and welcoming atmospheres. Some are small franchises that stand out for their quality, while others are beloved local gems.
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Our go-to orders include lattes, espressos, and the occasional specialty drink. What’s your favorite coffee order?
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Dot’s Cafe is one of Pasadena’s most visually inviting cafes, with bright, colorful decor that makes it stand out. Their food, dessert bar, and coffee combine to make this a go-to spot for us. Have you stopped by?
We often grab cupcakes to-go but also never leave without one of their lattes or iced coffees. Their beans come from local Jones Coffee Roasters; we love it when the espresso flavor shines through. Plus, we can’t resist admiring their stunning dessert bar.
Amara Café
Spanish churros and rich hot chocolate? YES, please! Amara Café is a Venezuelan gem on S. Raymond in Pasadena that you can’t miss. Known for its freshly made Spanish-style churros served hot and dusted with sugar, these churros pair perfectly with its thick, decadent hot chocolate and dipping sauces.
The menu also features Venezuelan breakfasts and lunch dishes, including arepas, one of my favorites. Their Caracas latte, sweetened with condensed milk, has completely won us over—especially when paired with their fabulous churros. And, if you love a good Cortadio, this is the place to order it.
Seating is limited, but the tables turn quickly. If you’re in a hurry, take-out and delivery are excellent options. Plus, they offer vegan dishes for those seeking plant-based choices.
Fun fact: If you can’t make it there, you can order their hot chocolate online to enjoy at home!
Carrara’s Pastries & Coffee
When we discovered Carrara’s had opened a location in Pasadena, it was an easy addition to our list. We’ve been fans since falling in love with their Agoura Hills spot and finding them closer to home was a treat we couldn’t resist. A quick search for pastries led us straight to their door.
What’s to love? Pretty much everything. Their Italian pastries are phenomenal, made with ingredients imported straight from Italy. Pair one with a cappuccino or espresso, and you’ll understand why we’re hooked. They even serve gelato if you’re in the mood for something cool and sweet.
As a former New Yorker who misses the abundance of Italian bakeries back east, I’m thrilled to have a legit Italian pastry and café shop in the Pasadena community. If you know of others, please let me know—I’m always up for more Italian pastries!
Little Flower Candy Co.
Little Flower is a cozy café on Colorado St., tucked away from the bustle of Old Pasadena. Known for its strong coffee, baked goods, and satisfying breakfast and lunch options, it’s a true local favorite.
The community vibe is undeniable, with locals stopping by and many enjoying the outdoor sidewalk seating. Their iced lattes are bold, with espresso that shines without needing an extra shot. The olive oil cake or chocolate olive oil cake is a must-try for if you’re looking for a mid-day dessert—this place has strong Barefoot Contessa vibes.
Inside, you’ll find unique foodie gifts, homemade jams, premium hot chocolate, candies, and house-made marshmallows in fun flavors. It’s hard to leave empty-handed!
CAR Artisan Chocolate Manufactory & Cafe
When I first discovered CAR Artisan Chocolate, it had just opened and felt like a hidden gem, so I immediately shared it on my site. Then, it landed on a big media list, and now you can expect to find lines out the door—but for good reason.
This café on Colorado Blvd. is a haven for chocolate lovers, offering high-quality artisan chocolate alongside delicious drinks and pastries. The moment you step inside, the rich aroma of chocolate greets you, and the passionate staff is ready to share their craft. Watching them create chocolate masterpieces behind the counter adds to the charm.
The choco espresso—triple espresso poured over a piece of their organic chocolate—is a must-try. Their iced mocha latte strikes the perfect balance of coffee, chocolate, and creaminess without being overly sweet. And don’t skip the chocolate croissant or freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—they’re absolutely divine.
Urth Caffé
Urth Caffé has been a Los Angeles favorite for years, and we’ve been fans since their first location in West Hollywood. Naturally, their Pasadena spot in the Playhouse District made our list.
This location is always bustling, with a line out the door from morning to night. It’s no surprise—they serve incredible coffee drinks, baked goods, and brunch, all with a beautiful outdoor seating area. While it’s a popular breakfast and brunch destination, we especially love Urth for its coffee and desserts. Their Spanish latte is a favorite, and we always go for the “strong” option when asked.
The baked goods never disappoint, but the banana cream pie is a go-to. Recently, we tried the coconut cake, and it blew us away—soft, fluffy, buttery, and not overly sweet.
If the crowds feel overwhelming, here’s a tip: head around the corner to their Madison Room, a smaller adjacent coffee shop. You can quickly grab a coffee and pastry without waiting in the main line. Or place an order online in advance for an even easier experience.
Republik Coffee Lounge
With a motto like “Life is too short to drink bad coffee,” Republik Coffee Lounge earns its spot as a must-visit café in Pasadena. But it’s more than just coffee—on Thursday nights, it transforms into a wine bar, adding to its charm.
Their coffee drinks are excellent and served daily until 6 pm, with brunch available on weekends during the same hours. Whether you’re stopping by solo, with a partner, or meeting friends, the indoor and outdoor seating makes it easy to settle in and enjoy.
We recommend arriving early to snag a table—it’s worth the wait.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters
Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss Jameson Brown. They roast their beans in-house—you’ll spot the roaster and catch the aroma as soon as you walk in. It’s no surprise they serve some of the best coffee in town.
This cozy Pasadena spot offers top-quality coffee and fresh pastries, making it ideal for settling in with your laptop or grabbing beans to brew at home. With plenty of seating inside and a few tables outside, it’s a great spot for work or relaxation.
It’s conveniently located near the Allen Avenue train station and perfect for a quick pit stop before catching your train.
Coffee and Plants
This charming coffee shop in Old Pasadena is hard to miss. Coffee and Plants is so pretty and inviting that it practically begs for a photo stop. But don’t just snap a picture—support this small business while you’re there!
Everything on the menu is 100% plant-based, from their coffee and matcha to their beautifully crafted avocado toast, sandwiches, and other treats.
Philz Coffee
Located in The Commons on Lake Ave, Philz Coffee is a San Francisco-based chain known for its fantastic, freshly brewed coffee. Each cup is made to order; you can taste the difference with every sip.
This Pasadena location is perfect for grabbing a coffee and taking a stroll along Lake Ave. Their menu includes a light selection of tasty bites and unique featured creations that rotate regularly. One of our favorites is their Mint Mojito coffee.
Other Cafes to Keep on Your Radar
If you’re looking for even more great coffee spots in Pasadena, check out:
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
I love them all but Coffee and Plants speaks to my soul!
Yes! It’s a really cute place. I’ll have to post more pictures of it on my stories soon.
There are so many places to choose from! They all sound delicious.
The spot that’s a coffee shop by day and wine bar at night sounds like my version of heaven.
You are making me hungry and I want another cup of coffee!😋
Oh good, I’m glad my post is doing what it was set out to do. Ha. Appreciate the comment.