Pasadena and South Pasadena feature over 15 premier specialty coffee shops, legacy roasters, and plant-based cafes centered around Old Town Pasadena, South Lake Avenue, and Mission Street. From 30-year local institutions like Jones Coffee Roasters to modern spots like Copa Vida, the local coffee scene offers direct-trade brews, expansive work seating, and unique specialty drinks.
Coffee Destination | Location / Area | Standout Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Jones Coffee Roasters | 693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena | In-house roasting since 1994, direct-trade beans | Remote work, whole-bean purchase |
Copa Vida | 70 S Raymond Ave, Old Town Pasadena | Slow bar experience, specialty pour-overs, full food menu | Brunch, meeting clients |
Coffee and Plants | 62 W Colorado Blvd, Old Town Pasadena | 100% plant-based milk, charcoal lattes, Slayer espresso machine | Vegan drinks, specialty floral lattes |
Kaldi Coffee & Tea | 1019 Mission St, South Pasadena | Historic 1903 bank setting, featured in Lady Bird | Classic espresso, historic neighborhood atmosphere |
Best Coffee Shops in Pasadena and South Pasadena: Local Guide
By The Middleman Team | Luxury Presence Real Estate
Pasadena has a coffee culture that rivals any neighborhood in Los Angeles. From historic roasters that have been perfecting their craft since the 1990s to Instagram-worthy cafes with creative lattes, the City of Roses delivers when it comes to finding your perfect cup.
We spend a lot of time driving clients through Pasadena's tree-lined streets, and over the years, we've discovered that a great coffee shop tells you just as much about a neighborhood as its architecture or school district. Whether you're relocating to the area or already call it home, these are the spots where locals gather, work, and start their mornings.
Key Takeaways
- Pasadena offers a range of coffee experiences from legacy roasters to modern specialty cafes.
- Many of the best coffee shops in Pasadena are locally owned and roast their beans in-house.
- Old Town Pasadena and South Pasadena have especially strong concentrations of quality cafes.
- Several spots double as community gathering places with ample seating for remote work or catching up with friends.
Local Roasters with Deep Roots
Some of the best coffee shops in Pasadena have been here for decades. Jones Coffee Roasters opened in 1994 and has become a neighborhood institution, operating out of a warehouse space at 693 S Raymond Ave with a second location inside Vroman's Bookstore at 695 E Colorado Blvd. Their beans come through direct trade relationships with farmers in Guatemala, Sumatra, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters started in 2006 when two friends who loved roasting at home turned their hobby into a business. Today, they serve smooth, full-bodied coffee from their location at 260 N Allen Ave with beans sourced from Africa, Central America, Indonesia, and South America.
- Jones Coffee Roasters: 693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Hours: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM Daily | Distance: 0.8 miles from Old Pasadena center
- Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters: 260 N Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106 | Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed Sun) | Distance: 2.5 miles east of Downtown Pasadena
What Makes These Roasters Stand Out
- Beans are roasted locally in small batches for freshness.
- Direct trade relationships support farming communities.
- Staff are knowledgeable and happy to help you find your perfect blend.
- You can purchase bags to brew at home.
Old Town Favorites Worth Visiting
The walkable streets around Colorado Boulevard are home to several standout cafes. Copa Vida at 70 S Raymond Ave offers everything from a quick $2 pour during morning rush to an upscale slow bar experience. The bright, modern space looks out toward the historic Castle Green and draws remote workers with free Wi-Fi and a lunch menu that goes well beyond pastries.
Republik Coffee at 85 E Green St brings a European sensibility to Pasadena with clean design, lush greenery, and excellent outdoor seating. Their black vanilla latte has developed a loyal following for good reason.
- Copa Vida: 70 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Daily | Distance: 0.1 miles from Del Mar Metro A Line station
- Republik Coffee Lounge: 85 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Daily | Distance: Located in Old Town Pasadena
Old Town Coffee Shop Highlights
- Copa Vida: This sophisticated corner staple on Raymond Avenue pairs expertly roasted specialty coffee with an expansive food menu featuring sourdough sandwiches and seasonal brunch items.
- Republik Coffee: This stylish destination offers charming outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery, providing a quiet sanctuary for enjoying meticulously prepared cortados and artisanal pastries.
- Lavender & Honey: Located at 1383 E Washington Blvd, this boutique cafe is famous for its signature lavender-flavored lattes and its iconic succulent wall that serves as a visual centerpiece for the elegant interior.
- Home Brewed Bar: Located at 39 N Arroyo Pkwy, this specialized roastery focuses on the art of cold brew, utilizing 20-hour steep times to produce a remarkably smooth flavor profile.
Unique Cafes with Character
Pasadena's coffee scene goes beyond the traditional. Coffee and Plants at 62 W Colorado Blvd offers vegan lattes, plant-based pastries, and creative specialty drinks in a space co-owned by singer Leona Lewis and her husband. The cafe pulls shots on a Slayer espresso machine and serves drinks like the 24K Charcoal Latte with activated charcoal and gold dust.
Amara Café & Restaurant at 55 S Raymond Ave brings Venezuelan flavors to your morning routine with spicy options that use chili pasilla in their lattes and hot chocolate. They also serve full meals like arepas and cachapas, making it a great choice when coffee alone won't cut it.
- Coffee and Plants: 62 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily | Distance: Located in Old Town Pasadena
- Amara Café & Restaurant: 55 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105 | Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Daily | Distance: 0.2 miles from Memorial Park Station
Cafes That Offer Something Different
- Coffee and Plants: This botanical-themed sanctuary serves only plant-based milk options alongside creative specialty lattes like the signature "Rose Bowl" floral latte.
- Amara Café: This South Raymond Avenue destination adds Latin American flair to the local scene with spicy drink options, Venezuelan churros, and full savory meals.
- Rosebud Coffee: Located at 2302 E Colorado Blvd, this community-focused roastery started as a coffee cart and maintains a mission to empower homeless and transitional-aged youth through professional barista training.
- Little Flower: Located at 1422 W Colorado Blvd, this charming neighborhood staple combines a full coffee bar with homemade sea salt caramels and a curated selection of baking supplies.
South Pasadena Gems
A short drive from Old Town, South Pasadena offers its own collection of excellent cafes. The neighborhood has a small-town feel with towering palm trees and charming residential streets along Mission Street and Monterey Road that make outdoor seating particularly enjoyable.
The area's walkability and proximity to the Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) make it easy to spend an afternoon cafe-hopping before exploring the neighborhood's historic homes and shops.
Source: Business locations, transit connections, and operating histories verified via local municipal registries and official cafe disclosures for 2026.
Premier Local Coffee Destinations
- Charlie’s Coffee House: Located at 1260 Monterey Rd, this staple is renowned for its inviting atmosphere and local art displays, offering unique drinks like lavender-blended coffee and beet lattes.
- Jones Coffee Roasters (South Pasadena): Located at 1006 Mission St, this industrial-chic roastery serves direct-trade beans roasted in small batches and features a dog-friendly outdoor area.
- Kaldi Coffee & Tea: Housed in a historic 1903 bank building at 1019 Mission St, this iconic cafe is famous for its appearance in the film Lady Bird and serves classic espresso drinks in a nostalgic setting.
- Two Kids Coffee: Located at 1504 Mission St, this design-forward boutique cafe specializes in house-made almond milk and high-end specialty pours.
- Heirloom Bakery & Cafe: Located at 807 Meridian Ave, this warm community favorite offers freshly baked loaves and seasonal quiches alongside meticulously prepared espresso.
- Lost Parrot Cafe: Located at 1929 Huntington Dr, this quirky spot under shady eucalyptus trees is beloved for its tropical vibe, "Taco Tuesdays," and dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Real Estate Advisory & Local Expertise
Meg Middleman | The Middleman Team
Brokerage: Luxury Presence / Middleman Team Real Estate
License: CA DRE #01023733
With over 35 years of specialized experience in the Pasadena, South Pasadena, and San Marino real estate markets, Meg Middleman and The Middleman Team have represented buyers and sellers across more than 1,500 transactions. The team provides hyper-local community knowledge, street-by-street neighborhood analysis, and strategic guidance for purchasing luxury properties in the San Gabriel Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best coffee shops in Pasadena for working remotely?
Copa Vida at 70 S Raymond Ave and Jones Coffee Roasters at 693 S Raymond Ave both offer ample seating and welcoming atmospheres for getting work done. Copa Vida provides free Wi-Fi, abundant outlets, and a full lunch menu, while Jones has a spacious warehouse setting with comfy couches and mismatched chairs that invite longer stays.
Where can I find specialty coffee drinks in Pasadena?
For creative lattes beyond standard menus, visit Coffee and Plants on W Colorado Blvd for their 24K Charcoal Latte, Lavender & Honey on E Washington Blvd for lavender-infused lattes, or Amara Café on S Raymond Ave for Venezuelan-inspired spicy lattes with chili pasilla. Home Brewed Bar specializes in 20-hour cold brew and boba milk teas.
Which Pasadena coffee shops roast their own beans in-house?
Jones Coffee Roasters and Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters both roast in-house and sell bags for home brewing. Jones Coffee Roasters has been roasting on Raymond Avenue since 1994 with direct-trade beans from five countries, while Jameson Brown sources and roasts beans on Allen Avenue from Africa, Central America, and South America.
Are coffee shops in South Pasadena accessible via public transit?
Yes, many top South Pasadena cafes line Mission Street, located steps from the South Pasadena Metro A Line station. Spots like Kaldi Coffee & Tea, Jones Coffee Roasters, and Two Kids Coffee are all within a short 2 to 5 minute walk from the train station.
