I can't believe that I haven't left a review for Amara yet, because this is one of our very favorite places. Everything we've tried is fresh and delicious, but our personal favorites are the arepa la suegra with black beans and plantains, the churros (just a little bit crunchy and crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside and not too sweet), the guava pastelito, and of course the Venezuelan drinking chocolate. As much as we love the food, what really keeps us coming back is their hospitality and sense of community. As locals, we really feel welcome and it is great to see the same faces week after week. (Our husky is always especially delighted to see her BFF, Valeria!) Finally, while the small inside area has a nice cafe vibe, the sidewalk seating and covered patio have been perfect for us with our husky. Amara is the kind of place that makes Pasadena special, and I definitely recommend them if you are in the area! read more

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I m glad I found a this place. Their hot chocolate was pretty close to European style. It was milky and thick. Their place was a bit tricky to get to. It's located right next to entrance of the public parking. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and ambiance was casual. The service was great. The server explained different hot chocolate styles they have and recommended me. Their empanadas were also delicious. I can't wait to come back here again. Highly recommended. read more

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Sadly, I was not able to give this place any business because they turned me away. I normally go across the street to Copa Vida, but they were filming and I had work that I needed to get done. I showed up to this business in crutches and they turned me away, saying that they were a restaurant business and they could only let me do Wi-Fi for 20 minutes. This is insane. What if I had bought a full meal? You're still only going to let me use the Wi-Fi for 20 minutes? I ended up going to doghouse down the street and I would rather support a chain that has better Customer Service than an individual business that turns away the disabled who need to work when they could clearly potentially give business. The outdoor area looked really cute and people seem to be enjoying themselves, but it is just not inclusive or accessible. read more

I woke up early to jog around Old Town and saw that this Venezuelan cafe was open at 7am. When I was done, I decided to stop by and order their avocado/eggs/queso arepa and it didn't disappoint. The top part of the arepa is crispy corn, flat fritter while the bottom is soft and savory. The eggs are fluffy; reminding me of the omelettes they make in Paris (which is the best I've ever had). They give you so much that it's bursting out. I think they use half an avocado on top and ask if you want onions and tomato in the omelette. I agreed to it. I coupled it with a flat white English breakfast tea with honey. So perfect for an after-run meal in the morning, to power your whole day and start it right. There's 4 hour street parking but it's located where you can park in the lot for 3 hours free anyway. They serve churros con chocolate, too, as well as your humdrum pastries. LA Times mentioned them in their Food section of the Sunday paper and I can see why. Music is soft bossanova versions that may surprise you; Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer is more tolerable this way lol. Order at the front and you'll get a number. Staff are super friendly; you can bus your own table but if it's not busy, they will jump in to do it anyway. Muy rico! read more

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Meet Amara at the Pasadena Junior league, what an inspirational woman , I had to check out her coffee spot The food was amazing the arepa's breakfast and coffee were delicious!! And they are doggie friendly too ! They have patio seating, nice relaxed atmosphere !! read more

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I stopped by here before my Yelp Elite event while walking along Colorado Boulevard and came across this spot on Raymond Avenue; such a great find! This café is fantastic. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious. My mom and I shared the chicken pesto sandwich, and it did not disappoint. The flavors were perfectly balanced, the mozzarella paired so well with the tomato, and the grilled chicken with pesto tied everything together beautifully. The vibes were incredible and I love sitting outside, especially it was more of a chilly morning, and they made sure to turn on the heaters above the outdoor seating which was incredibly thoughtful so customers that we're all sitting and eating we're enjoying a nice breezy cool day along with warmth. What I really appreciated was that it wasn't overly oily or salty, which made it even more enjoyable. It was light, fresh, and super satisfying. My mom loved it just as much as I did!! Will be coming back! read more

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Parking: There is a parking structure in the building that Amara is located in. It does get a bit crowded and takes a while to leave due to the fact there is only one path out. Exterior: They have an area out on the sidewalk with the canopy tents set up for outdoor dining. Interior: The restaurant is quite small with a couple of tables inside. Service: You grab a table on your own and order your food inside. They will give you a number to put on your table and bring you the food once it is done. There really isn't much service. Food: I got the Crispy Trio Tostones and shared an order of churros with my friends. The trio came with some beans, plantains, and coleslaw which went nicely with the tostones. The tostones were definitley very crispy. There was plenty of protein and it was very flavorful. The churros were a little bit disappointing. They were very hard and crunchy and did not really have much of a sugar coating on it. Maybe we just got a bad order? I might go back to try other things on the menu if I were in the area though. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Crispy Trio Tostones - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I can see why their hot chocolate is a must taste it's made with dark chocolate, not too bitter, not too sweet, just perfect. It's a popular cafe with a big menu for brunch, coffee, and tea. Plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, and staff are very friendly and helpful. Located in Pasadena so parking can be tricky, but worth the visit. I had the avocado toast this visit and it was made generously with fresh ingredients. I'm definitely going to return to try other items on their menu. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I came a for brunch after the Huntington gardens and admired this Lovely cafe. Though its a smaller sized establishment, it offers a variety of savory Latin inspired entrees, small traditional plates, creative espresso options, and tasty sweet treats. I love that the cafe offered something for each of our cravings. The spot seems prettty popular for brunch but luckily the line moved kinda fast and there was a table open on the side walk. Their menu will not disappoint. We decided to try a few items to share and lovely the quality of everything. The food was prepared somewhat quick and the service has very helpful and friendly. I'd consider retiring in the future for another quick brunch fix. Small enough to feel local, but efficient team makes it feel like a convenient stop if you're on the go. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Iced Aztec-Spicy Dark Mocha Latte Dulce de Leche "Amara" Latte Chicken-Avocado "Reina" Arepa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

We were in a rush having to do this and that on a hectic Tuesday at noon. Our schedule this day was "wall to wall"! Finding ourselves in Pasadena and needing to grab a bit to eat, we see this little cafe pre-lunchtime. My (very intrinsic) wife said let's stop there (meaning Amara Chocolate & Coffee) as I have a good feeling about that place? Yes, I put a question mark there meaning "you have a feeling"? Anyways, being an obedient husband, I pulled over. Well, color me surprised! She was right - Amara Chocolate & Coffee was excellent! This small coffee shop, first and foremost made one of the best Cappuccino's I've had in a long time. But then came a rather delicious Caesar salad but then the coup de grâce was this perfect guava and cheese strudel "Pastelito. This pastry was so damn good, guess where I'm going now! read more

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Yum, yum, yum! Just had lunch here and it was absolutely delicious and filling. I had the Galipan Corn Capchapa Plate with chicken and my husband had Chicken Empanadas and a latte. Everything was prepared perfectly! Service was friendly and efficient. The restaurant is small, but they utilize the space well and it's decorated nice with lots of light. There is also space to eat outside. There is also a take out option. We will definitely be returning here often!! read more

Arepas for lunch! Yes please. They have delicious food from Venezuela. Plus sandwiches, salads and breakfast items. It's a cute little shop with patio seating. My favorite is La Suegra which has plantains, black beans cheese inside of an arepa. The chocolate is amazing served in coffee, ice coffees etc. read more

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Amara Chocolate & Coffee is almost always full when I walk inside, thank God they have an outdoor dining area as well. This shop has EARNED its popularity and the loyalty of their customers. You can tell the staff has a genuine love for the menu. If you ask anyone at the counter about their favorites, they'll give you the rundown of what's popular and what they personally love. And I really appreciate that very human, individualized touch when discovering a gem adored by Pasadena locals. The ambiance is giving... small, simplistic, unassuming shop. To people just passing by, it's not going to look like much - but it's the energy & aroma of their food that pulls AND keeps you in. I recommend the Pork-Pernil w/Mano Cheese AND the Chicken Avocado Arepas. You really can't stop with just one order of arepas. It's been awhile since my last visit, but I remember loving the guava lemonade - good size & incredibly refreshing! Can't wait to explore more of the menu the next time I'm around. read more

I hadn't been back to this spot in ages, and this time I just went for coffee. As usual, there was a line, but it moved quickly. I ordered the Dulce de Leche Latte with less sweetness -- it was still on the sweet side for me, but the chocolate flavor was rich and decadent. I also added the spicy chili cocoa topping, which actually had a real kick to it -- surprisingly spicy, but in a good way! Definitely a fun twist on a cozy drink. read more

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And once again, simply delicious: Amara latte and chicken/raisin empanada ... a dream in plain daylight. PREVIOUS REVIEW 2 Return for a quick late lunch bite, and once again was not disappointed lol. The Aztec mocha coffee was a wonderful blend of spaces, flavorful, chocolate and strong coffee. In addition, a chicken pesto mozzarella sandwich provided a well-rounded, juicy and at the same time crunchy, very delicious afternoon lunch PREVIOUS REVIEW 1 One of the best, if not the bestest coffee I had in a long time. There is too much starbucky mediocrity taking over where everything across each respective store across the globe tastes precisely the same. But fasten your seatbelts for Amara - such a full aroma and smooth texture ... that with closed eyes, you'll be carried into other senses and travel to far countries, until reality catches up when the cup is empty!! Aztec and Amara Latte are splendid. BTW there are - not to mention - also wonderful bites (eg empanadas) to eat, too many to list. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Been a long time since we've been here, decided to do our monthly cousin's breakfast here. Sadly not everybody could attend but those that did really enjoyed breakfast. Unfortunately didn't take picture of our breakfast entrée, but it was good. Others, enjoyed Arepas with their lattes. Customer service was excellent on all levels, from placing our order, to food being delivered to our table. Thank you for the complementary churros, we really appreciate it! read more

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LOVE IT HERE! such a good brunch spot literally everything here is so good and yummy. I cannot stress enough how perfect this place is. I recommend trying their churros its a must have. as for savories-- i recommend their burritos and arepas :) drinks are amazing, honestly super delicious coffee and I have yet to try their hot chocolate (really want to!! per recommendation from a close friend). For coffee I usually get their dulce de leche, it never misses. it's strong and perfectly sweet--which are the two things I'm extremely anal about coffee shops getting right. outdoor seating is so cozy and the weather in Pasadena is almost always great. parking is also stress free as there is a structure right behind it. I will always and forever recommend this place as it is the BEST brunch spot I've had. my friend group and I always come here at least once a month if we are able to. (also peep the photo I took of the churros last time I came here, honestly my best work haha) read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Best empanada I have ever eaten in my life. Super friendly people. Hot chocolate smells amazing. Cute.

Saw a line to this place and decided to check it out. Think Portos Cuban vibes, but make it Amara Venezuelan. Small space, with outdoor seating. A kiosk makes it convenient to order as well as the line does get long. Plenty of food and drink options. The wait time was surprisingly quick too. Had the dulce de leche hot drink which was ok, although I do wish it would have had more of the flavor of ducle de leche. Had the beef empanada which was delicious, a good size and decently filled. Appreciated the whole olives inside. Not a bad stop and would check out again to try some other items on the menu, especially the arepas as everyone seemed to be ordering those. read more

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This is one of the hidden gems of Pasadena and I can't believe I just tried this out! I don't think I've ever really had Venezuelan food so it's a good try for breakfast/brunch. The hot chocolate is super rich yet isn't crazy thick. The sweetness level is just right and good for a cold day. As for food, the cachapa was a first for us and unique. I actually opted for a Farmer's Salad because I don't see a ton of places offering salads with heart of palm, which is something I really like eating. The ingredients were very flavorful with the roasted corn, cranberries, and avocado making this overall a solid salad option. Highly recommend if you want a unique brunch spot. It gets busy but seems like there's ample outside seating for everyone with a few tables inside. The parking lot where it's located was $1 for about the hour or so we spent here on a Sunday. read more

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Food was fresh and tasteful. The music was modern but two beats slower to make it stylish. I had the asada plate, a beef/olive empanada, Madrid style churros, and the mango/pineapple lemonade. Everything was tasty. The churros hot chocolate is a powder mix that has a dark chocolate density. You can't compare it to American hot chocolate or French hot chocolate because it is different than both. Flavors aren't bold, but you will get a quality meal here. Prices are high but it is Pasadena and homemade creations. Service staff were kind and attentive. read more

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I'm way overdue to rate this place. A must try when you're in Pasadena. They have great tasting empanadas and sandwiches. I had a condensed milk latte with oat milk and the breakfast sandwich on my recent visit. They give you a number and bring your order to your table. Both were delicious. The condensed milk latte with oat milk was the perfect kind of sweet. The avocado egg sandwich was flavorful. It included string chips (not sure what to call it as it was very small). I will say over the years prices have gone up a bit which is a little disappointing also since the sandwiches are typically stand alone but it seems like most places are upping their price. Still a great place to visit when you want a latte or Venezuelan food. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Condensed Milk "Caracas" Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This is my favorite cafe with Venezuelan food! I have ordered many things at this place and realize I never wrote a review! The gluten-free cheese and empanadas are delicious! I feel like they are not too heavy and have the most perfect flavor. I have also ordered the Caprese sandwich however I got Tostones instead of bread. That was also delicious. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte with almond milk and it was mouthwatering. I had the most perfect flavor and it wasn't too sweet! The staff is always sweet and accommodating! It's a really cute cafe either for a date or just for breakfast! read more

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I wish I could count the amount of times I've been here just to see how crazy the number is. Amara is such a nice cafe/restaurant in Old Pas that has the best arepas. One arepa alone with chicken and the plantains is so filling and makes for a perfect lunch with either one of their iced coffees or famous hot chocolates. The churros are delicious and you can't go wrong with the Dulce de leche dip. I do wish the churros were a bit softer sometimes, but I will still enjoy them. Also, they have the sweetest team inside and are always so nice and sometimes remember that I always want double green sauce. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Arepa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I'd been here some time ago, pre-pandemic, because a friend was craving their churros, so we decided to stop in for lunch. I remember liking it, but somehow I hadn't made it back since until recently, when some friends and I came for weekend brunch. I was pleasantly surprised by how much the place has grown in popularity! They've expanded seating into the outdoor patio area, and there was a steady line of people coming in the whole time we were there. I don't get too many opportunities to try Venezuelan food, so I was excited to explore the menu again. Since they were serving both breakfast and lunch at the time, I went for the Galipan Venezuelan Corn Pancake Plate with scrambled eggs Perico-style and chicken, plus the Mano (melty cheese) folded inside the pancake that was recommended by the staff. Everything on my plate was delicious and super filling. The chicken was absolutely flavorful and tender. I also ordered a chicken empanada as an appetizer, and it had that same juicy, well-seasoned chicken inside a perfectly crispy, light crust. To top it all off, the owner came by and gifted us a complimentary plate of churros. Such a sweet gesture (literally and figuratively). Loved everything about this visit and can't wait to come back again soon! read more

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5 Star all the way! We had the Chicken Pesto Caprese sandwich and they treated us to a Churro each, which was the best Churro I think I ever had! A 100% WIN!!! read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've seen this place so many times when driving by or being at another place that I told my friends to meet me there on a Saturday... I had a latte waiting for them and the lattes are pretty good there...I had a 2nd when they got there..... I've never heard of an Arepa before and I thoroughly enjoyed it....it is a bit messy eating but honestly good.... I got there at 9:30AM and we basically had a brunch there....we contemplated having some churros to end our meal and after some arm bending we ordered churros... The place was starting to get busy towards 12PM (Lunch rush).... Somehow I forgot to take pics of the CHURROS!?!??!?!? Anyhow the churros were good and fresh...I don't use sauces for them so I can't say much about that but if you like churros...you'll like them here! read more

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Always great food, fast and friendly service. The coffee shop is small on the inside but they have many tables outside, and the place always has a cozy inviting atmosphere. I love their traditonal Venezuelan hot chocolate -- it's dark, a bit bitter, thick and rich, so different and better than the thin watery hot chocolate typically found in coffee shops. The Aztec mocha is also great - the chocolate actually tastes spicy and not just a hint of cinnamon. Food-wise the arepa and cachapa are great but my favorite has to be their almond croissant. I like that the croissant can be ordered at room temperature so the almond filling inside stays runny and creamy. It just feels so much more special compared to the solid marzipan filling in most almond croissants. The filling solidifies if you order it heated. Their croissant is on the more neutral side and not too butter-forward. Tip: dip the croissant in hot chocolate for an extra kick of flavor. Orders can be made at the counter or a self-order kiosk if the line is long. They also have an option for order ahead for pickup on their website and a loyalty reward program. Definitely a plus for efficiency. I also come early in the morning so it's not too crowded. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Almond croissant (room temperature) and hot Venezuelan chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Amara's Cafe is a Venezuelan cafe that makes mornings feel special. I stopped by around 8 a.m. and immediately loved the calm, relaxed atmosphere with no crowds and no wait. It was the perfect time to enjoy breakfast with good coffee. I ordered the Galipan cachapa, a traditional Venezuelan dish that is basically a sweet corn pancake cooked until golden and folded over with salty cheese. The plate came with flavorful black beans, fluffy scrambled eggs, tangy sour cream, a bright green salsa, and tender shredded meat. It was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite. For a seasonal touch, I had the pumpkin latte which was smooth, spiced just right, and not too sweet. As an added surprise, they brought out a complimentary plate of churros with chocolate. The churros were crisp and warm and the chocolate sauce was rich and glossy, a perfect way to end the meal. The service was just as good as the food. The cashier was welcoming and gave excellent recommendations that made it easy to choose dishes worth trying. read more

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I've walked past this place so many times, and today I finally tried it out! And WOW the empanadas are amazing! They are fresh and warm and have a nice crunch on the outside. I also got the Aztec coffee which was so delicious, perfect amount of cinnamon and coffee! The staff was super nice and made me feel welcome, and even gave me a free churro since it was my first time. (Churro was also so good!) read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Spinach & Mozzarella Baked Empanada, Chicken "Gallega" Baked Empanada - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My iced oat mocha was sinful and divine at the same time! The heated croissant, flaky and buttery was the perfect pastry.

My husband and I tried Amara for the first time a few weeks ago for weekend brunch, despite having passed by it multiple times while going through Old Town Pasadena. It was busy and full of people and families as usual, and you line up inside to order at the counter before finding a seat either indoors or outdoors. We got an iced drinking chocolate, a cachapa with beef and cheese (corn pancake), and churros with guava dip. The food took a bit of time to come out, so we know it was made fresh to order. Everything was absolutely delicious, and my husband said he couldn't wait to return again for brunch on another weekend. The staff were nice and welcomed us warmly to their restaurant after we had finished most of our food. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu (all the yummy Venezuelan food)! read more

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I never had Venezuelan food before and this was really yummy! We were visiting my Aunt in the area and she suggested this place for brunch! She said she always comes for the coffee and churros but hadn't had a chance to try the food, so it was a pleasant experience for all of us. Located in Pasadena, Amara Chocolate and Coffee is a pretty good brunch spot! There was a decent amount of street parking for a Sunday Morning. They're also right next to a parking garage, so realistically I don't think parking should be a struggle. The restaurant has a small amount of indoor seating, but a good amount of outdoor seating! The outdoor area was dog friendly too. The service was good. I wasn't sure if the lady we were talking to was the owner, but it seemed like she was doing a really good job at trying to get to know the customers. She also was constantly moving around and taking care of lots of things. From cleaning and bussing, to making sure everyone has everything that they need she was everywhere working really hard. The food was really really yummy! I had a matcha latte and my mom had the strawberry matcha latte and we were surprised. I'm pretty critical on my matcha, but this made the cut and it was pleasantly surprising! My mom never finishes a drink but she finished this one. My dad got the Venezuelan chocolate and that was DELICIOUS. She was right though, it's strong. But the churros were also delicious, with the guava dip as well as dipping it in the Venezuelan chocolate! I forgot what they were called but we also had these little cheese appetizers and they were good! Not to salty and very delicious! I had the avocado toast and that was good. I was glad that it wasn't some small slice of toast, they packed it on good. I highly recommend this place if you're in the area! Whether it's breakfast, brunch or just coffee, I think this place is worth it! Service and food are great! read more

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Me and my girl ordered coffee from here and it was amazing. Great coffee to milk ratio, not overly sweet or overly bitter. Just great coffee. Staff was extremely friendly and attentive as well. Definitely recommend trying this place if you're in Pasadena. read more

I have to say this spot is a local must. It's extremely filling and you WILL want to try everything. Don't leave without trying the churros. It does get busy so you may need to be patient for a seat. The customer service is friendly. It's a great place to have brunch, lunch, or your morning coffee with churros. read more

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One of my new all time favorite places. First of all, love how the menu has gluten free and vegan options. This is very needed. I hope there can be more simultaneous both vegan and gluten free options in the future. Adore the soy vegana gluten free and vegan arepa along with the vegan and gluten free hot chocolate. I took home more to enjoy hot chocolate treat at home. Juan is super welcoming and friendly making this place a wonderful space to enjoy a warm meal with friends and family. Lovely ambiance and plenty of seating inside and outside. My family and friends enjoyed their empanadas and churros. Met the owner Amara and she was absolutely the best most friendly down to earth and welcoming as well. Hands down a true gem. Will return often. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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A cafe located in Old Town Pasadena in Venezuelan food. Based on the name, I was half expecting that this place is only pastries and beverages like a patisserie or something. But the spot has pretty an extensive menu and the place is very popular. The service style of this place is that you wait in line to either order items to go or food where you can enjoy there, where you then find a table and they bring it to you. I was just passing through and wanted to possible pick up some items to bring home and try their hot chocolate. This hot chocolate is decadent and thick. I haven't had hot chocolate this decadent since I've had some at a small cafe in Paris and that was over a decade ago. It was delicious. You could also purchase bags of this to go. I also got some empanadas that I enjoyed later when I got home. I got one chicken and one beef. Both were delicious and came with some great sauce. The vibe here of the day I visited was frenetic. You can tell that this place is really popular and the space itself is not that large. So as you can imagine getting a table and eating here could be a little hectic Items I want to try on my next trip: definitely the arepas. I wasn't too hungry on this past trip, so I didn't want to order anything too large. I also want to try the churros. read more

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Wow... where do I even start. From the moment we walked in, the service was beyond amazing super welcoming, attentive, and just overall great energy. The food? Absolutely perfection. Everything came out fresh, flavorful, and you can tell they really care about quality. But the highlight for me... the churros. Hands down the BEST I've ever had. Crispy, warm, and perfectly sweet 10/10. Definitely coming back and highly recommend to anyone thinking about trying this spot! read more

Their coconut dulce de leche latte was okay. I would give it an 8/10 overall. There was no special flavor shining through, however the drink had the perfect balance between the coffee's bitterness and the drink's overall sweetness. Also, the menu picture of this drink is highly deceiving... at least it was at the time I was browsing and became tempted to give them a try read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Iced Coconut Dulce de Leche Latte "Seasonal" - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Arepas and Drinkable chocolate. Yum yum. Arepas are very underrated. Very good sandwich that's super filling. If you like dark chocolate then you will love the drinkable chocolate. read more

Amara Chocolate & Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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