My favorite coffee shop for my morning bike ride to Pasadena, sidewalk table to enjoy the Europen ambiance and wait for the attentive service of bringing my latte right on the table. What a way to start my weekend here read more

Criterion coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I was in Old Town Pasadena for five days. There are literally ten coffee places in this area. On the first day, my husband went to Blue Bottle because it opens the earliest, but once he told me they don't let you add your own cream, I wasn't interested. So I tried another place that was just okay. On Day Two, I decided to try Criterion because it has five stars. I'm glad I did because It's a great place! I went four mornings out of the five I was here. The baristas are friendly, my Americano was fantastic, and there are plenty of tables. It's a really pleasant place to drink coffee. The food looked great too but I didn't sample any of it. I can see why it has five stars! read more

My favorite latte in all of Pasadena! Service is always super friendly and their pastries are top notch! They have an upstairs area that's perfect to work out of. read more

Nice coffee spot near city hall. I had a vanilla latte with a lemon pistachio bread will definitely return when I'm in the area.

My team and I went to have breakfast here and the cashier a white LGBTQ+ woman, was very rude and had a smart mouth. Pretty disappointed and I'm sure it was because we were Hispanic individuals. read more

What a wonderful hidden gem that I discovered on this mini trip to Pasadena. The cappuccino was really good, love the foam & beautiful design on my drink. The almond croissant was different & I appreciate the quality of the food at this coffee place. It's a very clean establishment and the barista, Natalia is friendly & warm, as well as the owner. Can't wait to try my salmon wrap. Would recommend this coffee shop. read more

Criterion coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I personally loved this cafe so much! The interior was truly so beautiful, and you could clearly tell there was a lot of effort put into the making of this place. The service was also amazing. Their baristas are all so sweet and caring and always have everything you could ever ask for to put in your drinks. Same with the food. Everything tasted so yummy, fresh, delicious and overall so amazing. The owners have really made such a great spot for breakfast, lunch, and anything to do just in general! I'd highly recommend this place. Thank you Ctiterion, will definitely be coming back. read more

Great ambiance for either working or having a lazy afternoon with your friends. Love that they have vegan pastry options.

#145 in my Coffeeshop Chronicles. Criterion Coffee has a stunning elegant interior, adorned with beautiful modern brass constellation chandeliers, glossy emerald deco tiles along the counter, brick walls on one side, and a glossy white tiled wall on the other for an incredible contrast. Further highlighting the attention to detail in the design are the 3D ceiling tiles that function to provide added depth and insulation while also augmenting the shop's classy look. What I loved most though was how they created an upstairs lounge with additional seating. I'm not sure where the space came from, since it wasn't there when the location used to be Home Brewed (a different coffeeshop), but I'm definitely loving the add-on! As for the coffee, I tried their rose vanilla latte and a vanilla charcoal latte. Both drinks were well crafted with smooth espresso and subtle flavoring from the monin syrups (my favorite brand of coffee syrups). They go light on the syrup though, so a few times I've asked for an extra pump for a more prominent flavor. They also serve an assortment of artisanal baked goods from Bread Lounge - score! Service was friendly as well. All in all, I recommend stopping by Criterion Coffee if you're in the area. You won't regret it. ****************** My Ratings: 1 Star: Terrible; just thinking about it makes me angry. 2 Stars: Wasn't a fan so Not likely to return. 3 Stars: Meh. Average. Might return if others drag me. 4 Stars: Yum! Likely to return. 5 Stars: Amazing! Would plan my day around it. read more

The Blueberry lemon loaf and pistachio latte was delicious! The loaf is homemade. Great place to study! read more

Criterion coffee - LEMON BLUEBERRY - LOAF SLICE - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Quaint, cute cafe with great drinks and pastries. And free live jazz musing on the weekends? Count me in! Great service too.

Drip coffee was mediocre and extremely pricey. Barista was nice enough. I guess if I had time to kill and the shop seems cozy. Can't speak for any food items, since I'm usually at a coffee shop just for coffee. Some of the pastries looked pretty good though. Tough to recommend in Old Town specifically for coffee where there are so many other options. read more

Not very friendly staff at the counter. My pastry was Cold. By the time I wanted to request it to be heated up there was a 3 person line and although maybe there was someone in the back she was the only one taking orders so I didn't ask and didn't enjoy a refrigerated pastry. The coffee was ok. read more

Stopped by this cafe today during my lunch hour. Very pleased with the smoothie I tried! It was delicious. Nice ambiance, super clean cafe. The staff is very kind and the service was great. Inside the cafe there is an upstairs area to sit - which I thought was very cool. I will be coming back here. The banana bread looked amazing! will be trying it next time. read more

The vibe of this coffee shop is friendly, cute and artsy. The menu is enticing, not your usual or average coffee shop menu. Fresh ingredients, creative sandwiches and filling portions. They have an upstairs area which I thought was great to bring in your laptop and work away from customers walking in and out. Their matcha was great! read more

Criterion coffee - Iced matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

The avocado toast was so yummy and the vibe and ambiance of the place is inviting. The staff was really nice as well and have such a wide selection of pastries I wanted to get them all. Also offers handcrafted ice cream which is always so nice to also have on hand! read more

Criterion coffee - Avocado toast with fried egg - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Uhh latte was way too milky for what I expect from a latte. sooo wanted this to be my go-to since it's so near where I work but alas! great ambiance though! read more

The croissants here are always very good. I had the ham and cheese one and it made for the perfect breakfast with my coffee.

great spot with great food and plenty of space to work with friendly staff - free wifi too

Love this spot. Criterion Coffee has quickly become one of my go-to places in Pasadena. The vibes are super chill -- minimalist design, lots of natural light, and somehow it's always quiet, even when it's busy. Great spot to get work done, read, or just zone out with a good pour-over. I've posted up here with my laptop for a few hours and also met friends for a catch-up -- it works for both. Spacious seating, not cramped like a lot of other coffee shops, and the layout makes it easy to either focus or socialize without feeling like you're in the way. The coffee's legit. Clean, smooth, and you can tell they care about what they're doing. I usually get a cortado or drip and both have been solid every time. If you're looking for a low-key place to work, meet up, or just escape the usual coffee shop chaos, Criterion's got you. Bonus points for being in a quiet corner of Pasadena with decent parking. $10 parking all day lot next door read more

Customer service was amazing. Definitely recommend. This coffee spot must try bakery. Food is amazing. read more

Criterion coffee - Banana date latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love the music and ambiance, the food and drinks are good too! The food can be a little pricey but I think it's worth the amount they serve you. Can get busy too so just plan accordingly and it is a great place to study or for a get together with someone. Plenty of outlets if you're studying. read more

Criterion coffee - Prosciutto Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

While the big chains have their place, it's so nice to have a high-quality independent coffee/tea shop within walking distance in my neighborhood. Criterion has it all: A chill and cozy ambiance (think: brick wall, fresh flowers, a nice loft area in the back, etc), delicious pastries, tasty drinks, incredibly friendly and prompt service, not to mention a great location in Old Town. Lately, they've even been bringing in talented local musicians to play on Sunday afternoons. Jazz in the afternoon? Why not! I love this and hope it continues. The only thing I'd like to see is for them to stay open later, into the evening. I realize the economics might make this challenging, but I could see this being a local evening hotspot and destination for live music if they were to go that route. But that's just wanting more of a good thing, right? Hardly a bad place to be for Old Town's nicest indie coffee spot. Looking for a nice place to sit and chill for a bit? Criterion is worth a look. read more

Criterion coffee - Every Sunday afternoon they've featured talented local live musicians. Such a nice touch! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Such a lovely café! The staff are super friendly, the food is delicious, and the truffle mushroom Brie toast is incredible. I'll definitely be back. read more

Criterion coffee - Truffle Mushroom Brie Toast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ambiance was BEAUTIFUL!! The coffee was very strong and the taste was kind of off putting. I think it's more of an acquired taste but the staff was really nice. read more

This charming cafe in the heart of Pasadena is a real gem. We loved everything about this place. The food is delicious, the coffee is great, the service is excellent, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Highly recommended! read more

I called them a couple of days in advance thinking that Father's Day could be very busy. I made a reservation for two, upstairs. On Father's day (today), we showed up on time and I explained I had made a booking to the woman at the front (dark hair). She did not utter a single welcoming or friendly word and just said: "I don't know. Anyway, there's plenty of room upstairs". We placed our order quite quickly as she made us feel uncomfortable, she still did not say a single nice or welcoming word, she was not smiling at all. Maybe she'd rather not deal with customers? We went upstairs and a nice young guy brought us our coffees, and later, our food. We were happy with what we chose. When we left, we walked by that woman again, she saw us... but did not utter a single "thank you" or "good-bye" or "thanks for coming"... NOTHING AT ALL. This is highly unusual for Pasadena where service is often very good. If you expect friendly or at least curteous staff, I would not go there. That woman totally destroys what could be a great breakfast experience. read more

The owners are really cool and passionate people. The baristas are very friendly. Natalia is excellent. Very nice cafe.

The coffee was amazing and this place was so cute! They had live music too which was really nice. Natalia was great.

Great coffee, the cookie butter latte was not too sweet which i find great and quite rare in coffee shops as they usually tend to oversweeten things read more

Drinks and food were yummy and ambiance is cozy. Our cashier, he was very friendly and nice however the service lacked after that and attitude was given by other wait staff who delivered drinks and food. read more

Wow! This place was fantastic!! The food was amazing and so was the coffee! The egg and avocado croissant sandwich was one of the best breakfast sandwiches over ever had! And the Dubai Latte was incredible! One of the best coffee's I've had!! You have to come check this place out! And the live jazz band was so beautiful to have playing while I was here with my husband and friends! Such a great video!! The owner and everyone here was amazing!! read more

Criterion coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food was okay (a bit overpriced imo) & it was $4 to add one extra shot to my drink. Though that is an average price, most cafes have a cheaper option when you add it in addition to your drink (which was a bit too milky). Way too expensive, and wouldn't necessarily go back because of this reason. read more

Cozy vibe with good coffee. Loved their watermelon and strawberry lemonade. Located in the central Pasadena close to Colorado Blvd. read more

Criterion coffee - Watermelon and strawberry lemonade - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

A cute hidden gem in downtown Pasadena. If you blink you could easily miss it. Luckily they have an outdoor A frame sign with a bistro table. Sweet & savory pastries, muffins, croissants, cookies and brownies are awaiting just behind the glass display case with decent pricing ranging from $4.50-$6 and bread loaves for $16. Almost every table was filled on a Monday. I met the ladies upstairs in their loft faux library nook. Enough space to comfortably fit about 12 people with sugar, stirrers, cups & water station. I enjoyed my drip cup of coffee in ceramic mug. Service was great. I was needing some assistance in the loft and staff were so awesome and attentive to us. They went out of their way to give quick assistance. My first visit here was pleasant. They definitely value customer service. It was a perfect choice to meet up with friends Te-see & Terry visiting from out of state. A happy reunion. Easy access to the freeway, right next to King taco with street parking. Free 2 hour parking within a block. Check the allotted times on signs. read more

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nice vibes in here besides that ai slop on the wall. sucks because there are other cool pics of pasadena that decorate the wall so i'm not sure why they'd use ai to "conjure" up these images. besides that, the decor and furniture in here are top notch. good quality leather couches and nice (i'm assuming) marble tables. service was pretty cordial, however, concise. as someone who is also a barista, i actually appreciate it. as for what i had, i only had a plain iced latte. serviceable and honestly pretty decent for the price. but besides that, all the food and pastry's looked yummy. and in house ice cream?!?! come on that's great. i hope this business prospers sans ai slop on the walls. read more

Criterion coffee - ai slop on the wall - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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This is another great, little coffee spot in Pasadena, just north of Old Town's main drag. It's quiet, quaint, the ambiance and aesthetic are top quality. You really feel as though you've been whisked away on vacation. Very peaceful spot to catch up with a friend or just relax. Their prices can be a touch moderate, but you're getting excellent quality service and products. Their pastries are delicious too. 12/10 would recommend, it's a great spot to discover and enjoy! read more

I was amazed at how cute and aesthetic the cafe was. One of the staff members, Bella was very sweet and accommodating :) I highly recommend this place read more

Criterion is my go to coffee shop, close to work, staff is super friendly. I recommend the lavender & oat latte, and the vanilla pistachio latte, they're so delicious! (both iced and hot). I've had lunch here with friends and have plenty of seating, 1st floor and 2nd floor. Good stop to hang out and catch up with friends. Parking is street (meter) or parking structures near by walking distance. read more

Criterion coffee - Lavender & oat latte, this is by far my favorite go-to latte, this has the perfect taste, I recommend both iced and hot. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

When you walk in to the soft jazz music and the pretty open space, your tension immediately disappears, or at least mine did. Then, two baristas greet you, ready to answer all of your questions about the menu - and perhaps about life. The rose coffee thing they recommended was really nice. The lemon pistachio cake was not too sweet - not our highlight but still good. I'll try a cookie next. read more