Criterion coffee

Banana matcha. Strawberry rain matcha. Idk. Best matcha. Best matchachacha! This place makes me so…read morehappy. I dream about it. Don't forget to go to blue rooster art store to pet the cat after! :)

Danbi was an okay experience, just your typical cafe with your normal students & casual meetings in…read morethe background. I had the einspanner w/oatmilk! First sip I did taste the strong espresso; however after mixing it was pretty smooth and tasty. Throughout the afternoon I felt the caffeine level decreasing. So adequate for a short pick me up, not recommended to get you through the rest of your day. Cafe was cute & aesthetic, parking is available on the side of the streets and in the back!

Interior

Einspanner ( Vienna Cream Coffee )

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Espresso tiramisu

Dash Coffee Bar

Came on a Saturday morning after taking my mom to a doctors appt with her and my 1 year old…read moredaughter. We were looking for a casual spot with good food and fun and delicious coffee drinks. This did not disappoint! I got the pandan latte. Definitely heavier on the vanilla flavor but the pandan still comes through. My mom got the crème brulee latte and it was probably one of the better ones I've had. It wasn't just sweet - you could get the essence of that burnt sugar topping. For food we had the spam kimchi cheese croissant and it was so good! The croissant was nice and flaky. There was the perfect ratio of filling. It is a very craveable sandwich. All of this in itself deserved a 5 star review already, but one more thing happened I need to mention. We were just about to leave and I wanted a straw in my drink. I want to put it in the lid and instead I spilled it all over the counter. A woman who I presumed to be the owner immediately came over to clean the mess and told the girl at the counter to remake me a new drink. Given I was taking care of my mom and my daughter today, that small kindness meant a lot to me. Overall, highly recommend Dash. Good coffee and good people.

I've been to Dash a few times and have enjoyed it almost every time. One time my coffee was burnt,…read morebut that was the only negative experience. I love their pandan latte and their creme brulee latte. The creme brulee is on the sweeter side, so when I'm in the mood for that it's perfect. The service is quick and there's not many seats inside. The parking lot is tiny so parking situation is tough. I've had to park on the side streets before. Overall, Dash is a solid spot to check out!

Sweet Cream Cold brew

Einspanner Thai Iced Tea

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Dirty Thai Tea Latte Iced, Pandan Sweet Cream Cold Brew

Republik Coffee

What a charming and quaint coffee shop this Republic Coffee is. With indoor and patio seating... so…read morelovely. Both inside and outside were super clean along with their restrooms. The minute I walked in, the aroma of the coffee and baked goods just organically welcomed me IN! Walked in this morning at 10:15AM, and was greeted by Stephanie. All the people behind the counter were genuinely super nice and friendly, and I am going to leave it at that. Some places can be pretentious and I don't like that. I didn't get that vibe here. Loved it. They have many different options of baked goods, hot and cold beverages, salads, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more.They also serve wine. Very unique and interesting. Some coffee shops do serve wine. Love wine, but not in the mornings/afternoons:-)). So, she took my order and got everything right. I ordered an Avocado Toast, 2 Blueberry Muffins, and for my drink, got an Ube Latte. Everything tasted above and beyond fresh and delicious. My Ube Latte was made to PERFECTION! Don't know much about their parking situation, but I found street parking right in the front. They also do delivery, and 3rd party orders. My first time, but definitely not the last. Was so pleased with their hospitality. If I didn't happen to be in the area, I probably would have missed this beautiful gem. Glad I saw it and walked in. They have some nice decor inside but I decided to sit on their lovely patio. Thank you everyone, and keep up the good work!

Ordered UberEats since this used to be one of my favorite spots to order from but I haven't ordered…read morefrom them in several years so thought I'd give it a try! Got the Chicken Pesto Panini ($18) and it was pretty good. It was slightly too oily but the ingredients tasted very fresh. The chicken was a little dry and would have been better if it was more moist but not a big deal. Really enjoyed how the panini was packed with flavor and tasted delicious! The Matcha Latte ($7) was so disappointing. I requested it with less ice and less sweet so I got it 80% full. It literally tasted like milk and I couldn't taste any matcha at all unfortunately. They used to use very high quality matcha but the matcha used now is completely different. I was really looking forward to enjoying the matcha latte because it used to be one of my favorites but this was most likely the worst matcha latte I've had. Overall, the panini was good but the matcha wasn't good at all so I will definitely not get the matcha again!

"Black Vanilla Latte" One of the popular signature drink.

Sea Salt Hazelnut latter and Black Vanilla Latte

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Breakfast Plate Turkey Sausage and Brisket Egg Benedict

Coffee and Plants

4.2(728 reviews)

0.2 mi•Downtown

Super cute coffee/ matcha cafe! Loved the decor so cute & girly!…read more Ran into the owner when entering & he caught us by surprise when he stepped behind the bar & took our order haha very nice guy! My friend got the banana protein matcha & it was good from what I tried of hers(: (& that's that I'm not a real matcha fan) ha He was nice enough to ask us both if we would like cups of ice waters & we said yes! Great customer service. I was so full from lunch I decided to pass on an order for myself but will definitely come back!

*Update* Their cold brew is better and stronger than…read moreAlfred's. *Original* This is a large $7.50 cold brew. Taste of the coffee is solid. Service was pleasant. Will try the pastries the next time around.

Blue Lavender latte

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Menu Fall 2019

Mandarin Coffee Stand

4.2(731 reviews)

1.0 mi•South

I see a lot of turnover at this arcade so hopefully this shop is here to stay! I went around 10 on…read morea Saturday and yes there was a line but I thought it moved pretty quickly. The shop is teeny tiny so they request only 4 people in the store at a time. They oosted the menus on the windows so there's plenty of time to be indecisive. They have a good selection of drinks and some very unique taste profiles so there's something for everyone. My husband always sticks with classic pour overs and I got the Sicily. I didn't have to wait too long for the pourover but they didn't have much options today. He said it's fine. The Sicily was very bright and a little tart but I wanted something refreshing on a heat wave day. I would love to return to try the matcha drinks as well. They also had a seasonal sweet potato drink but I didn't order it since I don't like drinks that are way too sweet.

How do they fit so much charm into such a small space?…read more Mandarin Coffee, tucked into the Burlington Arcade in Pasadena, is a gem for lovers of high-quality Chinese specialty coffee and teas. Sure, you'll find the usual espresso drinks, but you'll also spot a few matcha options, creative fizzes, and refreshing tonics. As for pastries? The selection is stunning and freshly made. Peek into the glass case and you'll have a hard time choosing. Pro tip: don't pass up the devil's food cake donut. It's soft, airy, rich with high-quality chocolate... seriously yum. The staff are super friendly and it was fun catching them singing along to the shop playlist while carefully crafting drinks for each customer. The shop is cozy, so expect a line out front. It does move quickly though and is absolutely worth the short wait. There's no seating inside, but a few tables are set up along the arcade walkway for enjoying your treats outside. Parking is pretty easy with a large shared lot behind the arcade (plus some street parking if you're lucky). On my visit, I kept it simple with a vanilla latte, which totally hit the spot. I'll definitely be back to try the Gui Hua Latte and, of course, another devil's food cake donut!

One & One (2 of them) SO Espressos in the background

Vienna Latte w Almond milk

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Cappuccino

Artisanal Goods by CAR

4.5(850 reviews)

1.0 mi•West Central

Locally owned & operated

Free parking

I'd love to give the place a 10/10. I am a coffee and pastry lover. The place smashes them both…read moretogether into this beautiful little shop. As Pasadena goes, parking can be a little tough but its worth circling for street parking. I got there super late on a Sunday but was lucky enough to nab the last kouign amann from the case. Since I'd never been there before, I also picked up a chocolate bar with hazelnuts. I went for my usual iced vanilla latte but added their cold foam. The girl taking my order was very nice and even apologetic about their limited pastry options. I knew I'd made a mistake by getting there so late on a weekend. But I'm just so glad I got what I ordered. The coffee was delightful! It was perfectly creamy! The cold foam was a great addition to the drink. The kouign aman was out of this world! Perfectly crusty and caramelized. It's one of the best ones I've ever had. I cant wait to go back and try other items. Lesson learned...I'll be there early!

Came in here last weekend after a friend told me about it. Long line and about a 20 minute wait…read more Something about their process seems inefficient as the ordering seemed to take quite a while for some customers. The pastries were beautiful. We had lunch plans nearby, so grabbed one to go to take home and share with my dad. Ordered a pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant). While it wasn't as fresh 8 hours later (nor did I expect it to be!!!!) it was large, the finish was beautiful and the chocolate high quality. I think if I had eaten it right away, it would have been even better. However $7 is on the high end for a single pastry. Would I come back here for the croissant and/or to try other offerings if I was in the area? yes.

Blueberry fig.. Very good

Blueberry fig

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Lemon Berry pastry.

Philz Coffee

4.3(949 reviews)

1.0 mi•Downtown

Friendly service. I like that they have pastries, burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of…read moredrinks (matcha, coffees, teas, hot cocoa). The baristas make sure they make each drink carefully and allow you the chance to try it before you head out. There's plenty of seating. Some long bar tables, benches, and a sofa. It was quite loud inside on a Saturday so good to know if you need a quiet place to work. I saw quite a few people working on laptops as well as groups of people catching up. The front door has a sign stating that the entrance is wheelchair accessible. They also have a gender neutral bathroom.

Love their mint mojito - wait times can be a while during the weekends or rush hour…read more I honestly never know where to park when I come here. People are pretty friendly - it can be a bit noisy if you're trying to work here

Liking the vibe, and the interiors...

Mint Mojito Iced Coffee

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Large Tiramisu + Large Mint Mojito BOGO for your birthday if you download the app! Love! https://app.philz.us/pb2O/gum1fdq5

Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters

4.5(1.5k reviews)

2.0 mi

Finally visited Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters!…read more Jameson Brown has been on my ever-growing list of coffee shops to try, and I'm so glad I finally made it in! Tucked on a brick corner building in Pasadena, their simple signage is easy to miss (I've driven by so many times and never noticed!), but stepping inside, you find a spacious and inviting interior with ample table options and even a cozy fireplace in the back. Parking is street only, so you might have to walk a bit during peak times, but it's worth it for the atmosphere alone. There are a couple of outdoor tables too, if you want some fresh air. Jameson Brown is an artisan roaster sourcing beans from around the globe, barrels of beautiful coffee beans are on display and you can watch the baristas access them as they craft each drink to order. The menu is displayed on a giant blackboard, with special and seasonal offerings up front by the counter. New pastry selections include treats like calamansi cheesecake pandesal and sticky buns (with vegan options as well). The staff were incredibly friendly, patient, and welcoming as I took my time deciding what to get. I went with my usual vanilla latte, plus their specialty Vienna latte. The espresso in my vanilla latte was bold and delicious, and while I'm not a big cinnamon fan, the Vienna latte (with honey and cinnamon) was perfect to bring home to my husband. Loved the open space, perfect for meetings, game nights, or just working from a coffee shop for the day. So glad I could finally check this one off my list. Highly recommend!

Wow what can I say! Looking for a great cup of ice cold coffee on a hot summer day!…read more What a great find in Pasadena. The experience, the location and the ambiance just perfect to sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee! The aroma as soon as you walk inside just captures the essence of a coffee shop/ caffeinated tranquility. Service is fast and staff friendly! Ordered my iced mocha! Definitely hit the spot! Would recommend 10/10! Will definitely be going back soon.

Busy inside

Inside

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Coffee Bean selections

Mandarin 2

4.5(98 reviews)

4.4 mi•Chapman

Super cute 2nd location by mandarin. I'm not going to lie...I prefer this one over the original…read moreone. Theres more seating, workers are friendlier, it's less hustle and bustle vibe. I got their seasonal coconut latte. Amazing. Perfectly balanced, great all around.

Stopped by Mandarin 2 Coffee in Pasadena and had a really nice experience. I ordered the vanilla…read morelatte, and it was pretty good--not too sweet and nicely balanced. The place is super nice, with a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. Overall, it's a great spot to grab coffee and relax. I'd definitely come back and try more of their drinks.

The One on One by the Window

The Pour Over Set Up

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Interior

Intelligentsia Coffee

3.8(1.7k reviews)

0.1 mi•Downtown

Was school shopping in the summer heat and needed a quick refresher. Had a very friendly gentleman…read morehelped me at the counter. Suggested one of the new summer drinks. I ordered the Yuzu Emerald Spritz. Was also nice enough to give directions and the code to the restroom. The AC and the perfectly balance drink were a perfect combination for some relief from the heat. Will be coming back for that drink again.

Service is always amazing, location is great. Their chocolate croissant is my favorite especially…read morewhen warmed up. Their seasonal menu is always my favorite, can't wait for the fall when they have their apple lattes.

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Black Cat Affogato

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22 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Temirlan T.

11

102

339

5 months ago

The Best Coffee Shop in All of Pasadena -- and I Mean That Criterion is simply the best café in Pasadena, and I say that as someone who has made it part of my daily life. I cannot imagine starting my morning without a cup of their coffee and a stack of their incredible pancakes -- it's a ritual I look forward to every single day. The vibe inside is warm and welcoming in a way that's hard to put into words. There's a beautiful chess board available, a lovely second floor that's perfect for a quieter experience, and live music every Saturday that makes the whole place come alive. It's the kind of spot where you actually want to linger. What really sets Criterion apart is the owner -- a trained chef who is almost always present and genuinely passionate about the food. He sources all products and groceries from Whole Foods, and you can absolutely taste the difference. The food doesn't just look stunning; it tastes like something out of a dream. Close your eyes and you're somewhere magical. They also have a bonus rewards system, which is a great touch for regulars like me. Honestly, this place has it all -- exceptional coffee, heavenly food, great atmosphere, and a community feel that's rare to find. I will truly miss this place. If you haven't been yet, go. You won't regret it. read more

Talin S.

52

34

11

1 year ago

Criterion is hands down one of the best coffee shops in Pasadena. The space itself feels thoughtfully designed--modern, minimal, and welcoming without being pretentious. It's the kind of place where you can just as easily settle in with a laptop for a productive morning as you can meet a friend for a slow weekend coffee. The coffee here is exceptional. Every drink feels carefully crafted, from their espresso shots--which are consistently smooth and balanced--to their pour-overs, which highlight the nuances of each bean. You can tell they take sourcing and preparation seriously. Even the basics, like a cappuccino or iced latte, taste a step above what you'll find at most cafés. Additionally, pastry is always fresh and food is delicious. The staff deserves a special mention: always friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they're serving. They're happy to walk you through different beans or brewing methods without any of the attitude you sometimes find at specialty shops. If you're someone who values both quality and atmosphere, Criterion is a must-visit. It has quickly become my go-to coffee spot in Pasadena, and I honestly can't recommend it highly enough. read more

Shell C.

1

27

36

7 months ago

Criterion Coffee was overall pretty mid for me. The space itself is very cute inside and the staff was friendly and welcoming, which I appreciated. As for the food and drinks, the coffee was okay but nothing particularly memorable. The macchiato leaned very acidic, which wasn't really my preference. The coffee I ordered was definitely better than the food. I also tried the avocado toast and it was a bit underwhelming. The bread didn't seem toasted enough and the whole dish felt pretty bland and lacking depth. I'm not sure what type of bread they use, but it had olives baked into it, which ended up overpowering the rest of the flavors. Overall, it wasn't bad, but nothing really stood out enough to make me want to come back. Pasadena has so many great coffee spots, so I'll probably keep exploring some of the other cafés in the area. read more

Alique B.

Elite 26

212

313

171

4 months ago

I've been to Criterion twice now and I already know it's becoming one of my favorite coffee spots. Their lattes are SO good... coconut cold brew, rose vanilla latte... great flavor and not too sweet! The ambiance is super cute and cozy without feeling chaotic or overcrowded, which I really appreciate. The upstairs seating area is such a hidden gem if you want to sit, chat, work, or just linger a little longer. Also... the pistachio lemon loaf is bomb. Like genuinely worth going back for on its own. Definitely one of those places that feels both aesthetic and actually comfortable at the same time P. S. Service is great- no snobby, miserable baristas here! read more

Jeannie Y.

44

922

6179

3 months ago

This is such a cozy little café that's perfect for taking a break or catching up with a friend. The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting, making it easy to relax. The coffee was excellent, and the staff were friendly and welcoming throughout our visit. The food tasted fresh and was prepared well, making it a great spot for breakfast or a light lunch. Another big plus is the location--it's conveniently close to schools, shopping, and plenty of other restaurants, so it's easy to stop by while you're out. I'd definitely come back for another coffee and a fresh meal. read more

Ken K.

0

1

2 years ago

This Coffee Shop stands out as a beacon of excellence for coffee enthusiasts and foodies alike. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delectable pastries fills the air. The pristine interiors and spotless countertops reflect the dedication of the staff to providing a hygienic environment, which is rare these days. At Criterion, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a work of art. Hard to find another coffee shop around at this level. read more

Ella H.

0

1

2 years ago

This Coffee Shop stands out as a beacon of excellence for coffee enthusiasts and foodies alike. From the moment you step through the door, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and delectable pastries fills the air. The pristine interiors and spotless countertops reflect the dedication of the staff to providing a hygienic environment, which is rare these days. At Criterion, coffee isn't just a beverage; it's a work of art. Hard to find another coffee shop around at this level. read more

Ripsi M.

0

4

0

2 years ago

Today, I had a chance to visit Criterion Coffee in the heart of beautiful Pasadena. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is very cozy and designed with good taste. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious coffee, fresh baked pastries, breakfast, etc. In addition to good drinks and food, the cafe has a comfortable seating area, where I enjoyed my cup of flavorful Cortado. I would highly recommend this place. Thank you!!! read more

Naira B.

0

1

2

2 years ago

Amazing Experience at Criterion Cafe! I had the best time at Criterion Cafe in downtown Pasadena! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the experience even better. The atmosphere was cozy and lively, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The food was delicious, and the coffee was rich and flavorful. To top it all off, the live jazz music on Sunday made it an unforgettable experience! I had such a great time and will definitely be back. Highly recommend! read more

Lana M.

0

4

7

2 years ago

Stepping into Criterion Coffee feels like entering a designer's dream. The interior is a perfect blend of modern aesthetics and cozy comfort, making it an inviting space to unwind. As I took my first sip of their coffee, the rich aroma and smooth taste instantly won me over. The baristas were attentive and friendly, adding a personal touch to the service. Overall, my experience at Criterion Coffee was nothing short of exceptional, and I'll definitely be back for more. read more

Misikga F.

111

907

811

2 years ago

Criterion Coffee is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy a tasty breakfast in Pasadena. I enjoyed their breakfast options. Their smoked salmon bagel is really fresh and delicious. The service was warm and friendly, and it was evident that the barista takes great care providing good service. The background music was pleasant, and the café was meticulously cozy. With its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, I'll definitely be returning for breakfast. read more

Hakob S.

0

9

17

2 years ago

Absolutely love this coffee shop! The cappuccino is perfect every time--rich, smooth, and just the right amount of foam. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to relax or catch up with friends. The staff is always friendly and attentive, which makes each visit even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great coffee in a charming setting! read more

Varuzhan B.

0

1

2

2 years ago

I am so happy I came across to this amazing, cozy coffee spot in Pasadena. Tried the Prosciutto toast and had delicious Coffee. Everything was so tasty will be coming back for sure. In addition to great drinks and food, the cafe had a comfortable seating area to enjoy with friends. Thank you for amazing service read more

Andrew R.

0

1

1 year ago

Criterion Coffee is a gem! The coffee is always smooth and flavorful, and you can tell they care about quality in every cup. The baristas are friendly, knowledgeable, and make you feel welcome whether you're grabbing a quick espresso or staying to enjoy the cozy vibe. A must-visit for coffee lovers! read more

Gladys H.

0

19

4

1 month ago

Excellent food (I loved the salmon toast) with a variety of warm and cold drinks. Very popular place. Busy on weekends. Attentive management who kindly and professionally responded to a concern that I shared about limited seating during my Sunday visit. read more

Michelle A.

1730

83

1039

2 years ago

Warm and inviting. Thoughtful decor beautifully set up with usb and outlets under the seating. Delicious toasts with high quality ingredients and tasty drinks. The pastries taste homemade and were very comforting. We will be back for more! read more

Danny C.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Food was horrible coffee was not satisfying their is disgusting they where so rude will never eat here again do not recommend this spot to anyonee do nit come here and waist your time & money read more

Varma B.

0

4

3

7 months ago

The minute you walk-in already feels welcoming. Very nice ambiance, great customer service, the food is delicious and homemade. Definitely recommend to check out. read more

Tatevik M.

0

4

10

2 years ago

Beautiful, cozy spot with amazing food, and breathtaking coffee! Salmon, quinoa salad was a fire! And I am speechless about their latte. Will be back for sure. read more

Josh C.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Well made espresso drinks. Friendly service. Ambiance and music...okay. Visiting Pasadena and love trying and supporting local. read more

Criterion coffee - coffee - Updated October 2026

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People who viewed Criterion coffee also viewed

Republik Coffee

4.4

(1.7k reviews)

What a charming and quaint coffee shop this Republic Coffee is. With indoor and patio seating... so…read morelovely. Both inside and outside were super clean along with their restrooms. The minute I walked in, the aroma of the coffee and baked goods just organically welcomed me IN! Walked in this morning at 10:15AM, and was greeted by Stephanie. All the people behind the counter were genuinely super nice and friendly, and I am going to leave it at that. Some places can be pretentious and I don't like that. I didn't get that vibe here. Loved it. They have many different options of baked goods, hot and cold beverages, salads, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and more.They also serve wine. Very unique and interesting. Some coffee shops do serve wine. Love wine, but not in the mornings/afternoons:-)). So, she took my order and got everything right. I ordered an Avocado Toast, 2 Blueberry Muffins, and for my drink, got an Ube Latte. Everything tasted above and beyond fresh and delicious. My Ube Latte was made to PERFECTION! Don't know much about their parking situation, but I found street parking right in the front. They also do delivery, and 3rd party orders. My first time, but definitely not the last. Was so pleased with their hospitality. If I didn't happen to be in the area, I probably would have missed this beautiful gem. Glad I saw it and walked in. They have some nice decor inside but I decided to sit on their lovely patio. Thank you everyone, and keep up the good work!

Ordered UberEats since this used to be one of my favorite spots to order from but I haven't ordered…read morefrom them in several years so thought I'd give it a try! Got the Chicken Pesto Panini ($18) and it was pretty good. It was slightly too oily but the ingredients tasted very fresh. The chicken was a little dry and would have been better if it was more moist but not a big deal. Really enjoyed how the panini was packed with flavor and tasted delicious! The Matcha Latte ($7) was so disappointing. I requested it with less ice and less sweet so I got it 80% full. It literally tasted like milk and I couldn't taste any matcha at all unfortunately. They used to use very high quality matcha but the matcha used now is completely different. I was really looking forward to enjoying the matcha latte because it used to be one of my favorites but this was most likely the worst matcha latte I've had. Overall, the panini was good but the matcha wasn't good at all so I will definitely not get the matcha again!

Mandarin Coffee Stand

4.2

(731 reviews)

I see a lot of turnover at this arcade so hopefully this shop is here to stay! I went around 10 on…read morea Saturday and yes there was a line but I thought it moved pretty quickly. The shop is teeny tiny so they request only 4 people in the store at a time. They oosted the menus on the windows so there's plenty of time to be indecisive. They have a good selection of drinks and some very unique taste profiles so there's something for everyone. My husband always sticks with classic pour overs and I got the Sicily. I didn't have to wait too long for the pourover but they didn't have much options today. He said it's fine. The Sicily was very bright and a little tart but I wanted something refreshing on a heat wave day. I would love to return to try the matcha drinks as well. They also had a seasonal sweet potato drink but I didn't order it since I don't like drinks that are way too sweet.

How do they fit so much charm into such a small space?…read more Mandarin Coffee, tucked into the Burlington Arcade in Pasadena, is a gem for lovers of high-quality Chinese specialty coffee and teas. Sure, you'll find the usual espresso drinks, but you'll also spot a few matcha options, creative fizzes, and refreshing tonics. As for pastries? The selection is stunning and freshly made. Peek into the glass case and you'll have a hard time choosing. Pro tip: don't pass up the devil's food cake donut. It's soft, airy, rich with high-quality chocolate... seriously yum. The staff are super friendly and it was fun catching them singing along to the shop playlist while carefully crafting drinks for each customer. The shop is cozy, so expect a line out front. It does move quickly though and is absolutely worth the short wait. There's no seating inside, but a few tables are set up along the arcade walkway for enjoying your treats outside. Parking is pretty easy with a large shared lot behind the arcade (plus some street parking if you're lucky). On my visit, I kept it simple with a vanilla latte, which totally hit the spot. I'll definitely be back to try the Gui Hua Latte and, of course, another devil's food cake donut!

Savvvys

(257 reviews)

We finished at Popping Yolk and after having unseasoned food we wanted tasty little drinks to sip…read moreon while we yapped and caught up. THE BEST DRINKS EVERRRRRR We got the brown sugar Americano ice latte and ended up getting another, we also got the lover girl (I think) smoothie and again super good. We saw someone get the lava girl (I think) latte and it looked so good but we already had too much sugar lol The service was so quick and the man there had a great attitude! There was plenty of indoor and outdoor seating space. We got there about 12:30 and ended up leaving at about 5ish. It was such a chill and lowkey place. We plan to meet back here every month. The owner did an outstanding job creating such an oasis and employing great people !

Savvvys is a cute hidden oasis tucked in Mills Alley in Pasadena. I came here before my Burke…read moreWilliams reservation nearby and it definitely helped me get into a relaxing mood before the spa. As you enter the shop, you can see the exterior seating in the outside. It was a hot day so I wasn't trying to sit outdoors. Thankfully they also had a small indoor seating area. You order at the counter and seat yourself. Arlette was the barista who helped me and based on my preferences she made a few recommendations, in which I opted for the Besitos ($7) which is a horchata and cinnamon latte. While they were making my latte, I settled into a comfortable half booth seat that conveniently had outlets underneath. My drink was prepared quickly and wowwwwww. It had the perfect balance of coffee and creaminess. All the things I like in a latte and in a horchata in one cup. Based on the way they're set up, it seems like the folks who are socializing like to sit outside, and the folks inside securing outlets are studying or working. It's a good workspace alternative. I can definitely see myself coming back if I need some caffeine or to get some work done while in the Pasadena area. Until next time!

Mehfil Co.

4.3

(51 reviews)

Drinks were full of rich flavors. Place was nice and clean. Staff was very nice, professional and…read morefriendly. Very pleased with the experience.

The spices! The beautifully curated menu! The comfy cafe atmosphere! You won't regret trying these…read moremust try South Asian drinks in Pasadena! This cafe is located in the corner of busyling South Lake and Green Street, and the moment you step in it is just ~zen ~: people were studying and working on their laptops and the atmosphere was calm which is the way I love my cafes! I placed a Togo order beforehand on their website and the staff were kind and efficiently gave me my order which they nicely kept in their fridge and freezer ( for the ice cream)! I got the Rooh Afza lassi and my partner got the Honey Chai latte. I never had roof Afza (concentrated squash that is apparently known as the summer drink of the east!), and it was delicious! The floral and fruity taste paired with the creamy yogurt lassi was so refreshing! My partner's latte had such amazing high-quality chai as well. These unique and tasty drinks were so worth the visit and am definitely coming again to try more of their menu!

Milk Brew

(81 reviews)

Milk Brew was a really cool place to get some remote work done for a couple hours…read more The banana milk brew was kinda sweet with a nice coffee flavor. I also got a cappuccino to go, since I have to get a classic to really judge a place. John crafted a great one: no bitter aftertaste, gorgeous latte art, rock solid. Grabbed a banana milk brew for my wife too. Oh and all their syrups are homemade! Super rare nowadays! So much natural light in here, I loved it. I sat at the coffee bar and chatted with the baristas, John and Antonio. Super swell guys. The only headache was PARKING. Ugh. Why does Pasadena hate building community in its beautiful downtown? Definitely coming back. Pro tip: sit at the bar and talk to the homies. John and Antonio, I hope you guys do bring some coffee craft drinks!

What a cool concept! I had their flagship, the milk brew with banana milk and it was delicious!…read more As a fan of black coffee I avoid lattes, so when they educated me on how their process is almost like a cold brew steep, but with milk instead of water I had to try. Lattes for me just didn't carry enough of the coffee flavor, but with the milk brew it was definitely there. The service was so kind and I'm grateful they took the time to teach me about what they love. Also the cup shape is super cool small detailed I loved! There's plenty of room in here so I'm excited to see what other uses they can make of the unit! Please come try Milk Brew :)

Kissa by Motto

(78 reviews)

Came here on a Sunday morning and the traffic picked up towards lunch time, but luckily the service…read moremoved pretty quickly. There is street parking around the area and a good amount of seating both inside and outside. We paid about $33 for five items, which is a little on the pricier side, but considering that this cafe reminds me of a Studio Ghibli film, I expected as much. Nutellamisu Latte - Skip This was my least favorite, even though I thought I would like this the most! I was expecting a lot more Nutella and coffee flavor, but it mostly tasted like milk. The cream on top is is thick and a little salty, and I actually thought it tasted better once I mixed everything together. Milk Bread - Definitely Get!!! I loved this bread so much. The bread came out warm and it was so soft and fluffy. The custard topping made it even better. It was thick enough to share but I ended up eating the whole thing for myself. I would absolutely order this again and then another one. Blueberry Scone - Would Get The scone happened to moist upon first bite but got drier towards the middle. I would recommend eating the scone would a drink. Dark Cacao Latte - Would Get I would recommend getting this if you want a little treat of cacao nibs with your drink. It wasn't overly sweet. Overall, the selection here for drinks is unique! I love how they are experimenting and striving for perfection. I would definitely come back for the milk bread and to try their other pastries.

Love drink And dessert options! Very nice staff…read more Packed with people and limited seats Only open 9-4pm not open on Monday Limited time

Ideology Coffee

4.4

(112 reviews)

The name "Ideology Coffee" is cool but forgot to ask the barista why it's called that…read more Interior is pretty roomy, clean and looks good with some outdoor seating. I ordered a cappuccino, apple juice(Martinellis, my favorite)and a bagel lox cream cheese. The everything bagel lox(salmon)was great and did not skimp on the meat and cream cheese. Service was also excellent on a busy Saturday. The location is nice near Colorado but a few streets away making it a more chill and relaxing location. Recommended.

food matcha - meh…read more coffee - also meh service pretty good service i didn't feel rushed but the second time was weird and I did in fact feel rushed ambiance vibes are ok not the greatest depending on the crowd sometimes it's a working vibe, other times it's a really weird Pasadena vibe thats like a eerie/judgey vibe parking: ass booty price: priceyyyy

Nostalgic Cafe

3.9

(117 reviews)

I don't know if you can be nostalgic for something that is almost brand new but let us not quibble…read more The name is cute and catchy and the inside is extremely cozy and perfect for a rainy day (which it was during our visit). The furniture is lovely and the lighting is fantastic. I think they went for a quasi-Victorian look here. Someone did some good work with the interior design. The coffee drinks were solid and the French toast was generous and very good. The garden bagel with a side salad was very fresh and kind of healthy, but for the cream cheese (and the bagel itself--I don't know why but all bagels are just jammed with a million calories). Solid coffeehouse. I would return. Hint: the couch at the front is the sweet spot, if you can nab it.

The place is very cute and the vibes were pretty cool as well…read more Food was alright and the matcha was disappointing sadly and I'm not very picky. The workers are not friendly at all :(

Mandarin 2

(98 reviews)

Super cute 2nd location by mandarin. I'm not going to lie...I prefer this one over the original…read moreone. Theres more seating, workers are friendlier, it's less hustle and bustle vibe. I got their seasonal coconut latte. Amazing. Perfectly balanced, great all around.

Stopped by Mandarin 2 Coffee in Pasadena and had a really nice experience. I ordered the vanilla…read morelatte, and it was pretty good--not too sweet and nicely balanced. The place is super nice, with a welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. Overall, it's a great spot to grab coffee and relax. I'd definitely come back and try more of their drinks.

Bevel Coffee

4.8

(64 reviews)