After walking from the convention center area to Vroman's on a sunny afternoon, I was very happy to find Tepito Coffee sharing a space under Vroman's roof. I was ready for a cool drink and a place to sit and enjoy it. On a Sunday they were busy, but not overwhelmingly so at the 3:00 hour. The cashier was friendly and helpful when I told him about my desire to have an iced coffee; decaf, with non-dairy milk, etc. They don't do blended drinks, so over-ice is the option for something cold. He recommended oat milk. Flavor-wise, I chose lavender to change it up. Good choice! Their space, while on the smallish side, does have a number of indoor tables, some cute Mexican-themed décor, plus a larger outside seating area. It presented as clean and cheerful. I asked if I could take my coffee into the bookstore. The cashier (who may have been a manager) replied that it was something they absolutely insisted when they were negotiating the space with Vroman's - that the customers would be allowed to bring their beverages into the store. The coffee was on the heavy side, so I was glad to have the lavender flavoring to help perk up the overall flavor profile. Prices were comparable to many other coffee bars. It's great to have the opportunity to support an independent business like this one. read more

Tepito Coffee - Tepito Coffee tucked into Vroman's Bookstore's building. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

I came here on a whim when I was shopping next door and then a few days later for a meeting. The cafe's design is modern with tons of sunlight but the visuals that gives it life (the murals, merchandise designs, typography of the signs and photography) is unapologetically Indigenous, which also reflects in their menu. Pastries consists of pan dulce, cornbread and conchas of different flavors. I bought a strawberry one and it paired well with my lavender pistachio milk cold brew! So delicious and the beverage was well-made. They didn't have breakfast burritos available so I hope one day they will be available again. Also, i want to add that the cold brew is great on its own. No sugar or creamer needed. It was refreshing, light and flavorful with a hint of natural sweetness from the roast. Service marks high in my book. The gentlemen behind the counter were friend and accommodating, particularly during my first visit. He was patient enough to explain the menu and help me figure out what to order. Free Wi-Fi, ample seats and lots of room, Tepito is a great place for a business meeting, meeting with friends or chilling out to check out your recent purchase from the bookstore next door. read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

I tried a hot horchata latte since I thought it would bring out the flavor. It's sweet and cinnamony, a nice coffee to order when you need a flavor blast. They aren't carrying the Mexican breads anymore but they have a variety of yummy looking pastries. The shop is tucked inside Vromans so you might walk past it without even knowing it's there. read more

See all

PLUS: Nice ambience, right next to the bookstore. Solid coffee. Friendly service. MINUS: Ordered a plain butter croissant. Was dry as dust, and it tasted like it had been thawed from frozen. read more

I ordered a vanilla oat milk latte. It was 10$, so more than any other shop in the area. It was absolutely disgusting. It tastes like coffee from a Keurig machine with sweet creamer in it. Don't go here. Go to Urth or Copa Vida. read more

Tepito Coffee - Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

My friend and I were excited to try this place for Mexican coffee but it was just okay. They have their own storefront and are also conjoined with Vroman's, so there's plenty of space to study or work on stuff. I didn't pay attention to whether there were outlets and wifi since I had to walk in quickly to pick up the drinks while my friend circled the block -- my understanding is that there's a parking lot in back, but I feel that it's pretty easy to miss, especially during rush hour traffic, because that's just how Pasadena is. The cafe itself is cute and there's plenty of outdoor seating to catch up with friends over coffee in the summer. I ordered a cacao latte with less ice and lavender sweetener, and it wasn't bad, despite not being as chocolatey as I expected. I also didn't taste any hint of lavender. My friend's iced horchata coffee was just not good though. It was extremely watered down and thus tasted like someone added cinnamon powder to water. I think it would've tasted better if we ordered the horchata latte instead, or if we ordered with less ice. They also gave us a regular size even though we paid for a large, so that was kind of disappointing to find out after we drove away. Overall, it wasn't the optimal experience, but I think I would still be open to giving them another try if I ever happen to be in the area. I respect the rehabilitation work done by the owner, so I would love to support the business any way I can. Hopefully this honest feedback is also a form of support! read more

If you want to do something good while getting something good, I highly recommend this place. I was not disappointed! Amazing vibe too! read more

Tepito Coffee - Cheese Danish and iced latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'm very angry with this place. A couple of issues with it: First, the staff was so eager to close fast so they could leave (even with the place already closing way too early at 6:00 pm), that they practically lifted my chair and dumped it forward to get me to leave long before 6. There was still nearly an hour until the posted closing time and they were already stacking chairs and tables all around me and pressuring me to leave. I had just got my coffee and sat down about fifteen minutes before. They kept hovering over me, making faces, one was sweeping and talking to a friend very loudly on their phone, telling the friend there was still just one person sitting in the corner so they couldn't put all the chairs away, meaning me (remember, this is still fifty minutes before closing). The other thing: I ordered decaf. It is now nearly two a.m. as I write this and I have to go to work in a few hours and I am wide awake and have been totally unable to sleep because they absolutely obviously did NOT give me decaf. I am furious about this. I figured since I'm not going to be able to sleep and will have to go to work with zero sleep, I might as well use the time to write this and warn others away. Wanted to support this local place, but will never ever go here again. The coffee tasted really bad. The place is super overpriced in general with bad coffee and bad service. Maybe the staff are just not good workers, maybe they are not paid enough to give a crap, probably a combination of both, but whatever it is, I would just skip this place completely. Support other businesses nearby that are actually worth supporting because they actually care about their customers. This one needs to go under already and get replaced by a business owner that actually deserves that prime spot, rather than one who capitalizes on and exploits Mexican culture to create a fake facade just to make a quick buck with subpar products and service that end up just being nothing more than embarrassing to Mexico. read more

I got the Adelita warm and my sister tried their iced horchata latte. They informed us the horchata latte is originally plant based (with coconut) and honestly it was yummy. I've had other plant based horchatas and this one definitely beat them. The flavors are pretty strong but I would say that is a good thing that they put in time to these drink options. I'd say definitely check them out. They apparently have a free parking space (check their Instagram for that) but I parked on the street in front. Their outdoor seating in front was a nice touch as it was a lovely day and I was able to get work done (beware their wifi may not reach that area though). If you're looking for a nice vibe in community, surely try this place out and even check out the bookstore. Gonna give 5 stars for the sweet employees honestly. read more

See all

Service is super slow. We ended up waiting 20 minutes for capuccino. There are like 4 people behind the counter at a peak hour and they yap instead of making coffee. Their only advantage is location right next to bookstore. Will buy coffee from another shop and drink it in the bookstore (which we had to do anyway) and not waste a precious chunk of 20 minutes, read more

Meh. Slow, expensive and really not anything special. Bummer to see some of the older better coffee shops leave this area. Looks like we're left with a handful of very mediocre options here. Just a bummer. read more

1st time going. The iced coffee was delicious. Definitely want to come back. Did not try any of the pastries.

I enjoy this place, and their coffee is very good. But sometimes the wait time is ridiculous for one coffee order. I was there on Saturday, and it was very busy, but there were only two people working, and one was mostly on the register unless there a pause on people ordering. I waited 20 minutes for a mocha. I thought they'd forgotten about me. I appreciate them apologizing for the long wait (to several customers). Maybe have more people on a shift when it's a weekend during the busiest time of year. Otherwise, during slower times, everything runs pretty well. Recommend their café de olla, cortado, and peppermint mocha (prefer it to the Starbucks version for sure). read more

Ordered a dirty chai with oat milk and an almond croissant. Great had great flavor and the pastry was perfect crispy and soft!!

Pasadena, CA Tepito's espresso ranks among the best I've ever tried! A new coffee shop has leased the space attached to Vroman's bookstore on Colorado Boulevard. Jones decided not to renew the lease at this location. Tepito is owned by an actor from what I understand. I first tried their coffee last week at a friend's home and could not believe the flavor of the Warrior Roast espresso, it was very rich, deep and nuanced in flavor: notes of strawberry, hazelnut, honey and chocolate. We had affogatos with Strauss vanilla bean ice cream and it was such a great pairing. When I visited the store I tried the Warrior Roast which is also used on their espresso bar. The coffee is sourced in Mexico. I believe the coffee farm and roaster is from Veracruz and Oaxaca. I think they sell a total of 3 different coffee bean blends @ around $22 lb. I visited to purchase some coffee beans for a friend to try but they were out of one pound bags of the Warrior roast and are awaiting a new shipment. While I was there I could not pass up the chance to try a coffee so I ordered an espresso shot/Cortado. I spoke with Jhorken and placed my order. He was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions very patiently. Great service here! The coffee was fantastic, and the barristas latte art was impressive. I didn't notice a lot of pastry offerings, but I was not paying close attention. I think they kept pastries in a box behind the counter out of view. They also have breakfast burritos until they sell out and I understand the burritos are pretty good made by a company in Los Angeles and delivered for service and kept in a warmer and sold until they run out. The shop has only been opened for a month. They were constructing an outdoor patio on my visit and are still working on a few finishing details, but the space is beautiful and I anticipate visiting again soon. There is free but limited street parking just outside the store for one hour or free parking in the back. For now, they are only open on Wednesday through Sunday check the website for hours. I This may be my new favorite choice for coffee when in Pasadena. read more

See all

Tepito is extra special in my opinion because the guys who own it came out of Homeboy Industries. If you're not familiar, do a little research. Tepito is a small coffee shop rich with Latin influence and subtle decor. On my visit I wanted to try something unfamiliar to me, so I got the Cafe De Olla which is a traditional Mexican coffee made with a variety of spices and prepared in a clay pot. I sipped my Cafe De Olla (with a little cream) mindfully as I strolled around Vroman's bookstore paying attention to the way the different spices hit my pallet. The combination of spices give it a unique and enjoyable flavor. Based on the interesting drinks showcased on their IG page that are carefully crafted and served in a traditional way, it's worth stopping by for a sit down visit. read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've been super excited to try this place out! Located in Vroman's bookstore, it's very accessible and allows you to roam about before or after getting your coffee. I had their horchata latte and it was so good! I wish they had more cup size options as the one they gave me was quite small. Service and people were great! I love seeing my people represented in the Pasadena community. I also appreciate that they're open late, I think it's convenient given most cafe shops close early. read more

See all

Okay... been here twice this week and I am officially obsessed! Their cafe de olla is to die for. Try it iced with your choice of milk and agave syrup. Love that it is in Vroman's. Two of my obsessions combined, books and coffee. The service is amazing. You instantly feel like family. The pastries and burritos are delish. There's tons of coffee shops in Pasadena but this one stands out. Such a welcome addition to the community. Bonus points for being dog friendly. read more

Tepito Coffee - people in a coffee shop - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Part of Coffee Tasting Tour. Had the Abuelita Coffee Drink. It tastes great. Atmosphere is very chill & they have outdoor seating as well. As first timer, the guy was extremely friendly and helpful on additional drinks recommended. Really appreciate that business also Supports HOMEBOYS INDUSTRIES available baked goods & food. I will go out of my way to support this Small Business. read more

Tepito Coffee - Great Coffee Drinks - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

The cafe is located next to Vroman's. I tried the hibiscus ponche and the husband got the cafe de olla. I wasn't quite sure what the hibiscus entailed and was described as a tart tea and could be made sweetened or as is. I got it sweetened and really liked the tart sweet combo. The husband was ok with the cafe de olla but not accurate representation as he normally likes his coffee straight black but wanted to try this. Staff was really nice and helpful. read more

See all

I have to say ,that I really loved this place. The staff was so very helpful and nice and really made my experience there so enjoyable. I had the Horchata coffee and a Strawberry Empanada and Brownie. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. The shop is very clean and is located in such a wonderful place right next to Vroman's book store. I will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

I stopped by after visiting the bookshop. I was glad the shop was attached to the bookshop. There is not much seating inside out there seemed to be plenty outside. I ordered an americano. It had an interesting taste, I couldn't quite place the taste. It wasn't my favorite coffee, perhaps I would like a different bean more that they have. They have one gluten free sweet treat, a brownie, but I was there around noon and they didn't have any left. Overall it was ok but not the best. read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

im addicted to the adelita latte that i keep smelling everytime i walk through vroman's bookstore. never have to wait too long for my coffee, and really convenient that i can just walk in and out of the bookstore read more

I live a quick 5 minute walk away from Tepito and this place has grown on me. Tepito is named after a borough in Mexico City (iykyk). The atmosphere is great - I really enjoy the art and culture of the coffee shop. The people are great - it's all about culture. The coffee has improved - and the baked goods are *chefs kiss*. If you're looking for a generic cup of coffee - go to Starbucks. If you're looking for a cup of coffee with culture - visit Tepito. read more

Explored this coffee shop this beautiful Saturday morning with my family. We ordered a velvety mocha latte, flaky chocolate croissant, and smooth hot chocolate which were delicious. There was a long wait time for receiving drinks and foods. Perhaps having all hands on deck during peck hours will expedite services. read more

It's cool that the coffee is connected to the library, it my coffee tasted like milk. It's pretty expensive you better off going to Starbucks. The girl that took our order was friendly. read more

Tepito Coffee - Adelita - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Staff were super nice, great location, (surrounded by books) and horchata latte was AMAZING!!

I got 2 cappuccinos, a hot chocolate, and a chai latte. The cappuccinos were strong and frothy which is good for me. But the hot chocolate was a bit too milky and nothing out of the ordinary. The chai latte was blander than I expected, perhaps more milk than chai. They were friendly and kind and fast. But I'm not sure it's very unique in the flavor of regular drinks. Perhaps the ones with sweetener or other flavors are better. Didn't try them. read more

I give this place a 3 , for first time impression. I got myself a cafe de olla , and it tasted more like water. I also got a cheese danish and that was really good . I wish the café had a little bit more sweet to it, as it's supposed to be. read more

After an appointment in East Pasadena, i was hankering for a good Cuppa Joe. Then i remembered that the time-honored Book Store (very few of these left in the world), Vroman's which has always had a Coffee joint attached. Surprisingly, there is a new (to me) place called Tepito now occupying the space. The place has been spiffed up with an emphasis on the outdoor seating which faces busy Colorado Blvd. Btw: Tepito's is right next door to the Landmark Movie Theater which took over from the Laemmle theaters. Be that as it may, what about the Drip coffee? Well, they use the age old coffee shop version of coffee brewing: brewing in large batches from big drip caldrons. It used to be "the way" to brew but isn't anymore. There are new and improved ways to brew out there that Tepito's should look into. So i bought a Coffee and not knowing how long it had been sitting in the pot: it was slightly bitter. Disappointing! So why 4 stars? 4 Stars for the terrific Croissant! Imagine my surprise when i tore into it and found a rich, buttery richness: obviously produced in the French tradition. Good Stuff! And 4 bucks is not outlandish for such a terrific, frechified, buttery croissant. The service is friendly and eager. BTW: the Croissant and all of the baked goods come from Homeboy Bakery (check out Homeboy industries here: https://homeboyindustries.org/) has obviously grown to include selling their delicious pastries and such to the trade. I have not been to Homeboy Bakery and Restaurant for a number of years and it is great to see that they are still around and flourishing. I learned from the counter person that Homeboy Industries is also a partner in this coffee joint. Cheers! read more

Tepito Coffee - Epitome art - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Un poquito de Tepito es muy rico para este chico! Latin influenced coffee and traditional flavors are the specialty at this house. Now just like dessert I started off with one of their sweetest drink and that was the cacao latte. Now this drink is recommended hot but you can also get it iced as I saw most of the customers doing so. As for me I feel I wouldn't get the full flavor of the raw cacao and I'm probably on the money or not but I can tell you that flavor really came through. Next I had the horchata that came with a nice blend of organic spices and plant based horchata which I never heard of but the drink was on the money. One thing I have to write, I tasted a little more coffee at first sip but the horchata flavor was very soft at the tail end. Now for some that's a problem but it's one preference and mood I guess. But that's just my opinion, sweet, too sweet, it's just a preference. I also had one of their cacao brownies and this little squared delight really hit the spot with my two drinks. The service was good and the cool thing is that it's located next to Vromans bookstore. How sweet is that! And that's my take on it, Peace... read more

Tepito Coffee - Horchata & Cocoa Latte with Brownie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

See all

Great chill vibe, super nice staff and great coffee. Love the Mexican art on the walls too

This coffee shop is the BOMB! The entire story of this place, from conception, family owned rancho, coffee menu flavors and espresso technique, to spiritual activism being present and an alter in the corner to honor it all. This has quickly become my favorite coffee shop. Iced Cafe de olla! The barrista Paulie recommended I add vanilla to sweeten it and I'm glad I did. Thank you for that touch! Iced matcha was also ordered. Hit the palette beautifully. This is a cool chill spot to hang out and work on your laptop or cell phone. We worked on their counters which are great. Follow them on their instagram for community events. Spotted Fabian Alomar grabbing coffee there too and secretly had a fan girl moment. Go grab a great coffee at a great location with excellent service and a heart warming story. read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great new coffee shop located as part of vromans bookstore. Really great coffee and espresso. Super friendly service with all the regular drink favorites and some east LA influenced great ones to try. Indoor and outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. read more

See all

I paid for a Large ice latte and the girl gave me a regular size. I then let her know that I ordered the Large size so she took my cup, and all she did was transfer my coffee in a large size cup, and added more ice. Disappointing! read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

The latest iteration of cafes at Vromans. The latte was decent. The surprise came with the size of the cup. It was about 10 oz for the price of a typical 16 oz. No prices on the menu board can really trip you up. Just check the size and price when you order. Service was fine. Fast and to the point. Cafe has about 5-6 spots inside to sit down with lots of seats outside. It's comfortable and Wi-Fi worked fine. read more

See all

First timer at Tepito. The Horchata Latte was perfect! 10/10! Not too sweet just the right amount. The staff were very nice and the ambience was very chill. I definitely will be coming back (: read more

Tepito Coffee - Iced Horchata Latte 10/10 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Just ordered a regular size house coffee with cream- cost? Almost $8!!!! Are they nuts? Never again!!!!

A very cute coffee spot located inside of the bookstore. The coffee was delicious, the staff was friendly, and they had a lot of food options which I appreciated. There were a handful of tables inside and a few outside. read more

Tepito Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Absolutely loved Tepito Coffee. I ordered the cafe de olla latte with a ham and cheese croissant and it did not disappoint. I love coffee shops and I can confidently say this is one of my top 3. The service was excellent and the employees were sharing with us of all the events that they recently hosted. The ambiance is calm and provides a good study location or meet up. Definitely check Tepito Coffee out! read more