Pasadena’s historic streets, shaded by old-growth trees and lined with Mediterranean Revival buildings, invite you to wander and discover. Among the art galleries, indie bookstores, and boutique shops, there’s another thriving scene brewing: the coffee scene. Whether you’re searching for a quiet place to work, a cozy spot to catch up with a friend, or a cup crafted by a barista who treats espresso like fine art, Pasadena delivers. Read on to explore the best coffee shops in Pasadena, CA, each offering something a little different but all guaranteed to leave you more caffeinated, inspired, and ready for the day ahead.
Republik Coffee: European Sophistication With a California Twist
854 E Green St.
Republik Coffee brings a touch of continental elegance to Pasadena’s café landscape. From the moment you walk in, the polished interior and marble tabletops set the tone for a refined yet approachable experience. But it’s not just the aesthetics that make Republik stand out — it’s their dedication to quality ingredients and elevated flavor.
Known for its rich, bold espresso and full-bodied cold brews, Republik also excels with creative specialty drinks like the Lavender and Oat, Sea Salt Hazelnut Cappuccino, Purple Caramel Latte, and Crushed Cardamom Oat Latte. Their menu includes European-inspired breakfast plates and pastries, perfect for pairing with a cappuccino or almond milk cortado. It's an ideal spot, whether you're meeting friends for a casual brunch or grabbing a solo espresso while catching up on emails. With its warm decor and thoughtful service, Republik offers a true escape that feels both elevated and down-to-earth.
Republik Coffee brings a touch of continental elegance to Pasadena’s café landscape. From the moment you walk in, the polished interior and marble tabletops set the tone for a refined yet approachable experience. But it’s not just the aesthetics that make Republik stand out — it’s their dedication to quality ingredients and elevated flavor.
Known for its rich, bold espresso and full-bodied cold brews, Republik also excels with creative specialty drinks like the Lavender and Oat, Sea Salt Hazelnut Cappuccino, Purple Caramel Latte, and Crushed Cardamom Oat Latte. Their menu includes European-inspired breakfast plates and pastries, perfect for pairing with a cappuccino or almond milk cortado. It's an ideal spot, whether you're meeting friends for a casual brunch or grabbing a solo espresso while catching up on emails. With its warm decor and thoughtful service, Republik offers a true escape that feels both elevated and down-to-earth.
The Boy & The Bear: Colombian Coffee With an Edge
951 E Green St.
Stepping into The Boy & The Bear feels like entering a minimalist art space where every detail is intentional, with a solid devotion to Colombian coffee. This roastery and café is laser-focused on bringing out the full potential of its beans, sourced directly from farms across Colombia and roasted with precision right here in California.
Their Pasadena location, known as "The Green Store," mirrors the brand’s signature aesthetic — sleek, stylish, and quietly confident. The drinks, however, speak volumes. You’ll find smooth, fruit-forward espressos, rich cortados, and perfectly balanced pour-overs that highlight the vibrant flavors of high-altitude Colombian regions. If you appreciate clarity and complexity in your coffee, The Boy & The Bear is worth a visit. Their rotating menu ensures there’s always something new to discover, and yet, every cup remains rooted in their commitment to authenticity and craft. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or spending an hour savoring every note of a pour-over, this café turns a simple coffee run into something much more meaningful.
Stepping into The Boy & The Bear feels like entering a minimalist art space where every detail is intentional, with a solid devotion to Colombian coffee. This roastery and café is laser-focused on bringing out the full potential of its beans, sourced directly from farms across Colombia and roasted with precision right here in California.
Their Pasadena location, known as "The Green Store," mirrors the brand’s signature aesthetic — sleek, stylish, and quietly confident. The drinks, however, speak volumes. You’ll find smooth, fruit-forward espressos, rich cortados, and perfectly balanced pour-overs that highlight the vibrant flavors of high-altitude Colombian regions. If you appreciate clarity and complexity in your coffee, The Boy & The Bear is worth a visit. Their rotating menu ensures there’s always something new to discover, and yet, every cup remains rooted in their commitment to authenticity and craft. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or spending an hour savoring every note of a pour-over, this café turns a simple coffee run into something much more meaningful.
Lavender & Honey: Stylish Sips With a Cult Following
1383 E Washington Blvd.
A Pasadena classic that effortlessly combines charm with artisanal flair, Lavender & Honey offers the kind of aesthetic that practically begs to be photographed. But make no mistake — their drinks are as thoughtfully crafted as their Instagram-worthy interiors.
A Pasadena classic that effortlessly combines charm with artisanal flair, Lavender & Honey offers the kind of aesthetic that practically begs to be photographed. But make no mistake — their drinks are as thoughtfully crafted as their Instagram-worthy interiors.
The toast bar is a local favorite, pairing their signature Lavender Latte with thick-cut slices topped with combinations like almond butter and strawberries, honey drizzle, peanut butter and banana, or sundried tomato and cream cheese spread. The natural light, clean design, and mix of wood, concrete, and succulents create an alluring space that’s both modern and warm. It’s perfect for reading, working, or people-watching with a flat white in hand. If you’re looking for a coffee shop that captures Pasadena’s creative spirit, this one should be high on your list.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters: Pasadena’s Pioneer Roastery
260 Allen Ave.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters is more than just a café — it’s a Pasadena institution. Established in 2006, this roastery has long been a favorite among locals who appreciate quality beans, a cozy atmosphere, and the scent of freshly roasted coffee in the air. Tucked just off Allen Avenue, the space offers a rustic, inviting vibe with exposed brick, worn leather chairs, and the gentle hum of conversation.
What sets Jameson Brown apart is their in-house roasting. You can watch as small batches of beans are roasted just feet from where you're sipping your latte. Their coffee menu is robust, offering everything from traditional espresso drinks to cold brew and specialty blends. Whether you prefer a smoky dark roast or a bright, citrusy single origin, you’ll find something thoughtfully crafted and exceptionally smooth. They also offer whole beans by the bag, so you can take a bit of their signature flavors home with you.
Jameson Brown has a loyal following for good reason: the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the drinks are reliably excellent, and the space invites you to linger a little longer. If you're searching for a spot that captures both the art and heart of coffee roasting, this is where you’ll want to be.
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters is more than just a café — it’s a Pasadena institution. Established in 2006, this roastery has long been a favorite among locals who appreciate quality beans, a cozy atmosphere, and the scent of freshly roasted coffee in the air. Tucked just off Allen Avenue, the space offers a rustic, inviting vibe with exposed brick, worn leather chairs, and the gentle hum of conversation.
What sets Jameson Brown apart is their in-house roasting. You can watch as small batches of beans are roasted just feet from where you're sipping your latte. Their coffee menu is robust, offering everything from traditional espresso drinks to cold brew and specialty blends. Whether you prefer a smoky dark roast or a bright, citrusy single origin, you’ll find something thoughtfully crafted and exceptionally smooth. They also offer whole beans by the bag, so you can take a bit of their signature flavors home with you.
Jameson Brown has a loyal following for good reason: the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the drinks are reliably excellent, and the space invites you to linger a little longer. If you're searching for a spot that captures both the art and heart of coffee roasting, this is where you’ll want to be.
Copa Vida: A Destination for Coffee Connoisseurs
70 S Raymond Ave.
For those who take their coffee seriously but still want a welcoming place to sip it, Copa Vida is a go-to destination. This is not your grab-it-and-go caffeine fix. Here, the emphasis is on quality and the full coffee experience.
Copa Vida offers everything from pour-overs and cold brew to nitro on tap and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Their baristas are knowledgeable without being pretentious, and they are happy to walk you through the tasting notes of that Ethiopian roast or explain the difference between AeroPress and Chemex. With a prime location, Copa Vida is ideal for a relaxed meeting or a deep dive into your next big idea.
For those who take their coffee seriously but still want a welcoming place to sip it, Copa Vida is a go-to destination. This is not your grab-it-and-go caffeine fix. Here, the emphasis is on quality and the full coffee experience.
Copa Vida offers everything from pour-overs and cold brew to nitro on tap and a rotating selection of single-origin beans. Their baristas are knowledgeable without being pretentious, and they are happy to walk you through the tasting notes of that Ethiopian roast or explain the difference between AeroPress and Chemex. With a prime location, Copa Vida is ideal for a relaxed meeting or a deep dive into your next big idea.
Sip Your Way Through Pasadena
Pasadena’s coffee scene offers more than caffeine; it offers character, creativity, and connection. Each shop tells its own story, shaped by passionate baristas, bold flavors, and welcoming spaces. Whether you’re a lifelong espresso lover or just looking for your new go-to cappuccino, there’s a coffee shop in Pasadena that’s waiting to become your favorite.
If you’re ready to discover everything that life in Pasadena has to offer, explore the real estate market with the Sabatella Delair Group leading the way.
If you’re ready to discover everything that life in Pasadena has to offer, explore the real estate market with the Sabatella Delair Group leading the way.
