Even before coming to Caltech, I was a fan of cafes, so moving to Pasadena only fueled my addiction further with close access to plenty of incredible spots. While working at the top of Caltech Hall is the superior work spot on campus, sometimes (a lot more than I probably should), I crave a new environment accompanied by a delicious coffee or matcha. After two years of exploring, here is my definitive ranking of Pasadena’s cafes close to campus:
Republik Coffee Pasadena
Located at the end of Lake Ave, this cozy cafe is a gem, and, if you can snag a seat, it’s well worth it. They offer a great selection of sandwiches; the chicken pesto is my go-to and never disappoints. Their drink selection is unique, featuring multiple activated charcoal lattes (the black vanilla latte is a standout) and a variety of tea lattes (the iced London fog here is superior). One fun aspect of this place is the small bands that often play in the afternoons, which adds a lively atmosphere.
Workability: 9/10 (if you can find space)
Drinks: 7/10
Ambiance: 9/10
Fika Fika
Fika Fika is the reason I drink coffee now, for better or worse. Their menu includes both flavored lattes and flower lattes, and you can’t go wrong with either. The flower lattes are my personal favorite, especially the jasmine one. While a bit sweet, the jasmine, rose, and lavender flavors are irresistible (I just order them half-sweetened). I also recommend their popcorn chicken and avocado toast for a snack!
Workability: 5/10
Drinks: 10/10
Ambiance: 6/10 (The Arcadia location is bigger and nicer if you’re willing to drive)
Mandarin Coffee
Mandarin serves hands down the best coffee in Pasadena! Unfortunately, it’s no hidden gem — expect long lines out the door. However, if you visit in the early morning or on a weekday, you might catch one of their unique and delicious pastries before they sell out. While seating is limited to outdoor tables, the shaded Burlington Arcade area on Lake is a nice spot to work.
Workability: 6/10
Drinks: 10/10
Ambiance: 10/10
DASH
DASH is a quiet haven with plenty of seating. Their signature ube latte is my favorite, though I usually ask for less sweetness. It’s a bit too sweet for my taste but still delightful.
Workability: 8/10
Drinks: 9/10
Ambiance: 8/10
HOJI
HOJI might be a boba place rather than a cafe, but it’s too good to leave off the list. Super close to campus, it’s a fantastic spot for working while enjoying their delicious teas. The small inside space makes seating hard to find, but it’s worth it if you do.
Workability: 9/10
Drinks: 9/10
Ambiance: 10/10
The Boy & The Bear
I like the vibe here, and their pastries are worth trying. I personally wasn’t intrigued by any of their coffees, so I decided on a nice Iron Goddess of Mercy oolong tea. It came in a cute beaker so it would stay nice and hot!
Workability: 8/10
Drinks: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Intelligentsia Coffee
The coffee here is solid, but the environment can be a bit too rowdy to work at. It’s on a fairly busy street in Old Pasadena. People are coming in and out every minute here, which I personally don’t love for a cafe to work at.
Workability: 6/10
Drinks: 7/10
Ambiance: 7/10
Copa Vida
Copa Vida offers ample space to work, which is its best feature. My pro tip: grab lunch at Amara across the street before settling in with their iced London fog.
Workability: 9/10
Drinks: 7/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Coffee and Plants
While undeniably pretty, I find their drinks too milky and the seating too limited to recommend for work.
Workability: 2/10
Drinks: 5/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Cha Redefine
Last, but not least, Cha Redefine is a non-cafe gem with incredible drinks. If you’re looking for a quieter place to work, this is a great choice—especially with their matcha latte or jasmine chappuccino.
Workability: 8/10
Drinks: 9/10
Ambiance: 8/10
Exploring Pasadena’s cafe scene has not only fueled and created my new caffeine habit but has also given me a great way to explore Pasadena when walking to these spots. Each spot on this list has its own charm and offers a unique environment to get work done (or simply relax with a great cup of coffee). Whether you’re an incoming Caltech student or just visiting, I hope this guide helps you find your new favorite study spot.
