Foothills coffee field notes
Independent coffee shops that I’d gladly meet you at.
There are so many great independent coffee roasteries all over LA that you really don’t need the conglomerates on every corner. I’m always looking for new shops when I’m on the road; these are the ones I keep going back to.
Loose Cannon Café, Glendale
Come for the neighborhood feel, stay for the Stumptown brew, matcha, breakfast and lunch (including the best breakfast sammie I’ve ever had), indoor/outdoor seating and a kids’ reading nook.
Gio’s Bakery & Café, Montrose and La Cañada
A Montrose favorite for over ten years, now with a second, spacious location in La Cañada Flintridge. The muffins are pillowy, the baguettes sell out early, and owner Az and her team are so kind. My recent discovery is the Garden Salad with Chicken.
ohoo, La Crescenta
LAMILL coffee, premium loose-leaf tea, in-house fruit purées, French pastries from Oh La La Bakery and Maury’s bagels. Packed after school; lovely in the morning.
How’s It Going To End?, Montrose
A sweet coffee shop and garden in the old Regal Dry Cleaners building, original sign and all.
Penelope’s Café, La Cañada
A cottage with a tree-shaded patio and a team that’s been there for years.
Constellation Coffee, Pasadena
Turning into a coffee snob thanks to Constellation, and not mad about it in the slightest.
Mandarin Coffee Stand, Pasadena
A cozy neighborhood stand with specialty coffees and teas from around the world and an emphasis on Chinese and Asian flavors. Signature Vienna lattes with a cream top (smooth and strong), a pumpkin donut and a spam musubi-kimchi croissant. There’s a second location, Mandarin 2, in east Pasadena.
The Boy & The Bear, Pasadena
Colombian coffee and a chorizo-and-cheddar croissant that really did the trick between appointments.
Artisanal Goods by CAR, Pasadena
Amazing chocolates, incredible pastries, and a vanilla latte where you can see the flecks of vanilla! It’s a good thing I don’t live closer to this place.
About the author
Jean shares local Foothills notes because she is always trying new places and doesn’t gatekeep. She is also a local real estate agent.
About Jean
