Café Scene

BOBA, COFFEE, AND TEA

Café culture is strong in Pasadena, where visitors and locals mingle in neighborhood hotspots that feel eclectic, culturally immersive, or simply out of this world.

Rose Bud Coffee (rosebudcoffee. com) helps transitional youth gain permanent employment while serving barista style brews, lattes, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items. At Emmy-nominated actor Richard Cabral’s Tepito Coffee (tepitocoffee.com), the Mexican heritage coffee and literary events empower the previously incarcerated through a partnership with Homeboy Industries.

Coffee & Plants (bio.site/ coffeeandplantsla) is a gorgeous spot co-owned by Leona Lewis and, as the name implies, offers coffee and houseplants. Don’t forget to grab a puppaccino for your best friend! CAR Artisan Chocolate (carartisanchocolate.

com), is a chocolate-filled heaven, offering what Eater LA calls “L.A.’s Ultimate Chocolate Croissant.”

Grab a seat at Amara Café (amaracafe.com), a local favorite Venezuelan spot for empanadas, arepas, sipping chocolate, and community. Lavender & Honey (lavenderandhoney espresso. com) is a cozy café in a fun neighborhood where you can shop, dine, and enjoy time with loved ones.

Copa Vida (copa-vida.com) was recently featured in Apple TV’s Shrinking starring Harrison Ford, Jason Segel, and beautiful Pasadena. Get a taste of London at Burlington Arcade, where picturesque red telephone booths sit around OinkMoo Tea Bar (oinkmooteabar. com), Mandarin Coffee (IG: @ mandarincoffeestand ), and a fun kimono shop.

The Boba Trail

There’s a bustling boba culture in Pasadena, so be sure to check out the 30 (and counting) tasty spots on the Pasadena Boba Trail with the QR code below.

BY RAMONA SAVISS

Tanya Smith is still learning the ropes as a first-time business owner. The former elementary public school educator of 30 years opened My Place Cafe in January 2020, mostly to help her community. “I decided to purchase the cafe after my church asked me to volunteer to learn everything about coffee,” says Smith, who still teaches part time. “They wanted to have and run a coffee cart.”

Smith’s goal was to create a friendly place, befitting of its name, for people to come together. “My cafe is not just a cafe,” she says. “It is a neighborhood home away from home where customers are known by name.” In addition to serving delectable coffee and comfort food, My Place Cafe provides a bulletin board for local vendors while hosting numerous events such as live music, book clubs, and poetry readings. Smith also strives to hire locals, donates food to the homeless, and gives a portion of her event proceeds to nearby schools. “When businesses give back, they are investing in the well-being of those around them,” she says.

My Place Cafe stands out as a community-driven cafe where locals feel connected, supported, and welcomed. “People are attracted to where they feel a sense of belonging,” says Smith. Having a supportive