Cup Of Life: Pasadena Coffee Houses

In January, I visited interesting Pasadena coffeehouses and one in Silverlake. Two specialized in Spanish hot chocolate drinks causing me to deviate from my usual coffee beverage. I hope the reviews entice you to try some place new.

Best name
Copa Vida

70 S Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Lots of people here including tourists as it is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. Good place to grab a coffee before taking a stroll along Colorado Boulevard. The back room behind the order counter is a little more laid back for working or studying. They also have a number of hot and cold food items if you plan to stay long. Parking in the city structures is free for the first 90 minutes.

Most Latin flavors

Amara Chocolate & Coffee

55 S. Raymond Avenue

Pasadena, CA 91105

While they sell coffee, I would say their specialty is the variety of hot chocolates from South America and fresh churros.  The cacao latte I had was bitter and went well with the sweetness of the churro. The space is very small, but I did see one person working on a laptop. Like Copa Vida, Amara's is in the heart of Old Town Pasadena so you can walk off the calories with a stroll along Colorado Boulevard.

 Most activities

Jones Coffee Roasters

693 S. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Lots of art installations on the walls and even the ceiling. The coffeehouse looks like it is in an old warehouse so there's plenty of space to spread out and talk or work. They hold coffee tastings and various events. Last week they had a tango dancing dinner night.

Best Latin décor

Zona Rosa Caffe

15 S El Molino Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
The other name for this locale is Zona Rosa Coffee. I had a Zocolo Con Platano - cold Mexican hot chocolate blended with banana. It would appear that this month my coffee cravings were curbed by unique latin chocolate offerings at two of my coffee house visits. The drink was very good. ZRC has a Latin décor and second floor seating. ZRC sits adjacent to the Pasadena Playhouse and stays open until 11pm most nights.

Homiest feel

Silverlake Coffee

2388 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
It has a very homey intimate appeal with couches, tables and chairs with slightly dimmed lighting. Out front is a nice patio. Aside from coffee drinks, they sell smoothies, sandwiches and pastries. Most people here were studying, working or reading. Very chill vibe.