Pasadena has always been a place that has alfresco dining options, but perhaps a silver lining of the pandemic was an increase in these outdoor areas. Many local cafés have expanded their outdoor seating which gives you the perfect, charming space to perch up with a latte, make your destination for a lunch meeting or bring along the kids to get out of the house with you.
Café de Leche
📍2477 N Lake Ave, Altadena
Café de Leche, serves handcrafted, small batch coffee and they do it well! It may looked tucked away in N Lake, but they have the most spacious, colorful patio out their back door. It offers lots of seating, beautiful landscaping and shade.
They have really unique drinks, try the horchata iced latte and a warmed almond croissant. If you have work to get done bring along your laptop because they do have free wifi here which is a plus.
Parking: Plenty of free street parking out front and around the corner
Hours: 7a – 4p, Monday – Friday and 8a – 4p, Saturday & Sunday (Check their Instagram or website for most up to date hours)
PS – If you find yourself in Highland Park they have another location there, at 5000 York Blvd
Jones Coffee Roasters
📍693 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena
Jones Coffee Roasters, is a welcoming coffeehouse and Pasadena staple located S Raymond. They have plenty of outdoor tables and chairs featuring green turf and tents to block you from that California sun.
You can’t go wrong with ordering an americano or cold brew, and the lemon scone. Make sure to bring your laptop if you have work to do, they do have free wifi.
Hours: 7a – 5p, 7 days a week (Check their Instagram or website for most up to date hours)
Parking: 4 spots for 15-minutes in their free lot, plenty of free street parking
PS – If you find yourself in the Playhouse District they have a location inside Vroman’s, at 695 E Colorado Blvd or if you’re in a rush they have a drive-thru hut at 680 S. Arroyo Parkway
Lost Parrot Cafe
📍1929 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena
Lost Parrot Cafe, not only offers coffee and brunch, but also dinner and cocktails. This is a locally owned and operated shop that is a total gem.
There is tons of outdoor seating here, making it the perfect spot to meet-up with a friend or bring along your kids. Just a heads up, no wifi here! Make sure you try the yummy avocado toast.
Hours: 8a – 9p, Tuesday – Saturday and 8a – 5p, Sunday & Monday (Check their Instagram or website for most up to date hours)
Parking: Plenty of free street parking
Dash Coffee Bar
📍912 Union St, Pasadena
Dash Coffee Bar, may be new to town, but they are a spot not be missed. They are locally owned and operated. Located in a tiny place off Union offering a plethora of tables and chairs in a fenced off area of their parking lot.
Their pastries are delish, try the cinnamon roll and to drink get their pandan latte. They have free wifi which makes it a great spot to sit and get some work done!
Hours: 8a -5p, 7 days a week (Check their Instagram or website for most up to date hours)
Parking: A few spots in their free lot, plenty of free street parking
Macy’s Courtyard
📍345 S Lake Ave, Pasadena
This spot isn’t exactly part of one café, but it’s an amazing outdoor spot to grab something nearby (Corner Bakery Cafe, Nekter, Cava, Trader Joes) and enjoy. S Lake is always a great meeting point, pretty central, but away from the bustle of Old Town.
There’s tons of space for your kids to run around in this courtyard. Plus, you can bring along your laptop to get some work done there is free wifi from the local spots. If I were you I’d pop into Nekter for one of their açaí bowls.
Hours: Always open, but pro-tip come between 9a – 11a to beat the corporate work crowd
Parking: Paid street spots on S Lake or 455 S Lake parking facility offers free parking
Coffee and Plants
📍62 W Union St Unit 2, Pasadena
Coffee and Plants, is ascetically pleasing and equally delicious. Located in Old Town this spot has it’s own outdoor tables, chairs and umbrellas. There are also tons of spots to sit or walk around this area to enjoy your coffee which is ideal because no wifi at this shop.
Their blue lavender latte is popular here, and you can’t get wrong with a classic iced latte with oat milk. They are fully vegan from the drinks to the pastries, and they sell gorgeous plants along with other cute plant merchandise.
Hours: 8a – 8p, 7 days a week (Check their Instagram or website for most up to date hours)
Parking: Metered street parking along Colorado Blvd or 45 S De Lacey Ave parking facility offers 90 minutes free, just a 5 minute walk to Coffee and Plants
