Cafe 86 - Artesia — Restaurant in Artesia

Do-over!

The owners of Café 86 took over the former location of Milk & Honey, opening a few months ago as The Spot. The Spot had the menu of Café 86, along with rice bowls, popcorn chicken & other savory goods. Seeing how customers were mainly interested in the Café 86 items, the owners saw how the wind was blowing and closed The Spot for renovations. Rechristening as their new Café 86 branch in Artesia, I was lucky enough to be first in line for their Soft Opening.

Café 86 specializes in ube overload! Pastries & drinks with ube as the showrunner are what Café 86 is known for. Don't know what ube is? It's purple yam, popular amongst the Filipino community.

Free hibiscus calamansi cooler- This drink hits the spot. Hibiscus & calamansi (a variety of citrus. Calamondin is the English name), pair well together. A little sour, a little sweet. Quite refreshing on a hot day.

Ube leche flan cupcake- Sinfully decadent, it's an ube cupcake topped with leche flan. And, this isn't that cheap watery instant leche flan No, sir! This is the thick, creamy stuff that your mom & dad made, if you were lucky enough to have a mom & dad who made authentic leche flan like I did. The cupcake was moist & fluffy. I think it would be even better if the cupcake had whipped crème in the middle, like the ube cake sold at various Filipino bakeries, such as Red Ribbon & Goldilocks. Nevertheless, it's really good!

Ube Monster Cake truffle- Now this was the piece de resistance! A crunchy cookie shell, covering an ooey gooey ube interior, the ube monster cake truffle was perfection in my eyes. Each bite a symphony of the senses. Some complain they can't taste ube in ube products sold at other places. Well, I can genuinely say Café 86's ube monster cake truffle permeates with the taste of ube. My diet and waistline thanks me for ony getting one, as I could've polished off a picnic basket full of these bad boys.

Café 86 serves espresso, lattes, milk shakes, various tea, hot drinks, pastries & dessert, all with a Filipino twist. Looking for something savory? They've got you covered, too! Grilled cheese, turkey pesto, sriracha chicken, longanisa flat bread & pastrami sandwiches are awaiting customers to select from.

Service was good. The co-owner, Ginger, took care of me. I thought it was 50% off everything for their Soft Opening, but alas, the offer only applied for the drinks. Seating is via a couple of couches, a few tables & bar seating by the entrance.

Parking is in a private lot at the Fresh Catch Supermarket plaza. Café 86 is located on the left of Luisa & Sons Bakeshop.

Café 86 is a welcome addition to my neighborhood! The pastries are very well done. But beware, they sell out daily, so make sure to come early or order ahead of time, if possible. The café is a welcoming environment to enjoy a cold and/or hot drink, along with a pastry or five. I have designs to try the ube tres leches and the ube crack cheesecake upon my next visit. And, there shall be a next visit soon. Oh yes, there shall!

Highly...

Cafe 86 in Artesia is a delightful spot for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful experience. The grilled cheese sandwich is a standout—crispy, gooey, and served with a side of chips that complements the meal perfectly. Their coffee is another highlight, rich and smooth, making it an excellent choice for caffeine lovers.

As for the halo-halo, it offers a refreshing twist on the classic Filipino dessert. While it may not include every traditional ingredient like langka, white beans, or kaong, the ube and leche flan add a creamy, indulgent touch that’s more than satisfying.

What truly sets Cafe 86 apart is its artisanal approach to Filipino desserts. Their creations are sophisticated takes on traditional flavors, far beyond what you’d find in a typical Filipino bakery. The Ube Crack Cheesecake and Ube Butter Bar are must-tries, with their rich, indulgent flavors highlighting the vibrant essence of ube. The Milo Dinosaur Cupcake and Halo-Halo Bread Pudding are equally creative, offering nostalgic tastes with an elegant, modern twist. Each dessert feels thoughtfully crafted, honoring Filipino heritage while elevating it for a contemporary audience.

The cafe’s ambiance is equally impressive. As a Star Wars fan, I couldn’t help but appreciate the playful Darth Vader displays scattered throughout. The cozy vibe, complete with rustic decor and charming holiday touches, makes it a comfortable place to relax and enjoy your meal. The friendly and attentive staff only enhance the experience, ensuring you feel welcome from the moment you step inside.

Cafe 86 is a must-visit if you’re in Artesia, whether for a quick bite, a coffee break, or a sweet treat. It’s a great spot to satisfy your ube cravings while enjoying the warmth of a genuinely inviting atmosphere and the sophistication of elevated...

Cafe 86, located in Artesia, CA, is a delightful spot that has garnered a loyal following for its unique and flavorful offerings. This cozy cafe is best known for its ube-themed menu items, which include everything from ube lattes and ube horchata to ube crinkle cookies and the crowd-favorite ube leche flan cupcakes. Ube, a purple yam popular in Filipino cuisine, lends a vibrant violet hue and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor to these treats, making them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

The ambiance at Cafe 86 is warm and inviting, with a modern yet comfortable decor that makes it an ideal place to relax, study, or catch up with friends. The staff is friendly and attentive, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that customers have a pleasant experience. The cafe often features local artwork and has a community-focused vibe, which adds to its charm and makes it a beloved local hangout.

In addition to its signature ube creations, Cafe 86 offers a variety of other delectable items, including milk teas, coffee drinks, savory sandwiches, and more traditional desserts. Their menu caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there's something for everyone. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular, Cafe 86 in Artesia promises a unique and satisfying culinary experience that celebrates creativity and flavor...