Awesome coffee shop and very cute inside! Great for a quick snack, studying, pretending to edit your indie film so you can tell everyone about it, mixing your sweet new tracks because you're obviously LA's hottest new DJ, get together with a friend to convince them why you should have your own reality show, or a first date spot with an easy abort mission for you tinder daters.
I was looking for a quick bite and a cold brew coffee to help curb my road rage and make traffic more tolerable. They had great old brewed coffee and the chicken salad wrap was excellent! I'm not sure why I thought that would work though, traffic can go kick rocks and I hate all of you right now, especially nondescript person (this is Cali) in white Mercedes who drives 10 under till someone puts on a blinker.
My only note to the shop if they ever read this is that the tables pressed against the front window are a little weird, you're basically staring at the obvious tinder date sitting on the other side of the window. Maybe stagger the chairs or put some sort of table display on the interior tables as a screen if you're plan is to keep the inside tables looking out the window.
All in all, great place and a much better option than the 6 or 7 Starbucks you'll pass getting here.
Legal Disclaimer (this is Cali). I didn't actually have road rage or anything else that could be used...
Read moreUPDATE 2024:
Still happy with drinks yet the hours have still not changed! In a college town (and with many working professionals in our 30’s like myself) we NEED a coffee shop that stays open until 10pm! The space is perfect for it. Sadly, I haven’t been back much because they are always closed at night.
UPDATE 2022:
Wonderful! The spot is still the greatest to study and meet a friend. Happily, they have a fun drink menu now! Matcha and lavender options for now, and hopefully more upcoming! Great job 👏 As for the one star missing, unfortunately they still close super early compared to years prior. 9pm at least would be amazing. Looks like students and creatives are going to Korea Town for late night study and food options. Otherwise, the staff is always friendly and very personable - the coffee is wonderful and great quality. You won’t regret going!
UPDATE 2021: Man all I can say is the staff is awesome and the space is great, but there hasn’t been a consistent rotating drink menu (which most coffee shops do), so creativity is lacking. Also they close so early. Not great for us who like to go after work/school. 9pm at least. Glad to have it open again.
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I randomly stopped by here one day and three years later the rest is history. The environment is perfect to get some work done. PLENTY of seating and free WiFi. The drinks are wonderful and the staff...
Read moreI have a special connection with Copa Vida in Pasadena, as I knew the owner, Steve Cheng, when he provided coffee for the church I used to attend in Glendale. Steve’s dedication and passion for coffee have always stood out, and it’s truly reflected in his establishment.
Copa Vida’s mantra, “Go, Enjoy, Experience,” perfectly encapsulates what they offer. This place is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a hub of experiences. From the moment you walk in, you’re not just getting a cup of coffee – you’re invited to enjoy and immerse yourself in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
The coffee at Copa Vida is nothing short of extraordinary. Steve Cheng's meticulous approach to coffee making is evident in every cup. He spent significant time in Costa Rica learning the intricacies of coffee production, from picking coffee cherries and processing them to roasting beans and perfecting latte art. This dedication and expertise are clearly showcased in the quality of their coffee.
I often use Copa Vida’s mantra as my own, making it a point to meet people there whenever I can. It’s a place where connections are made, and conversations flow effortlessly over a beautifully crafted cup of coffee. If you're looking for a coffee shop that offers more than just great coffee, Copa Vida in Pasadena is the...
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