Rosebud Coffee — Restaurant in Pasadena

After reading Rosebud's mission statement, I knew I had to give this place a try. They started out with just a small coffee cart, traveling around LA to give work to the homeless and young adults to practice perfecting making a great cup of coffee. Now that they've found a physical location in Pasadena, they hope to continue their mission statement by working hand in hand with Wild Goose of Redlands to provide a barista training partnership for these transitional aged youth to begin serving at coffee at events with their mobile coffee cart. It feels good to support something beyond just an actual business, so I went to try it out as soon as possible.

The storefront is on Sierra Madre and Colorado Blvd. Rosebud shares a space with Chirp (a kid's karaoke studio). Very modern looking furniture with tables, chairs, booths spread out over the entire space. Open windows, high ceilings, neutral color tones that makes it a soothing place to study or have some alone time while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

Rosebud serves coffee, various pastries, tea, granola, salads, sandwiches, wraps, as well as a kid's menu. Prices are not too bad, especially for a coffee shop in Pasadena. I ended up ordering a flat white ($3.50) - all the photos of the drinks looked pretty nice with the latte art on top, and after finding out that a flat white is basically like a latte, only there's less steamed milk and more coffee taste (according to John!) - I decided to go with that.

I was a little disappointed that the latte art looked like a weird blob that was supposed to be a heart flower, but ended up getting destroyed in the process. But oh well - the flat white tasted rich and smooth. I can definitely see why people prefer this over a latte - a tad bit stronger and slightly more bitter than a latte, but was still creamy and tasty. Cup wasn't too big - and I definitely got a kick of energy after drinking this. It kicked in an hour or so later. I was so jittery that it was hard to focus.

Tons of street parking, but there's also a lot in the back. Workers are super friendly. No minimum for credit cards either. There's WiFi available and lots of spaces to study; doesn't get too busy during weekdays.

tl;dr - A very good coffee shop located in Pasadena that's not in the Old Town area, with a purposeful mission behind what they do. The drink that I ordered was solid, and I definitely will be back to try some more drinks and possibly food. Highly recommend checking out Rosebud if you're a...

Rosebud Coffee has become my favorite spot to indulge in a delightful coffee experience. From its spacious interior to the delectable coffee and captivating art, this café has it all.

First and foremost, the spaciousness of Rosebud Coffee is a refreshing feature. The ample seating and open layout create an inviting and comfortable environment. Even during peak hours, finding a cozy spot to relax or work is never a challenge. Whether you prefer a cozy corner or a communal table, the café accommodates various seating preferences, making it an ideal space for both solitude and socializing.

One of the standout characteristics of Rosebud Coffee is the delicious coffee it serves. From the first sip to the last drop, each cup is a burst of rich flavor and impeccable quality. The baristas showcase their expertise in brewing, consistently delivering exceptional coffee that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you're a fan of a velvety latte, a robust espresso, or a refreshing iced brew, Rosebud Coffee has something to satisfy every coffee lover's cravings.

The artistic ambiance at Rosebud Coffee is another captivating aspect. The walls adorned with cool art pieces create a visually stimulating atmosphere. The artwork adds a touch of creativity and personality to the café, elevating the overall experience. It's a pleasure to sip on a delicious coffee while appreciating the thought-provoking or aesthetically pleasing artwork surrounding you. The combination of coffee and art creates a unique and immersive environment that sets Rosebud Coffee apart.

The service at Rosebud Coffee is consistently warm and friendly. The staff members are attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about their craft. They make each visit a welcoming and enjoyable experience, engaging in friendly conversations and providing recommendations tailored to your preferences. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in their attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile.

In conclusion, Rosebud Coffee is a true gem for coffee enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Its spaciousness, delectable coffee, and captivating art create a harmonious blend that satisfies both the senses and the soul. Whether you're seeking a peaceful spot to relax or a vibrant atmosphere to immerse yourself in creativity, Rosebud Coffee is the place to be. I highly recommend visiting this exceptional café for a memorable and gratifying...

I've walked by this place quite a bit recently and wanted to try it out since it seemed like a chill spot. It's half coffee shop, half brewery/bar food, so that's the vibe. Coffee stuff closes at 4 while the brewery stays open until 10, generally speaking, so keep that in mind (no cozy nighttime coffee, unfortunately).

The inside is roomy, open, and accommodating to a large number of guests, with picnic-style bench seating, larger bar tables, an actual bar, and some more intimate arrangements -- plenty of seating, hardly any outlets, so keep that in mind if you're coming here to work, as I was.

I ordered a black, iced cold brew coffee and it was $6.50 (!!), which is more than a bit pricey. It was very good, at least, but still, that's a lot. I can't speak for anything else on the menu but if a black coffee with nothing in it is that much, I'm curious to see how much literally anything else costs.

Wi-Fi passwords are located on receipts, supposedly to discourage people from sitting there all day who haven't purchased anything, which is fair. The internet was terrible while I was here, though, with constant ping spikes and full-on disconnects (on and off VPN), making it impossible to video call, and work. Maybe it was just me, maybe it was just that one day, maybe it was both, maybe it happens all of the time. No idea, but worth mentioning.

Service was great with the first person who helped me, who was seemingly excited to be there and enjoying her day. The second person who helped me, whom I asked where I could find the Wi-Fi password, peeked their eyes over their mask and gave me a smug look, literally saying nothing to me while silently handing me some random receipt. Again, maybe just the day, maybe something tough was on their mind outside of work, but either way, first impressions are impactful.

Overall, my experience was fine enough. I hesitate to try and work here again, but maybe I'll give it a shot when I don't have anything super important to do. They do serve food, wine, and beer here that I would also like to try, with prices that seem slightly more reasonable than...