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Coffee Gallery
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Coffee & Tea, Breakfast & Brunch, Music Venues [Edit]
2029 Lake AveAltadena, CA 91001
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 398-7917
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 10 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Breakfast
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
74 reviews for Coffee Gallery
Review Highlights
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"There is free wi-fi so a great place for studying." In 5 reviews -
"TRAIL MIX LATTE." In 3 reviews -
"I really enjoy the laid-back, homey vibe that this place..." In 5 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Wifey U.
Los Angeles, CA
3/28/2012 1 photo
Legendary Guitarist Phil Upchurch Performs
Sunday, April 1, 2012
7 PM- 9 PM
Make reservations early! -
Review from Leigh B.
Pasadena, CA
3/8/2012
My husband discovered this spot while looking for a place to work during the week. He's a web designer & works from home two days a week. He visited for the first time last week & we're already totally sold on it! He worked for several hours undisturbed. Not realizing that they close down the machines for a chunk of time in the afternoon as a cost-saver, they still graciously crafted an Americano over ice for me. I'm going to channel Chris Traeger on "Parks and Recreation", but it was LITERALLY the best Americano I've ever tasted.
We returned with the family on Saturday, sat outside with our boxer dog & enjoyed our coffees. The kids were thrilled with the ice cream! Again, my americano was perfection.
Husband returned on Tuesday to work again and loved it.
Third Americano, same great taste. I love that they are consistently good. That's not something most places are capable of.
We're excited to listen to some live music there when we get a chance! -
Review from Marty B.
Hermosa Beach, CA
3/6/2012
I visited this place this past Friday night for the music group. I'd never been to Altadena.
Since this was after 7pm, I felt like the neighborhood wasn't that safe. The barber shop next door seemed kind of odd too.
If the locals would like to address whether or not it's safe to be there at night feel free to comment on that because I wasn't sure.
The music was great. However, the host cutoff the fans and it became too hot in there during the last 2 hours.
People working there were friendly. The food was good enough. -
Review from Valerie F.
San Gabriel, CA
5/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I love this little coffee shop. It's quirky, has a great selection of snacks from candy to chocolate bars, apples, ice cream, homemade pizza, homemade chilli, brownies, cheesecake, yogurt, pastries. Usually pretty quiet and a great place to work or just chill out. A great alternative to Starbucks/Coffee Bean.
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Review from Kim T.
Monrovia, CA
5/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a couple of hours to kill before work and needed a place to get work done. Glad I found this cute little coffee shop because it was exactly what I was looking for! Nice and super cozy. The person working behind the counter is ALWAYS nice and really friendly. I've come here and stayed for hours without any problems. There are always plenty of outlets and I've never had a problem getting a table (I usually come on the weekends, btw). Beware, people do come here in groups to chat so if you can't work with your headphones on or with noise around you, this may not be the place for you.
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Review from Joseph D.
Altadena, CA
4/24/2012
This place had such poetical but lost it all. I left Altadena for four year when I came back I saw that most of the old staff that made the place was gone. The coffee still was rubbish and the espresso is not worth even writing about it so bad. Don't go there unless your going to the back stage or seeing a friend that dose not care at all for drinkable coffee or subpar espresso.
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Review from John H.
Altadena, CA
1/2/2012
I come in here almost every weekday morning around 6:30 AM. The coffee is ready, well priced, and I get in and out of there quick. The guy who works at the counter (I think his name is FLY) is pretty awesome. I would come every morning if I had coffee every day.
They have Fosselman's Ice Cream there as well.
Parking is ample on Lake and the side streets near the gallery. -
Review from Bridget S.
Altadena, CA
2/10/2012
Normally I would give Coffee Gallery major props for being an independently owned and operated coffee place with great music, atmosphere and a wide variety of coffee and other offerings BUT I have to say that when my 17 y.o. son came in the other night (per grandmas request )for a couple veggie burritos it was a less than stellar experience. First of all, it took like 45 minutes to make the 2 burritos... secondly, for $7.50 each they were not very substantial for the price or tasty for that matter. Also, the girl at the counter seemed like a total ditz, told my son that it would be at least a half hour for the rice-my son clearly stated that he didn't want the rice and it still took forever-and the girl said again, after clearly stating he didn't want rice, "So, you wanted rice with that"? Come on!!! Needless to say it was a very annoying experience!!
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Review from Brian B.
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, this is a difficult review to write. The first part is the Coffee counter. Uhm, not really a fan. The are not very good, Syd ordered a iced espresso and it was burned. Prices are on par with Starbucks, actually it ended up costing more than she had calculated, but somehow coffee places always seem to do that. The menu board is a guide and then they charge whatever they want. I digress, but Spring for Coffee charged an extra fee for ice, really? Ok, I'm back from my secant. It ended up costing an extra $.65, not enough to complain about, but still.
The front is very ecclectic with mismatched furniture, salvage fixtures. Interesting things I noticed include that on Wednesdays the Koji truck comes, so they bring in a roach coach to serve food??? Also a sign for weddings, not really the place I would think of getting married or having a reception.
The back portion, or Backstage is an intimate place for musicians to perform. This area was great, decent lighting, nice acoustics and only seating about 50 people it is not crowded or too large. I came here to see one of my favourite local bands perform. -
Review from Rebecca W.
Los Angeles, CA
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
The reason I came here was to watch my friend perform, this is a great place for upcoming prospective musicians or hopefuls to come and do what they love.
I got a mocha while watching the line of performers, the mocha was nothing special, the reason you'd come here is definitely for the hodge-podge of musicians that play here. Entering and exiting gets a little awkward sometimes especially because the door is where the stage is, so that was a little uncomfortable. But otherwise, definitely a good place to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch their eclectic group of musicians. -
Review from Bernard V.
12/11/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Quaint little place with decent coffees and e.g. muffins etc. While you are doing your thing, you can enjoy the rather loud community discussion groups in the mornings on all kind of topics....from the fine art of buying a new (or maybe rather used) car and getting the best deal ... to discussions on the qualities of the presidential candidates. One of the perks is the free WiFi and electric outlets for your laptop and people are really making use of this!
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Review from Damon W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little oasis! coffee is good, baked goods are tasty, and the Tues. open mic is hilarious! Some comics are really funny, some, not so much. but god love 'em for trying! and hey, that's how you get better right?! The seating can be a bit sparse at times. Plus side, free wifi!
For some reason, their iced tea is magnificent. I will always have a glass or two every time I go. -
Review from Rhonda A.
Woodland Hills, CA
3/24/2011
I have enjoyed every Tea Latte with soy that I had at the coffee Gallery. (As well as their coffee and muffins once in a while).
Their atmosphere is unmatched. The Mismatched furniture adds some wonderful warmth and personality to the Gallery. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The art on the walls is a plus, (as they change it often to showcase different artists).
When they have Open Mic's, the Artists present us all with such wonderful entertainment of a great variety from Music to poetry to story telling and more attracting audiences/coffee-tea-water drinkers of all ages from the mid teens to the over retired. What a Fun-derful group of people.
I often leave with a wonderful feeling and look forward to coming back. It is a Great place. I recommend it highly. -
Review from Kim P.
Pasadena, CA
11/28/2010
I've been here a half-dozen times because it's close to home, and I've tried hard to like this place. But I just don't.
On the plus side: Free wifi. Lefty anarchist cred, with mismatched hand-me-down furniture, a rainbow of hippie intellectuals arguing the morning news at the big table in front, and a secret back room where phenomenal musicians play to starvingly-slim audiences. I'll give it another star just because it is the only place around that understands how to make a proper New York style bagel with cream cheese: ie. the bread should be resistant and/or toasted until crunchy, and the cream cheese should be stiff and cold. (Note to California: I love you, but this fruit-studded Wonder bread topped with Redi-Whip that you call a bagel w/cc is a total abomination.)
On the downside, however: The Coffee Gallery espresso is always burnt and ruined and tastes like used motor oil until you add five tablespoons of sugar and half a cup of cream. (Guess that's the reason people think the super-sugary "specialty" lattes are tasty!) And the clientele is the kind of rude that gives hippies a bad name. There are plenty of 3-4 person tables, but most mornings and all day weekends, they are all taken up by one person with a laptop and the contents of their bumper-sticker-covered army-green messenger bag spread out hither and yon. "Hi, mind if I share your table?" I ask with a smile. "No, I'd rather not," they say, not looking up from Farmville. Well, poo on you, then. I'll go study somewhere else.Listed in: San Gabriel Valley coffee…
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Review from Clara A.
Riverside, CA
10/9/2010
Having lived in Altadena for a considerably large part of my life, I find it somewhat disappointing that I have only starting coming here now.
The Coffee Gallery is our city's alternate to Starbucks, the hidden player that steps in and is secretly better than the starter. In fact after just coming to this place today to get some studying done, I commented that I thought it was indeed better than Starbucks.
I really enjoy the laid-back, homey vibe that this place gives off. It really is a good place to get work done and was not too crowded on a Saturday afternoon.
I recommend the (warm) Hawaiian Mocha and the (cold-blended) Carmel Turtle. -
Review from Bryan L.
Altadena, CA
1/20/2012
What can you say? This is just a hangout with free Wi Fi and ample seating. Employees are friendly, coffee reasonably good with a variety a light food to purchase. Cheese danish is always my take away. Good music in the back area.
Biggest annoyance is the group of vagrants that ALWAYS hog all the front tables and loudly talk about anything a socialist nut would. I find them indignant and offensive. They make Obama look middle of the road! I usually go in here all excited to read my Kindle and have a coffee / Danish, open the door and say "oh no, these idiots are here again." So I sit down and do my thing .......it is only a matter of minutes until they are uttering offensive slurs about anything, Mitt Romney, healthcare, pro-lifers, the police, carnivores, etc...... Bums me out and I leave and come back in 6 months or so later hoping they all moved on on to a new shelter. Never happens, they're still sitting there ordering nothing; spewing their far left hatred. The funniest thing is they all think they are geniuses and are so serious about the meaningless topics they're discussing. Hey, if this place wants 15 seats taken up with people sucking up refills all day and turning off people like me who just pop in, shame on them for having a poor business model. -
Review from Paul V.
Burbank, CA
1/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I stopped here yesterday for the first time because I heard that this is a good location for finding intelligentsia with whom to socialize.
First, I will say that the coffee and food items appeared to be of a higher quality than some of the other coffee shops I frequent for the company they keep rather than the product. Furthermore, the place is very large, and there are numerous power outlets in which you can plug your computer.
Since this was my first and only experience, I have only given three stars. I don't feel that I can fully give an assessment of this coffee house after having only had a latte. -
Review from Danielle S.
Camarillo, CA
5/4/2011
Coffee's great, parking sucks. The barista's are neglectful and often surly not that that's necessarily a turn off. They never, and I mean NEVER clean up the tables outside which is gross.
For good or bad The Coffee Gallery is your basic coffee house throwback circa 1991. -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/8/2010
After lunch at Slaw Dogs, we wanted something sweet so we went up Lake to Coffee Gallery. We found street parking. It's a three hour limit on Lake.
They didn't have any cookies but a friend got a croissant and a cinnamon bun. I asked for a chai latte. It was way too sweet and I couldn't finish it. Carina thought it was because it was made from a powder mix. It was very thick if you're into that sort of thing. I did ask for vanilla so perhaps that's why it reminded me of a shake than anything else. The girls liked their tea.
The barista recommended their lattes and not the coffee next to the sugar and things. Apparently true coffee snobs wouldn't drink that anyway but espressos.
I was a bit surprised how full this shop was after 3 p.m. on a Sunday. Most people were on their laptops or chatting with a friend over the paper. I saw a person half-sprawled on a couch in the back. The furniture is very eclectic. This is definitely a locals' favorite with performers coming in for their cup of java. Oh yeah, they have live performances. Make sure you call the reservations line and not the main coffee shop line.
There's one uni-sex restroom way in the back. Look for the purple door.
I've passed this shop for years and never stopped in before. I'm not sure I would again since I'm not a coffee drinker. I was also very turned off when the barista was talking trash about yelp. You never know whom you're speaking to. -
Review from Rebecca Y.
Pasadena, CA
7/31/2010
It's busy sometimes, it is slow, it is full, it is empty. There is a time for frustration, there is a time for annoyance, there is a time for happiness, there is a time for hunger, there is a time for thirst.
This place satisfies all my needs from hunger and thirst to my fixation craving for emotions from annoyance to extreme happiness.
I've managed to sustain myself on large iced coffees, muffins & bagels from here and it has all been very very inexpensive.
Me gusta. Me gusta mucho. -
Review from Teej T.
Urbana, IL
1/10/2009
The Coffee Gallery Backstage is an amazing, intimate venue in a random coffee shop in bougie Altadena. You would never know it was there if you weren't looking for it--it's a tiny, cozy nook in the back of the shop that seats 50 and has an excellent light/sound stage set up for an intimate concert.
My mother and grandmother insisted I see a local Irish music band this week with them, and I was confused to be led into the back room of a coffee shop (it seemed like the sketchiest speakeasy ever). But the Backstage is lovingly maintained and intricately detailed---you can tell the owner took time and patience and money in creating the intimate space, and it pays off. The band we saw, Sligo Rags, was a rocking, crazy group with an impressive set list and some dedicated fans. I have to give Ma and G-Ma props. They know what's worth listening to. And Coffee Gallery Backstage is the place to do the listening. -
Review from Tyson L.
Glendale, CA
8/10/2010 1 photo
Stepping in for the first time reminds me of how coffee shops used to be. With original art on the wall and diverse locals chatting it up.
Very chill vibe, maybe its just the surfer dude behind the counter... Coffee is self serve but I like it that way. First one I got was empty but the guy just told me to switch it out. No biggie.
PLENTY of seating, mostly 2 person tables and some outdoor tables too.
I wouldnt say parking is easy. But just look on the street and there are warnings posted not to park in the RED or block neighbors driveways. -
Review from Gina Q.
Pomona, CA
11/28/2007
This is a great place to listen to music groups. You wouldn't know there is a separate lounge area to listen to music beyond the front of the coffee shop.
We were here over a week ago to listen to celtic music group called The Muses. They are a trio and were very entertaining. The lounge area they performed in only seats roughly 50 people. It's a very intimate setting with candles in star cutout candle holders. It's a great atmosphere for a concert.
The only issue I had with the concert itself was the lighting. The guy there kept fiddling with the lighting. So after every song, the lights would fade out and fade in again. It was a bit much.
The coffee drinks are plentiful. They had a nice bakery case I noticed as well as Fossellman's ice cream. It looked like you could also order freshly made omelettes in the mornings. So this is definitely more than just an ordinary coffee house.
Of note the night we were there, an open mic night was going on in the front of the shop. Well, in attendance was a woman with a small snake on her head. It was small and brown, but definitely out of the ordinary. It was just sitting there and coiling up on top of her head. So my advice to you, keep your eyes open for interesting things.
Other than the scary snake lady, I'd totally come back to this coffee shop again for the coffee or as a concert venue.
By the way, they have a decent tea menu too for any hot tea drinkers out there.Listed in: Coffee Breaks
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Review from claudia g.
Los Angeles, CA
1/7/2009
I really wanted to enjoy/like this coffee house. The Art work on the walls was cool. The space had a thirftstore smell and feel to it. The crowd- goofy, nerdy, unpretentious, artsy-- think Napoleon Dynamite... Uncle Rico and Kip dynamite. The staff was friendly borderline unprofessional...
Pro's:
a well lit conference room in the back you can reserve (max 8)
a room in the back for live shows, readings, theater...
pastries looked fresh and tasty
Con's:
you want to forget coffee
cold self serve coffee
This coffee house was flippin sour -
Review from Kelly T.
Altadena, CA
3/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Coffee Gallery has a great community but unfortunately they just don't care about making great coffee. If they actually made an effort, this place
would be so much better! There is a coffee shop in Vancouver called Artigiano that does really well because they make the best coffee around http://www.caffeartigi.... I wish the Coffee Gallery could be the Artigiano of Altadena! -
Review from Sara C.
4/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
what a cute place! so hidden and not flashy at all. didnt even notice it when we drove by here until a friend mentioned it to us.
so after our loooong hike at the nearby hiking trail on a sunday morning, we decided to stop by for a cup of joe and relax while we rest our tired souls...or soles =) this cafe has plenty of seating including couches in the back to lounge around. there's even a separate room waaay in the back that could be used with a study group. the menu is cutely written out on their chalk and dry erase boards. soooo many choices! too much thinking so i just went with a large iced americano ($3.00). my friends had the trail mix lattes ($3.00) and raved about it. *putting that on my list next time* we grabbed out drinks, sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful socal weather sippin' on coffee.
apparently they have live music here, saw lots of flyers posted throughout the cafe. will definitely have to check it out. VERY friendly and helpful barten.....i mean barista (so use to reviewing bars). she was totally awesome and very patient with us as we questioned the variety of drinks on the menu.
easy street parking...of course, it's pas.Listed in: All About the Caffeine
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Review from Cindy W.
Monterey Park, CA
1/24/2010
The Coffee Gallery is exactly what a coffee house should be! Patrons come to enjoy themselves; Whether it'd be with friends, to study, to read, to see performances, or just to enjoy the FREE WIFI.
They have a great selection of coffee, tea, ice cream and snacks. During the weekday mornings, there is a chef on staff who makes the most delicious breakfast! There's a stage area in the back where they have performances and acts on different nights and they have a study room that you can reserve for your own private meetings.
Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by and check this place out. There is never a dull moment here. -
Review from Harry H.
La Crescenta-Montrose, CA
10/14/2011
This place is nice in the morning. At around 8:30am on a weekday you have your local traffic on their way to work. Everyone's pretty happy and the barista was polite. I have to agree with the other reviews: The Trail Mix Latte is definitely something you've got to try out - it's delicious!
And now for the technical specs:
1. Parking is kind of tricky but not too bad. All of the spaces that are really close are either 3 hour or 30 minute. Just a half a block farther in any direction and you should be fine - just check for signs! When you approach the building front doors, it's the door on the far right to enter the coffee shop.
2. Wi-Fi is free and pretty fast. No password required at the time of this writing.
3. Electrical outlets are actually quite abundant. Along the long wall, there is almost one every 5 feet.
4. Noise level is great. No music playing in the background, which some might not like, but I enjoy because I'm here to study and, besides, I've got my laptop for music.
5. Pricing is pretty decent and you can order latte's or mochas at the counter or you can go to a self-serve counter for coffee.
All-in-all a pretty cool place. I'll definitely be back again. :) -
Review from Brad P.
Redwood City, CA
8/9/2007
This is a little neighborhood coffee shop, replete with the funky decor, non-corporate vibe, and irreverent help-staff.
The Coffee Gallery is a gathering spot for an eclectic group of locals. Both times I've there while visiting family who live nearby, I've witnessed people meeting and greeting each other at the front tables in what appears to be almost like a family gathering.
The edibles are solid and the iced-coffee I enjoyed was surprisingly delightful. The over-worked helpers were charmingly crabby yet interested and engaging.
There are kids toys in the back, which acts as a brief foil for attention-starved munchkins allowing their frazzled parents to partake in a moment or two of relaxation and immersion in this local institution. -
Review from Chris M.
7/14/2011
I want to give it closer to 3 and a half stars, but I give it a solid 3. The staff is usually nice to me and I like the selections... but sometimes I get overwhelmed by how super sugary everything is. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but yikes! Sugar rush! I'm glad it's so close, but parking is a nightmare if I am on my way somewhere else. I like that there's free wi-fi and music shows, but I sort of feel out of place here. There's a lot of space inside, but it's usually taken up later in the day. Their hours are pretty good, too. Overall, there's just still some things missing for me and I can't quite put my finger on all of what...
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Review from Lili X.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2008
Altadena: still Starbucks-FREE...even in 2008. Amazing. But I am not complaining!
I think CG might be the only coffeeshop in my beloved unincorporated city. It's a funky place that represents the diverse and eclectic world of Altadena. The environment is very casual and comfortable- there really isn't the stereotypical coffeeshop scene in this place. Staff and patrons are pretty friendly - you can even strike up a convo with someone without feeling that phony vibe. You sort of feel like you're hanging out at the house of a friend with ex-hippie parents: tall ceilings, self serve drip coffee, mismatched yet harmonized furniture, jammed bulletin boards, and random artsy photos everywhere.... and free wireless. They also finally started accepting credit cards, which is convenient.
The coffee drinks are very good, and there is a steady local crowd that comes through. I hope CG has a long existence in this special town!!Listed in: Altadena: Rocks My Socks!!
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Review from Ben T.
Altadena, CA
11/21/2008
This is a classic neighborhood place, which already is nice, because Altadena is a little thinly represented in the food and drink department. It's also the absolute anti-Starbucks experience. Folks sit around the big table up front for hours gabbing politics and culture. There are fliers and business cards tacked up all around, and shows by local artists on the walls, not to mention the good music venue out behind the place. Just a very fine, cheerfully funky vibe.
The coffee is good, the food is certainly as good as anything in a coffee shop can be expected to be (the breakfast menu has a couple of exceptional items), and although I haven't had any of the fancy drinks, people seem to order them often enough. I'd say the Coffee Gallery could compete in Seattle, Boston, or any of America's serious coffee house cities. That's pretty high praise.
If I have any complaint, it's that the place gets a little TOO relaxed-- it can get pretty grubby in there before anybody starts cleaning up the prep surfaces, and forget about the customer areas. But hey-- that's part of the bohemian experience. A small note for an overall must-enjoy experience here in Altadena. -
Review from Anita m.
Glendale, CA
6/13/2010
Service here is spotty. I've come in a few times on a Sunday afternoon and find the people behind the counter slow and unpersonable. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the weird smell. It sticks to my clothese after I leave.
Coffees are self-serve style, dispensed from thermoses on the side of the counter. A few times I've found the dispensers empty. HOW HARD IS IT TO CHECK THE COFFEE?!
I'm all about supporting the local coffee shops, but I'm also about service and friendliness. At least the people at sbux are prompt and friendly.
The dickwad behind the counter today proceeded to call the other girl behind the counter "queerer," bc she called him "queerer" (ya, idk wtf was going on there), then clearly seeing me and a few others in line, blatantly ignored us and took his time with the customers in front (5 effin minutes to make a too-sweet coffee drink!?!), didn't say my total, handed back my change in completely silence (not even a thank you? where are you manners?), acting like he couldn't be bothered.
i've heard the breakfasts are good but i wont bother to find out. -
Review from Sally W.
Altadena, CA
5/15/2007
We enjoy the Coffee Gallery as a coffee place; haven't been yet to hear the music. As a coffee place, it is comfortable and fun, with a great sense of community--whether you live around here or not!
I believe the place is currently in the process of changing owners... trust it won't change too much. -
Review from Jillian G.
Griffith Park/Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2010
Came here yesterday morning with my boyfriend for a comfy day with coffee and a muffin.
We are both Berkeley grads and this place reminded us of our school away from home immediately. It has a great vibe, a free book exchange, and a great variety of games. I had to leave for work but we plan on coming back for an intense game of Clue soon.
We split the orange cranberry muffin (delicious), and I got the Owner's Delight latte. I think it was vanilla, hazelnut, AND cinnamon. So very good.
Wish I was still in school and had reason to write papers because this is the place where I would do it. -
Review from Michelle K.
Pasadena, CA
9/9/2010
TRAIL MIX LATTE. That's all you need to know. Almond, Hazelnut, and Macadamia. HEAVEN.
It's hands down the best latte I've ever had. I wish they were closer. -
Review from Kyle W.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2010 20 Check-ins Here
I live about fifty feet down the street from the coffee gallery and it's a huge perk of living in this neighborhood to have such a cool place right down the street.
This is exactly what a "non-corporate" coffee shop should be. They support local businesses, artists, and it has that hometown feel written all over it. At the end of the day, all I really have to point out about this place to let you know the vibe is that they have a little cash box that you can just walk in, dump money into, and grab a cup yourself and run. Who does that these days???
The coffee is good, and they will randomly whip up sandwiches, breakfast potatoes, and quiches for $2.50. I've never tried anything fancy here but I've heard good things.
The service is well-meaning for the most part. I've never seen more than one person behind the counter even when it's super busy. The dude that works mornings is a freaking BEAST of a worker. He simultaneously will make your pretentious drink, is probably baking five things at the same time, brewing more coffee, toasting bagels and still manages to be friendly. Give that guy a raise, and tip the shit out of him.
On the other spectrum, there used to be a little emo kid that worked there (not sure if he still does) that would literally be talking on his cell to his girlfriend while working and having a full blown argument, complete with cursing. Good times.
The regulars there are pretty funny. Don't wear your McCain t-shirt. -
Review from Joie P.
La Verne, CA
6/11/2007
**UPDATE**
Now that I live down the street this lil coffee joint is muy importante. The weekend girls are fun, inviting & knowledgeable. We discovered the tea immediately. The best tea are their combinations. Just don't ask the weekday morning staff about it, they seem to not want to help you. I'm more of a coffee girl so I tend to order the mochas and lattes. Some of their specialty drinks are a little too sweet for me. What they didn't have before but I am applauding now is that they prepare food. The menu makes your mouth water. Go for a Saturday or Sunday brunch and you won't be disappointed.
I'm a fan. I was a bigger fan when my friend Jennifer use to work there. And Sean. I don't get up to Altadena much lately but if the Coffee Gallery were in my neighborhood I would go all of the time. Frequenting non-corp coffee places is my thang. -
Review from Bruce K.
Point Richmond, CA
11/16/2006
The Coffee Gallery Backstage is not a coffee shop. Rather, its the music venue that runs tandem to the coffee shop of the same name. Every week, veteran concert promoter Bob Stane brings in some of the best acoustic music from around the country and around the county to preent music in this very intimate and comfortable room that holds less than 50 people. So you can see acts that would more likely perform to 100, 200 or more people way up close. Some of my favorite shows here have been seeing the Mammals, Christina Ortega and Tom Corbett, Kevin So and performing with Claudia Russell and the Folk Unlimited Orchestra.
The Coffee Gallery is one of the best stops on the folk music circuit. Go there. -
Review from Rain H.
Altadena, CA
10/11/2009
I love this place for studying. It's got a great, funky vibe, plenty of outlets and places to set up with a laptop, plus free wifi. The coffee isn't the best I've ever had, but the smoothies are tasty and the folks behind the counter are always really friendly. It's nice not to have to go all the way to Pasadena for some local coffee, this place isn't far from me and a lot easier to get to on a whim.
Food and drinks are three and a half stars. Service and smiles, four stars. Maintaining a unique, local, small town coffee shop experience in a Starbucks-centric world? Five stars all the way.
