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Cycleway Coffee - CLOSED
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
5526 Monterey RdLos Angeles, CA 90042
Neighborhood: Highland Park
(323) 256-0200
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Cycleway Coffee
Review Highlights
"a new welcome edition to the highland park/hermon area."
(in 14 reviews)
"Clean, and rennovated interior with free wi-fi."
(in 5 reviews)
"Definitely coming back here again."
(in 3 reviews)
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58 reviews in English
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Review from gwen t.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2010
i miss this little coffee shop
i live right down the street
this place is where its nice and quite
where no one can bother you. -
Review from Scarlet W.
San Marino, CA
11/22/2011
Awww...Say it ain't so! I loved this place. I drove by it the other day and swore that it had a lighted Open sign. I wonder if it's called something else now. But the telephone number has been disconnected. But this place was nice. It was spacious. Standard drinks, pastries. But it was a nice little haven in the midst.
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Review from claudia g.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2009
Finally had a chance to sample this semi new coffee shop in the So Pas+ Hermon+ Highland Park Hood.
I had no challenges finding a parking spot. Inside- big windows for the Sun to seep through with a cozy, warm feel. Comfortable seating for chatting with friends, hanging out with your laptop (lots of peep working solo here on Macs), or lounging with your book in a comfy chair.
Coffee was organic and tasty but could have been hotter. Staff nice and friendly. Pastries from Porto's, like many of the coffee shops within a 5 mile radius.
Definitely a fan and look forward to going back. The best part about this coffee shop for me- is that it is peaceful. -
Review from Winnie W.
Los Angeles, CA
12/9/2008
I love this place!
Such a little treasure at the bottom of Hermon Hills. It's a quaint little coffee shop with good coffee served by nice and friendly hipsters. Yeah, I didn't know such a species exist either until I came here. This place is laptop friendly too with free wifi access for all. I wish that they make sandwiches here, but they only serve pastries right now. Definitely stop by if you are in the 'hood! -
Review from Kenneth T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/7/2010
A nice community coffee shop that is really spacious and comfortable to enjoy a warm beverage. Cycleway is close to my house, along the 110 freeway along a really quiet road near Via Marisol.
They have a pretty standard menu of coffee, tea, Italian soda, and smoothies. I don't drink coffee, but I do drink tea and hot chocolate. It is a nice place to sit, read, or use their free WiFi. There aren't too many tables in there, but there usually aren't that many people around most of time. This is probably because it is pretty out of the way for most people. Nothing is too pricey. Just a nice coffee shop that I hope sticks around for a long while.
Unfortunately, they have scaled back their hours recently by closing at 5PM. Therefore, this place is no longer a place to come to when the sun sets. -
Review from Jonathan T.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/25/2010
Cerrado, YO!
Another one bites the badland High-land Park dust.
Musta been that secret 'Chai-Chata' formulation they were so closed-lipped and paranoid about being filched by the 'competition.'
JUST SAY NO TO CHAI-RACY!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2010
***3.5 Stars***
9:15 am.
Groggy, needing a pick-me-up, and recently banned by my doctor from drinking… Read more »
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Review from Ron B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/23/2008 3 photos
What a gem of a coffee shop tucked away amongst the houses between Hermon and Monterey Hills. Classy, simple decor and immaculate inside. Beatiful stone floor tiles and six small wooden tables. The four tables along the windows all have their own electrical sockets. Finally! Couple that with the free wifi and it's very laptop friendly. There are four oversized, comfy chairs if you're just enjoying your morning cup or settling down with a newspaper. Clean bathrooms too. Two tables and a row of chairs outside (if you dare tempt the 100 degree heat today).
I had an Americano that was done very well and the cupcake that I had was a gigantic, moist chocolate cake with a dollop of the richest chocolate cream on top. Four bucks for the whole thing. Service is quick and friendly. I hope the rest of the area follows Cycleway's lead. If you want a place to read, study, or enjoy a cup, give this place a go. See you there! -
Review from Maureen W.
South Pasadena, CA
11/4/2008
My husband took all the coffee again this morning. What up with that?
I needed to vote but felt I needed some java to help me along my way. I've been to Cycleway a couple times for tea or drip...but today I got a vanilla latte. It was boss. So yummy. Way better than Crackbucks and for 1/2 the cost.
CC is always very clean and neat and the barrista (same guy every time) is friendly and talkative. They also have a nice case of pastries although I haven't had any.
Parking can be a bitch. -
Review from Randy M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/13/2009
Sometimes an idea is so far ahead of its time that all original memories are wiped of its existence, until the idea is discovered again quite by accident, in some obscure, dusty tome in a forgotten corner. Such is the case with the Green Hotel's elevated "cycle-way" that ran from downtown Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles, for use by bicycles only. Never heard of it? Go ahead, fire up Google and drop in the terms "Pasadena" and "Cycle way", and marvel at one of the most ingenious moments in LA history that's been all but forgotten: The Horace M. Dobbins California Cycleway.
Or, you can read more bellow. Prefer that? Good.
At the turn of the last century (that's 1900 for Metromix readers, not 2000) there existed an elevated roadway of sorts, for bicycles only. Running eight miles from downtown Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles, eager bicyclists happily paid the toll to be able to ride from the Rose Bowl City to The City of Angels. The bikeway, resembling a very long pier, included streetlights and gazebos for rest or scenic picnics, was viewed as a godsend. One could comfortably ride without worry of having adverse encounters with trolleys, horses, dogs, kids, hostile pedestrians to name a few- not to mention "challenging" road conditions. What a sight it must have been to see pedal-powered vehicles of all types traveling back and forth.
Unfortunately, this marvelous byway of transportation was doomed almost from the very beginning.
Early bicycles were not generally a very comfortable means of transportation. As both electrical and internal-combustion powered vehicles began to gain in popularity, as well as luxury- this started to take a noticeable effect on the bikeway's general use. Within a decade, the structure was torn down, the lumber sold off, and the ground where once the mighty elevated bike path stood was turned into what are now Edmondson Alley and the Arroyo Seco Parkway- the very first freeway in the state of California, heralding ominous events yet to come.
So here we are, more than a century later. The outdated Arroyo Seco, -which hasn't changed much since its original construction, designed for maximum speeds of 45 miles an hour, is considered one of the most dangerous freeways in existence. As fuel prices continue to climb, Angelinos clamor for alternative ways and means of transportation. And the Cycleway remains all but forgotten- but not at a coffee shop in the Hermon neighborhood that has taken it as its namesake.
Stepping into Cycleway for the first time is stepping into what a coffee house should be- a casual, dark-walled interior but well lit (though not overtly), comfortable seating, and a various periodical reading material. The music tends to be Jazz- loud enough to be listened to, but not so loud that it can't be ignored or it would interfere with a conversation. The clientele tends to be kick-back locals from the surrounding neighborhood, usually there to read or work off the Wi-Fi in a relaxed environment. The walls are adorned with photos of the bygone days of the glory days of the Cycleway. If the owner happens to be around, be sure to ask about the photos or the Cycleway- he's a veritable fountain of fascinating information and stories.
The shop puts great care into what they serve, and it shows. The coffee, made from fresh-roasted beans from what I understand, is some of the best in the city, with no traces of bitterness or watered-down flavor. Served at the right temperature, and for reasonable prices, by baristas who are quite knowledgeable on the business name origin and can discuss it, without hindrance to any other orders that may need to be fulfilled (be sure to tip generously).
To spend time at Cycleway is a pleasant experience, either alone or with someone else (more than two, you may want to consider someplace else). Highly recommended for its coffee, atmosphere, and history. And who knows? If the Cycleway is ever resurrected, you can tell your grandkids how you went to the coffee shop where people started really hearing about the idea. -
Review from Diana I.
Updated - 9/16/2009
I am now becoming a regular at this place!
Every drink I have tried here is sooo good! The baristas really know what they're doing... AND they're really friendly too! For their drinks, I like their iced hazelnut lattes, green tea smoothies, raspberry italian sodas, mexican mochas... everything is GOOD! Not too sugary, not too bitter, juuust right! Their raspberry bar is delicious too! It's like a lemon bar but upgraded and it has that braided dough on top.. you know, the kind you find on top of an apple pie. mmmm delish!
Gotta love the free wifi and bathroom too! This is my new favorite study spot. I wish they opened until late in the night. I would seriously stay here ALL the time! :)Listed in: Cali Cafes!, Monterey Hills
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/30/2009
A hidden gem in the neighborhood!
The overall atmosphere is very chill and laidback. There's comfy… Read more »
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Review from Nicole C.
La Crescenta, CA
12/4/2009
Hooray for good coffee shops!! Double hooray that its in my neighborhood!!! Found this place on yelp and decided to give it a try today. Totally glad I did. Its unusual to find a coffee shop that serves good coffee AND offers a nice environment to hang out in. This place is both. The barista was super SUPER friendly and chatty and knew his shit.
I've definitely found my new coffee spot. -
Review from Amy K.
2/2/2010
In a little town you never knew existed lies a little coffee shop, named after a forgotten LA transitway (check the shop's website, it's really interesting).
I showed up on a rainy weekday afternoon to find a lovely hideaway: customers quietly typing or reading, a barista unhurried and sitting, a space small and cozy without being crowded, and a lovely atmosphere with copies of the LA Weekly and loads of fliers for local events and a feeling that nobody minds if you take your time.
I forgot to ask for my soy hot chocolate to have extra chocolate, so it was a bit mild for my taste, but it still didn't have that gross soy flavor that sometimes hangs there. A friend met me at Cycleway and I felt that merited occasion to sample baked goods: the banana walnut coffee cake was ok, nothing special, but I was stoked on the chocolate/chocolate cupcake. In general, I'm not a fan of chocolate cake, but this was moist and had a great flavor; I could tell there were shreds of some sort of veggie in it, but never figured out what; beet? Zucchini? I hate the latter, so if they hid it, props to them. The frosting was fudgy and quite good. There were little bits of red and green chocolate on top, which was a bit odd considering we were a month past Christmas, but heck, why not.
Should I seek a hideaway to read and drink soy hot cocoa, this is the place.Listed in: soy hot chocolate
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Review from Gillian F.
Brooklyn, NY
1/15/2010 2 photos
This cafe is perfect: fresh roasted beans (from Groundwork), knowledgeable baristas, good music that I don't recognize, free wifi, lots of electrical outlets, and comfy seating. It's nothing more. It's not trying to be. It's perfect in its simplicity.
I just had a cappuccino, but it was a lovely cappuccino. So I haven't tried the sandwiches or salads yet, but I have every intention of going back and doing just that.
The baristas told me that on Mondays and Wednesday from 6:30 to 9:00 (closing time) they have live music (often jazz). If you search "Cycleway Coffee" at http://youtube.com, you'll find some videos! -
Review from Lili X.
Altadena, CA
7/3/2009
Great coffee shop... good beverages, free wifi, large tables (even some outdoor seating), and hidden away in the hills of the H.P./Hermon area. There are always customers there, but you should usually find an open seat or table. It's a great place to study or get some work done without too many distractions. The shop is very clean and I love the big picture windows.
Parking in the neighborhood isn't too bad (you might have to walk a little), and there are no time restrictions. Orrrrr you could just bike over there. -
Review from Elizabeth F.
Los Angeles, CA
9/4/2009
Given my recent move back to LA from Berkeley, I was more than happy to find a charming coffee house on the Northeast side of town. I found the theme of the old cycleway that used to be nearby a nice touch to the decor, but I was honestly expecting something a little more atmospheric. I'm not sure if I was thinking hipster douchebag atmospheric or what, and since it was not indeed that, I was both pleasantly surprised and a bit disappointed. There's nothing that says you've made it big in the realm of avant garde cool than the hipsters who flock to you. I also thought that based on how much they promote the history of the cycleway, it would have more a bit more personality.
However, the latte I order was probably the best one I've had in a long time and the girl who served me was friendly and fast. The only downside was that it cost $3.60, which is pretty expensive for a basic latte. They have free wifi and I found street parking pretty easily.
A side note: I did go on a Wed afternoon around 3pm and there were maybe 6 other people in the place. Perhaps with more people (and more interesting ones) the charm factor would go up, for everyone knows people really just hang out at cafes to people watch. -
Review from Kay B.
New York, NY
Updated - 6/7/2010
Went here the other afternoon for a kick back tea and do a little studying ... BUT ITS CLOSED!!!!
You can contact them for private parties, movie filmings however. :( aww...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/19/2009
What a great lil place to grab a coffee, study or catch up with friends. I also grabbed a cupcake… Read more »
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Review from Summy L.
Los Angeles, CA
5/15/2010
Those pastries sure look like those from Portos! Really! The guava pastries looks, smells, and taste just like those from Portos! I wonder if they woke up early, head over to portos, pick up some pastries, and bring it back to the coffee shop to resell to their customers.
Quaint small little coffee shop located in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Not sure the people around this neighborhood is interested in purchasing coffee rather then just brewing their own cup of joe.
Oh..by the way..they're CLOSED! Outta business! Gone! Laters!
Guess people were on to them for reselling Portos pastries. -
Review from Roy O.
Los Angeles, CA
8/17/2008
Cycleway is a great addition to the area. A simple, neighborhood, coffee shop. Not a chain and not trying to be anything other than a coffee spot. Nice. I had a iced soy moca and it was very tasty. The barrista made it too sweet at first, but she warned me it might be too sweet, then made me another one right away. No hassle at all. We wound up getting into a conversation about living in NELA. She's a native from Highland Park, so we talked about the area. Afterwards I thought, ok, that's a conversation you'd never (ever) get at Starbucks.
If I could change on thing it would be the music. The volume was so low that it would of been better just being off or turned up so you could hear it better.
Cycleway is very close to the Bushnell Way stairs entrance to Debs park. You can hike though the park from the Montecito Heights side, exit on the Hermon side and have yourself a tasty beverage for the hike back. Or just fuel up on coffee before hiking into the park for the day. -
Review from C T.
Los Angeles, CA
1/22/2009
I study here all the time, and the free wifi and friendly workers are perks. The music isn't blasting so I can study. One time they played jazz, another time hip hop/pop, so I guess it depends on the workers' preference. No opera or salsa as i have heard at other coffee shops.
The drinks are good. I get the chai tea latte, and in winter they serve special holiday drinks. I liked this candy cane iced drink that tasted like a milkshake. The lemon bar and pumpkin cheesecare were good, but all their pastries seriously looked good. I support my local cafe. -
Review from Daniela K.
Los Angeles, CA
11/3/2009
I was looking for a place to relax one saturday and... ended up finding my new favorite spot for coffee and cupcakes.
I was having a really bad day and I was needing a good cup of coffee and a good pastry to soothe my mind and soul.
Not only I was satisfied, but I was also amazed and refreshed by the silence and the coziness of this coffee place. The ambience was inviting but quiet, the food was delicious and simple, and the coffee was hot and priced just right.
The final bill came up to some dollars and some cents... and as the manager saw I was having a bad day (and wallet malfunction with all my coins falling everywhere) he kindly said: "it's OK".
I dont know about you guys. But sometimes all I need on such a terrible day is a "it's OK" from a stranger. And I really appreciate that. And will come back for more. -
Review from Hamed M.
10/15/2008
Decent cafe. It's small, but there are a lot of seats for the size.
In the daytime, it's not difficult to find a parking spot on the residential streets, but in the evening, with the residents come home, it may take some patience.
Prices are on par with other independently owned cafes, which are a bit more expensive that mainstream cafes. -
Review from Alejandra S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2010
Had the BEST coffee here: honey latte... What more can I say?? Coffee and honey get married and go on a honeymoon to the tropics and make a party in my boca!!!! Deelicious!
But is it closed now?? -
Review from gragegrl n.
Pasadena, CA
5/11/2008
Love this place! I work right over the hill from it and even though I am not much of a coffee drinker I have become addicted to their pastries! Their chocolate chip cookies are wonderful-I drive over there just for cookies.
It's a nice alternative to Starbucks, the atmosphere is very welcoming, the staff are VERY friendly (I've met three or four now). -
Review from U B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2008
I really really like this place.
I'm not a big coffee drinker but their coffee cake is both inexpensive and good! The chai tea is just right.
Plus there is the location: the cafe is nestled up against a hillside - and there are some awesome parks nearby if you're going for a stroll after work or on the weekends. It is a great place to stop in, see your neighbors, and relax.
The interior is light years ahead of any other commercial spaces in the little valley of Hermon. -
Review from Carlos L.
Los Angeles, CA
3/9/2008
This place is great !!! I've seen it take shape for the past few months. The cofee is just heavenly, it was more like a ceamy experience.
I spoke with the owner and suggested a curbside service for people in a rush to get to work and looking for a ceffeine fix. I think it will help their parking situation wich is just not good but don't let that shy you away.
I highly recommend this place. We need to help these guys out, too many businesses have failed on this corner but these guys have the right concept nonetheless still a high risk. -
Review from Robert C.
2/25/2009
Thank god for this place. As I take the Via Marisol exit off the 110n, I finally have a place to get some caffine. A very chill and semi spacious little coffee shop that feels out of place in this non commercial cross section of Hermon/SoPa/Highland park. I had the house blend (large for $2!). A lot of open space and a very friendly barista. This is my new place. I look forward to sampling the Portos pastries next time.
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Review from Skylar L.
Van Nuys, CA
6/5/2008
After driving past this place every Thursday for the past two months, I finally parked my car on the way back to the office and tried it out. The decor reminded me of the coffee shop I worked at up north so my hopes were high. I was planning to grab a bite to eat here and was disappointed when I saw the sparse selection of sandwiches and even more disappointed when none were vegetarian. I was also a little taken aback that there was Capri Sun in the sandwich case. I'm sorry, but Capri Sun is disgusting and I have no idea why a seemingly nice coffee shop would carry it. I was going to go for one of the pastries, but then my dieting voice broke through and I decided to just go for a coffee.
Whenever I go to a new coffee shop that I have high hopes for I order a Doppio over ice. Yeah, I know, I should get a Doppio hot to get the true sense of the coffee, but I don't. Anyway, the shot was pulled a little long and so was slightly bitter. The roast was nice though, full-bodied with an undertone of berry. The two shots came to $2.05. Not bad considering that they have free Wi-Fi and what looked like comfy chairs.
Hopefully once they get more established they will add to their snack selection. They already have good ideas such as offering the option of organic syrups, organic milk and some interesting latte and mocha flavors. I can see this place becoming a nice oasis in this budding residential community.
Edit: They addressed some of the issue I had written about in a nice note (look at my compliments). I decided to go back today for a second try. No Capri Sun!! It was replaced by Martinelli's apple juice. Still no vegetarian sandwich options, but I did have the strawberry cup. A good deal for $3. The strawberries were fresh and very sweet. The coffee again was good -- although now it wasn't pulled long enough. I like the intense coffee flavor, so it was perfect for me. I also noticed that they have the same brand of desert bars as we served in the place I worked at up north. If you like lemon deserts, try the lemon bar -- it was a top seller at my store. They should get the brownies and pumpkin bars as well (hint, hint). Yum!
After today they get a bumped up to a strong 4 stars. Keep it going guys! -6/12 -
Review from Michael K.
Pasadena, CA
2/6/2010
I don't like coffee. Well, kinda. I used to not like it. Two things changed that: a girlfriend and a place like Cycleway.
I was recommended to this place by my roommate. His favorite drink was the Latin Iced Latte. Unfortunately, the first time I went, they didn't have the horchata to make it (that's right, horchata and coffee, so good). So instead I opted for the Mexican Iced Latte, which has the Mexican chocolate in it.
Wow. That's all I could say. I've gone back plenty of times now to get the Latin Iced Latte, the Mexican Latte, the Mexican Mocha, the Latin Mocha... man it's all so good. Maybe someday I'll just try there regular coffee. But their specialty drinks are so good.
Parking is whatever, street parking in the residential neighborhood. -
Review from Oliver W.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2010
Alas, they just closed as of 4/1/10. Very bummed.
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Review from doreen e.
5/22/2008
In the middle of residential - you find a great independent coffeehouse. A dying breed. Clean, and rennovated interior with free wi-fi. Met with a client here over guava and cheese pastry. Nice and unique. Great coffee. Parking in the neighborhood is a breeze. Very reasonably priced too! I think I paid $5 for two of those guava and cheese things with a medium cafe au lait. I think starbucks charges me $5 for just the coffee.
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Review from Vivian L.
San Gabriel, CA
6/15/2009
I have been searching for an ideal place to get some work done for MONTHS. Along came Cycleway Coffee. The coffee is great! The atmosphere is super chill. The staff there is observant and friendly. The parking is no hassle. There are huge windows, so there is plenty of light and space. It is a combination of quality, atmosphere, and unpretentiousness. A bit of a drive from home, but it is my new GO TO spot!
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Review from leonessa m.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2010
I love this spot!! It's close to home but still far away enough from home to get away and have a yummy cup of hot chocolate, sit and relax, read or just people watch. The mexican hot chocolate was sooooo delish!!! The owner dude/manager is hella nice too!! Buena Suerte!!
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Review from Ishy P.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2010
I love this place! I usually stop by after playing tennis on the weekends. Place is very chic looking from the outside, which in turn wants to lure you in there. Good spot to have a cup of coffee and a few smokes outside as you watch the cars pass by. Love it..
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Review from Gabe K.
Huntington Beach, CA
1/4/2009
I just tried the hot chocolate at Cycleway and it was very good. It was nice and creamy with a strong chocolate flavor, just the way I like it. I really wanted a chocolate cookie or brownie, but they had mostly baked goods. Parking was not a problem as I was the only customer.
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Review from Dianna D.
South Pasadena, CA
3/12/2010
i wanted to grab a cup of coffee with a friend today and felt a bit adventurous. after looking on yelp, i was surprised to find such a highly rated spot in the area. the coffee was indeed delicious, the barista super nice and the place quite cozy!!
i was happy about my little discovery until i read a sign in front of the register saying the place is closing at the end of the month. what a bummer!! but i'll definitely be coming back until then to enjoy a few more soy lattes. -
Review from Noleen L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/18/2008
I walked over here with my hubby and puppy this morning to grab a cafe mocha. The coffee is absolutely great. It has lots of seating inside which a lot of coffee places lack. Living in Hermon, I am sooo glad this place is now here. I'll definitely be a regular.
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Review from sochi m.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2009
a new welcome edition to the highland park/hermon area. The coffee is good and the comfy chairs and wi-fi is awesome. staff is friendly and helpful.. parking is a lil tough, but look for a bit and you should find some. good place for coffee.
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Review from Mae T.
South Pasadena, CA
11/16/2009
I decided to go to Cycleway after reading the reviews on Yelp, and I was not disappointed! The teas were a bit pricey ($3.00), but to me, it was well worth it. The employees were very friendly and the ambience was great. There's no parking lot, but you shouldn't have any trouble finding street parking (you might have to walk a little). Definitely recommend.
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Review from Vincent H.
Los Angeles, CA
8/10/2008
Pretty nice place in the middle of nowhere. Its close to home and not as expensive and far as places such as Starbucks. Oh and the restroom is super white and clean.
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Review from Angelina Y.
Los Angeles, CA
12/26/2009
I like this little joint i would pass by it on a daily basis for months and finally decided one morning to make it in ...glad in which i did a very cozy comfy little spot its located in the cutest part of highland park right in the Hermon nook i like to take a run Sunday mornings now and grab a warm soy latte service is superb pastry's are fresh, Internet access is free they have jazz i believe some evenings or spoken word in which i always miss out on will eventually make it to catch a show sooner rather than later ! price is a little steep but well worth it i really love to come here on rainy days and just veg out all in all cycleway is a great place with a great selection in a great neighborhood
