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Kaldi Coffee and Tea
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
1019 El Centro StSouth Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 403-5951
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 10 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
115 reviews for Kaldi Coffee and Tea
Review Highlights
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"Free wi-fi, great atmosphere, close to my house." In 6 reviews -
"...shop next to the public library, great service and plenty..." In 8 reviews -
"Mmmm Mexican Mocha, you are so far away now." In 5 reviews
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115 reviews in English
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Review from Sharon K.
Fullerton, CA
2/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Just grabbed one of their double-shot lattes...not very many places can make a smooth tasting double shot latte but they hit the spot! The temperature was right, taste was smooth, and there was no bitter after taste from the add shot.
The employees must have changed or something because they were really friendly, unlike reviewers' complaints about rude service.
The atmosphere is a very home-y feeling where you can just come and sit down to read a book. I gave a 4 for the rating because they didn't have a wide pastry selection when I came, but then again, I came in the evening so they probably sold all the good stuff.
I have to say that my time here was well spent and I hope to be in the area again so I can come by and grab another cup of the latte and try other things on their menu. :) -
Review from John H.
Altadena, CA
1/23/2012
This place is in every new romantic comedy.
If Katherine Heigl is in a movie, there's a good chance that she meets up with her best friend to talk about a guy she is in love with, and eventually bangs, in Kaldi.
It's too bad that coffee is a diuretic, as is tea and most caffeinated products. It's hard to spend a few hours in a place that has no bathroom access. Luckily, the bathroom in the South Pas library is awesome and easily accessible if no one falls asleep in it. If you are there late, expect to tie it in a knot or dribble. -
Review from Sophia C.
1/16/2012
I'm just simply going to sum up this spot in a few points:
* Crap coffee. I ain't a hardcore coffee drinker, but goodness, what beans are they using, if any?
* Spaced out staff. Well, it is SoCal...the weather's nice outside, so why the hell should I be paying attention to my barista job?
* Parking- Neighborhood parking, but be prepared to circle a wee bit and once you find a parking, you damn better not block a driveway! I've seen incidences of residents getting at it with parkers.
The one redeeming spot is that it's a spot to really shoot the shit with a friend to chit chat. That's it. Use this spot to study? Uh, I guess...but the library is literally 20 feet away so you can genuinely focus. -
Review from Kay B.
South Pasadena, CA
5/12/2012
One shot in a 16oz latte? Seriously? No thanks. I'll go to Buster's. This place has no personality and weak coffee.
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Review from Susan P.
Chino Hills, CA
5/14/2012
I tried their sea salt caramel latte. It was to die for. It was just perfect!!!! Loved it! The ambiance was cute and loved the outside patio area. My daughter wanted to try strawberry Italian soda and it was really yummy!! You must try!!!! Their turkey sandwich and veggie sandwiches are really good.
The employees were all so friendly. Asking if everything was good :) This will be my spot to meet my friends from now on. -
Review from Sherry A.
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cute and dog friendly. Kinda bummed that the coffee is from a electric pot and you pump it yourself. Love the patio area and so so pastries. Mehh ..
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Review from Rick A.
Alhambra, CA
4/18/2012
I've lived in the south pasadena area for over 7 years , and this place has been in in loads of commercials , romantic comedies you name it. It's south pas location is serene and just cool. What's not cool is the rude staff , I don't want attitude with my latte which doesn't taste very good. Now maybe I was rude ...? No been there 3 times and I'm nice all 3 times the staff was been rude. Maybe they were just having bad days , but listen up staff, "I've got Via in my bag and your a small coffee shop, so shape up". Peeps go across the street on mission , busters coffee is still a cool spot to people watch, see the train pass and catch up on reading.
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Review from Deb T.
4/12/2012 2 Check-ins Here
My friend and I discovered this place as we were walking through the South Pasadena Farmer's Market. We were parched and we were so glad we could find a place that actually took cards (with a minimum of $5 purchase) and it has an ATM. We always get our drinks in a timely manner and this place isn't crowded like most Starbucks. There is seating outside, but you have to grab it because there is always a crowd sitting outside. The location is gorgeous (near the South Pasadena Library) and I love the Chai Tea Latte I got. My friend and I have now made it part of our weekly routine. Great drinks!
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Review from Scott S.
Northridge, CA
2/20/2012
If you want a good cup of coffee and a nice smile at an historic location in South Pass, come to Kaldi Coffee and Tea. I am not one of those people who seem to set up shop and stay a few days at their local cafe. So electrical outlets, electronics, bathrooms and what other patrons are doing are superfluous to me. What is important is the service and quality of the product and that's where Kaldi excels.
I had a mocha latte and it was the perfect amount of chocolate and coffee. Give it a try. The atmosphere and good parking situation, evening mind you, was also a plus. -
Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/25/2011
Came here again after a year and I was pleased to see that they replaced the cheap, economy killing Styrofoam cups with paper ones. However, I could really go without the attitude of the staff there, I mean jeez talk about rude. I remember that from last year too, maybe they had a bad day. Although last year I remember thinking the same about the baristas and even the customers there were quite aloof.
And the real deal breaker for me, as if the staff being snooty and no bathroom wasn't enough was the prices are way too high. My latte was over $5 and it was not even mind-blowing, grrr.
On a happier note the location is great and the outdoor seating is wonderful on a sunny day, which are plenty here in LA!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/27/2010
Great location, plenty of seating outside. Inside could use a little help in the decorating… Read more »
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Review from Jason A.
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place isn't too bad. Their location is nice - it's nestled in the middle of a very cozy part of south pasadena, by the library. It's been featured in a few comedy movies that I've seen, and the place is generally pretty quiet, but still busy enough to keep people-watchers interested. The coffee is good... solid stuff. The staff is usually pretty friendly as well. This place is good for casual conversation with a friend... or grabbing a cup on a lazy day off.
I've been coming here for a while, but recently they closed the bathroom to customers. There must have been a complaint about it not being handicap accessible. I wish they would fix this... it actually prevents me from going back there, since I don't want to have to leave when nature calls. Another thing... I used to study here a lot, and there is a definite lack of outlets on one side of the room. I would have to run a power cord from my table, over other customers, then over the couch to get to a power strip. It was a definite hassle that deters me from going if I need to work longer than about 2 hours. -
Review from L A.
Los Angeles, CA
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm hiding out here to avoid the Cheese and Quackers of Rosebowl 2012 and Rose Parade day. I love this cafe in a historic building, it's mostly South Pasadena locals, next to a park and a beautiful old library, lots of trees around. It feels like a east coast college neighborhood. The coffee, tea and pastries, is very good and it has plenty of seats and you will see people typing and playing guitar outside.
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Review from Matthew C.
Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA
10/11/2011
As far as location goes, Kaldi has it pretty good - meaning its fairly quiet, located across from the grassy knolls of the South Pasadena Public Library, adjacent to the local Farmers Market on Thursdays, and is a corner front store in a pleasant brick building.
The coffee is good, the lattes and mochas both executed efficiently - but nothing really stands out drink or food-wise. As for the ambiance, its a mix of work study and quiet conversation. Except when high school teenie boppers invade the place and gab endlessly about nonsense, their dribble heightened by the coffee rush they surely just discovered last week.
And the waitstaff seems to regularly have social hours here (often during their shifts), to the point where it seems I can't go in here without four or five of them milling about. And the service...well, its either disinterested or dismissive, and rarely pleasant, which is fine by me, but may turn some people off. If you want charming and bubbly and family oriented, go to Busters around the corner.
The constantly rotating art is a nice touch, its pretty low key and the work vibe hits a good balance that is hard to find, and is ultimately what keeps bringing me back. -
Review from Christine J.
Los Angeles, CA
11/1/2011
Cute location. You see this coffee shop in a lot of tv commercials and tv show episodes.
I agree with most of the reviews. Coffee's decent and free wifi is always good. But the service... Ahh... Isn't the best. Disinterested and dismissive is right. But that's no big deal, since my main reason for coming here isnt for service. Last time I was here though, the mediocre service made a turn for the worse. It was kinda busy so the barista forgot to make my drink. After 10 minutes of waiting and seeing people who ordered after me leave with their drinks, I had to remind him and he thought it was funny he actually forgot. HA... I forgot to laugh. He upgraded my drink a size so I guess it's ok. -
Review from Erica L.
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A coffee shop that doesn't accept credit/debit cards for purchases under $5, and offers no public toilet facilities to its patrons.
What are you? Sadists?
p.s. thank you other Yelpers for reminding me of the cashier's snotty attitude. Hot drinks served in styrofoam cups. Sub-par drinks, in general. UGH! -
Review from Ji H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/26/2012
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT~
they have free wifi, quiet work space, chill atmosphere, good sandwiches. :D -
Review from Tom T.
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Recently, I had tutoring at the South Pasadena Library, and two of the eight times, I needed something to keep me up, due to not getting enough sleep from my morning job. (I curse the person who invented 5 AM).
I was going to wander off to Buster's, since I only had the place once, but as soon as I walked, I noticed a coffeeshop even closer and decided to head there, which was Kaldi.
Both times I went, I kind of down my iced drinks, so I wasn't able to ENJOY it to its entirely, but I kind of got the jitz of it after the first sip.
First time, it was a white chocolate latte, pretty tasty, but I ordered the original latte and asked for it over ice, so it might have been diluted.
Second time, a Vietnamese iced coffee. Now, I was questioning this because I am in a Caucasian-dominated neighborhood, and seeing how "Vietnamese iced coffee" was on their standard menu kind of made me want to try it more. (Also, I was basically born and raised on this type of coffee, so I know how it should be made).
To be honest, it was a bit sweet, ie. too much sweeten condensed milk. Vietnamese coffee has some bitterness to it, which is the reason why I like to drink it every so often.
I will frequent here more often, but probably order a few more things. Then again, Charlie's has a parking lot. -
Review from Lauren T.
South Pasadena, CA
7/17/2011
While Kaldi's historic location, free wifi, and Mexican Mochas have kept me coming back, I've had enough unpleasant experiences with the staff over the years that I am considering boycotting the coffee shop for good.
As similar reviews have noted, this troublesome attitude that reeks with misplaced self-importance is a staff-wide problem that must come from management. At best, they are deadpan and quiet. At worst (most frequently encountered), they are short-fused and hostile towards polite, paying customers. Naturally, that attitude attracts like-minded clientele, so when you enter the place everyone looks like they had the worst day of their lives and are pretty pissed about it.
But hey, their mochas are good. -
Review from Kevin M.
Los Angeles, CA
9/1/2011
Usually reluctant to give a bad review after a first visit but this place earned it. Nicole's hadn't opened yet so I went here for a quick breakfast. I ordered my summer usual: iced americano and plain croissant. And it was godawful. I'm sorry, but they sucked. The small iced americano looked more like iced tea than espresso and water--I seriously think the dude pulled like half a shot in here when it should be like two. Really, really, bad. If you ever tasted drip coffee when somebody accidentally brews the same grounds twice--it' like that.
And the croissant was even worse--dry, doughy and bland with the consistency of paper, cardboard and those fake cobwebs you put up during Halloween. I wasn't even out the door before I realized how much the americano sucked, so I should've said something, probably. But I was in a hurry. Maybe, *maybe* I'll come back.
Wait what was that? No bathroom access for paying customers?! If true, that's bogus. -
Review from Daniel A.
Whittier, CA
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
You know, I have a certain fondness for Kaldi. It's such a nice location, a quaint, quiet little corner on a little street. It's almost the quintessential small town coffee shop. So why is the coffee so bad?
I arrived at about 4:15 in the afternoon on a Wednesday, the place was full both inside and out. I felt almost like an outside for not toting around a laptop. Service was quick, I ordered an Americano, medium size, that set me back $2.20. Fair enough. But in a styrofoam cup? Really? This is a 'fancy' South Pasadena coffee shop, not the local donut house. But the bigger issue is how the Americano tasted like really hot coffee flavored water. I though at first I had seared off all my taste buds in the initial sip, but yeah, it wasn't good.
I imagine I'll go back again in the future, but more out of circumstance rather than necessity. -
Review from Debra C.
4/7/2011
As some have already pointed out, Kaldi's coffee is a served in styrofoam cups. Um, bit old school? And dude, if you wish to pay for your order with a credit card, there is a minimum of $5. Gosh, I'm starting to miss Starbucks...
All complaints aside, Kaldi's a cute coffee shop located on a quaint street corner in South Pasadena. The ambience of the shop is lovely. Very mom and pop. My latte was only okay, but my almond croissant? Delightful.
An okay place with okay fare. -
Review from Christopher G.
Glendale, CA
5/16/2011
This cafe is a wasted opportunity for utilizing a great location.
The drinks are sub-par (green tea smoothie was just ice...), didn't like the patrons at the time of my visit, and the employees are rude.
If you want a welcoming atmosphere with great drinks and friendly staff - don't go here. P.S. - This shop still uses foam cups to serve your drink... how lame is that!?
Let the Korean owners from Cafe Alibi take over the lease at this place and I'll come back... otherwise see ya on Fair Oaks for their tasty Sweet Potato Latte and Green Tea Latte.Comment from cindy g. of Kaldi Coffee and Tea 11/15/2011
You are in luck. This business was sold to a Korean family… More » -
Review from Ksenia B.
Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA
8/28/2011
This coffee shop is a good place to study or read. The atmosphere is just perfect. Free wifi. It is quiet and never too crowded. However, I will agree with the rest of the reviewers, their coffee is not that great. So if you want your caffeine fix, walk a little longer to Busters. But if you want something icy, bubbly, and/or sweet, this place will do.
P.S. Unlike some people's experience, I find staff here quite nice, not too friendly, but definitely not snotty. -
Review from Eric L.
Monterey Park, CA
5/2/2011
This is a great cafe to just come chill or read or study. I'll be honest, the coffee and drinks aren't the best in the world but I've never had anything really bad. The last time I came here, I got a cold chai latte and it was really good.
But this place is nice and quiet and has free wi-fi. There's plenty of seating inside and outside and it's quiet inside too, if you need to study. I was here for 4 hours the other day just reading with a friend and it was relaxing. Also, they're open until 10:00 PM every night too so it's a nice place to have coffee after eating dinner somewhere closeby.
There's plenty of street parking outside and most of it is 2 or 3 hours free. Also they don't have a public restroom but you can walk across the street to the South Pas Library and use their restrooms when they're open. -
Review from L A.
South Pasadena, CA
3/21/2012
Lame atmosphere, slow service, uncomfortable seating, cash only, gross drinks. Avoid.
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Review from Skeeter L.
South Pasadena, CA
11/28/2011
Nice atmosphere. Staff usually surly. Coffee blah.
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Review from g h.
South Pasadena, CA
3/19/2012
wanted to check it out since i live so close
the good:
-coffee was good, not all burnt-tasting like the ones served at starbucks. very smooth lattes
-free wifi
-cool atmosphere
the bad:
-lattes had too much foam!! i ordered a large, and 1/5 of the cup must've been pure foam! where's the rest of my coffee??!
-no bathroom access?!
-the cashier looked busy counting up which i understand, but i was left standing there for 5 straight minutes before even getting a standard greeting and "i'll be with you". there was a barista and another staff who didnt even bother to look up when I approached the counter. i wasn't expecting full on fanfare, but comon guys. i was speechless
-not a lot of seating, if you're looking to study
-pricier than the standard starbucks
-does not accept cards. cash only. what century are we in?!
not sure if i'd go back given the negatives outweighs positives. if i was in the immediate area, maybe. -
Review from Justin M.
South Pasadena, CA
11/24/2010
I have a love-hate relationship with Kaldi's, but mostly hate. What I like about it is its location, seating arrangement, and free wireless internet.
This place deserves the one star for the following reasons. The service is horrible, most of the employees have been rude and are constantly anxious to get back outside to finish their cigarette. Mind, not every employee here is bad, but I would say a majority of them are.
The coffee sucks. There is no excuse for this, it continuously taste water-downed and/or burnt.
Finally, styrofoam cups...they still us styrofoam cups. I brought this up with an employee and they told me that styrofoam is recyclable and that the city recycles the trash--which is true, however, the city does not recycle styrofoam. I called the South Pasadena Public Works Department and asked them about this, and they confirmed to me that they do not recycle styrofoam.
It's such a shame that this place has these shortcomings, because the location is great and there is a shortage of privately owned cafés where one could sit, socialize, and get some work done. -
Review from Michaela O.
South Pasadena, CA
8/10/2011
This place has pretty good coffee, and a pretty mellow staff. They have internet, but whenever I'm there it seems to always cut in and out. All that to say, it's a decent place.
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Review from arianne k.
Alhambra, CA
11/9/2010
I love this place for it's vacinity.....which is next to the public library that has a park like setting around it...beautiful trees , park benches and luscious green grass surrounding it....take a stroll day or night or sit and take it in.
The coffee shop staff I found to be polite....very laid-back place....feels like I am some place else....a small town in the Midwest maybe or east coast....love it!
I am planning a bike path starting here and heading over to the rosebowl....seems just too perfect for words....
Also if you plan it right you can get a little shopping done at the farmers market....I simply love south pas... -
Review from Tony G.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This is a quaint little spot in South Pasadena perfect for those who dig a picturesque cafe in a picturesque neighborhood with decent coffee. The surrounding is beautiful ESPECIALLY in the fall. Theres some nice little restaurants in the surrounding blocks all within walking distance. Theres a parking lot and ample street parking. The cafe always has patrons BUT there is always room to sit. The building is a very old brick building that lends a nice touch of history to the scene. I've yet to see the hottie barista whom everyone else talks about, i only see dudes. But they're laidback and very cool dudes so its cool. Their iced coffee is good, not too strong and not too light, its juuuuust right. And their espresso is pretty good. I give this place 5 stars= location and charm and 3 stars = for its product which in the end received it's 4 stars.
P.S if you like to find somewhere where it's
comfy and cozy and quiet enough to
read....THIS IS YOUR SPOT!! -
Review from Lindsey F.
Atwater, CA
9/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
I am not usually one to write a bad review but...this place seriously needs to step up there game. I came in the other day with three not complicated drink orders.
It was about 3pm, so not a busy time. I was second in line. I placed my orders, paid and sat at a table to wait. More customers came in and I patiently waited my turn. Except, they were making other peoples drinks before mine, and one or two people but like 10. The girl who did not seem like she even knew what she was doing, was busy chatting with another employee about personal stuff while the line started to pile up.
She called, "iced mocha", finally I thought. I went up to grab my first drink thinking the other two would follow. Not quite, after a couple minutes she asked me what I was waiting for. My cappuccino and white mocha. Her response "it's gonna bit a little bit". I was confused. I continued to wait at the counter now a little irritated because she was still making drinks for people who behind me in line. I just stood and waited. She finally makes the other drinks and I ask her for a drink carrier and she looks at me like I am bothering her.
So I can say I left unhappy. The coffee was not that good either.
The Styrofoam cups need to go. Upgrade to paper please, it is just so tacky and horrible for the planet. -
Review from Cat H.
10/26/2010
Your typical neighborhood coffee shop with a girl behind the counter who either blissfully ignores you or tries to high pressure sell you on their freshly made items to supplement that watered down coffee you ordered. In fact, I'd classify her as a little rude.
Is the coffee or atmosphere better than Starbucks? No. Is it better than Coffee Bean? Yes. Would I call it fine quality? No. And it's more expensive (with less variety) than my cheapo, larger, and tastier Starbucks coffee. I guess if you're into supporting your local establishments, then this is your kind of spot. But honestly, I thought it was skippable.
I was however, a big fan of Rebecca J., whom I went to go meet for coffee.
2 stars for the coffee spot
5 stars for Becca. ;) -
Review from Dave A.
Updated - 9/1/2008
Went there today as a place to hang and do some reading. It was pretty mellow but people hog the seats with their laptops, and if you look around to find a place, no one looks up. Yup, all of the sudden that book, fly on the table, spot on the carpet, or tuna fish sandwich becomes soooooo engrossing that it is just impossible to unglue one's eyes from it.
Interesting time.
I ordered a Mexican coffee, dude starts to grab a styrofoam cup so I ask for a 'real' cup considering I'm getting it for there. I tell him that the styrofoam is bad for the environment. "It can be." He replies. I couldn't help but laugh. "It either is or it isn't, and it is" He just let it go. So what I'm saying is, barrista with a 'tude - harshed my mellow temporarily.
Went outside and found a nice table by a beautiful dog. I dug into my turkey/cranberry on rye. Excellent - very fresh with quality mustard, leafy lettuce, and several slices of deli cut turkey. The Mexican coffee however was a joke. It tasted like milk chocolate. And here's where I dare to sound like Seinfeld, but why is it that the first time you say "no whip-cream" the barrista doesn't hear you. There is a consistent short term memory lapse or something. They always have to you ask twice. Who ARE these barristas?
Next, ---back to my table. I sat next to a motorcycle that kept chirping every time anyone walked passed it. Finally said Italian owner came by after a couple of complaints. Someone asked what type of bike it was and one of the people complaining said it was an @sshole bike. Then the Italian owner said well you're an @sshole coffee drinker. This all happening under a peaceful oaktree while I was reading a passage on pacifism.
Then some group of 16 year olds skate by with masks on and an old school beatbox blasting "It's like a jungle, sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under." until a woman on a phone call told them to turn it down. Actually her phone call was more annoying than that awesome song.
Still - good place to chill for a slice of life in S.Pas
Apparently they have wi-fi along with the attitude.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/6/2007
If you are looking for a relaxing place to chill and people watch you've found it.
Kaldi is located… Read more »
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Review from Kinipela I.
La Jolla, CA
5/2/2011
This place would get 5 stars for its ambience!!! However, overall it's a 3-star rating because while wifii is free, it is always patchy (and the Library/Senior Center wifii is just too far away), their hot chocolates and tea aren't bad but aren't absolutely smashing, and MOSTLY--- because so many people SMOKE-- even though it is against the law to do so within 25 feet at all South Pasadena eateries or public spaces. THe employees are all so friendly, but it is often THEM -- or their FRIENDS who are the ones blatantly smoking out front. It's quite annoying, especially when you smell the smoke INDOORS!
Also, it's quite inconvenient that there is a minimum purchase to use a credit card.
Also, you get one free refill on iced tea within the same day --- except they suck.... it's not the greatest!!
That said, it's such a fun and cozy place to get work done! -
Review from kay n.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2011
No restrooms = bad!
Bad attitude barista = worse!!
My wife ordered an iced tea and the barista automatically chose the large size without asking her what size she wanted, and the iced-tea came with hardly any ice. when my wife asked to change the size and give more ice, the barista threw a hissy fit...avoid this place! What a pity that such a good location should have such a bad business.Comment from cindy g. of Kaldi Coffee and Tea 11/15/2011
We can no longer provide a public restroom because it is a… More » -
Review from May T.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2008
Death.
It brings together family. And in my family, it brings people from the past and different corners of the world. I'm sitting in Los Angeles, South Pasadena to be exact, hanging out with the family: my mother and father, my grandmother who flew in with my great aunt from Taiwan, my aunts, my uncles and all of my second cousins, some of whom I haven't seen in more than 10 years and who live in various corners of the United States.
It's a great reunion, except for the circumstances that brought us together; the passing of my great aunt. She's in a better place now, having suffered through Alzheimer's for a few years. At the very end, she was surrounded with family.
Now, she's surrounded by more of us, and in midst of all this, I found myself craving caffeine. Not because I wanted to be away from everyone, but because I needed lucidity, and my gears don't rev until there's nice strong brew circulating through my veins.
So, Cousin Jane took me to Kaldi instead of the Starbucks down the street from where my great aunt lived. It has a warm neighborhood vibe with a lot of laptops and funky South Pas denizens inhabiting the couches and tables in this corner cafe.
The double soy capp was good. Strong, and full of frothy foam, not a whole lot of soy milk added at all. That was a real capp i was drinking. Cousin Jane and I caught up as we ran errands, and it felt as if no time had passed and we were two kids hanging out about to play out in the yard or on the beach, only with a couple decades more of experience and more responsibility now.
It's amazing how little things change and yet how vastly different they can be all at once. -
Review from Alana S.
San Gabriel, CA
2/24/2011
I'm torn as to how to review this place, but I'm sure people have already said what I'm going to. The overall feel of Kaldi's is nice. It's a great place to people watch on a quiet street. I've found it to be a good place to write and study as long as it isn't too cold outside. The indoor seating fills up quick.
I do get the occasional rude barista, but my main problem with Kaldi's is the quality of their food and drinks. The iced tea is literally undrinkable. I've never had to throw away iced tea before, but it had the most disgusting after taste. The sandwiches don't seem to be made with quality ingredients, especially the meat. The pastries are pretty good as are some of the frozen drinks, but those are the only things I've ordered there that I liked.
So, overall, I probably wouldn't really recommend Kaldi's aside from being a nice place to study. -
Review from Melody W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2009
When I think about going to a coffee house, this is the first place that pops in my mind. Kaldi (although I like to call it "Kaldi's" because it flows better) is super cute and cozy. It's the local corner coffee shop you'd want to come meet a friend and spend hours and hours chatting. Or a great place to just study and surf the net with their free wi-fi. There's great outdoor seating for smokers or people who just want to enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscape. This is definitely one of my favorite coffee shops to come anytime for anything.
My favorite hot drinks are the cafe mocha with soy (no whip) or their famous mexican mocha (with soy, of course), which gives a little mariachi kick to your taste buds. My favorite cold blended drink has to be the Cookies n' Cream Freeze. YUM!!! You can NEVER go wrong with that.
The service is decent. I'm pretty familiar with the guy there and he seems to be pretty nice to me. The prices are fair; comparable to Starbucks. The hot mochas are about $3.25 and the freezes hover around $4.Listed in: I heart coffee!
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Review from Liz X.
Chicago, IL
3/4/2007
I will always love this place. I was a regular there back in my grad school days because it was a great place to get coffee, study, and people watch. There was a contant set of characters who frequented the place more than me and they were alway interesting to watch: the South Pas alternateen crowd; they were literally too-cool-for-school. I'm sure to them, I was the sell-out who would be working for "the Man" someday and was therefore not cool enough. It was even funnier on Sunday afternoons when all the Korean moms would bust out of Korean church and head in to Kaldi as well (I know a thing or 2 about Korean moms). I loved every second of it.
Kaldi is in a quiet tree and grass-filled neighborhood without much traffic so it's a delight to sit outdoors. It's great to people watch even more during the SoPas Farmer's Market which is right in the neighborhood as well.
If ever in South Pas, be sure to check out this place out.
