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ZipPicks Awards
Best Brunch in Pasadena
Best Breakfast in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Urth Caffé
8.2
European-style coffeehouse in Mission Revival building serving exclusively heirloom organic coffee and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine. Roasts own coffee, features extensive patio, and offers spectrum from vegan to decadent pastries baked daily with French butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Salmone on Brioche, Avocado Toast, Earl Grey Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Own coffee roasting operation with heirloom organic beans and made-from-scratch daily pastries
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, coffee purists, groups willing to wait
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid legendary weekend lines, arrive before 9am Saturday
What to order: Poached eggs dishes, chicken pesto sandwich, any tiramisu variation
Insider tip: Line moves faster than it appears; staff takes orders while queuing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd or side streets, metered 2-hour limit. Public structure at 49 E Colorado ($2/hr). Arrive early weekends as spots fill fast.
Dress code: Pasadena casual - athleisure to sundresses perfectly acceptable. You'll see everything from yoga gear to brunch chic.
Noise level: Lively buzz - outdoor patio allows conversation, indoor can get bustling during peak hours but manageable
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive - multiple egg dishes, salads, grain bowls, veggie sandwiches. Strong showing across entire menu.
Vegan options: Yes - clearly marked options including avocado toast, acai bowls, grain bowls, almond milk for all drinks. Staff well-versed in modifications.
Gluten-free options: Available - GF bread available for sandwiches, several naturally GF options. Ask about daily pastry availability as it varies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for brunch/coffee dates - beautiful setting with conversation-friendly outdoor seating, casual vibe removes pressure. Skip for dinner dates as breakfast/lunch focused. Weekend waits may create awkward standing time.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's entirely walk-up. Weekdays you'll typically wait 10-20 minutes max. Weekends expect 30-60 min during prime brunch hours (9am-1pm). Line moves faster than it looks since they take orders while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kid-friendly menu items (pancakes, French toast, PB&J), outdoor seating gives kids room. Best with kids under 10 on weekday mornings when crowds lighter. Weekend waits may test patience.
Good spot for remote work? Decent for 1-2 hours - free WiFi, good coffee, but gets busy and seats are in demand. Better weekday mornings before 11am. Not ideal for all-day camping. Indoor outlets limited.
What if I'm in a hurry? Go weekdays after 10:30am or before 8am for minimal wait. Order counter service means relatively quick once seated. Their grab-and-go pastry case allows quick in-and-out if you just need coffee and a bite.
Best For
Better for: Superior coffee quality from their own roasting operation, health-conscious farm-to-table focus with organic ingredients, vegan-friendly options without compromise on taste. Better than chain cafes for ingredient quality and better than bougie brunch spots for actual substance over style.
Skip if: You want quick service without lines (weekends especially), prefer traditional American diner brunch over California health-conscious fare, need dinner service, or want a quiet intimate setting for conversation - go to Jones Coffee Roasters or Kings Row instead.
Hours
Monday7am - 10pm
Tuesday7am - 10pm
Wednesday7am - 10pm
Thursday7am - 10pm
Friday7am - 11pm
Saturday7am - 11pm
Sunday7am - 10pm