2025 Pasadena Coffee Passport: Second Round of Reviews

Time to review another four coffee shops featured in the 2025 Pasadena Coffee Passport! Last issue, I reviewed Rosebud Coffee, Copa Vida, Republik Coffee, and Jones Coffee Roasters. Since then, I have gone to another four coffee shops of the fourteen shops in the passport.

Photo cred: Victoria Davis

Mandarin Coffee Stand Passport description: “This is Pasadena’s only woman-owned AAPI specialty coffee shop, which was created to highlight Chinese specialty coffee. They have coffee that has been grown and roasted all over the world.”

Passport benefit: 15% off

I tried the signature Vienna Latte, which is described as house-made sweet cream, house espresso, milk of choice, brown sugar, and coffee grounds. This was by far the best coffee drink I have ever had. It was well-crafted, made with masterful attention to flavor and texture. The bitter espresso was balanced with a dab of delicious thick and sweet cream. It was absolutely amazing. Mandarin Coffee Stand is located super close to Caltech. I actually passed this coffee shop every day on my morning walks for the past few years and didn’t realize this was the place I’ve always wanted to stop by! While walking on Lake Ave, you can smell the delicious coffee wafting heavenly down the fancy and somewhat out-of-place alcove of shops across the street from Macy’s. Every time I walk by, I love the aesthetic of shops in this alley and smell the coffee shop call my name. Each time I pass by, there appears to be a long line. When I went to get my stamp for this shop, I was delighted to discover it was a place I had been longing to try for a while. Be warned, though, that the line is always long! I went on a week day, and it took an hour to reach the front of the line. When it is your turn to order, you walk into a tiny lobby for the coffee stand which doesn’t fit many people, so outdoor seating is your only option. I loved the vibe of the lobby though, and while I waited for my drink, the music was excellent and off-beat, just my type. I recognized the song being played (Sexy Boy by Air) because it transported me to my favorite movie, 10 Things I Hate About You. I also ordered the Matcha Donut, which was exquisite. While you are at Caltech, you MUST invest the time and go to Mandarin Coffee Stand. The coffee is worth every last drop. I will be going back again. (Hint: I hear the line isn’t as long on the weekends).

Exterior and interior of Mandarin Coffee Stand (Photo credits: Victoria Davis).

Iced Vienna Latte and Matcha Donuts by Mandarin Coffee Stand (Photo credits: Victoria Davis).

Nosy Neighbors

Passport description: “Enjoy a range of coffee, tea, and other drinks at Nosy Neighbors alongside their specialty: mini donuts! Perfect to grab and go while shopping on South Lake or enjoy their cozy seating.”

Passport benefit: Free half-dozen fresh mini donuts

I was stoked to go to this coffee shop. I had seen the giant google eyes on the side of the building for months, but had no idea what this place was, or that the name was Nosy Neighbors! From the street on Lake, you can’t tell what this coffee shop is or why there are googly eyes in the window. Heck, you might not even notice the googly eyes. The large text reads “Coffee & Donuts” and its very easy to miss the actual name of the coffee shop “Nosy Neighbors” in small orange font with a black background. Apparently, the original concept for the coffee shop started in Claremont (see photos) which had a much clearer message that the coffee shop was “Nosy Neighbors” in orange font on white background, and the googly eyes are next to the sign peaking out between blinds. So cute! But the Pasadena shop, sadly, is no more. Honestly, it was only the coffee passport that made me look up Nosy Neighbors, and when I saw where this was located, I was shocked to realize that this was the name of the (what I thought was pretty generic) “Coffee & Donuts” shop that opened not too long ago on Lake Ave! Once you visit their website, the concept is cute and I was excited to go! I was also very stoked to get my free half-dozen mini donuts. The location is not easy to get to, but when I pulled into a random parking garage on Green St, I was able to see two parking spaces for Nosy Neighbors. As I got out of my car, the parking attendant yelled at me that I can’t park there. I said, “Oh, I’m just going to Nosy Neighbors,” to which she answered “it’s out of business.” Tragic. This passport will never have all its stamps.

Nosy Neighbors in Pasadena (left) which is now closed. Nosy Neighbors in Claremont (right). Photo credits: Google Images.

The Boy & the Bear

Passport description: “The aesthetic interior of The Boy & the Bear is as stunning as their coffee. Their drink menu and shop highlight Colombian culture and the best of Colombian coffee”

Passport benefit: 15% off

I went here with my Caltech bestie, Kayane Dingilian. She ordered an Iced Caramel Macciato and I ordered a Mocha Late. I truly love Colombian coffee, so this was a solid drink. Very enjoyable. What surprised me, though, was how good the pastries were! They looked a little burnt, so I wasn’t expecting anything amazing. Kayane and I both ordered a Tomato, Parmesan, and Cashew Pesto Croissant. It was delectable! Weeks later, I am still thinking about this croissant. It was SO good. I miss it. I’ll be back again for it.

Left: Interior of the Boy & the Bear (photo cred: Victoria Davis). Right: Iced Caramel Macciato by the Boy & the Bear (photo cred: Kayane Dingilian).

Tomato, Parmesan, and Cashew Pesto Croissant (left) and Mocha Latte by the Boy & the Bear (Photo credits: Victoria Davis).

Lavender & Honey

Passport description: “L&H made a splash by bringing lavender into this area’s coffee scene. It has thrived over the past decade due to its quality coffee, tea, food, and warm, inviting space.”

Passport benefit: One free drink

Kayane and I went on another coffee adventure, this time to try Lavender & Honey. IT WAS GLORIOUS. I ordered the French Lavender Breve and the Cream Cheese Tartine Toast. Both the coffee and toast were so delicious! I’m not usually a flora flavor fan, so I was happily surprised that the lavender was subtle. The French Lavender Breve is made with espresso, French vanilla and Lavender syrups, and half-and-half over ice. All the flavors blended well, making a very refreshing iced drink. The toast was made with sundried tomato and basil cream cheese on fresh artisan bread. It had excellent crunch with no crumb mess. The two paired together nicely, and the atmosphere of the coffee shop was bright, soft, colorful, and chill. Kayane ordered from the Fall Seasonal menu: an Apple Pie Matcha and the Brie & Pear Sandwich. The Apple Pie Matcha is a traditional matcha latte sweetened with M. Greenwood’s handmade spiced apple syrup with cinnamon milk. The Brie & Pear Sandwich is made with creamy brie, sliced bartlett pear, arugula, sprouts, and honey on a country white bread. Kayane described the drink as an spice-flavored matcha. She realized she is not a matcha fan while drinking her drink, but enjoyed it enough to finish it. She described herself as a horse eating grass. It was fun to laugh and drink and enjoy the L&H vibes with her as she said, “Yep, I really don’t like matcha” with each sip. If you’re a matcha fan, I’m sure this is a must-try. Kayane loved her sandwich though. She swallowed her final bite and said, “that was amazing.” We can’t wait to go back and try more of their sandwiches and options from their toast bar! I’ll be getting the French Lavender Breve again!

Interior of Jones Coffee Roasters (Photos courtesy of Victoria Davis).

Left: French Lavender Breve and Cream Cheese Tartine by Lavender & Honey (Photo cred: Victoria Davis). Right: Apple Pie Matcha and Brie & Pear Sandwich by Lavender & Honey (Photo cred: Kayane Dingilian).