I needed a quick pick me up coffee in the area and I am glad I called this place for mobile pick up because everything went smooth let alone the coffee really did the trick. The coffee i got was egg coffee and i specifically asked to make it less sweet and stronger the better. By the time I arrived the drink was already ready for me. The place is super adorable and warming. Highly recommend to do a sit down or quick pick me up. There were so many decorations and plants. I loved how warm and cozy it feels. If you're looking for a place to take your date or even yourself, you won't be disappointed. It's a mom and dad shop and you can't go wrong with Vietnamese coffee. One of the best coffee in the area.. Not diluted ! read more

Definitely gives mom and pop shop vibes which I absolutely adore. There's street parking, both the front and back which made parking pretty easy. We got the pandan Vietnamese coffee, sesame latte, affectionate coffee, and the ube latte. They were all really good and definitely strong like any viet coffee. The sesame latte and affectionate coffee were my favorites and I will definitely be coming back for those. The ube latte was also really good and had actual chunks of ube in it, but it did look different from the pictures since mine had no purple in it at all but at least we know they use real ube. The pandan Vietnamese coffee was really good too as the pandan flavor was strong but still balanced really well with the coffee. They also have egg waffles and other snacks that looked super tempting. There's a good amount of indoor seating and everything has a really vintage vibe which gives the cafe a different ambience compared to a lot of other coffee shops. Service was also really fast! read more

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Came here on a Wednesday morning to grab coffee with a friend, and honestly this spot exceeded expectations. I ordered the pandan coconut Vietnamese coffee and WOW... easily a 10/10 for me. It had the perfect level of sweetness, and you could clearly taste the pandan without it overpowering the coffee itself. Everything was super well balanced. My friend got the sea salt Vietnamese coffee. He said it was good, but personally prefers the traditional version without the sea salt. We also shared the HK egg waffle stuffed with Portuguese custard, and this was a standout. The waffle was crispy on the outside, light and hollow inside, and the custard was smooth and just the right amount of sweet. Definitely worth ordering. The space itself is great if you're looking to study or just hang out. It's quiet inside with plenty of tables. There is outdoor seating too, but there were a couple of people smoking when we went, so we stayed inside (which worked out since it was hot anyway). Service was smooth. We ordered at the counter and the barista brought everything out to us, which was a nice touch. Overall, it's a really cute spot with great drinks and unique snacks. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu. Only downside is parking can be a bit tricky since it's just free street parking, so you might have to park across the street and walk over. read more

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Amazing hidden gem! Super nice owners and cozy interior. Got their sea salt Vietnamese coffee and it was superb! Also got their sticky rice as a small snack and it was yummy. read more

Fresh Roast - Sea salt Viet coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

The coconut coffee and bubble waffle were great and the customer service at this mom n pops shop is always warm

I was pleasantly surprised how cute the inside was kind of gave a vintage London coffee shop on a rainy day. I'm definitely a plant person and there was lots of plants upon the front of the store. The parking is right off the street but if you park in the rear or the back of the restaurant or coffee shop, there's more parking I ordered the Vietnamese coffee iced and the egg yolk Vietnamese, coffee hot. I was not disappointed. I love a strong, robust coffee and it came in with a punch nice sweet creamy yet strong flavor. I did in fact order their little pancake popper things you can pass on those, but do not sleep on this man's coffee, but like I say, give it a try and you decide. read more

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I had a putrid, bad experience at Fresh Roast (San Gabriel). I ordered the Pandan Coconut Coffee ($6.50 - Iced). It tastes stale, bitter, and artificial! When stirred, the coffee tastes worse. It's a burnt, old aftertaste. (Important: There's a 50 cent fee for card payments if purchase is under $20. There's also a 2 Hour Limit for customer internet.) I arrived at Fresh Roast (San Gabriel) on Wednesday (around 10:35AM). There's street parking, and there's a hidden, worn-down rear parking lot. The rear's sign says, "Limit 2 Hours." Staff is approachable and friendly. Staff speaks limited English; however, Staff is charming. Staff is diligent behind the counter. My order took three minutes and 50 seconds. Good time. As mentioned, I dislike this Pandan Coconut Coffee ($6.50 - Iced). Its flavor reminds me of the stale, two-day old coffee that I desperately drank during my old college days. This Pandan Coconut Coffee tasted like leftovers, and it felt poorly put together. Thankfully, this coffee wasn't bad enough to toss into the garbage can. At the very minimum, it woke me up. Concerning ambiance, Fresh Roast (San Gabriel) felt sticky, humid, and uncomfortable. I felt my skin slowly become moist from its air. Ugh. The many tables all had dried sticky stains, and there's many food crumbs on the floor. It all looked poorly maintained and old. There's also a gender neutral restroom in the back, but I had to walk through many buzzing flies. Also, there's a surprisingly large amount of hidden electrical outlets, but it felt like searching for an outlet in a retired grandparent's dusty home. However, I did appreciate the cute knickknacks despite the grime. And I enjoyed the soft music. Overall, Fresh Roast (San Gabriel) felt poorly maintained and passionless. I had a puke inducing experience. Perhaps this location had potential once upon a time; however, it's currently a dusty relic. I would wait a long time before attempting Fresh Roast (San Gabriel). Hopefully, it improves... 2 out of 5 read more

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I've visited Fresh Roast a few times to enjoy their drinks. Their HK Milk Tea is impressively well done. I've also had some of their food items, including the Portuguese Egg Tart and Tofu Pudding. I can't recommend either of these though they were prepped to order. The Portuguese Egg Tart was small, and it wasn't the most tasty. The Tofu Pudding (with red bean) come with the sweet syrup, but the texture was a bit off. There is Wi-Fi available, and it is otherwise a dimly lit, cute spot to study at. It's very calming, without any loud music - a tad cramped, but still a relaxing spot. Their menu is plentiful; you'll find it very difficult to try everything at least once! read more

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12/6/25 Looking for a mom n pop shop for egg waffles & treats? Come to Fresh Roast in San Gabriel. As soon as you walk in, you smell this wonderful aroma wafting in the air, so warm & inviting. There's parking at the rear of the shop & I entered through the back entrance. It's definitely honey, vintage & cozy. Eclectic. A quirky yet friendly gentleman greeted me as I was gawking at the decor & inquired what I would like to order. He even recommended soft tofu dessert or frozen dumplings to take home. As I ordered, he spoke out loud to another person in the back ground (implying for this person to start making what I am ordering). I ordered Hubby's usual oat milk latte & I wanted an iced pandan latte. Saw these egg waffles so I ordered the pandan , he asked if I wanted mochi, I said "why not, sure". When I was paying, I saw his shirt, he said they sell them for $10, in the spirit of things, I bought one and told him, hey "you're a good salesman. He says they sort loose out on these, I said "that's a great price". Alright, the latte for Hubby was definitely an epic fail, flat, no foam, it's like a regular cup of coffee with cream. My iced pandan latte was pretty good but way too sweet, he said next time to ask & adjust the sweetness level. I just requested for another cup of ice to dilute it. Overall I still give this shop a 4 star for his amazing service & demeanor & the warm, cozy ambiance. The egg waffles were delicious, fresh, hot, both lightly crispy outer layer & soft center. Will like return if I'm tge area. read more

Fresh Roast - 12/6/25 Hubby's oat milk latte (epic fail) & my pandan latte, pretty good - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Grabbing my morning coffee. I wanted to take my friend so she can try their durian coffee. I told her it's weird but it's a good weird. I got myself their Spanish coffee....so delicious. We also ordered their Portuguese egg waffle. So bomb, just the right amount of crunch with the gooey sweetness of the egg custard in each bubble. The food and service is always on point. The ambience is a nice and comfy coffee shop. Similar to the ones I've gone to in Vietnam. This is my to go spot every time I'm in the San Gabriel in the morning. read more

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Always passed by this spot since it's on a busy street. Needed to catch up with a family member so we decided on this spot for some sunday morning coffee. Let me tell you this place is like walking into an auntie's crib in the best way possible. It was looking super promising. It felt homey, cozy, with a lot of character. I mean look at this beta fish they had chillin on our table. Now onto the coffee, I got the sea salt iced coffee. To be frank, it was a little underwhelming. It tasted very diluted with milk and not strong whatsoever. I liked the nuttiness but it was subtle. The place has plenty of seating indoor and outdoor, so I appreciated that. Will be back to try a different drink. read more

Fresh Roast - fish - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Love the casual chill vibe of this place. This place has a lot of vintage decor. Owner is super nice and the food is flavorful read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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I had never been to this shop before, but their egg waffles looked so good that I decided to give them a try. They were honestly delicious read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Fresh Roast is a must-visit for coffee lovers. Their coffee is delicious, and I tried the durian coffee--it was strong, flavorful, and not overly sweet, which I really appreciated. The durian flavor was unique but well-balanced and not overpowering. They also have Hong Kong-style waffle pancakes, and they're so good, especially when they're fresh out of the oven--crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Definitely worth trying if you're there. Great spot for quality coffee and unique treats. I'll definitely be back! read more

Pandan Egg Waffle (no mochi) - good texture, as it was crunchy on the outside, while still moist and chewy on the inside. However, it was lacking flavor and didn't really taste like pandan. Ube Vietnamese Coffee (hot) - the Vietnamese coffee was good and not too sweet. The drink contained solids, like shavings/threads of ube, which were a surprise. Wish there was more of an ube flavor though. read more

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Fresh Roast is the kind of café you stumble into and immediately feel like you've found a hidden gem. The space has an eclectic personality--full of charm, warmth, and the cozy aroma of waffles and coffee drifting through the air. The owner is one of the highlights: kind, attentive, and genuinely thoughtful, recommending drinks with the care of someone who truly wants you to love what you order. His pick for me was the pandan coffee (decaf!)--and it might be the best I've ever tasted. Silky, fragrant, and almost too easy to drink, I could've finished it in one go. I also tried the ube version, which was impressive with actual chunks of fresh ube--a rare treat--but pandan still wins my heart. My friend ordered the warm egg coffee, also decaffeinated, and was just as surprised by how rich, comforting, and balanced it tasted. We paired everything with warm egg waffles layered generously with Nutella, and it was the perfect finishing touch. Fresh Roast isn't just a café--it's a personal coffee experience with flavor, creativity, and heart. If you love unique drinks, thoughtful service, and desserts that make you smile, this place is a must. read more

Fresh Roast has a large variety of food, desserts, and coffees. I ordered a Vietnamese coffee, which was strong and had a rich coffee flavor. There is a lot of seating and outlets to get work done, and a parking lot located behind the shop. Service was quick and the owner was very friendly. The interior is a bit cluttered and dim for my liking, but it is a cute, intimate coffee shop that has WiFi to get work done!(: read more

This is a small coffee shop located on San Gabriel Blvd. It is full of characters. There are a lot of vintage coffee related decorations. They also rent out tools to make egg waffles. The barista is a very friendly gentleman. He can make coffee based on personal preference. For example, specific flavor and how strong it should be. I ordered ube coffee with non-fat milk instead of coconut milk because I do not like coconut flavored drinks. The coffee came out good and full of ube flavor! I like it. He accept cash, card, and zelle. Perfect if we happened to forget our wallet at home, and still want a cup of coffee! There are 2 parking spots in the back, and street parking is available. This is a very convenient location, and I will come back for more coffee. read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Coffee was delicious and the egg waffle was amazing. The owner who is an older man was so sweet and was great. The vibes of the cafe were very vintage and felt cozy. Sesame latte - 9/10, amazing latte, which there was more sesame flavor! He let me know that he could make it sweeter if needed Pandan Egg Puff - 11/10, this was soo good. I love egg puffs and haven't had one in a while! Inside was soft and outside was crunchy. I saw there was a portugese egg tart one and will definitely come by again next time read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Fresh Roast is that rare mom and pops coffee shop in the SGV area doesn't just have a distinct vibe that feels cozy and authentic, but also serves up the most legit egg waffles you can find for miles around. Filled with rustic furnishings, egg waffle makers for rent ($10 for 1 day!), and other touches that take you a world away from the bustling street outside, Fresh Roast sure has a lot of character that I feel is lacking in other tea and coffee places in the area. I think it's the perfect spot to get some work done for a couple of hours or to hang out with loved ones or friends as well. But with that character and terrific vibe also comes a delicious sounding menu of drink and snack options. I had a sesame latte here that did not skimp out having noticeably strong coffee that wasn't drowned out by its sweeter ingredients. And regarding the egg waffle I mentioned earlier...with a "bubble" that is crispy on the outside and really soft in the inside, you get a waffle that has a texture that feels like it was made with really good batter and cooked with the right amount of time. Most other egg waffles I've had here in SoCal taste too soft, to be frank. I think it also helps that the establishment is family owned and family run - little visual touches such as stickers on the bill as well as a stack of red envelopes customers can take for free by the register help to remind you that the owners are people who are very much part of the local community. I also wanted to note a neighborhood cat seems to have made a home for itself in the backside seating area. I will definitely do my best to support such a gem of an establishment and I would urge anyone in the area to stop by for a great coffee/snack experience! read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

5 stars solely for their egg waffles The decor gives me... Uncle vibes but you know what? If the food is amazing I really don't care haha. Their egg waffles are SO GOOD. This shop is a bit further but I keep coming back just for the egg waffles. The original is good, but my favorite lately has been the Pandan egg waffle with mochi. It's perfectly chewy with a hint of Pandan. Tbh I'm not sure how he magically makes these waffles so quickly but he's definitely perfected it, I've even debated whether to rent their egg waffle machines and batter because I crave it so often haha Pandan coffee was just ok. Parking sucks but there's a few spots out front read more

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Best coffee ever! Located in the heart of 626, this cute vintage coffee shop is a must go! The best part of visiting this quaint joint is the nice old man that works there - he remembers everybody! I love how extensive this menu is because they serve from coffee to pizza! They also have egg waffle machines for rent which is pretty sick. They accept cash, card, venmo, zelle, pretty much any form of payment. If you forget your wallet no problem! I will come here again for the drinks and because this place looks like a museum! read more

Fresh Roast - Indoor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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A very small and unique coffee shop in SGV, been here multiple times and each time you feel a different vibe. The owner Jimmy is very friendly and welcoming. Trying out their well known Pandan Coconut coffee today, totally impressed by the fresh coconut flavor and the sweetness from Pandan. Definitely a highly recommended coffee beverage here if you have not tried them yet. There are indoor and outdoor seating, egg waffle is another highlight from this coffee shop. read more

Last day in San Gabriel so I wanted to spend time at my favorite hideout, Fresh Roast. This very homey, comfortable and warm little spot has that old world charm. The inside decor is very appealing and makes you just want to look at everything. The ambiance is very cozy and has a very relaxing vibe where you'll just want to read books at the corner where they have a shelf of interesting books for you to read. They have various coffees, teas, and other drinks and snacks and comfort food to enjoy. My favorites are the matcha egg waffles, egg tarts, and popcorn chicken (dark meat though). Egg tarts are delicious and flaky, made fresh daily. The popcorn chicken is seasoned well but my only gripe is that it's made w dark meat chicken (I prefer white meat chicken). The elderly man is very friendly, chatty and so kind to recognize me and takes me a hot oolong tea while I sit at the corner reading a book. If you ever get a chance to visit this area, stop by here and try the egg waffles and egg tarts!! read more

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I always pick up my coffee beans from here. The owner roasts varieties of beans. His beans are always perfectly roasted. You can tell that he cares what he serves and he remembers his customers. You are just not numbers at this cafe. One bag of beans is about 15 bucks. It's always nice to support local. It's also pretty chill and quiet even though the cafe is facing to a major street. I believe it's a nice spot to study as well. read more

Fresh Roast has this unique and cozy vibes. The owner is very friendly, and welcoming to all his customers. The decor has an eclectic style which keeps the eye entertained. Pandan coffee is one my favorite at Fresh Roast. It has this floral taste with the vibrant flavor of roasted coffee. We ordered green onions egg waffles, bbq pork bun, happy chicken waffles For sweet, we had pandan waffles. For both of the egg waffles either savory or sweet, they were crispy and tasty. The happy chicken waffles makes me happy with the smiley face and happier with the flavor. The BBQ pork bun has the perfect sweet taste of bbq. Fresh Roast has a wide variety of delicious food and drinks, the service is Top Notch and has welcoming atmosphere, it's a must try place. read more

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Visited this quirky coffee spot today. We ordered the Vietnamese coffee and coffee temptation. We also ordered a freshly made spam musubi. Drinks were really good and the spam tasted healthy and had good flavor. Recommend if in the area! read more

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Lowkey might be my new favorite coffee spot in the area. When every other new LA cafe is all polished concrete and industrial vibes, this place feels totally different. It's like stepping into the home of an eccentric auntie or grandma -- eclectic decor, cozy atmosphere, and a menu with such a wide range of options. There's just something super charming about it and I appreciated the uncle making everything behind the counter with amazing speed and efficiency. I got a pandan latte and it was 10/10. The phin-dripped Vietnamese coffee base was rich and bold, and the pandan wasn't too sweet. I also tried the Portuguese egg tart filled egg waffle, which was fun and tasty. The bubble waffle was cooked perfectly, nice and crisp on the outside. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to whenever I want a strong coffee in a comfortin environment. read more

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Authentic Cantonese egg waffle! Crispy as always. I think they are cash only so prepare cash with me. The drinks are good too but they are a little too sweet for me. Call to place order ahead of time to save time cuz they made it fresh for you. read more

Fresh Roast - Egg waffle - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Stumbled upon the cutest little cafe / coffee shop in SGV specializing in Asian-flavored coffees and snacks like pandan coconut coffee, Portuguese durian egg tarts, and egg waffles. I originally stopped in to buy some fresh coffee beans, but couldn't help myself to try all their coffees and snacks! The pandan coconut coffee took me by a pleasant surprise because it tasted like real pandan and the coffee is quite strong, which I absolutely love. The owner is super welcoming and nice - he said they've been open for 27 years! There is plenty of seating and free wifi for customers. The cafe is really charming and has a cozy homey feel to it. Definitely going to come back to try their egg waffles, which can be customized with whatever toppings like mochi, berries, pork sung, etc. read more

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Owner has run this place for a long time and I'm updating my review based on the quality of his beans and drained of his coffee and the service as well... I didn't eat HK egg waffles but I bought a bunch for my coworkers and legit.... They all lived it some never had it before.... I've been back multiple times since my first review and he's been pretty spot on with his drinks... Today a fresh pour over drip and awesome.... I've been back several times now and never updated this review to today... read more

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Wooooooooooow they really don't make them like this anymore. My new favorite Hong Kong Cafe in Monterey Park, which has been around for over 20 years. The coffee was excellent and the ambience was unmatchable. It really feels like a placed untouched by time still in the 90s or early 2000s. I ordered the curry, chicken and sweet tofu on the side, all which felt like we were being cooked at home for me. The service was excellent and I felt like I was being cooked for by my women grandfather Because of how good the coffee was, we got some roasted beans and took them to our friend overseas read more

I've come here so many times, over so many years... how have I never left a review. It's such a familiar place. One you can make your "go to" coffee spot. The owner roasts beans, sells coffees, and has good accompanying food. I use the beans for expresso at home & when I lived closer, my family would come for breakfast nearly every weekend. A solid spot, that you can genuinely enjoy. Slower paced, very casual. Definitely recommend. read more

Fresh Roast - Our go to spot for years. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I haven't tried their food or drinks but I was very interested in renting their bubble waffle machine. I have yet to find a recent breakdown on the prices and how it works....so here it goes! I called a few days before my event and placed my order. You can either Venmo or Zelle the owner in advance to rent it. It felt sketchy at first, but believe me, it worked out fine! -Bubble waffle machine rental for 24 hours: $20 -Original batter 16 oz: $11 each (if you want to add in a flavor, it will be an extra $1 on top of that! And I'll cover the flavors they have.) -optional add-on Mochi: $4 each Let me tell you, adding in the mochi was a HIT!! So good that the kids just started eating it by itself like candy! It came in a sealed small bag and I wish I bought more of it! When I went to pick it up, the owner was a very nice and sweet man. He led me to the kitchen where he personally demonstrated how to do one bubble waffle and let me take it home. My son gobbled it up fast! He also provides these long wooden sticks (very helpful!) to easily take off the bubble waffles off the machine. Here is the list of flavors he gave me: Pandan, Cinnamon, Chocolate, Original, Chai, Ube and Green tea. And do keep in mind, it's a minimum of 3 orders of batter! I played it safe and just ordered the original and chocolate because I wasn't sure if my guest would like it or not. I showed my guests how to use it and they all practiced it to do it for their kids. It just takes TWO minutes for it to cook and it was super easy for adults! Surprisingly, there was a line all day in my kitchen cause everyone wanted seconds and thirds!! We ran out of mochi halfway so I wished we ordered more of that. Honestly, I did not keep track of how many bubbles waffles were made in one batter of the 16oz. Everyone made different sizes when they did it themselves so it was hard to estimate. The kids were still asking for more bubble waffles at the end of the night but I only bought 3 batters, so we ran out. I told everyone I will rent it again but with more batter next time! Instructions just in case: open the lid and place a mochi in each hole of the bubble waffle machine mostly in the center. Pour the batter starting in the center and just let it slowly flow outwards but not all the way to the edge cause it will leak out. We just usually just pour a good amount in the center and it's a good size for the kids. Close the lid and there is an arrow on the top of the machine that tells you which way to turn it (left). Put your timer on for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, flip it back and open it and use the wooden sticks to take it out. No need to spray any oil or anything on it before use. It comes out really easily! Returning it was very easy! Even though I picked it up at 8:30am, I returned it the next morning at 10am with no problem. Going to return again in a month to rent it again for Christmas events! read more

Really nice hole in wall shop and reasonable pricing for unique coffees and teas. They have an egg coffee and durian coffee that brings a unique Asian inspired flavor experience. Service is attentive and personal with the owner taking your order and making your drink to your liking. They have adjustable sugar levels at request. read more

Fresh Roast - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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I love this place it is so cute !! The staff is friendly and attentive. It's funny because you order and don't pay until your order is ready. Their menu is pretty extensive with all different kinds of drinks and various options for Hong Kong pancake. They even have the grills for the pancakes available for rent !! I went twice in a week haha. Out of the two kinds of pancakes I got I preferred the regular with mochi. The pandan coffee is interesting. I liked it but after a while it gave a funny after taste in my opinion. The egg coffee was delicious and you can taste the egg ! I would definitely recommend this place !! read more

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Hands down best fresh coffee or juice shop in town. The owner is supper dupper nice and have great knowledge about this product. Always fresh is the key for this shop! Thank you! Highly recommend! read more

If you're trying to get some studying done, hit up any of the other local coffee shops in the area. Family run business with a money-grubbing vibe. After seeing the watery espresso shot that was pulled, I opted for a Vietnamese coffee and a bubble waffle instead. We locked in grinding for exams for an hour and ten minutes and we were silently handed these slips. I understand there is a business that needs to be run but the way this was done and the entire premise seemed hostile and money-grubbing. Empty tables (depicted below) as we left, glad we cleared up even more space. Extremely, utterly disappointed as we drove an hour from West LA looking to support local businesses but I just could not in this case. We left and will not be back. read more

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On my search for a locally-owned cafe that offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for a remote worker interested in a change of scenery, I came across Fresh Roast. This cafe is straight forward and accommodating. The drip coffee was a little watery for my taste, but did the job to wake me up (next time I want to try one of their specialty drinks) and the breakfast sandwich I ordered was filling and served on a styrofoam plate. As for the ambiance, it gives dusty 90's thrift store (yes, there are both trinkets and restaurant equipment items with handwritten price tags for sale, if interested) meets Friend's tv show coffee shop (with an eclectic taste in seating and decor; the collection of tongue in cheek sayings written on wooden placards were more than likely purchased at Ross and make for a good laugh). With ample indoor and outdoor seating, available table lamps and even power strips for plugging in all of your devices, any student or remote worker can appreciate studying or teleworking from here. Jimmy, the owner who gives dependable uncle vibes, values your business and your company. This place may be an acquired taste for those high quality coffee drinkers but for the everyday Joe who is patient and flexible, I could imagine that this place grows on them. Here are a few things to know: the menu is looped on a TV slideshow (no printed menus), the welcome chime activates every time a person walks through the front door (I wore headphones so I was able to tune out the sound), and online payment methods (Venmo or Zelle) are preferred for a bill under $15, otherwise you get charged a small fee. Overall, this cafe reminds me of what it's like to visit out-of-state extended family members, which is both comforting and familiar, yet sometimes quirky and dated - all at the same time. With that said, though difficult to grade, I'll give this cafe a 3.5 and decided to round up. read more

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So hard to gauge places like this because when you show up, knowing its an institution, it just feels like and looks like a normal old school coffee shop. How can it be THAT good? Well, clearly, its still around for a reason. My goodness the coffee is fantastic. I don't usually do cold or flavored coffee, but their coffee lovers/pandan and durian coffees are off the charts. Yes maybe not flavors for everyone, but the right balance is incredible. I think besides Phin Smith I've never finished an ice drink so fast. It's addicting! Totally worth a stop, and even all the crazy trying to find street parking-ness. CC accepted over $10! read more