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    Ground Up Coffee

    4.6 (586 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated 1 week ago

    Ground Up Coffee Photos

    Business Info

    GROUND UP COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - Ground Up Coffee

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    Reviews With Photos - Ground Up Coffee

    The turkey croissant was perfect. Warm and toasty.  I loved the coffee. Wish I was having some now!!
    Claudia S.

    I think I had something called Riffa - all I remember was it was delicious with all the right notes of cinnamon and some other ingredients. I had the turkey croissant warmed, and it was perfect. Enjoyed the comfortable setting and music. Server was very nice and welcoming. Will definitely return to get another awesome coffee fix. There's some indoor chairs for study, nice outside, and a window counter with stools. A must when I'm near Montebello.

    Matcha Latte w Oatmilk
    Tyler S.

    Clean aesthetic, cozy vibe, and real community energy at Ground Up Coffee. Small shop, big culture feel. Matcha Latte with oat milk was freshly prepped, smooth, and on point. Quick service, no extra noise -- just quality done right. Solid neighborhood staple.

    large cold matcha latte with oat milk
    Kay M.

    They have a very small parking lot in the back. There's limited street parking. Came during a weekend. They were not busy. Got the large cold matcha latte with oat milk for 8 something. Saw that they squirted some clear sweetener on the drink. The drink was pretty good. There was plenty of seating indoor and outdoor. There were also plenty of outlets. They did clear out the place at 3pm. Good place to catch up with friends.

    Interior and Counter (Part 1)
    Ian A.

    Ground Up Coffee (Montebello) is special. The moment I sipped my Banana Oat Latte ($6.25 - iced) my eyes widened in genuine surprise. The flavor of fresh banana was immediate! Next, its loving caffeine fluttered vibrantly causing a bright smile to widen. This is indescribably delicious! I arrived at Ground Up Coffee (Montebello) on Monday (around 11:50AM). The parking situation is HORRIBLE. The proposed private parking in the back was completely full. The public parking in the front was completely clogged. I had to park several minutes away near a golf course where a sign proudly declared how the city won't be responsible if your car gets damaged. Later, I find myself almost blocked in as more cars later surround me. Yet, despite how horrible, I still understand the hype. Ground Up Coffee (Montebello) is popular for a very good reason. The counter lacked a long line, but I still waited three minutes and 11 seconds until being helped. It appears the one staff member had a pattern of taking one order, making that one order, and returning to take another order. It moved very slow for having one person ahead of me. Staff is friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Staff (receipt said Nathanael) answered all my questions and struck friendly conversations with familiar patrons. I ordered the Banana Oat Latte ($6.25 - iced), and my drink was completed in one minute and 49 seconds. Fast! As mentioned prior, I adored the Banana Oat Latte ($6.25 - iced). It's delicious, fresh coffee. This coffee was not bitter nor overly sweetened; rather, it brought the taste of fresh & light banana. The caffeine is neither obtrusive nor punchy; instead, its caffeine felt clean and enduring. This Banana Oat Latte felt chill, smooth, and refreshing. It almost teetered towards tasting silky like a freshly brewed milk tea. Phenomenal!! Regarding ambiance, Ground Up Coffee (Montebello) uses its small space well. There's indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is well-ventilated and clean. The music was slow but with a perky beat. Its inside includes three tiny tables with two chairs each; there's one tall counter with two tall chairs; and there's one long bench. Each of these seating areas were near an electrical outlet for devices. Also, there's a small book/entertainment corner that included Jenga, playing cards, and Scrabble. There's also a gender neutral restroom in the back. For its outside, most of its outside tables are well-shaded. There's six outside tables and one bench. Unfortunately, its outside patio has no music. Instead, customers will have the breeze of the car exhaust driving by, and the sounds of zooming vehicles. However, I did like how there's two public water bowls for dogs. Overall, Ground Up Coffee (Montebello) serves magical coffee. My distaste for its awful parking vanished as I felt myself drift away in caffeine bliss. The Banana Oat Latte ($6.25 - iced) brewed up a burst of joy. Delightful! I happily recommend! 4.8 out of 5

    Cinnamon vanilla latte
    Alexis M.

    I really enjoyed my time here I spent about an hour or two getting some work done and being on my phone. Such a yummy spot. Super cute interior. They keep it COLD; Perfect for this heatwave. . . I got the popular vanilla cinnamon latte with oat milk and it was so good. I'm a coffee drinker so it doesn't affect me much when I drink a lot. So it was nice that the large has four shots & it really got me in the zone focused on my work!

    Latte and a ham/cheese croissant
    Eileen M.

    Really enjoyed this coffee shop. It was super easy to find and right off the freeway. They have their own parking lot, which was super convenient. There is a spacious outdoor patio with a few tables and counterspace on the inside. Friendly and patient service. I read that they are known for the vanilla cinnamon latte, so that is what i went for. A large latte has 4 shots and a small latte has 2 shots. I got the small since it's almost 10 am already.. (i'm trying) I also got a ham and cheese croissant. It was on the biggerside, had a nice crunchiness on the top and tasty ham and cheese. Now I'm sitting outside watching all the people come in and out.. and quite a few people have come and gone. When i arrived the patio was almost empty and now it is full. Cute spot.. i will come again when i am in the area.

    Hazelnut latte
    Rick S.

    Ground Up Coffee offers a delicious Hazelnut Latte - Rich, creamy and delicious. Staff were welcoming and very helpful. Ambiance is cozy, casual and hipster vibe. Parking is around the back once you turn into the street for the Hilton hotel. Highly recommended!

    Ashley M.

    I enjoy ground up coffee very much, I used to come here very often since I was a student at ELAC which is pretty much down the street. Since I was in the area this time I decided to revisit for old times sake. The shop is quaint & cute, they have some seating indoors & outdoors. The shop is quiet so it's a good place to come & chill or stay and work on things if you need to. They don't have the biggest selection in drinks which I can appreciate because it gives them time to focus on what they have. My favorite is the vanilla cinnamon latte which is perfect. The taste of the coffee isn't strong nor is it weak I think it's just right if I'm being honest. It also isn't the sweetest with just a hint of vanilla & the cinnamon that brings it all together. That's what I can appreciate out of a good coffee anyway. Overall I love this place and will revisit whenever I'm in the area, price point is good, staff is friendly, and vibe is chill.

    Vanilla Babyccino
    Lesly R.

    We traveled a bit to try this beauty place out. They do have parking in the back but it's very small, can fit around 6 cars I believe kind of small. We managed, entry is in the front.. a little walk to the front in a beautiful bright day it was nice. Now getting there to the front you are able to see their nice cozy patio with plenty of seatings out there. You walk in and you are greeted, they also have some seatings and got some books and some game boards. I loved that they had a kids menu, get our little ones included in our little coffee dates. This is actually the first cafe I have been on that have included kids in their environment. My son was very occupied playing with their blocks while sipping on his Vanilla Babyccino and enjoying a plain bagel. Got Mom and Dad some waking up soothing time with coffee. I greatly enjoyed our time here and Thanks to the team that made this happen.

    Jennifer Abigail S.

    First time here ever and my Iced Banana Oat Latte was delicious! Have been hearing about this place for a few years and I never came and I wish I did! They greet you and soon as you walk in which is really nice! The inside and outside have seating, both are kept clean. They had some loafs, muffins, and more. Will be coming back soon to try more. But this Banana Latte is something else, banana in a coffee is so so good! I recommend this drink to everyone!

    Mocha oat milk latte. Vanilla oat milk latte. The Roger! Soooooo goooooood!
    Laura J.

    We were on our way to take care of some business and didn't know this part of town. Yelped a coffee shop and ended up at GROUND UP! How lucky were we? We ordered a mocha latte, a vanilla latte and the Roger. We loved every single drink. These guys really know what they're doing. Quality coffee! Quality oat milk! Quality all around. Also, excellent service. We really love the shop. Most definitely will be back. Thanks guys!

    Cecilia L.

    Second time at this location, decided to try a pumpkin spice late with oatmilk, it is on the pricier sider as it was almost $10 for a large. The latte did have a good pumpkin flavor and did not taste artificial at all. I do wish they had cold foam as I think that would have elevated it. They have both indoor and outdoor seating which is great to come and study or get work done. Service was really nice, and drink came out within a few minutes

    Rose R.

    We were excited to try this place and we all ended up throwing out drinks away. Super bitter it tastes like someone poured a shot of cheap vodka in our drinks and to top it off their banana latte tastes so artificial like those cheap banana candies from the dollar store.

    Pictures of doggies

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    3 days ago

    Highest quality coffee and Espresso! Smooth tasting brews! Always the best never disappoints! Best on the east side.

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    22 days ago

    Nice and chill ambiance with quick service. I would definitely recommend giving this coffee shop a try. Great tasting coffee!

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    Business owner information

    Photo of Daniel D.

    Daniel D.

    Also, we have a parking lot behind our shop. :)

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    2 months ago

    Such strong and delicious coffee, lattes are so good and the atmosphere is so cute. Thank you for keeping it clean and welcoming.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Ground Up Coffee Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ground Up Coffee

    Do you have free wifi?

    Yes, we do.

    Do they have wifi?

    Yes, we do.

    Are there outlets available near tables to charge a phone or laptop?

    Yes, we have lots of outlets inside. But, none outside.

    Hi, I want to support a local business by buying roasted coffee beans for my home breville machine. Do you sell roasted beans, and are they roasted by you or someone nearby with a roasted date? If so, I like to go buy some every week.

    Yes, they are roasted by us and we roast fresh beans every week. Thank you for inquiring.

    Is the patio/ indoor tables available for studying?

    Yes they are. No time limit.

    Hello. I was wondering what your hours or modes of operation is with the coronavirus closures on businesses? Is it take-out only?

    Hi. Yes it is take-out only until the mandate has been lifted. Hours remain the same for now. Monday - Saturday, 7am - 4pm. Thanks

    Do they have air conditioning?

    Yes

    Do you guys have oat milk as a sub?

    Yes we do!

    Hello I was wondering if I brought my own reusable cup would you guys put my drink in it? I'm willing to pay a bit more

    They're cool with that. Never charged me extra when I've brought my own cup.

    Do they sell bags of roasted whole beans?

    Yes. We rotate origins and always offer freshly roasted beans.

    View All 17 Questions

    Review Highlights - Ground Up Coffee

    I had the Nitro Brew, which is cold coffee the barista (Ryan) was nice enough to pour milk in it for me.

    Mentioned in 20 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Leaflet Coffee House

    Leaflet Coffee House

    4.7
    (238 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Cute little coffee place. Seems like alot of college students come here. I have been wanting…read morejasmine coffee for along time ever since i tried it. And leaflet has it. You can Taste the jasmine in the coffee. So good. Furious george was also amazing. You can taste the banana and it doesnt even have the banana cream foam. It seems like they will remake you drink if something doesnt taste right as well because they asked if it tastes good. But im not sure since i loved mines. They have the cutest pikachu chillin on a shelf. If you eat or drink inside, there is a plave to return your cup or dish. No parking in front of store but you can park on the sides or in the parking structure. Thrres no bathroom inside but you can use the one inside the parking structure.

    Leaflet Coffee is a charming café that's well worth a visit for its unique specialty drinks. The…read morespace is exceptionally clean and cozy, featuring a modern, aesthetic interior with a handful of tables that make it a great spot to enjoy a drink or get some work done. The staff were incredibly friendly, and the Luxurious George was prepared surprisingly quickly despite the matcha being hand-whisked to order. We also ordered their seasonal Vietnamese Coconut Latte, which was visually stunning, though I didn't get the chance to try it myself. **Luxurious George: 4/5** The Luxurious George, a banana jasmine matcha latte, was smooth and not overly sweet, allowing the flavors to remain light and refreshing. Fragrant jasmine took center stage, offering a beautiful floral aroma and delicate tea notes that paired nicely with the earthy matcha. The milk, however, overshadowed the matcha and made the drink taste a bit milkier than I had anticipated. While the banana was a unique addition, its flavor remained very subtle and was difficult to distinguish, leaving the jasmine as the dominant flavor profile. Despite not quite meeting all of my expectations, Leaflet Coffee left a great impression with its inviting ambiance and creative drink offerings. With such a unique menu, I'm excited to come back and discover more of what they have to offer.

    Photos
    Luxurious George
    Luxurious George
    Honey Cinnamon Latte
    Honey Cinnamon Latte
    Luxurious George

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    Luxurious George
    Yihui Coffee

    Yihui Coffee

    4.4
    (174 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    04/03/26 Saturday…read more Friend helped me order a First Bump (which has black sesame during this season). It surprisingly blend really well with the coffee and milk. It was really creamy and nutty. Pleasantly surprised and now a new favorite! I will say, for the size, $7 is a little steep, but it can be an occassional treat. I will say, I appreciated how to cup has a snap on drinking hole cover instead of the flimsy ones that don't fully close.

    Been 2-3 months since I last visited and I'm glad it's still amazing…read more It's a small cafe and can be easily missed since it's slightly hidden amongst other businesses next to it. They're open daily - 7:30am - 4:30pm Parking is plentiful since the parking lot is spacious. Service was friendly and welcoming. Inside has a good amount of seating and power outlets, making it a great spot to hang out or study! Got the Cloudy ($7) which is an Iced Americano with red date and pear cream top. It's only available iced & 14 oz. They have milk substitutions (oat/almond) for +$1 and lactaid 2% free of charge! The coffee was quite strong but not too bitter or overpowering. The cream top was slightly thick in consistency so definitely recommend giving it a good stir prior to drinking. It wasn't too sweet and tasted very refreshing. Really enjoyed the hint of red date and pear taste! Definitely a MUST GET! Overall, I really enjoyed my drink and experience and would definitely return and recommend!

    Photos
    Merch of house blend coffees
    Merch of house blend coffees
    Cloudy coffee
    Cloudy coffee
    Cloudy was so delicious

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    Cloudy was so delicious
    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab

    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab

    4.3
    (108 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    Free parking
    Free WiFi

    Dangerously good! Honestly, this may be a new favorite spot for me!…read more The drink itself (Smokin Spaniard) was a lovely mix of sweet and rich, it'd be hard for me to order something different the next time I'm there bc of how good it was! Lots of seating, some tables and chairs, some bench tables. Free WiFi and several outlets make it a great spot to get work done. There's a bathroom for customers as well. I went midday and it wasn't very busy on a weekday, but I'm sure it's popular on the weekend. I got my drink very fast as well. Really enjoyed it!

    [ Drink ] At my most recent visit I ordered the Matcha Latte…read moreand it was pretty disappointing. When I picked up my order the drink looked fine, but when I got to work I noticed the drink getting clumpy, even when I tried swirling the cup a couple of times and stirring with my straw. I don't think that has ever happened to my matcha drinks elsewhere, so that was interesting. I was basically drinking milk with matcha chunks. Their Hojicha Latte's also mid imo; tastes bland/grassy. [ Service ] Customer service is actually not great. The gentleman who took my order last time was pretty much expressionless. This recent time, when I picked up my drink for my mobile order, the girl seemed a tad bit annoyed for no reason. The workers at the San Gabriel location are much nicer. The drinks also come out fairly slow despite going early in the morning, I recommend ordering through the app ahead of time. [ Parking ] They have the tiniest lot in front of the shop so you might have to drive up a bit further where the bank is for more parking spots.

    Photos
    Goguma Crème Brûlée Bun
    Goguma Crème Brûlée Bun
    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab
    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab

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    Roam & Brew Coffee

    Roam & Brew Coffee

    4.5
    (179 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    Roam & Brew is hands down our favorite coffee + matcha spot in Montebello, and the place we kept…read morecoming back to without even thinking twice. I always order the matcha with 1.5 scoops of matcha, vanilla syrup, and light ice, and it's consistently perfect every single time, rich, smooth, not watered down, and clearly made with quality matcha. You can actually taste it, which sadly isn't a given these days. My boyfriend's go-to is the vanilla cold brew with a splash of whole milk, and it never misses. Smooth, balanced, not overly sweet, just really well done. Beyond the drinks, the vibe is what really sets Roam & Brew apart. It's always busy for a reason. Friendly staff, welcoming energy, and a place that genuinely feels like it was built for the community. You never feel rushed or like just another order. Consistency, quality, and care are everything in a coffee shop, and Roam & Brew nailed all three. It's obvious how much thought goes into what they serve and how they show up for customers. Montebello is lucky to have had this spot, and it's a huge loss to see them go. If you're reading this and still have a chance to visit, do it. This place truly deserved the love it got

    I loved their salted caramel and coconut with lactaid since I learned of them. I am so incredibly…read morehappy to see their new location that is so beautiful and has a very calm atmosphere. The ladies behind the counter are super friendly as was the gentleman. Be sure to specify if you want your drink hot or iced as I didn't realize it until the hot drink I thought I ordered came out iced.

    Photos
    Hibiscus & berries tea, strawberry, lemonade, water, and garnished with freeze dried strawberries.
    Hibiscus & berries tea, strawberry, lemonade, water, and garnished with freeze dried strawberries.
    Chai spices, vanilla, double espresso, and your choice of milk.
    Chai spices, vanilla, double espresso, and your choice of milk.
    Blue butterfly pea flower tea, lavender, lemonade, and water.

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    Blue butterfly pea flower tea, lavender, lemonade, and water.
    Picaresca Barra De Cafe

    Picaresca Barra De Cafe

    4.4
    (403 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $$

    Picaresca is hands down my favorite coffee shop in Boyle Heights! It's Mexican owned and you can…read moretruly feel the passion they put into everything they do. The owners are always welcoming, friendly, and genuinely make every customer feel at home. Their customer service is exceptional and one of the main reasons my family and I keep coming back. The food is amazing! Their chicharrón burrito is the best I've had, and the chilaquiles are always fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. Their coffee is just as impressive--they roast their own beans, make their own café de olla syrup, and you can even buy their coffee beans to enjoy at home. Every cup tastes fresh, rich, and authentic. I also love the atmosphere. The artwork throughout the shop is beautiful and gives the space so much personality. It's the kind of place where you want to sit, relax, and enjoy your coffee. Another thing I appreciate is that their prices are more affordable than many other coffee shops, especially considering the quality of the food, coffee, and service. My kids absolutely love coming here, and it's become one of our favorite family spots. If you're in Boyle Heights and looking for incredible coffee, delicious food, beautiful local art, fair prices, and some of the kindest people you'll ever meet, Picaresca is a must-visit. I can't recommend them enough!

    Been coming here for a year. Normally I try and few things before I really make a review. Let's…read morestart with the staff, only one of the staff members is really kind and bless her heart. It varies who you get, alot of attitude, eye rolls for no reason. Oddly enough, unless you're someone well known they will go over the moon for you. Saw it the other day bring them water salsa while their other customers have to get everything but, i digress. The mulato breakfast sandwich, its flavorful! I do recommend trying it if its your first time and want something not so heavy. I like the chilaquiles, its better when you add a fried egg. Soo yummy, savory, and flavorful! As for the coffee, if you like a pick me up... and a coffee that isn't sweet but strong. I suggest a refresher drink (tonics). The coffee is sugary and you unfortunately cant taste some of the coffee. If that's your preference, we'll i recommend. Besides that, the environment is lovely and art they have. Though its a hit or miss with staff especially if you like friendly service.

    Photos
    Inside seating area.
    Inside seating area.
    Breakfast burrito. Bacon, potatoes, egg, cheese.
    Breakfast burrito. Bacon, potatoes, egg, cheese.
    Cafe De Olla Latte

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    Cafe De Olla Latte
    Vida Pura

    Vida Pura

    4.6
    (184 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $

    Went to Vida Pura and got their breakfast burrito. It's been on my bucket list for a while, and…read moreneedless to say, it was definitely worth it. I'm glad I finally got around to trying it. I loved the avocado and hash brown combination, and the salsa that came with it paired really well, a little kick with it. The portion size was great and definitely filled me up. The service was fast, but seating is pretty limited since it's mainly outdoors. Parking can be a little rough because it's street parking only, and it was pretty full when I came on a Saturday morning. I would definitely come back. I also saw that they make coffee and matcha drinks, and they all looked really good, so I'd definitely come back to try that next time!

    Vida Pura is a Latina-owned plant based cafe located in the heart of East LA. It was formerly a…read morevegan food truck and eventually became the current brick-and-mortar cafe. [Parking]: Free small public parking lot directly across from the shop. [Amenities]: This is a really small coffee shop with no indoor tables and only two small outdoor tables. No restroom is available. [Menu]: Yelp's top highlighted items are the Breakfast Burrito, Teddy Bear (double espresso, agave, housemade vanilla cold foam, Teddy Grahams), and Banana Nut. All drinks are made with oat milk. Please note that the kitchen closes at 1 PM on Monday - Tuesday and 2 PM on Wednesday- Sunday even though the cafe remains open for another 1 - 2 hours. Come early for anyone wanting to try kitchen items like breakfast burrito or breakfast sandwich. *** Banana nut (double espresso, house made vanilla cold foam, house made banana syrup - medium $7.50): It came with two banana chips. The cold foam was quite underrated and I could taste a hint of banana flavor. The drink wasn't as sweet as I had expected - I liked it. Breakfast burrito (Refried beans, soyrizo, tofu scramble, crispy hashbrowns and sliced avocado wrapped in a flour tortilla - $13.50): Portion wasn't huge, but it also wasn't small enough to finish in one sitting. It had one of the softest texture for breakfast burritos. The soyrizo was very flavorful. It also came with a side of salsa - quite spicy but flavorful at the same time. *** I probably still prefer meat-based breakfast burritos, but their soyrizo breakfast burrito is quite good and the coffee drink is excellent (4.5-star for both items). I would definitely recommend this small coffee shop for a quick grab-and-go.

    Photos
    Vida Pura
    Teddy bear latte
    Teddy bear latte
    Vida Pura

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    Butter Lab

    Butter Lab

    4.8
    (131 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Found this place on Instagram, so we drove down from Pasadena...and it was well worth the drive…read more The store is super cute inside with a fun seating area. I wished we had arrived earlier to be able to enjoy more of the sold out offerings, but next time we'll arrive right when they open. We ordered a dozen crinkle cookies for a Mother's Day lunch - enjoying the sweet ube and the spiced thai tea versions. Both were great compliments to each other - more perfectly sweet and the other a bit more herbal. The chocolate chip cookie was perfect - nice crunchy edges and slightly gooey soft inside. The ube tres leches was a little disappointing as there wasn't any tres leches cake at the bottom, just crumbly graham crackers resting below exquisite ube mousse. It could have been mislabeled, but it was essentially just ube mousse with crumbly graham crackers for texture. The staff were friendly and the store is so fun!

    We visited Butter Lab for the first time on 05/10/2026 in the late morning hours…read more The person helping us out at the counter, on this somewhat busy morning, kept the flow running nice and smooth (and he was friendly) So, we tried a few things during this visit. Two items for immediate consumption and then some cookies for later. We purchased a dozen of the regular size cookies, including both Ube and Thai Tea. Both of them were excellent, and I felt they were priced appropriately at a dozen for $18. The Thai Tea seriously tasted like you were truly drinking a thai tea. We also shared one large classic chocolate chip cookies (so yummy!) The only thing we didn't understand is that we shared a Ube Tres Leches. I am not sure what was going on. Don't get me wrong, what we ate was very good; however, it was 100% not Tres Leches. It was an Ube Cream with some graham cracker crumble underneath. So, my assumption is that they must have just given us the wrong item. I would love to try the Tres Leches again in the future. Please support his lovely local business. It was a real treat!

    Photos
    Chocolate mousse
    Chocolate mousse
    Ube Brownie and crinkle cookies.
    Ube Brownie and crinkle cookies.
    A bit of ambiance

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    A bit of ambiance

    Ground Up Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026

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