service was nice and attentive. they had a great playlist going. chilaquiles were super yummy, hot and fresh. the cafe de olla was a little on the sweet side. read more

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This was our first time here and what a cute little coffee shop! Walking in here feels like home. It's run by what seems like a family and we were welcomed and treated like such. Coffee 9/10 We ordered their biscoff cookie latte and their Spanish latte with an extra shot. I gotta say not a lot of coffee spots know how to integrate an extra shot without the entire drink tasting bitter but theirs was so smooth. The biscoff was on the sweeter side for my liking but it was still good. There were chunks of biscoff cookie that made the drink in my opinion. Their cold foam is very sweet and I think added to the overload of sweetness. Food 9/10 We ordered the El Conquistador (Burrito with chorizo, egg, beans, mexican cheese, and potatoes) as well as the Sol de Mañana (Everything bagel, sausage, egg, avocado and cheese). The burrito was a good size and included some tortilla chips. The bagel tasted home made but didn't have avocado. I ended up substituting the sausage for bacon. My bagel had lettuce too which was a surprise. Regardless, it was very tasty and would definitely order it again. We got to try a sample of their chicharrón con papas en chile and WOW!! DELICIOUS!! I'm not a big fan of chicharrones but this was so tasty! It was spicy and the papas were cooked perfectly. We were told they pair it with arroz y frijoles They also told us they have taco Tuesday specials from 4-8pm every Tuesday just outside of their shop. There was also a tray of fresh bread for us to try for free! Vibes/Ambiance : 9/10 We visited on a Friday morning and it was a bit busy. There were about 5-7 people there when we arrived but the service was quick. I presume the lady on the front was the mom, and she was wonderful. Very friendly and warm. We received our food from what I'm assuming is the dad and he was so sweet too. It's a small space but there are plenty of tables. The decor is a little lacking but they have two bookshelves in the back including some colors. While we waited, my toddler was able to color which is such a thoughtful touch. I always like seeing business cards in display in coffee shops because I think it shows a level of community in the owners values so it was amazing to see a whole table of cards out for everyone. Local, Latino-owned coffee shops are slowly coming to SELA and I think this is such a great option to try. Everyone is so friendly and we'll definitely be back to try other food items and drinks. read more

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Plenty of parking. Good music playing in the background, friendly customer service. Matcha latte sweetened with lechera. Iced hazelnut latte and iced vanilla lattes with oatmilk. Recommend this place! read more

I stopped by and asked for something not too sweet, and the barista recommended their horchata latte. They were absolutely right--it was perfect. Smooth, balanced, and not overpowering. I also liked that I could customize the cold foam; it's a small detail, but it makes a big difference. What impressed me most was learning that they make all their drinks and cold foams in-house from scratch. You can taste the care and pride they put into their coffee. It's rare to find a spot where the quality actually matches the hype. I genuinely wish them a successful business. The only area with room to grow is their bakery selection. Right now, it's mainly conchas and a few Costco-style pastries. If they invested in a stronger bakery lineup--croissants, quality danishes, or unique pastries--they could easily establish themselves as a South Gate staple and compete with bigger names like Tierra Mia. Great coffee, great service, and a lot of potential. I'll definitely be back. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Horchata iced latte with abuelita cold foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

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First time trying it. First sip of the biscoff iced latte and there was a chunk of fruit I don't think the container was cleaned properly before making the drink. I also got El Tesoro which is banana and cajeta that was delicious. I will be giving it another try because it was a strong coffee taste. read more

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Unfortunately the coffee tasted stale and the food did not taste fresh very poor quality overall.

Was working in the area and needed coffee and to logon to my laptop really quick. I didn't see any outlets, but they do have 4 tables with chairs so you can get work done or read a book (there's a book case with plenty of books to choose from). Only downside is there is no restroom, but I can understand why. I wasn't hungry at the time but the food looked good and this lady came out to hand out the orders and she looked like someone's Novela mom so I know the food is good. Got the Luz de Canela and it was good and was similar to horchata with the cinnamon. I was busy most of the day and the ice melted and it honestly tasted better watered down, I think it balances out the sweetness of the canela. My coffee was ready quick and the lady that made the food asked if I needed anything else and if everything was good in Spanish and I nodded yes, thank you. I can tell this is the neighborhood spot to meet up and gossip or hangout. They have one of those speakers that light up and they're playing fun stuff like Chamba by Fuerza Regida, El Plug by Tony Loya, Llorar by Los Socios del Ritmo, that Cu Cu song and El Rey. Totally beats going to Starbucks or a chain for the unique coffee and welcoming experience. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Luz de Canela es good! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

I've come here a few times & all the drinks I've tried have been delicious. Here's a quick breakdown on the taste profiles since everyone's taste is different :) Luz de Canela: sweet coffee with delicious horchata taste El Tesoro: sweet coffee with a strong banana flavor Biscoff Cookie (personal fav): bolder coffee taste with sweet foam & biscoff touch Matcha con Rosas: sweet matcha with fresh strawberry flavor Thai Tea: sweet Thai iced tea with slightly sour foam that balances out the flavors well read more

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I really wanted to love Luz y Sombra Coffee Shop, but unfortunately my experiences left me disappointed, mainly due to customer service. I've visited twice, and on both occasions I was not greeted or acknowledged when I walked in. The first time, there was no line and I stood at the counter for about five minutes while three staff members (an older woman, an older man, and a younger girl) ignored me. I would understand if they were busy with orders, but they were just standing around. A simple "Hi, I'll be with you shortly" goes a long way especially in your own shop. What stood out positively was a younger man who returned from his break and immediately acknowledged us with warmth and professionalism. He took our order right away and made us feel welcomed. That kind of energy really matters. As for the drinks, the Oro Verde was very good nice balance of banana and matcha and the café de olla had good flavor, though it leaned a bit too sweet for my taste. Offering different size options for the café de olla would be a great improvement, as I would've preferred a smaller cup. Food-wise, I ordered a burrito that was unfortunately very small and plain, and the tortilla chips served with it was tasteless. It felt like filler rather than a thoughtful side. Another moment that felt uncomfortable was seeing other customers who appeared to know the owners being warmly greeted and offered free conchas and donuts with their coffee, while that same hospitality wasn't extended to everyone. That inconsistency came off as unprofessional and unfair. I returned a second time hoping for a better experience, mainly because I liked the Oro Verde. Sadly, the same issue happened again: no greeting from the staff, and about five minutes passed before being acknowledged. The Oro Verde is a hit or miss, it didn't taste the same this time, and I also tried the Biscoff coffee, which tasted nothing like Biscoff and was overwhelmingly sweet I had to throw it away. Overall, this place has potential and some good drinks, but customer service needs serious improvement. Being acknowledged matters. A simple greeting makes a huge difference. I was genuinely excited about this coffee shop, so it's disappointing to leave feeling let down. read more

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What an amazing coffee shop. I love that people are opening small business around our neighborhood and that our community is showing up to support. I went to try the coffee today with my husband and the food was so delicious and the coffee had a great flavor. It is a new place and it looks like it's family owned because the young man and his mom were the ones taking and completing the orders. It gives like a home vibe where the meals are freshly cooked and everything is made as you order. It does get really busy because it's new coffee shop and it's trending and everybody wants to try it. Just be patients while standing in line because once you get your food the wait time was so worth it. Everyone here was really nice and friendly. I wished them best of luck and I will definitely be going back for more coffee. read more

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I live nearby Luz y Sombra Cafe, visited the place to try out with a friend of mine and we ordered two drinks of the horchata, matcha drink and a plate of chilaquiles. The worker there was very friendly and patient when we were wondering what to order. Sat down and waited for our orders and they came out very quick, for us we just waited about five minutes for our food to be ready. The drinks were very good and not to mention the chilaquiles, they were so amazing and perfect for us. The place wasn't loud and gave off relaxed and laid-back vibes to just enjoy your drinks or meals. The only thing we didn't really like was that there were flies around like maybe one or two but that's not because the place was dirty, they just had the doors open for fresh air. Overall everything was good I would definitely come back again to this place. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

One of my go to coffee shops. Have been in multiple times and have had warm and welcoming interactions with all staff. The coffee is the best, the churro latte and their biscoff latte are must tries. Plenty of parking in the area and good seating if you want to stay and have your coffee and some of their food there. read more

Coffee was great but the turn around to get my coffee is horrible, 1 cashier / barista. While 5 people are waiting in line. Rather go down the block to start bucks to be honest. 15 mins for one simple coffee. read more

I tried calling he Spanish latte and the biscoff latte and it was delicious and I'm not really a coffee person so it says a lot would definitely go back. The workers are very nice and inviting and there is plenty of parking so that's a plus. The ambiance is cute nice place to sit and relax for a bit. Hoping to try the cinnamon rolls soon. read more

Being born and raised in South Gate, I love giving new local businesses love. I decided to stop by this morning and was greeted by morning smiles and kindness. I was given a moment to check out the menu and decided to go with something unique, given I usually tend to go with black coffee or plain lattes . I saw the Oro Verde latte and decided to go with that. I got some morning pastries as well to go. A cheese danish , a cinnamon muffin and some oatmeal cookies. My latte was made to order with fresh ingredients. The banana foam is made fresh each morning and overall the drink was full of flavor, and the smoothness of the banana foam was on point! It was a delicious sweet treat and I'd recommend this drink for those that are in need of something special for the start of your day. Overall, I really enjoyed the space and the wholesome atmosphere. I look forward to coming back and encouraging everyone to come and enjoy Luz y Sombra Cafe as well! read more

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So happy I found this local coffee shop! The service was awesome - the gentleman at the front was very helpful and attentive. The vibes in the shop were just right, nice and peaceful but while also being very welcoming. I ordered a cafe de olla && wooo it's delicious!! I can't to wait to other drinks off their menu. read more

Great drinks and food! Tried the mazapán latte. Not too sweet. It's the perfect balance. The owner was there and chatted with us while working. Very friendly and down to earth. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Mazapán Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Coffee is good (8/10) but the drink I got doesn't taste like cajeta at all. It honestly tastes like banana with a hint of caramel. I'd also get it less sweet, but that's just my preference. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - El Tesero - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

The concept of this coffee shop is great but they lack turn around time I came here ordered three drinks and they took approximately 30 minutes to be done also the guy helping the register was taking too long. Once I got my coffee it raised my blood pressure the whole day I had a headache mind you I drink a strong coffee but this was different I wanted to love it but I'm sorry I will not be back. read more

Honestly really loved this place, flavors are so unique. Loved the environment. Workers extremely friendly, everything about this place is amazing ! read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Right Vanilla latte with banana cold foam Left chocolate milk with chocolate abuelita foam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Decided to give this local place a try and they got to work on it. The ambiance is not welcoming and the drink are not what the description is. Cashier gentleman looked annoyed to be taking your order, not even a hello. Didn't even bother to give us a drink recommendation. Considering they're new this is highly important. First impressions matter. I order the Tesoro latte and the description says cajeta no where does it say anything about banana. Im not sure if they gave me the wrong drink or what. The banana taste was overpowering, I'm not sure if they're aware people can be allergic and not disclose those things on a menu. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

The place was cute and had good music playing. I bought 1 strawberry match and 1 coco puff drink for 15.50 ( 1 size for drinks ) . The coco puff drink was an 8/10 (drank & rated by my boyfriend) and he said it could've used less ice and more coco puffs ^.^ the strawberry matcha was honestly not that great. Although I appreciate seeing the matcha hand whisked, the taste of the strawberry was just too much and it altered the taste all together. I couldn't tell if it was the cold foam or strawberry jam on the bottom that was just too overwhelming. I'd rate it a 5/10 due to the matcha not being that great, I'd suggest improvement especially for the price ! Also having more than 1 cup size would be appreciated, paying 15.50 to try 2 drinks is CRAZY read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Strawberry Matcha ( Matcha con rosas ) and Coco Puff Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Les recomiendo, luz y sombrera cafe mi esposo y yo quedamos encantados con este lugarcito muy agradable y el servicio al cliente es jenial los chilaquiles,pancakes los cafes muy ricos read more

I got a matcha and they topped it off with cajeta cold foam. It's worth trying but also I do prefer my matcha sweet so I don't mind the double sweetness read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

so busssss the horchata with the cold foam bussss cafe de olla busss get it i wish i got a large read more

Avid coffee drinker here and I hear about this coffee shop through social media and I also live nearby. I had the cajeta latte which was sadly underwhelming. The coffee just tasted bland, not sure if it's the espresso beans or the water they use to pull the shots but coffee was a 1/5. :/ read more

drinks were really good and sweet not too bsd for $15!! def will come back. we got our drinks in less than 3 mins they work super fast!! overall good matcha read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - horchata verde & oro verde - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Coffee was fine. Honestly it was the long lines and service that was off. Rooting for them but so much room for improvement. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Biscoff coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Good service and friendly staff. Found this place randomly on the street after being and the area and had to try it. Got there chilaquiles with asada and banana matcha. Chilaquiles were good and the asada stood out as well. I've had many banana matchas and have been disappointed but this one is definitely up there with Lagu in OC. Will have to come back when I'm in the area read more

Food & Drinks were a 10/10 , delicious food and the coffee is very flavorful , also love the atmosphere , positive vibes! Highly recommend!

I love how there are waiting chairs at the front after you order. Their "chilaquiles de casa" is the best item in the menu so far that I always end up ordering. I tried their "oro verde" I think they added lechera instead of milk of choice which if you like sweet drinks I would recommend. I also love the Valentine theme going on for the month of February. read more

I came for breakfast and ordered a Sol de La Mañana and chilaquiles. Both were very delicious! I highly recommend the place as it's family owned with a friendly ambiance and delicious food & drinks. Before leaving I asked the barista for any recommendations for matcha and they made me a delicious matcha with strawberries. I will definitely be coming back for more! read more

The coffee shop has potential, but I wasn't greeted when I arrived, and the recommended drink was too sweet for my liking. Clearer questions about taste preferences and a warmer welcome would make a big difference. read more

The coffee is solid. Service was normal. Busy morning, unexpected since its a new spot. The ambience was chill music in the background. I shall return for the green chilaquiles. The lady at the register said chilaquiles are authentic. Give it a try! Lets support independent businesses more. read more

First time here and the guys were really friendly and they have the best customer service also the cajeta coffee is delicious I really recommend this place read more

I was really excited to try this coffee shop since it's super close to my house. When we walked in, we weren't sure what to order, so they recommended the matcha with banana foam. We decided to get that, but there was some confusion at the register. I'm not sure if the cashier was in training, but we were initially going to be charged about 4 dollars more. Another employee stepped in because they didn't have change, and our total ended up being different after it was corrected. We didn't mind the mix-up, but unfortunately once we got our drinks, they didn't have much flavor and tasted like watered-down matcha. We're not sure if it was just an off day or a distraction cause friends were around, but we ended up not finishing the drinks . That being said, we still hope to see them grow and do well. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Vanilla Matcha Latte w banana foam. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Came for the first time to try a coffee and I enjoyed it the recommendation by jeter was good the ambiance was calm felt like I wanna chill and drink coffee overall great coffee and will come back also the customer service was good. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Love this place and their matcha I always come here for matcha and coffee, people here are very nice and social. read more

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Yummy coffee with nice staff we will be back! Love seeing and supporting new SELA businesses. read more

Luz y Sombra Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - South Gate, California

Great coffee! El Tesoro iced coffee is so far my favorite. I also recommend their cafe de olla. Food is also really good. The people are really nice and service was fast. Great small business and will definitely be a regular customer read more