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Atmosphere: really cute place, with interesting architecture and theme. It was all about rocks and the vibe was nice. They play jazz music there and have lots of space to sit and talk or study. I really like the utensils they have (metal and elegant). They also have a rock as your number which was unique and on theme. There's a self service station where you can put your used cups and dishes. Drinks and food: I got the Hojicha latte and they used whole milk. The drink was a good size for the price but the quality was alright. It was a bit watery tasting for using while milk and kinda tasted just like seaweed. I asked for a recommendation for a pastry and ended up getting the matcha and yuzu pound cake which looked pretty good. There were yuzu bits in the middle. Unfortunately the yuzu didn't taste like yuzu, there wasn't enough of the filling in the center, the flavors didn't match well, and it was overall kind of dry. Parking was ample outside on the side streets, I came on a Thursday around 1pm. There were plenty of seats and no line to order! Overall, a great place to hang out, study, etc. they have good parking, ambiance, and perfect for some Instagram photos. I would have to try more of the drinks and food to conclude.
Cute coffee shop near the corner of Valley and Garfield. Doesn't look like much from the outside but the interior is very nice and aesthetic. I came around 11am on a Friday and it was quite busy. Luckily I was able to snag 2 seats. The majority of the people there seemed to be working or catching up with friends. My husband ordered the flight for us to share. The drinks here are on the expensive side with each of the drinks in the flight ranging normally from about $10-11. Out of the 4 drinks we tried my favorite was the hojicha oat latte. The cracker and cream pairing was also very delicious. The orange espresso drink was also very refreshing although I've had similar variations of this drink at other coffee places that were more affordable. The apple drink was non caffeinated and tasty. I let my kids drink this one. The most coffee forward drink was the cold brew. This one had a very interesting savory flavor because of the bonito and kombu in it. Overall, I enjoyed the drink "cocktails" I tried but I think I'll have to try some of their other drinks to really get a sense of the coffee.
Overall the coffee and matcha was good but really nothing to write home about. This place has a really nice concept. It looks like the theme here is rocks. Overall, pretty cozy. However, the whole layout of this place is super weird. It looks like the line starts towards the back and when it gets busy, the line takes a bit to move up. It doesn't look like they have enough people working? Every time someone ordered a drink, they would have to pause ordering so that they can focus on catching up on orders. It would help to have a dedicated person just to focus on ordering. The coffee and matcha were good choices, tasted great on a hot day and we loved how they served them in glass cups when you decide to have them "for here." The portion sizes were smaller compared to other coffee spots though. Also, I wouldn't recommend coming here for studying. There's just not enough tables/outlets for that stuff.
This cafe has a small parking lot behind the building and there is also street parking available. The interior features beautiful stone themed design that gives the space a unique and cozy atmosphere. There's a good amount of seating areas, but it was very crowded and the seating areas were not clean. They offer a variety of drinks, including matcha and coffee, along with a selection of pastries and cakes. It seems like cakes are weekend specials but the cakes came in unique and interesting flavors, which makes them worth trying. The staff were friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Love the vibe but one and done. Taro Rice Pudding Cake: it was okay but wouldn't get again Jasmine Melon Cloud: it was refreshing Matcha Latte: it's milked based but it didn't taste milky, but rather watery..
One of the most aesthetics cafe I've been to in sgv!!! Loved the vibes, haven't see many cafes that have a bar like vibe. The drinks are more of an experience than a takeout cafe place. It's. A good place for dates, catchups, or limited studying (no outlet). Though, because of the price I likely would not come back. The menu was laid out aesthetically but it was difficult to understand. I had thought that they organized separate juices and teas by price but it turns out those were just the ingredients for each drink. RUSH ( 7/10 ) Heads up! Better as a fun sweet drink not as a coffee (5/10 coffee). Soury sweet drink with a hint of coffee bitter. Comes with a yummy gummy bear ECHO -(7/10) Taste like Christmas! Has a refreshing apple taste that works well with the sweet cream foam. Great caffeine free option. HOJICHA CHESTNUT FINANCIER- (6/10) A bit dry but not superrrr dry. It paired nicely with the cream that comes with it. Not a fan of the candied pecan on it. - wifi available - Limited seating - Bathrooms available - Drink and pastries
Bougie, hipster Chinese-inspired LA coffee. This is not a "grab and go" place, but an experience and you pay for it. Two of my sisters-in-law who live in the area recommended this spot. My husband, his sisters and I ordered 1 Rift, 1 Echo, 2 Still, and one Earl Grey scone. All parts of each order complimented each other! The Rift threw me off with its bonito notes at first, but I liked it. I liked everything out of the "Still" hojicha order! The non-caffeinated Echo was good, too. We enjoyed the Earl Grey Scone with complementary spreads. This would make a great date idea or a place to catch up with a friend. Parking is pretty reasonable and the shop is spacious with lots of hipster-looking furniture. Monolith sells some merch and coffee beans. For that everyday coffee for work or school, you're better off hitting your favorite local coffee shop or make your coffee at home. Monolith Coffee is still an interesting experience, though!
Monolith Coffee in Alhambra offers a really unique take on coffee with their coffee mocktails, which is what initially drew me in. I tried the Four Movement Set to sample all four drinks, and the standout for me was the Rush (orange nitro coffee with a bright citrus kick) and the Echo (layered with dried apple, soba cha cream, and apple juice--almost like drinking an apple pie). The presentation and overall vibe of the shop were immaculate and definitely make it a nice spot to sit and try something different. That said, the drinks are on the pricier side for what you get, especially since they're more experimental and smaller in size. Still, it's a cool experience if you're into creative coffee concepts and don't mind spending a bit extra for something unique. Worth a visit at least once if you're in the area.
Very cute little coffee shop, and they are definitely trying to go for a vibe. We couldn't decide if they were going for like, a stones in nature theme, or outer space. Zen or sci-fi. Not too sure. They give you a stone with a number on it that's your order. And the menu is right at the register, which gets stressful if you're at the front of the line and you're seeing the menu for the first time. We got the miso butter scone and a croissant, a hojicha latte (with the fermented rice milk) and an oatmilk cappuccino. Everything was delicious. Bit pricey though, so I concur with some of the other reviews on this bit. They were playing jazz overhead, so that's a plus. The space itself isn't super great or flowy. The coffee bar takes up a LOT of space, so people are sort of squished into the space near the entrance, which is also where people line up, so it just feels kind of constipated. There is something that's a bit like bar seating (facing a sort of rock garden, not the actual coffee bar, so the "bar" is curved), and there are two of these. Then there are maybe 3-4 small tables that you can sit at, and then a line of chairs facing the coffee bar (kind of squished alongside the bar itself). Service is very friendly. Parking is street.
Very cool cafe in the SGV. I was really excited to try this place out as it looked very aesthetically pleasing and a great spot for conversation. The concept they have going on was super cool and the drinks themselves seem very unique. Although I can't say much about the drinks they're known for, I was a little disappointed with a simple vanilla iced latte I got. It was a bit too watered down to my liking. Their drinks are on the pricier end as well so I didn't get anything super special this time around. If I do return I'll definitely give one of their other drinks a try to write a more detailed review!
I would describe Monolith as an upscale, casual cafe. Their menu feels very curated and seems to use ingredients and blends that are not typically found at many other coffee shops. The prices are quite high for the size they provide, but they seem to offer a different experience--almost like their own version of afternoon tea. We ordered the Echo and Edwin Norena "Watermelon". The Echo was very refreshing and earthy, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and ginger. I don't typically drink coffee, but I also had a sip of the Edwin Norena, which is a Colombian pour-over blend, and surprisingly had strong notes of watermelon. It was our first time at Monolith, and the staff was very helpful and informative, walking us through the menu and answering questions we had. Overall, the experience was good, and I recommend that if you do come here, the best way to enjoy their drinks is to sip and savor them.
I stopped by Monolith Coffee after it was recommended to me by Jack from Endorffeine, I ordered a cortado. From a technical standpoint, it was a well-executed drink. The milk was steamed well, producing smooth, glossy microfoam that integrated beautifully with the espresso. My only technical critique was the microfoam was slightly thicker than what you'd typically expect in a competition-style cortado, but it never felt foamy or airy and the milk temperature was a hairline hotter than I personally prefer for a cortado, but it was still a great drink overall. Visually, the cortado was equally well done. The latte art was clean, the surface had a beautiful sheen, and the body held together nicely throughout the drink instead of breaking apart early, showing good milk integration and solid technique. The first cortado I tried was made with their Guatemalan espresso. While it was technically well prepared, the flavor profile leaned a little more bitter than my personal preference. After I mentioned it, the staff immediately offered to make me another cortado using their Ethiopian beans at no charge. I really appreciated that they understood it was simply a matter of preference and wanted me to experience a coffee that better matched my palate. That level of service really stood out. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making sure I enjoyed the experience. It's always refreshing to visit a coffee shop that's confident in its craft and willing to go the extra mile for its customers.
Great little coffee shop. Can get somewhat busy. Drinks are presented in a delightful way. I enjoy their pour overs and the beans they select. You can watch them make your drink with intention! The specialty drinks are neat with interesting twists. Will stop by whenever I'm in the area. Only thing is a big on the pricier end. You are definitely paying for the vibes and aesthetics. Worth checking out!
6 days ago
In an area where cafes continue to compete, this place definitely stands out. The inside is super chill, I see this as an aesthetic modern space where people can either chat or do work, but I didn't see too many outlets or a crazy amount of seating Ordering is simple, service is fast it's just coffee and everything is listed out for you, not complicated. Drinks come out relatively quick. Rift- 8.5/10 I don't actually drink too many cold brews or coffee in general, but this has a slight fruit flavor mixed in that makes it really refreshing. I can tell they took their time with this. This is on the pricier side but I think for the quality having this once in a while wouldn't hurt. read more
**Coffee Fix Adventures continue... Monolith Coffee has a clean aesthetic, with cute rock & monolith designs all over. If you dine-in, their drinks are served in fancy glasses or small cups. If you order their signature drinks, expect to pay $10+ per drink. I was a little shell-shocked by their prices, but it's not a daily thing for me to get coffee outside...so I guess once in a while is okay? Wish they had their menu posted somewhere more visible than just right in front of the cashier, it gets a little overwhelming to decide on your order when you get to the front if you've never been. Hubby ordered their Dark Milo, which was so much smaller in size than my Breeze Matcha. Also ordered a croissant (warmed), it was decent, really flaky. We both enjoyed our drinks, but the price is a bit steep is all...Both were on the sweeter side: Dark Milo is chocolatey, hubs said it tasted like chocolate milk & I agreed; Breeze Matcha is very coconut-ey, also sweet, and I did enjoy it. Parking lot says "Cathay Bank," but it's actually Monolith's...Otherwise, street parking on Stoneman is also available. Not sure if the price is worth, TBH, to justify returning ='( read more
16 days ago
Atmosphere: really cute place, with interesting architecture and theme. It was all about rocks and the vibe was nice. They play jazz music there and have lots of space to sit and talk or study. I really like the utensils they have (metal and elegant). They also have a rock as your number which was unique and on theme. There's a self service station where you can put your used cups and dishes. Drinks and food: I got the Hojicha latte and they used whole milk. The drink was a good size for the price but the quality was alright. It was a bit watery tasting for using while milk and kinda tasted just like seaweed. I asked for a recommendation for a pastry and ended up getting the matcha and yuzu pound cake which looked pretty good. There were yuzu bits in the middle. Unfortunately the yuzu didn't taste like yuzu, there wasn't enough of the filling in the center, the flavors didn't match well, and it was overall kind of dry. Parking was ample outside on the side streets, I came on a Thursday around 1pm. There were plenty of seats and no line to order! Overall, a great place to hang out, study, etc. they have good parking, ambiance, and perfect for some Instagram photos. I would have to try more of the drinks and food to conclude. read more
19 days ago
Cute coffee shop near the corner of Valley and Garfield. Doesn't look like much from the outside but the interior is very nice and aesthetic. I came around 11am on a Friday and it was quite busy. Luckily I was able to snag 2 seats. The majority of the people there seemed to be working or catching up with friends. My husband ordered the flight for us to share. The drinks here are on the expensive side with each of the drinks in the flight ranging normally from about $10-11. Out of the 4 drinks we tried my favorite was the hojicha oat latte. The cracker and cream pairing was also very delicious. The orange espresso drink was also very refreshing although I've had similar variations of this drink at other coffee places that were more affordable. The apple drink was non caffeinated and tasty. I let my kids drink this one. The most coffee forward drink was the cold brew. This one had a very interesting savory flavor because of the bonito and kombu in it. Overall, I enjoyed the drink "cocktails" I tried but I think I'll have to try some of their other drinks to really get a sense of the coffee. read more
Overall the coffee and matcha was good but really nothing to write home about. This place has a really nice concept. It looks like the theme here is rocks. Overall, pretty cozy. However, the whole layout of this place is super weird. It looks like the line starts towards the back and when it gets busy, the line takes a bit to move up. It doesn't look like they have enough people working? Every time someone ordered a drink, they would have to pause ordering so that they can focus on catching up on orders. It would help to have a dedicated person just to focus on ordering. The coffee and matcha were good choices, tasted great on a hot day and we loved how they served them in glass cups when you decide to have them "for here." The portion sizes were smaller compared to other coffee spots though. Also, I wouldn't recommend coming here for studying. There's just not enough tables/outlets for that stuff. read more
This cafe has a small parking lot behind the building and there is also street parking available. The interior features beautiful stone themed design that gives the space a unique and cozy atmosphere. There's a good amount of seating areas, but it was very crowded and the seating areas were not clean. They offer a variety of drinks, including matcha and coffee, along with a selection of pastries and cakes. It seems like cakes are weekend specials but the cakes came in unique and interesting flavors, which makes them worth trying. The staff were friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive experience. Love the vibe but one and done. Taro Rice Pudding Cake: it was okay but wouldn't get again Jasmine Melon Cloud: it was refreshing Matcha Latte: it's milked based but it didn't taste milky, but rather watery.. read more
27 days ago
One of the most aesthetics cafe I've been to in sgv!!! Loved the vibes, haven't see many cafes that have a bar like vibe. The drinks are more of an experience than a takeout cafe place. It's. A good place for dates, catchups, or limited studying (no outlet). Though, because of the price I likely would not come back. The menu was laid out aesthetically but it was difficult to understand. I had thought that they organized separate juices and teas by price but it turns out those were just the ingredients for each drink. RUSH ( 7/10 ) Heads up! Better as a fun sweet drink not as a coffee (5/10 coffee). Soury sweet drink with a hint of coffee bitter. Comes with a yummy gummy bear ECHO -(7/10) Taste like Christmas! Has a refreshing apple taste that works well with the sweet cream foam. Great caffeine free option. HOJICHA CHESTNUT FINANCIER- (6/10) A bit dry but not superrrr dry. It paired nicely with the cream that comes with it. Not a fan of the candied pecan on it. - wifi available - Limited seating - Bathrooms available - Drink and pastries read more
Bougie, hipster Chinese-inspired LA coffee. This is not a "grab and go" place, but an experience and you pay for it. Two of my sisters-in-law who live in the area recommended this spot. My husband, his sisters and I ordered 1 Rift, 1 Echo, 2 Still, and one Earl Grey scone. All parts of each order complimented each other! The Rift threw me off with its bonito notes at first, but I liked it. I liked everything out of the "Still" hojicha order! The non-caffeinated Echo was good, too. We enjoyed the Earl Grey Scone with complementary spreads. This would make a great date idea or a place to catch up with a friend. Parking is pretty reasonable and the shop is spacious with lots of hipster-looking furniture. Monolith sells some merch and coffee beans. For that everyday coffee for work or school, you're better off hitting your favorite local coffee shop or make your coffee at home. Monolith Coffee is still an interesting experience, though! read more
Monolith Coffee in Alhambra offers a really unique take on coffee with their coffee mocktails, which is what initially drew me in. I tried the Four Movement Set to sample all four drinks, and the standout for me was the Rush (orange nitro coffee with a bright citrus kick) and the Echo (layered with dried apple, soba cha cream, and apple juice--almost like drinking an apple pie). The presentation and overall vibe of the shop were immaculate and definitely make it a nice spot to sit and try something different. That said, the drinks are on the pricier side for what you get, especially since they're more experimental and smaller in size. Still, it's a cool experience if you're into creative coffee concepts and don't mind spending a bit extra for something unique. Worth a visit at least once if you're in the area. read more
2 months ago
Very cute little coffee shop, and they are definitely trying to go for a vibe. We couldn't decide if they were going for like, a stones in nature theme, or outer space. Zen or sci-fi. Not too sure. They give you a stone with a number on it that's your order. And the menu is right at the register, which gets stressful if you're at the front of the line and you're seeing the menu for the first time. We got the miso butter scone and a croissant, a hojicha latte (with the fermented rice milk) and an oatmilk cappuccino. Everything was delicious. Bit pricey though, so I concur with some of the other reviews on this bit. They were playing jazz overhead, so that's a plus. The space itself isn't super great or flowy. The coffee bar takes up a LOT of space, so people are sort of squished into the space near the entrance, which is also where people line up, so it just feels kind of constipated. There is something that's a bit like bar seating (facing a sort of rock garden, not the actual coffee bar, so the "bar" is curved), and there are two of these. Then there are maybe 3-4 small tables that you can sit at, and then a line of chairs facing the coffee bar (kind of squished alongside the bar itself). Service is very friendly. Parking is street. read more
Very cool cafe in the SGV. I was really excited to try this place out as it looked very aesthetically pleasing and a great spot for conversation. The concept they have going on was super cool and the drinks themselves seem very unique. Although I can't say much about the drinks they're known for, I was a little disappointed with a simple vanilla iced latte I got. It was a bit too watered down to my liking. Their drinks are on the pricier end as well so I didn't get anything super special this time around. If I do return I'll definitely give one of their other drinks a try to write a more detailed review! read more
I would describe Monolith as an upscale, casual cafe. Their menu feels very curated and seems to use ingredients and blends that are not typically found at many other coffee shops. The prices are quite high for the size they provide, but they seem to offer a different experience--almost like their own version of afternoon tea. We ordered the Echo and Edwin Norena "Watermelon". The Echo was very refreshing and earthy, with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and ginger. I don't typically drink coffee, but I also had a sip of the Edwin Norena, which is a Colombian pour-over blend, and surprisingly had strong notes of watermelon. It was our first time at Monolith, and the staff was very helpful and informative, walking us through the menu and answering questions we had. Overall, the experience was good, and I recommend that if you do come here, the best way to enjoy their drinks is to sip and savor them. read more
16 days ago
12 days ago
I stopped by Monolith Coffee after it was recommended to me by Jack from Endorffeine, I ordered a cortado. From a technical standpoint, it was a well-executed drink. The milk was steamed well, producing smooth, glossy microfoam that integrated beautifully with the espresso. My only technical critique was the microfoam was slightly thicker than what you'd typically expect in a competition-style cortado, but it never felt foamy or airy and the milk temperature was a hairline hotter than I personally prefer for a cortado, but it was still a great drink overall. Visually, the cortado was equally well done. The latte art was clean, the surface had a beautiful sheen, and the body held together nicely throughout the drink instead of breaking apart early, showing good milk integration and solid technique. The first cortado I tried was made with their Guatemalan espresso. While it was technically well prepared, the flavor profile leaned a little more bitter than my personal preference. After I mentioned it, the staff immediately offered to make me another cortado using their Ethiopian beans at no charge. I really appreciated that they understood it was simply a matter of preference and wanted me to experience a coffee that better matched my palate. That level of service really stood out. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely cared about making sure I enjoyed the experience. It's always refreshing to visit a coffee shop that's confident in its craft and willing to go the extra mile for its customers. read more
Great little coffee shop. Can get somewhat busy. Drinks are presented in a delightful way. I enjoy their pour overs and the beans they select. You can watch them make your drink with intention! The specialty drinks are neat with interesting twists. Will stop by whenever I'm in the area. Only thing is a big on the pricier end. You are definitely paying for the vibes and aesthetics. Worth checking out! read more
I drink coffee everyday, and I would say their coffee is high quality! I ordered a cold brew, and although the drinks here can be pricy, the cold brew is a fair price. My favorite aspect of the drink is that it is cold, crispy, the ice is great quality with no bubbles, and most important the acidity. I like the slight tart of the coffee while it did not cause me to have any heart burn. The service is great - quick and the presentation of the drinks were classy. This is a great place to catch up with friends as the atmosphere is spa-like and calming. They did a great job decorating the store. read more
2 months ago
Interesting concept that's probably still quite uncommon in town if you're having the ones from their signature drink-in only menus. The ambiance flawlessly delivered that coffee bar concept as well with some nibbles to pair with your drink. Price was more on the high-end when you ordered from these selections given they're at mid-teen $ with tip. Being first timer, the barista was pretty helpful in giving recos and assisting me with my pick. We got the RIFT and STILL. The first one was not for me as the interesting combo of cold brew with bonito, kombu, yuzu, and Uji Geinmacha made the drink somehow tasted savory to me. The smokey hint was surely peculiar as well. I was pleased by the STILL. The Miso Caramel Cream served with cracker made a great pairing to the Hojicha for sure. The Hojicha itself was decent but not WOW-ing. read more
Dog friendly, they even have dog treats by the pick up counter. Upscale aesthetic coffee shop are on the rise especially in downtown area but having one in the heart of 626 is new.. Great spot to have a coffee date or meet friends but really hyped up in my opinion. We visited on a Friday around 1pm and it was overly crowded. Overall they have plenty of seating but not enough for a rush. Hojicha Latte (iced)- quite watered down in all aspects. Not enough hojicha and not sweet enough. It was creamy but still felt watered down. Matcha Latte -it was alright, not great. Still (hot Assamiya Houjicha)- much better than the iced version. Rich roasted flavors with just the right amount of creaminess from the oat milk. Would love to see if they can have the Miso Caramel Cream as an add on to other drinks, that would be delicious but having it on the side with a soda cracker seemed too underwhelming. Rush (Single Shot Espresso w/ Orange Juice, Nitro infused)- soo good, perfect tanginess over the espresso. Orange zest was great added some depth to the drink. read more
22 days ago
This is a narrow coffee shop located on Valley with plenty of street parking and has additional parking nearby the food court. That being said, the ordering experience could use some improvement. There's no hanging menu, and the menu consists of individual cards placed right in front of the cashier. When the line gets long, you don't really get a chance to browse the menu unless you've Yelped the place or ask the staff the prices of the pastries. Each card represents a single drink with the ingredients listed below. I ordered the RIFT (cold brew) along with a cherry danish. The dandish was crispy and slightly tart which paired nicely with coffee. Unfortunately, the cold brew wasn't for me. The yuzu and genmaicha infusion had a savory, almost miso like flavor which I didnt enjoy. They also offer WiFi, butI wouldn't recommend coming here to study. The space is pretty limited and gets crowded quickly. read more
Aesthetic cafe, decent coffee but very dry pastry. I got the hojicha chestnut financier. The cake was so dry that I couldn't slice it with my fork. I had to press down really hard with my fork to take a bite. I only had a few bites and left the rest. I know. I feel bad, so wasteful. But it was really bad: tough texture and lacked flavor. The chestnut cream on top was barely a smear. This place is overhyped by social media and Eater LA. The interior is more narrow than what the videos and pictures have shown. It's not a bad place to hang out and study if you can find seating. The interior is a bit tight. There are stools and seats on both sides of the cafe. I got an iced oatmilk latte. The coffee was good but not exceptional. Not worth the drive if you don't live close by. Service was fine. There is street parking. It's across the street from Savoy. read more
Monolith Coffee (Alhambra) is upscale, luxury coffee. I had a lovely experience. I ordered the Rift Coffee ($11). It's coffee that tastes like crisp Fruit Tea! WHAT?! There's hidden power inside that dainty glass. It's high quality coffee dressed up as a Jazz Nightclub's mocktail. I arrived at Monolith Coffee (Alhambra) on Sunday (around 12:25PM). Parking is simple if familiar with the area. I parked at the nearby neighborhood and briskly walked over; signs say, "2 Hour Parking - 9AM to 6PM - Except Sunday." Customers order at the counter; Customers have the option "For Here" or "To Go"; Customers are given a stone with a number; and Customers pick up the drink when their number is called in the corner. This place is very popular!! Staff is knowledgeable and welcoming. Staff (receipt says Will) promptly answered all my questions. Staff worked quickly. My drink took two minutes and 11 seconds. As mentioned, I ordered the Rift Coffee ($11). WOW!! This coffee tastes like lightly sweetened fruit juice. There's no bitter flavor; rather, the recognizable notes of coffee lightly hovers by. The liquid flows soft like silk, and its floral scent is even refreshing. I broke into laughter as I continued to sip. It's GOOD! After twenty minutes, the caffeine gripped me passionately which I vigorously embraced. My lips and throat felt dry as this seductive coffee took effect. On ambiance, Monolith Coffee (Alhambra) is unique. The location is stone-themed; it's all connected to nature and rocks. The music plays smooth jazz. And the location felt like an upscale Jazz Nightclub for coffee enthusiasts. However, despite the difficulty to find a seat, there's utility. The location has customer internet with password; the details are on the counter and wall. There's also a self-service water station nestled in the back. There's also three electrical outlets which are somewhat difficult to reach. This is not an ideal study/work spot. Rather, this location feels like a spot to impress a friend, family member, or special companion. Monolith Coffee (Alhambra) is something saved for a special occasion. Overall, I had a memorable & magical experience at Monolith Coffee (Alhambra). It's one of the best coffee experiences that I've ever had. If you love coffee, this is a must-try. 5 out of 5! GO!! Just GO!! read more
There was no wait this time but there was alot of people dining in. Decided to order a couple of coffee drinks that you could get togo. 1st one was nector lasso and the 2nd was rift. I love how you can taste the fruitiness in the coffee and it actually kept me up. Rift has more of the yuzu taste and nector lasso tastes more strawberry than the other flavors. The only bad thing is the price. Its expensive for the amount of coffee you get but i under why they charge this much. They have a couple of coffee options that is dine in only. I do want to try 1 of them because it comes with a cracker and 2 drinks? I think its the one named STILL. It might be the one they smoke as well. read more
1 month ago
Finally a place that serves tea lattes with a mixology twist in the SGV! 1. No this isn't ANOTHER Boba spot 2. They have tea lattes for the morning 3. I don't have to drive to Melrose or the west side for a decent drink and an aesthetic vibe. 3. They are dog friendly I do wish they would utilize the outdoor space for seating. Drinks range from $9-$12 so a lil pricier, But overall I really enjoyed my time at Monolith and I will definitely be back. read more
A highly unique coffee spot, although the hype is very real in that the wait can be upwards of 30mins to 1 hour. The interior is neat and deceptive with the line so that it snakes insides, rather than outside, leading you to think there isn't a line when there's a pretty long wait inside. They did a good job socializing this on social media, so unless you're willing to wait a while, plan on getting here early or waiting until the opening phase slows this place down a bit. Hands-down, one of the more unique coffee experiences I've had and the coffee is legit good, well thought out, and very aesthetically pleasing. You can see the care they take into making the drinks with the open bar situation. The flavors are very interesting and I don't think I've ever tried anything like these. I'm not much of a sweets person so I went for the cold brew named the Rift, but I actually really liked the Echo. The cream is dangerously good and the flavors are so nice and unique to where I don't think I've ever tasted tea like this before. If you can, definitely opt to dine in because the presentation of how these drinks look with the cup adds to the whole experience, sort of like a refined cocktail look. Unfortunately seating is kind of limited, so you're taking a bit of a gamble in order to sit down. read more
I had a mixed experience at this cafe in Alhambra. I had two drinks here: - Still: One of their signature drinks. A hot hojicha drink made with oat milk and other ingredients. This was pretty good and comforting from the warmness of the drink. The drink was nicely sweet, but not too sweet. There was some chocolate sludge on the bottom of the drink which wasn't ideal though. It also came with a cracker and cream which was delicious. The cracker was nutty and buttery. The flavor and texture was very similar to a Filipino Skyflake cracker. The cream was light, but full of flavor. Marrying the umami and sweet flavors. A great little snack to go along with the drink. This was around $13. - Breeze Matcha: Literally coconut milk ft. matcha. This drink was just too milky, it was disappointing. The coconut flavor was good though, it was very similar to Filipino coconut flavoring. However, this was supposed to be a matcha not just coconut milk. Was not worth the $10 paid for this. The drink selection here was unique which I appreciated. They are on the pricier side though. The service here was good even though they messed up one of my drink orders which they fixed right away. I enjoyed the decorative interior themed around rocks. They have wifi, but I did not see any outlets. Not the most ideal place to work/study from. At the time I went (Saturday noon), it was pretty busy and there were limited seats and tables. They have a good amount of free parking behind the restaurant. Overall, it was nice to try this out, but I wouldn't necessarily come back here again. This spot is more if you want to experiment with coffee culture. I would still opt for going to reliable spots with good value. read more
It's during their soft opening right now so that's why there are limited hours. Brand new coffee shop with a sleek, clean theme. It's also busy with new hype! Delivers good and aesthetic coffee that look like cocktails. I would say this is more of a sit down and enjoy the coffee and company kind of coffee shop rather than a takeout coffee place. Pros: -very friendly and nice service -clean decor -plenty of outlets everywhere -cute decor -some cool merch -roasts their own beans -self serve free water -coffee meats cocktail themes -yummy pastries -bathroom Cons: -is there any right now? Tip: plenty of free street parking read more
3 months ago
Tried Monolith Coffee in Alhambra during their soft opening and it's already drawing a crowd--line was out the door when I went the first time. Second time was a bit better. The space is really unique, with rock installations and cementitious materials throughout. Even the order numbers are written on little pebbles, very consistent branding. It feels modern and thoughtfully designed without being over the top. Drinks are the highlight. Their menu leans more craft coffee / coffee cocktail style. I ordered "The Rush" (citrus + espresso), which was bright, balanced, and nicely executed. You can tell they put care into both the flavor and presentation. They also have a good selection of pastries and desserts that aren't overly sweet. Service was friendly and efficient despite the crowd, and there's easy parking nearby. It's also dog-friendly, which is a nice bonus. Overall, really happy to have a place like this in the SGV. Definitely a strong addition to the Alhambra coffee scene and definitely worth checking out if you're into more specialty-style drinks. read more
tl;dr the carefully curated coffees and teas overshadow the sometimes underwhelming pastries at this pricey, ultra-modern coffee shop Like the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, Monolith Coffee remained a relative mystery leading up to its debut. The Instagram page (which has been active for nearly a year) shared minimalist updates featuring the shop's Castle in the Sky-esque monolith logo. But, as of today, you can experience the ultra-modern coffee shop, with a sophisticated drink menu spanning from standard espressos to curated teas to elevated "Moments" (rotating caffeinated mocktails with descriptions like a haiku). Monolith shares a small shopping plaza just off the intersection of Valley and Garfield. From outside, you can barely see through the tinted windows of the rounded storefront. The interior is a desert-y chic. The color-washed walls and plentiful stone motifs offer a surreal take on minimalism. Some tables seem to sprout from the rounded rocks. Pringle-shaped lamps and more stones hang from the slate-shaded ceiling. All of the action surrounded the glass-enclosed, extended horseshoe-shaped kitchen. Seating options range from backless half-booths to raised barstools. Fast-paced jazz rattles the room. My fiancée and I arrived close to opening for the first day of the soft opening, and the line wound through the shop out the back door. We waited an hour to finally place our order, and it was prepared relatively quickly. Our favorite item was the "Still" houjicha latte, a toasty and comforting beverage with hints of sweetness; admittedly, the side of salted caramel cream was impractical to incorporate. But the smoky "Rift" cold brew was no slouch -- its unique combination of salty bonito flakes and acidic yuzu added new dimensions without ever overpowering the drink. Of our pastries, we preferred the Miso Nori Scone, which appropriately balanced salty, savory, and sweet. In contrast, the Matcha Yuzu Pound Cake was mostly dry and one-dimensional. The prices aren't cheap (pasties are over $5, and the Moments hover around $10). On the first day of the soft opening, the service was clearly working hard but maintained a friendly and approachable attitude; I expect they'll work out the kinks over the next few weeks. Overall, I was impressed by the premium Moments, which reminded me of Asia's super-sophisticated cafes; I probably wouldn't dabble in the pastries again. Even for the premium price, I'm excited to try more drinks in the future. Monolith is definitely adding to Alhambra's thriving premium-coffee scene. read more
4 months ago
Got a chance to check out Monolith at one of their soft opening dates. The store is decent in size with multiple seating areas. Monolith is not your typical coffee shop. Their aim seems to be more boutique, opting for bolder/complex flavors with their drinks. They do have your typical set list of drinks (e.g., americanos, lattes, and matcha lattes) but what you're really coming here for are their speciality drinks. They have a bevy of choices that are a mixture of coffee based drinks and those that are tea based, none of which are simple in taste. I ordered a matcha latte and one of their speciality drinks, Echo. Word of note, there were only 2 drinks that could be served to go as of their soft opening. The goal of the shop is for people to enjoy their drinks in house as they serve them in fancy glasses. It was a bit difficult to do that day since the whole shop was packed. Now for the drinks, honestly the matcha wasn't anything to write home about. It tasted a bit watered down. For the specialty drink Echo, I would describe it as a sophisticated Apple juice. It was complex in flavor both with the foam and the drink itself so if you're not into that, don't get this drink. Overall it was an enjoyable drink but a bit steep in price at $12. Also, word of note, if you take your drinks togo they currently don't have caps. If you're looking for a boutique coffee shop, this is definitely the place for you. If you're looking for a coffee shop to grab something in the go, probably would skip. read more
Monolith Coffee is an establishment where it's apparent that the most minute details are curated to showcase what the cafe has to offer from the beautifully crafted beverages, stoic, yet bright interior, and even the baristas behind the counter bringing great vibes despite being incredibly packed this week. My girlfriend and I decided to share a pour over and one signature drink (and would have loved to try a desert but it was sold out by the time. The Nestor Lasso was downright incredible. The strawberry and watermelon notes are super forward and genuinely shocked me my first sip (positively) and the whole cup was incredibly smooth. In this current LA heat wave, ordering it iced was definitely the move, it was so refreshing. The Still was a richer Hojicha latte with burnt sugar notes and made with Koatji which is also very forward in this drink. Overall, don't think it's for me, but I'm just not the biggest Koatji fan - if you are though you'll enjoy it. Gotta say though, did not think that the cracker with the miso caramel was gonna be that good - I needed to ration out more cream because i felt like my leftovers were a waste haha Overall, so glad that Monolith has joined the specialty coffee scene in the SGV. Lines were long when we went and waited about 30 plus mins, but it's clear the team is working hard. Definitely on the pricier point, but as a craft beverage shop it's priced accordingly to what they're offering. read more
The line was crazy on Sunday all the way to the back of the cafe but it moved fast. Rush was sold out when we arrived around 2pm. Echo was good, definitely a tea + apple juice flavor. Hojicha latte was good too. The matcha latte looked good but it was tasteless kind of disappointed. The rift we all agreed tasted like udon soup! Later we realize it said it was made with kombu syrup, so that made sense. It was interesting but nobody liked it. Would not recommend that; it was a salty soup-like coffee. The vibe was really nice in there though, SGV really need more cafes like that. It reminds me of cafes in Asia. read more
4 months ago
Elevated "cocktail" coffee shop that offers coffee in a refreshing twist. Echo 9/10 This drink has a refreshing and pleasant apple taste with a slight taste of cinnamon. The foam on top is light and airy which makes the drink more fun especially with the dried apple topping. Think an elevated version of apple juice that's perfect for the summer. Still This has a very smooth taste of Hojicha blended with chocolate. Malty flavor with a hint of sweetness. Paired with the miso caramel cream and soda cracker, the snack is perfectly sweet with a little salt from the nori crumble. 10/10 Fast service but expect a long wait. We waited around 30 minutes at 2 pm just to order and around 10 minutes to pick up. Limited seating and there's a small parking lot behind the shop. Very aesthetically pleasing that reminds me of a museum. Definitely will come back for the pastries and to try the other drinks! read more
4 months ago
I've been seeing Monolith on social media. Decided to give it a try today, and I unknowingly went during soft opening (my fault for that), so it was a long wait! I arrived at around 11:20 and finally got to order at around 12:04. Waited about another 10 minutes to get all my orders. Nestor Lasso - hot pour over with notes of watermelon, strawberry, and lychee. I tasted more of the lychee and floralness, while the body of the coffee was slightly thick. Overall great mouth feel and flavor. Matcha Latte - I opted to get whole milk and unsweetened. Tasted very smooth, but I do think the matcha flavor is a little light. Coffee Chocolate Pound Cake - it was soft, light, and the chocolate had a good bitterness to counteract the sweet notes. Overall, I think I had a good experience. I'd probably wait till the hype dies down to avoid the long lines. Prices for the hot pour overs are a tad higher than most places (my total for all 3 items came out to $25 after tax). Plenty of parking is available. read more
2 months ago
First time coming to this coffee shop and the vibes were so cool! The interior of the cafe had an earthy and elegant design. There were enough seats and tables for people to do work at and wifi included. The server suggested these two drinks and wow was the RIFT so good. Highly recommend coming here and I can't wait to come back to try their other specialties!! read more
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Monolith Coffee - coffee - Updated July 2026
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