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    Nostalgic Cafe

    4.0 (111 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Nostalgic Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    NOSTALGIC CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Nostalgic Cafe

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    Kristine H.

    Cafe: A good spot to grab a coffee and take a walk around the neighborhood. The space is uniquely decorated and has a nice vibe. Parking: Metered parking is available, and there was also a sign pointing to additional parking in the alley. Food: Continental breakfast-style options. Nothing particularly outstanding, but decent for a light bite. Coffee: It was my first time trying a milk tea latte. The flavor actually grew on me the more I drank it.

    Madison W.

    Cool vibe, but pricey. $50 for a coffee, tea, bagel sandwich, and avo toast. The staff weren't very friendly. They just say what you ordered over the sound of the espresso machine and get annoyed when you can't hear them. They seemed more interested in a photographer than paying guests. The food was good, but my wife's avocado "toast" wasn't even toasted, so it became soggy. Again, cool vibe but that's all this place has going for it... at least during our visit on a chill Sunday morning. Side note: the Wi-Fi password listed is incorrect.

    Exterior
    Peter D.

    This is a cute place in the Old Town Pasadena area. There's not too much seating indoors, but there's a mix of couches/chairs with some tables. I walked in and was impressed by the variety of drinks offered. I personally got the Matcha Rose Latte. It was a little more expensive than I expected, but I still enjoyed the taste of my drink. The service was also pretty fast, and I got my drink within 5 minutes of ordering. I would come back and try more of their drinks. I can also easily imagine myself working from here one day.

    BLT not worth $18...
    Rana R.

    Overpriced is the first word that comes to mind. Let's start with the positives as there were some... the cafe was aesthetically pleasing. Cute decor all around. Great use of the space & quirky little knick knacks can be found all around. Onto the not so positive issues. The guy greeted us while making drinks but didn't offer any help until we asked for it. Only then did he say "I'll be right with you, just making some drinks." Yes, clearly... Ordered the BLT sandwich which came out to about $18. DEFINITELY not worth that much. It was the plainest BLT I've ever had. They did nothing to make it worth the price and the "salad" it came with were a few pieces of arugula with 2 pcs of cucumber. Not much of a salad. I understand that BLT in itself is a plain sandwich, so price it as such OR if you're gonna charge almost $20 bucks for it, make it worth it. Not very nostalgic with that price point.

    Matcha Ube latte
    Thuy Dan T.

    I was walking past and decided to stop in to get a ube latte after a morning workout. It was a great pick me up! The space inside is so cozy and the old library feel. It's curated really well! The Ube latte came out pretty fast and the colors are stunning. Ube on the bottom and matcha on the top. The drink was smooth and had a strong flavor. On the sweeter side and very tasty overall!

    Dave H.

    Cute cozy and comfortable coffee and tea cafe with sandwiches, bagels, toasts and pastries. Great coffee including a Thai tea latte that I must try next time! Free WiFi. Super clean and cozy interiors. One of the cutest cafes in the area and lovely owners. Food and coffee is delish! Lots of cold and hot coffee and tea drink offerings. Please support LGBTQ+ friendly businesses too! Nearby public parking structure is first 90mins free. Couple of Outdoor tables for furry friends too!

    Inside
    Helen L.

    Cute little coffee shop in old town Pasadena with beautiful interior decor and furniture. They have caffeinated and non caffeinated beverages, pastries, breakfast items, and bottled beverages. I absolutely adore the decor and can see myself enjoying a drink and getting some work done here.

    Welcome to Nostagic Cafe. #pasadena #hollyst
    Carl N.

    Nostalgic Cafe is a quaint vintage-style coffee shop tucked away in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. This cafe creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the past as evidence by its light fixtures, aged wood furnitures and art decor. I think it is a blooming new addition to the Pasadena coffee scene, providing customers with a cozy space, a moment of peace and a delicious menu of coffee, breakfast, pastries, bagels and more! One can posit that the owners did due diligence on the decorations and layout of the coffee shop. We ventured to check-out this new cafe; we were perfunctorily greeted by a middle aged grey bearded male staff on the counter. I perused their modest menu. And I decided to procure a French toast x berries and a hot Levander Latte. The food was fresh, warm and delightful. Similarly, the hot latte was perfectly made to my liking. Service was on point. Staff were professional and competent. Atmosphere was relaxing. Indoor and outdoor seats were limited. Free wifi. Finding street Parking in the area is always challenging but plenty of parking lots. Overall, I enjoyed their latte and F/T breakfast. I will definitely come back and try other stuff. And I recommend this nostalgic cafe.

    Crystal L.

    A very cute coffee place with some good food choices. I don't think the seating is necessarily conducive for getting work done and it's really better suited to catching up with friends as opposed to a business meeting given the smallish inside and "living room" vibe and furnishings. Found street parking easily (get rid of your coins at those old Pasadena meters!). One small size for to go coffee that is pretty good. Definitely a neighborhood find.

    Brown sugar cafe latte (very good!) and a hot chocolate
    Flo M.

    Very excited to try this cafe out, conveniently located next to the Courtyard Marriot in Pasadena and just a 5min walk from the center of Old Town Pasadena and a great stop when visiting the Armory Center of Arts right around the corner. The ambiance inside is very relaxing and cozy, lots of little spots to sit and have great conversations. Lots of great flavors for their drinks available including their Taro latte and the brown sugar latte was very good. Lots of people having brunch on a Sunday so will have to come back again to try. This shop is Asian owned and fits with a lot of the diverse small businesses in the area- love to support local when we can.

    Rebecca G.

    I want to bring everyone I know here now. Definitely worth searching parking for! Got the cold brew with a splash of oat milk while catching up on some work. Great, quiet spot to catch up with a friend, read, or do some work/homework. Service was great. Fun and comfy seating spots. Will come again!

    The environment is very small, and the living conditions are a little old and beautiful. It is suitable for leisure. The boss is very nice. The location is very good. Turn around the subway and turn around the Courtyard Hotel.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Nostalgic Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

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    Danbi Coffee

    Danbi Coffee

    4.3
    (392 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    I stopped by this spot after a local recommended it as having one of the best matchas in Pasadena,…read moreand it definitely got me in the spirit to watch the new Minions and Monsters movie tomorrow! The Build: I ordered the banana cream matcha, which features a rich matcha base with standard oat milk, topped with a heavenly layer of banana cream and tiny, mysterious crunchy pieces. The Flavor Profile: Taste-wise, the drink was absolutely heavenly. The matcha itself was wonderfully rich, and mixing in the banana cream took it to the next level, while the crunchy toppings added a really nice occasional texture. The only real letdown was the size, the cup was just so tiny for an $8 price tag. Even though the flavors were incredible, it felt a bit hard to justify the steep cost for such a small portion. The Verdict: While the major price tag means this won't be an everyday habit, the solid flavors and super fast, friendly service make it a perfect spot for a little treat every once in a while. The staff had my drink out almost instantly around 10 AM on a Tuesday, and since I live so close, I'll definitely be back occasionally when I want to spoil myself.

    Heard about this place on tiktok but it was very underwhelming. Came here on a Sunday around 12 pm…read moreand stood in a short line. We got the mango matcha rain, banana cream matcha, and banana latte. For $7-8 per drink, you get a very SMALL sized cup, I believe it's a 12 oz. Although oat milk is the standard for the matcha drinks, the price for such a small cup was not worth it. For the drinks itself, not sure what kind of matcha powder they are using but it doesn't seem to be grade quality. The banana latte also tasted like milk. Interior wise, plenty of tables & seating. Great for a study spot with ample street parking. Overall, for the price, quality, and sizes, I unfortunately will not be returning.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Einspanner ( Vienna Cream Coffee )
    Einspanner ( Vienna Cream Coffee )
    Espresso tiramisu

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    Espresso tiramisu
    Dash Coffee Bar

    Dash Coffee Bar

    4.3
    (684 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$
    Grab-and-go
    Outdoor seating

    I tried the matcha einspanner here and I was originally worried it'd be overly sweet, but the cream…read morewas lightly sweetened and provided a really nice silky mouthfeel to the drink. I also tried a sip of my friend's strawberry matcha and that was also pretty good. Nothing against the business, but the parking situation can be really awful. I lucked out with a spot in the corner but also had to wait for a trash truck to back out. Due to the parking situation, I'm not sure if I'd want to come here to study or anything, but I'd happily come back if someone else drove lol

    Iced Creme brulee latte has a really deliciously flavored cream top, not overly sweet. I ordered my…read moredrink half sweet and it's perfect for me! I tried my partner's full sweet one and I do prefer the half sweet, altho the full sweet is totally drinkable. They have cookies and brownies that look and an assortment of Asian flavored potato chips. This is a small shop, so when there are a lot of to go orders it gets chaotic to wait in. Service was kind and knowledgeable. The seats inside are comfy and inviting. They have a whole patio area set up and extending into the parking lot, as well. Its a little bare bones, but perfectly serviceable. Music inside is maybe too loud for studying or work without earbuds, but ymmv. There is a small lot that they share with the Thai place next door, and there is sometimes also street parking.

    Photos
    Sweet Cream Cold brew
    Sweet Cream Cold brew
    Einspanner Thai Iced Tea
    Einspanner Thai Iced Tea
    Dirty Thai Tea Latte Iced, Pandan Sweet Cream Cold Brew

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    Dirty Thai Tea Latte Iced, Pandan Sweet Cream Cold Brew
    Mandarin Coffee Stand

    Mandarin Coffee Stand

    4.2
    (706 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    This was a very cute cafe in Pasadena…read more There is a line out of the door but the service is quick and the staff are nice. There are also lots of menus posted outside for you to browse while you wait. There are several drink options and pastries offered. Outside, there are lots of tables and chairs in the hallway to relax and catch up. The Uji matcha latte tasted quality, and was unsweetened which I liked. My friend got the Vienna Latte and it was very good! It's on the sweeter side bc of the sweet cream but still tastes like quality coffee.

    I go out of my way to make a pitstop here. It is by far one of my favorite coffee shops to visit…read morefor create drinks that tie me back to flavors I grew up with. Cute and quaint is the way I'd describe the vibes. With no more than 4 people allowed in the shop at once, there's almost always a line in front and seating is limited to a few out in the arcade courtyard. I usually like to take my drinks to go so I can grab a pain au chocolat at C.A.R down the street but sometimes I'll linger if a table opens up. They team up with different microbakeries on weekends to host popups, my fave being crumbs and flakes, so that keeps the pastry rotation interesting. My drink of choice now, having tried a few items off the menu, will forever be their gui hua (osmanthus) latte. No one can convince me otherwise. Everyone I know who has tried it, has loved it. While there are a ton of hyped coffee shops and cafes, this one is definitely not one of them.

    Photos
    One & One (2 of them) SO Espressos in the background
    One & One (2 of them) SO Espressos in the background
    Cappuccino
    Cappuccino
    Vienna latte and matcha latte with cream top

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    Vienna latte and matcha latte with cream top
    Artisanal Goods by CAR

    Artisanal Goods by CAR

    4.6
    (820 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $
    Locally owned & operated
    Free parking

    Scrum-diddly-umptious almond & chocolate croissants! The ambiance is a perfect mashup of a working…read morebakery and cozy coffee shop. Service is natural, comfortable and prompt. Brew is also on point! Big downside: they are usually out of many options later in the day. But croissants are real and serious, so willing to forgive that bit. This one is a no brainer if you like your croissants.

    I honestly don't understand the hype. My experience here was disappointing from start to finish…read more The staff came across as cold, dismissive, and completely uninterested in providing good customer service. Instead of feeling welcomed, I felt like I was inconveniencing them just by ordering. A friendly attitude goes a long way, and that was completely missing. The coffee was even more disappointing. It had almost no flavor and tasted watered down, especially for the price. I expected a quality drink, but it was bland and absolutely not worth what I paid. To make matters worse, we were told to leave the patio an hour before the shop was even closing. If the patio has different hours, that should be clearly communicated instead of asking paying customers to leave early. Overall, this was a frustrating experience. Between the unfriendly service, flavorless coffee, and being asked to leave well before closing, I won't be coming back. There are plenty of other cafés in Pasadena that offer much better coffee and treat their customers with respect.

    Photos
    Berry, Chocolate (left), Almond Maple, Almond (right)
    Berry, Chocolate (left), Almond Maple, Almond (right)
    Artisanal Goods by CAR
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    Chocolate Croissant
    Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters

    Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters

    4.5
    (1.4k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Corner neighborhood coffee spot in Pasadena and a completely perfect alternative to the corporate…read moremuck all over this blessed city. Parking is street, so it may be problematic during prime morning hours. Lots of seating inside, too, and most come to hang out and commiserate. Staff is super friendly. Asked for recommendations based on my preferences, and the young lady behind the counter pointed me to the following: - Iced Vienna Latte - 7.5/10: sweetened with honey, whole milk and cinnamon. Smooth, not overly sweet. - Calamansi Pandesal - 8/10: Wasn't expecting to see this Filipino treat here. Loved it. Texture was dense and doughy, which I happen to love. Mild sweetness, which I also happen to love. Looks like it could be a sugar bomb, but it isn't. Safe for work. Lots of pastries to choose from and the drink menu is super varied. A great time was had by all.

    I love Jameson coffee!…read more At most coffee shops, I usually order cold brew, but here I always go for an Americano. If you like fruity coffee or coffee with a strong bright acidity, I definitely recommend this place. That said, I can see how the flavor profile might not be for everyone, especially if you prefer a more traditional dark-roasted style coffee. The only downside is the parking. It's mostly street parking, and this place always seems to be busy, so finding a spot can be a bit difficult. Because of that, it's not always the easiest place for a quick coffee pickup. Still, the coffee itself is great, and this is one of the places I'd happily come back to.

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    Inside
    Inside
    Pistachio raspberry muffin (yum!)
    Pistachio raspberry muffin (yum!)
    Coffee Bean selections

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    Coffee Bean selections
    Mandarin 2

    Mandarin 2

    4.5
    (75 reviews)
    4.5 mi

    So thrilled Mandarin Coffee Stand in Old Town opened another coffee shop and this one has an Asian…read moretwist, whereas the other one has a Spanish! They're open daily 7am-3pm It's slightly hidden and apparently it seems like it's part of the apartment complex so it can be easily missed! Parking was a little tricky since they don't have parking but there was nearby residential street parking. Service was so friendly, welcoming, and helpful! Inside was very modern and spacious. There was a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as power outlets, making this a nice study or hang out spot! Pricing was reasonable and most drinks were $6-$7+. Love that they have complimentary milk substitutions (oat/almond) and offer ice/sugar adjustments! Got the Toasty ($7) and it consisted of milk tea, espresso, brown sugar syrup, and cinnamon. It's nice that the default for this drink was oat milk. This drink was so delicious! The coffee was not too strong or overpowering. I really enjoyed that it wasn't too sweet without any sugar adjustments. The cinnamon added a nice touch and cherry on top to the drink. Overall, this drink was very yummy and unique! Definitely enjoyed this cafe and would recommend!

    This place is for someone who wants to try something new and interesting…read more I'm not Chinese or Asian so these flavors were new to me. I got the seasonal coconut latte and I liked the espresso it was smooth and creamy. My mother got their latte with the milk tea and I personally liked it but she wasn't very happy with it. The baristas weren't accommodating about substitutions or offering to make a new drink. Each business has a right to run it the way they want but be warned that you kind of have to commit to trying something you may not like. This place gives an either you like our drinks or just don't come back type of vibe. They don't really seem to care about appeasing you. Do with that information what you will.

    Photos
    The One on One by the Window
    The One on One by the Window
    The Pour Over Set Up
    The Pour Over Set Up
    Interior

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    Interior

    Nostalgic Cafe - coffee - Updated July 2026

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