A friend attended a meeting here and couldn't wait to tell me about it, the owner and her family. So, I grabbed my family and paid a visit. All the times I've been next door at Dollar Tree and even the female owned Nostalgia Gorditas two doors down, I never paid attention to Padekwa. It could be the name. My friend had me at Black owned/Lakewood! Nothing fancy about the sign or outside but the inside is roomie and looks like a great spot to hang out for sips, sweet treats, food & entertainment. The owner's mother son-in-law and another young man were all very friendly. We tried a Bananas Foster Latte, Cookie Crumble Smoothie and a brownie. We enjoyed everything and the prices were lower than similar places in the area. I was advised Padekwa is celebrating their 2-year anniversary this weekend. Gumbo, brunch & R&B are on the agenda. Other events are scheduled fletch month. Can't wait to spread the word about this Black, females owned business! Congratulations on two years! read more

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I've passed by here several times and finally stopped by, was greeted right away by what I'm assuming are the owners.. you first walk in and looks fairly small but there is a bigger recreational room, very calm and quiet place to just relax and get work done.. I got the raspberry amaretto latte and it's soo good.. had a good balance.. I would def come back read more

Padekwa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

Quiet spot and good service to study or work during the week. I had a croissant and a wellness tea. Pastries are made in-house. The croissant smelled especially fragrant and buttery, which was a plus. Also had the chicken wrap for lunch. The added croutons gave it a unique crunch, which I really liked. The tea was great for my stressed belly. I love the mom and pop feel, especially the traditional recipes posted on the walls and the family photos displayed in a cute reading corner. I love the homage to family and tradition. Always love supporting Black-owned businesses. read more

Padekwa - A family recipe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Padekwa is a great place for both a coffee fix and to be productive. It's deceptively small, but there's *so* much table space inside, especially around the back corner. They have music playing at a reasonable volume, but it's loud enough that you probably wouldn't want to take meetings here. Nonetheless, it's not distracting, pretty great for focusing actually! They also have some spaces you can book for a fee (like for a small 5-person conference, or a space to record a podcast) according to their website. Seems like they might host events too, as they have a small stage area in the back. It wasn't busy when I visited early morning. I was greeted warmly when I walked in the door, and after I ordered and set up shop to do some work in the early morning, the employees even brought my order to me. Lovely service, and great drinks! Today, I got the iced berry cobbler, a seasonal item with cookie dough and blackberry syrups. It was unreasonably pretty, and not too sweet. Would definitely get it again! read more

Padekwa - Iced berry cobbler - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Love it here. I'm a regular. Try the chai apple latte thank me later. Nice people....amazing service....vibe fosters community and creativity read more

Padekwa - Artwork - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Padekwa is a little family owned coffee house sitting right in the heart of Lakewood and it's a really special spot. The space has this creative energy to it that just makes you want to sit down, stay a while, and make something. You can see why artists are drawn to it. The blueberry muffins are fresh and genuinely full of blueberries, which sounds like a low bar but you'd be surprised how many places miss that. Padekwa is the kind of neighborhood gem that makes a community feel like home. read more

Padekwa - Blueberry Muffin - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

Saw this new Lakewood coffee shop just down the street and had to try it out. This shop is black and family owned. The name is creole and the menu is creole inspired. The space is nice and big with tables in the front and back rooms you can rent out for events. They do art nights and lots more. Staff were nice and working hard. We got a hot beignet cappuccino that was good but didn't fully give beignet. An iced vanilla latte that was nice. And an iced tiramisu latte that was a little sweet but nice. Will definitely be back to try some more drinks. read more

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I stopped by Padekwa with my family a few months ago and had an alright experience. Something I couldn't help but notice, though, was the awkward service. When we arrived, we weren't greeted and ended up standing there in silence, reading the menu. Once we were ready to order, the older gentleman working the register came off a bit too strong. My little cousin is extremely shy and soft-spoken, and he was passive-aggressively telling her to speak up and order, which made us feel kind of "eh." I opted for a seasonal pumpkin beverage they had at the time, and it was pretty good. My cousin enjoyed her drink, although she wasn't a fan of the brownie. The ambiance itself is quite spacious and gives off art-gallery vibes, even offering a display of books to read to pass the time. Speaking of time, I vividly remember waiting almost 15 minutes for two drinks in an otherwise empty establishment. Hopefully, the timeliness and service have improved since then. Overall, it's a decent coffee shop within the border of North Long Beach and Lakewood. read more

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This is another one of those local IYKYK places. Such a cute homey neighborly cafe with a multi-purpose space. It's a great meet up spot for various local groups and clubs. They even have open mic nights for local comedians! What is great is if you have a meeting there, you won't feel obligated to pay for everyone; they can order themselves and each person can settle their own checks. My daughter has met her social media/writing crew here. I've had a business meeting in their meeting room also. They bring you fresh iced water and it's so cool because you can get coffee or sandwiches delivered right to the room if needed. The bathrooms are clean. The cafe: I've been here lots of times and their coffee drinks are among my favorite. They have some Creole specials but or favorite is the sweethearts cocoa Latte with chocolate, & cherries. So good hot or cold. This is also the place that hosted the matcha with the mayor so they are highly recommended. read more

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It's owned by I think teacher who may now do that full time. it's really big inside lots rooms for studying or zoom meetings. They have nights for painting and tea. Something like that on IG acct they have calendar of events each month. I had a matcha to go. read more

Such a cute, little welcoming coffee shop tucked away in a little strip mall. The owner is very sweet. She is a pastry chef and they serve a variety of pastries and sandwiches; the coffee cake is delicious! There is also a nice assortment of coffees and teas. I like that they have add ins to the coffee like collagen and protein. There's a variety of seating from couches to tables and chairs; a very comfortable place to do some work. They also have small, private conference rooms you can reserve. In addition to being a great place to work, they host nice little community events: sip and paint, workshops and open mic nights. Definitely a great, community spot to support. read more

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Padekwa is tucked away on a corner next to Dollar Tree, so it's a little hidden -- but so worth finding. We were greeted by the baker, who was incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home right away. The space is much bigger than it looks from the outside, which totally surprised us. There appears to be a room for meetings and a large open area for activities. They have books, games, and artwork throughout the space, along with a flyer listing all the activities they host during the month. All of the artwork is done by the owner, who also does tattoos, which makes the space feel very personal and creative. It truly feels like a family-owned business with a lot of heart behind it. The coffee cake was absolutely delicious -- it practically melted in our mouths. I ordered the hazelnut cookie latte with oat milk, and it was strong and full of flavor, which I loved. My boyfriend got the tiramisu coffee, and his was sweet, smooth, and delightful. We would definitely recommend Padekwa to everyone. The coffee and pastries are amazing, and the environment is welcoming, creative, and interactive. We'll absolutely be back! read more

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I visited Padekwa a month ago! It is fabulous and the only coffee shop I've been to with a Creole influence. I was intrigued by the Beignet latte, but went with the Maple Praline. It was delicious. The owner makes many yummy baked goods. I had her chocolate chip cookie which she said is award winning. She also recommended her coffee cake. On weekends, she has specialties like Gumbo as I recall. Everyone was nice and helpful. Delivering our drinks to us. The space is cute. It would be good for working or just reading. There is a small kids area if you need to keep little someone's entertained. Also, she has a room in back that can be reserved. Overall, quality coffee & baked goods, friendly people - total winner!!! read more

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This is very lovely, comfortable and welcoming place. I met a friend here and I was pleasantly surprised. The sandwiches looked inviting. I plan to try food the next time. There is even a meeting room. I'm providing pictures. read more

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Wonderful service, very helpful and friendly staff, all ice cream $1.00 today, don't sleep on the refreshing black owned business do yourself a favor and stop by, you won't be disappointed read more

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I got their cinnamon "pop tart" pastry and man I should've gotten more! It's soooo good. And I love the space! They even have rooms to rent or something like that? I didn't ask the specifics but why not go and find out more all while having a good drink :) read more

Based on the reviews, I was expecting a lot. What I experienced was pretty basic. The coffee was adequate (mocha) and the pastry offerings were underwhelming. (I ordered a pistachio croissant, which was literally a regular croissant slathered in too much pistachio cream.) There was also a private event, so I was limited to the front lobby area which was not the cozy vibe I was hoping for. (I could hear the sirens of a fire truck as I was writing this.) I do not regret going. I was able to get some work done, but I doubt I will be back. read more

First of all, y'all in the Lakewood area are sleeping on this family run coffee shop. That being said this gem of a shop has so much packed into the space it occupies. Padekwa is located within the plaza that shares with Crunch gym, in the corner neighboring a barber shop on Bellflower Blvd and South Street. The storefront is simple and a assuming, but definitely don't let that fool you or judge a store by its cover. Walking into the space, it feels like an art studio mixed into a loft. Art pieces from various artists places along the shelf where you order from the front counter. Pops of color from furniture pieces break up and and more uniquess to the space. Warm, cozy, chill all tucked into this space, mind you there is additional seating and work spaces to the left of where you order. They have conference rooms that can be be booked but more open seating and tables, perfect work or study environment as some reviews have already mentioned. They've really made their space their own. The menu is simple, standard coffee options along with specialty drinks, smoothies and some food items. They make their own baked goods and the young woman at the counter mentioned that her mom bakes items seasonally so there are always different things. Bagels sell out fast but there were some, they make cookies that were all sold out. There was a singular Carmel apple pastry that I wish I bought because it looked so good along with a lemon blueberry scone that the young woman mentioned were really popular. Unfortunately we had to hold back as we only wanted coffee. I ordered a Praline Cappuccino, and my bf the Creole latte. The Praline latte was decent, loved how strong the espresso was throughout the drink. Caramely and loved the bits of the pecan candy mixed in. The Creole Latte had a good amount of spices warming and waking us up even more. I don't know what spices were added but want to say cinnamon, maybe some cardamon. But it was delicious. Padekwa not only serves as a coffee shop and work space but they also incorporate the community into it by holding various events and activities that can be found via their Instagram account or the chalk board near the front. Music and coffee sessions, bakery classes, fun attire days. So excited to attend one of the bakery classes when available. All in all, show this shop any and all love. Padekwa embodies its translation, "you are welcome" by creating such a comfortable and enjoyable space for everyone that enters. Instantly want to go back! read more

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Needed to find a new study spot that wasn't a chain and has actual food options and I'm so glad I came here. It's family/woman/POC owned and everyone is so friendly. The space itself is suuuper cute, there's a whole other back area (not pictured) with a little stage for entertainment, as well as an office space you can reserve. It seems they host events here too (paint and sip, brunch, etc) and you can look at their calendar to see what's coming up. Their drink variety is so good and the prices are very reasonable. I get a large refresher and this huge meat lovers sandwich for 18! Great deal in my eyes. I've only been here twice but it's def my new go-to coffee shop to study. read more

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Comfy and inviting space for small groups or "me" time. So many varieties of drinks, assortment of pastries and cakes and small bites if you need something other than sweets. They offer a variety of events so be sure to check out and support this amazing, unique and much needed business in this neighborhood! read more

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I came to Padekwa right when they opened and ended up staying until closing. Honestly, I can't remember the last time I felt so at peace and productive for an entire day. As a med student, I'm always looking for that unicorn café that has great coffee, real food (not just pastries), comfortable study space, and good energy. Padekwa has all of it and MORE! From the moment I walked in, the owners were so warm and welcoming. They asked about my taste preferences and helped me find a drink that matched what I was craving. I went with the Beignet latte, and it was everything I needed to get my study sesh started: perfectly sweet, cozy, and rich in flavor without being heavy. Around lunchtime, I ordered the vegetarian sandwich, and I devoured it in minutes. It was fresh, flavorful, and filling in the best way. But beyond the food and drinks, what really stood out to me was the vibe. The space is beautifully curated with art and thoughtful design. The people, both the team and the customers, made it feel special and warm. Everyone who walked through the door seemed to carry good energy, and the ladies working there were so sweet and kind the entire day. I left feeling super content and grateful not just for the caffeine boost and study productivity, but for the kind of small-business magic you wish every café had. I'll absolutely be back, and I'll be telling every med student I know to check this place out. Thank you for such a warm and peaceful experience. Wishing this beautiful space all the success it deserves. read more

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Wow! This is actually the best peppermint mocha I've ever had in my life, with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle too! This drink was honestly life changing and a must try!!! If I could give 6 starts I would read more

Padekwa - Peppermint mocha with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

Still on my local coffee tour and this one's officially top tier. Service is super personable, coffee is really good (and customizable if you don't want a sugar bomb). And served in a mug upon request. Bonus: sandwiches + smoothies. To highlight how much I loved it: I came twice in a month... which says enough. Plenty of space to hang, work, or pretend to be productive. Also heard they host poetry nights?? Elite vibes. Definitely coming back. read more

Finally tried this place. I definitely Expected more from it but it was ok. We tried the pecan praline vanilla large and it was nothing special. It was $9 and some change for it and I thought that was a bit much. Other than that, the place is clean and spacious for you to hang out at. Friendly staff/owner. Parking is decent outside also. read more

Padekwa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

Visited on a Wednesday at opening, the vibes were great. This looks like it would be a good place for events or studying. There's lots of books and even some games. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Most importantly the coffee was great! I got the Pecan Praline latte in a regular size and I'm glad I did because this is strong! Not super sweet it was just perfect read more

Padekwa - Pecan Praline Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

Today my family and I went on a coffee tour of Black Owned Coffee Shops within a 10 mile radius of us. Padekwa was our first stop. We loved the welcoming vibe of the venue. It's filled with art, creative energy. The service was great. We had a decent size group of 8, we all got something different to eat and drink as we talked and fellowshiped with each other. Some highlights for food were the Avacado toast, chicken pesto sandwich and the turkey pesto sandwich. The drinks we liked were the Amaretto latte, amazing hot and iced, the creaol latte, as well as the hazelnut cookie latte. All top tear coffee drinks. They also do a bunch of events throughout the month, we are definitely planning to come back and attend. I highly recommend Padekwa. read more

Padekwa - Avocado Toast. So good!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

On the corner of South St. and Bellflower Blvd. and tucked in the corner of the strip mall, lies this unique coffee shop / art space with a welcoming ambience. Padekwa means "You are welcome" in Creole. I finally made it up here! An open space of creativity. I came on a Tuesday after Labor Day, so it was quiet. Great place to work as a digital nomad or taking a break to read a book. The open space, plenty of parking and you can relax to find a little bit of heaven in our busy world. Friendly faces at the counter and good coffee with some coffee cake made my day! Would love to make another trip! read more

Padekwa - The meaning of the word, Padekwa, written on the wall - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Don't miss this hidden gem! The small storefront next to a Dollar Tree might fool you, but once you walk inside you are immediately hit with just how much space is inside. There are many tables, an office space you can use for meetings, and a great artsy area in the back. The coffee is wonderful and not too sweet. I recently had the iced berry and amaretto latte and it was amazing! My husband loves the pistachio latte and Cajun style latte. A true family owned business, it is not uncommon to see three generations hanging out and working together. Excellent service! read more

Pretty good coffee! Their price is kind of high but they do allow for any milk type within that price which I appreciate. Some places charge a full dollar for alternative milk and I just can't get behind that. This is a family own business owned by the daughter and I believe the mother is the baker. Huge spot and definitely good to study, it's pretty quiet in the back rooms. read more

Padekwa is a little hidden gem in Lakewood, and it's such a special spot. The space is so homey, cozy, and has welcoming energy the moment you walk in--like the kind of place you actually want to hang out in, not just grab coffee and leave. The space feels personal in the best way, and that's something you don't find at big chain cafés. Whether you're stopping by to work, catch up with someone, or just enjoy a quiet moment, it's the perfect setting. Highly recommend supporting this local spot! read more

I made a quick stop here and I wish I had stayed there instead of my other event lol The atmosphere and warm welcome was very nice and didn't make me feel rushed and comfortable to ask and have a small talk with the front of house. He was so friendly & made me confident in my decision. We got a delicious pecan praline & blacker the berry refresher. We had, unfortunately, just ate but we will be back to try the food. It was so relaxing listening to music and enjoying the decor. It was like walking into another world for a moment and it was worth every second we got to spend there. read more

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This has to be my new favorite cafe! Service was top notch. Workers were so friendly & welcoming. I love how they greet you with smiles once you step foot in the cafe. I was recommended to try their pistachio latte. I was always iffy about pistachio lattes because I've tried pistachio lattes at other cafes and was always disappointed. BUT when I had Padekwa's pistachio latte... I FELL IN LOVE. It was AMAZING! Maybe because they used real pistachios and not powder. Also, their coffee cake is DELICIOUS! If you are looking for a peaceful place to study, this cafe is for you! read more

Searching for a new coffee shop, I stumbled upon this one. I'd seen it under construction over the past year. Upon entering, the shop was nearly empty. I believe I encountered the owner, but despite being the only customer, I received no greeting - no "hello," "good afternoon," or "welcome." I ordered avocado toast (no tomato, arugula and spinach on sourdough) and a Creole latte on Oatmilk which was quite good. Only 2 pastries in the bin ,not much to choose from. I did come between 12:30-130 pm The wait time was reasonable, given I was the sole customer. However, I wasn't given a receipt, nor was one offered. I left a tip. While I'll give it another try (hoping for improved customer service, especially considering it's a new establishment), my initial experience was underwhelming. The exception was Amber at the cashier; she was welcoming and friendly. Overall, I'd rate this coffee shop 3/5 . read more

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I really enjoyed this family owned coffee shop. The interior of the the place is bigger than what your initial thoughts are when walking in. This is a coffee shop bringing to you N'awlins style coffee. I ordered their Creole Latte and it did not disappoint. It was nicely balanced between sweetness and the coffee you want to still taste. All the employees (family/friends) were very attentive and helpful in choosing my first drink there. Because of the atmosphere, the originality of their drinks, the friendly vibes you recieve when dropping in, the community outreach they do on the side...I would come back here to try another drink. My review can't always be positive. I would say, my only hesitation coming back here would be preparing myself mentally to pay $8+ dollars (tip included) for a cup of their specialty coffee. Other than the price they charge for coffee, I have nothing bad to really say about this place. I encourage you all to check them out as they have been in business for only 8 months. Congrats Padekwa for making it 8 months. I wish you all a continued steady growth of success. read more

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I went here ~1.5 hour around closing on a weekday - there was a lot of seating and bunch of food and drink options. Besides traditional coffees, they have a lot of specialty drink options as well as other drinks like the Pink Moon Milk which was like a cherry juice and milk latte drink, it was great! Also got a chocolate chip walnut cookie which was tasty and filling. They also have more meal like food options, like sandwiches and wraps if you're looking to eat with your drink. I was really curious about their drink flight which was seasonal and was $10. Parking was pretty abundant as it's in a shopping center. This is a great space if you want to chat or catch up with a friend or check out an event. They do also have a nice bar style sitting area with outlets if you want to work. During my visit it was particularly loud because there was an event happening which was fine, just know it's more of a collaborative environment than a chill/ study kind of place. I'll definitely be back to try more of their drinks! read more

Found my new favorite coffee café in Long Beach! The staff is so friendly and welcoming -- excellent customer service and a true family-and-friends kind of vibe. I ordered a latte along with a pumpkin cinnamon roll and a slice of coffee cake. Everything was delicious! Both pastries were soft, flavorful, and not overly sweet. Portions were just right, and the prices were very reasonable. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

A big, clean area. A lot of good vibes. The workers seems nice and welcoming. A very relaxed vibes with room for productivity. read more

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Honestly this cute little coffee shop really owns up to its name. It was so cozy and welcoming. The staff were just so kind and the coffee was great! Definitely a hidden gem! Wouldn't definitely recommend to anyone to check out! read more

The staff here is so kind. The food and baked items are a hit, as well as their coffee and matcha selections. Definitely a spot that I have gone back to in the same week. read more

I have been looking for a go-to coffee shop after moving into the area fairly recently. I've been here twice now and everyone is super nice and the coffee is great. They have lots of sweet coffee options but my go to is cold brew and that was pretty good. The star was the coffee cake though. It is absolutely worth coming back just for that. I didn't stay long but the interior of the shop is surprisingly spacious with a ton a seating towards the back. Really chill and seems like a good place to study, work, or catch up with friends. read more