Rosebud Coffee isn’t a “Citizen Kane” style cafe decorated with sleds. This east Pasadena business shares a building with the Chirp children’s event space and benefits humanity in myriad ways, including homeless mentorship and job training.

Airy decor includes a white counter with wood slat base and cage-like wood planter to lighten up the setting. HOPE catering provides salads, sandwiches, and wraps. A wood-panel menu lists options for Wild Goose Coffee Roasters beans. Rosebud Coffee incorporates a two-group La Marzocco espresso machine, V60 pourover, batch brew, and cold brew.

Cortado is one of my favorite baseline drinks when visiting a coffee bar for the first time. I really enjoyed Rosebud Coffee’s version ($3.25) that delivered more than a little artistry and a refreshing sidecar of soda water.