Alhambra, Monterey Park and Pasadena are just the tip of the iceberg for the San Gabriel Valley. This sprawling region spans approximately 385 square miles, which is over eight times larger than San Francisco, and encompasses 31 cities, with Claremont in Pomona serving as eastern bookends. Surely there should be good coffee options in such a large expanse. There are, though it took a while for certain areas to attract independent roasters and modern coffee bars.

Klatch Coffee is a family run business that debuted in San Dimas in 1993 and now has nine locations. Across the Valley, Pasadena Roasting Co. debuted in 1994 and eventually became Jones Coffee Roasters in 2003. Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters joined Pasadena in 2006, and Intelligentsia arrived in 2010. Since then, the Rose City has drawn nationally renowned brands like Stumptown and Blue Bottle. Of course, the caffeinated action isn’t limited to Pasadena. Even sleepy hamlets like Sierra Madre have multiple coffee stops. Find some of my favorite San Gabriel Valley coffee since 2021.

UPDATES SINCE AUGUST 14, 2024
Additions: Da Vien, Mandarin Coffee Stand 2, Yihui Coffee

Artisan Goods By Car – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: Choco-spresso, Drinking Chocolate

Da Vien – Rosemead ↓
Must Order Drinks: Sesame Cream Latte, Coconut Matcha

Goki Bakehouse & Coffee Shop – Arcadia ↓
Must Order Drinks: Goki Latte

Grey & Cash – Monrovia ↓
Must Order Drinks: James Brown, Blood Orange Tonic (Seasonal)

Local Coffee Roasters – West Covina ↓
Must Order Drinks: Pandan & Palm Sugar Latte

Mandarin Coffee Stand – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: Pineapple Espresso Tonic, Toasty

Mandarin Coffee Stand 2 – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: One And One, Sicily

Maverick Cycles – Whittier ↓
Must Order Drinks: Dirty Chai

The Mugs – Diamond Bar ↓
Must Order Drinks: Cold Brew with Peach Cream

Republik Coffee – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: Salted Cold Brew Cloud

Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: Raspberry Rose Cortado, Spicy Strawberry Mocha, Mint Matcha Latte

Syndicate Coffee Kitchen Bakery – Sierra Madre ↓
Must Order Drinks: Bolt, Mood Ring (Barista’s Choice)

Tepito Coffee – Pasadena ↓
Must Order Drinks: Cafe de Olla, Adelita (Limited Edition)

Three Fields Coffee – Alhambra ↓
Must Order Drinks: Strawberry Tonic

Uncle Fung Coffee Stall – Alhambra ↓
Must Order Drinks: Putu

Yihui Coffee – Monterey Park ↓
Must Order Drinks: Cloudy, Fist Bump

Yotea – Rosemead ↓
Must Order Drinks: Sea Salt Cream Cheese Coffee