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.

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

Gokí Café – Arcadia ↓
Must Order Drinks: Goki Latte

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

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

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)