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Urbane Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Urbane Cafe
8.1
Founded in 2003, owner Tom Holt built this cafe around a hearth oven that bakes focaccia dough fresh constantly throughout the day. The scratch kitchen creates gourmet sandwiches and farm-fresh salads with refined local ingredients in a warm yet vibrant counter-service atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, Cilantro Chicken Salad
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Scratch-made focaccia baked fresh all day in open-hearth ovens
Who should go: Health-focused lunch crowds, local professionals, families
When to visit: Lunch and dinner daily, open until 10pm
What to order: UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak, fresh-baked focaccia sandwiches
Insider tip: Staff often remember regular customers and their usual orders
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building, street parking available on South Lake - usually easy to find spots
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure, jeans, business casual all fit the vibe
Noise level: Moderate - can hold conversations easily, bustling but not loud
Weekend wait: 5-10 min during peak times (counter service, no reservations)
Weekday lunch: Expect lines 12-1pm, but moves quickly - usually 10 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including Mediterranean Veggie, Caprese, multiple salads
Vegan options: Yes - several options, staff can modify sandwiches, dressings clearly marked
Gluten-free options: Yes - can substitute gluten-free bread, salads are naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates - casual counter-service setting is low-pressure and outdoor patio is charming, but not romantic enough for a first impression dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Order at register, they bring food to your table. Arrive before noon or after 1:30pm for easiest seating
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, high chairs available, kids menu with simple options. Outdoor patio is great for families. All ages welcome
How long does a typical meal take? 30-45 minutes total - order in 5 min, food arrives in 10-15 min, perfect for business lunches with time constraints
Is it good for solo dining? Excellent for solo - counter seating at windows, casual vibe, many regulars eat alone. Bring a laptop or book, no pressure
Can I work here on my laptop? Yes during off-peak hours (2-5pm) - WiFi available, but be mindful during lunch rush when tables are needed for diners
Best For
Better for: Fresh-baked bread experience, healthy fast-casual without feeling like a chain, reliable quality for repeat visits, accommodating dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor
Skip if: You want full table service, romantic date-night ambiance, craft cocktails, or adventurous experimental cuisine - this is elevated comfort food done consistently well
Urbane Cafe
7.7
Fast-casual cafe crafting gourmet sandwiches on fresh-baked focaccia from scratch kitchens paired with farm-fresh salads. Health-conscious menu featuring creative combinations like Cilantro Chicken Banh Mi and Chimichurri Steak.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cilantro Chicken, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, UC Chicken Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fresh-baked focaccia made in open-hearth ovens throughout the day
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, lunch crowds, takeout seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fresh bread, outdoor seating available
What to order: Cilantro Chicken, Pesto & Sundried Tomato, free first-time cookie
Insider tip: Free cookies for first-time visitors from this family-run business
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Strip mall parking lot with ample free spaces - easy access for lunch crowds
Dress code: Casual - athletic wear and business casual both common given health-conscious crowd
Noise level: Low to moderate - fast-casual setting allows easy conversation, patio quieter
Weekend wait: No wait - order-at-counter service, typically 10-12 min food prep
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during peak (12-1pm) for ordering, minimal wait for food
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple veggie sandwiches plus build-your-own salad bar with extensive options
Vegan options: Yes - several sandwiches can be made vegan, plus fully customizable salads without cheese/dressing
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads are naturally gluten-free, but sandwiches use their signature focaccia (no GF bread option)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or coffee meetups - the counter-service format and fast-casual vibe make it low-pressure, and the patio offers nice ambiance, but not romantic enough for an evening date
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's order-at-counter fast-casual service. Grab your food and find seating, with patio tables available first-come-first-served
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, quick service, and healthier options parents appreciate. Good for ages 5+ who can handle sandwich-focused menu
How long does a typical meal take? 30-40 minutes total including ordering and eating - ideal for business lunches or quick healthy breaks when you're time-conscious
Is it worth it for dinner? Primarily a lunch destination - same menu all day but the fresh-baked focaccia and energetic lunch vibe are the real draw. For dinner, consider if you're craving their specific sandwiches
Best For
Better for: Fresh-baked bread quality in fast-casual format, healthier sandwich options than typical chains, spacious outdoor seating for Pasadena lunch meetings, and faster service than sit-down restaurants when you need quality without wait
Skip if: You want gluten-free sandwich options, need an intimate dinner atmosphere, prefer traditional deli-style sandwiches over California-creative combinations, or want full table service