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Urth Caffé
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Urth Caffé
8.2
European-style coffeehouse in Mission Revival building serving exclusively heirloom organic coffee and sustainable farm-to-table cuisine. Roasts own coffee, features extensive patio, and offers spectrum from vegan to decadent pastries baked daily with French butter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Salmone on Brioche, Avocado Toast, Earl Grey Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Own coffee roasting operation with heirloom organic beans and made-from-scratch daily pastries
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, coffee purists, groups willing to wait
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid legendary weekend lines, arrive before 9am Saturday
What to order: Poached eggs dishes, chicken pesto sandwich, any tiramisu variation
Insider tip: Line moves faster than it appears; staff takes orders while queuing
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd or side streets, metered 2-hour limit. Public structure at 49 E Colorado ($2/hr). Arrive early weekends as spots fill fast.
Dress code: Pasadena casual - athleisure to sundresses perfectly acceptable. You'll see everything from yoga gear to brunch chic.
Noise level: Lively buzz - outdoor patio allows conversation, indoor can get bustling during peak hours but manageable
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive - multiple egg dishes, salads, grain bowls, veggie sandwiches. Strong showing across entire menu.
Vegan options: Yes - clearly marked options including avocado toast, acai bowls, grain bowls, almond milk for all drinks. Staff well-versed in modifications.
Gluten-free options: Available - GF bread available for sandwiches, several naturally GF options. Ask about daily pastry availability as it varies.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for brunch/coffee dates - beautiful setting with conversation-friendly outdoor seating, casual vibe removes pressure. Skip for dinner dates as breakfast/lunch focused. Weekend waits may create awkward standing time.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's entirely walk-up. Weekdays you'll typically wait 10-20 minutes max. Weekends expect 30-60 min during prime brunch hours (9am-1pm). Line moves faster than it looks since they take orders while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kid-friendly menu items (pancakes, French toast, PB&J), outdoor seating gives kids room. Best with kids under 10 on weekday mornings when crowds lighter. Weekend waits may test patience.
Good spot for remote work? Decent for 1-2 hours - free WiFi, good coffee, but gets busy and seats are in demand. Better weekday mornings before 11am. Not ideal for all-day camping. Indoor outlets limited.
What if I'm in a hurry? Go weekdays after 10:30am or before 8am for minimal wait. Order counter service means relatively quick once seated. Their grab-and-go pastry case allows quick in-and-out if you just need coffee and a bite.
Best For
Better for: Superior coffee quality from their own roasting operation, health-conscious farm-to-table focus with organic ingredients, vegan-friendly options without compromise on taste. Better than chain cafes for ingredient quality and better than bougie brunch spots for actual substance over style.
Skip if: You want quick service without lines (weekends especially), prefer traditional American diner brunch over California health-conscious fare, need dinner service, or want a quiet intimate setting for conversation - go to Jones Coffee Roasters or Kings Row instead.
Urth Caffé
8.1
This European-style coffeehouse roasts its own organic heirloom coffee and bakes daily using imported French butter and local farm eggs. Weekend lines stretch down the block for poached eggs salmone, breakfast burritos, and the stunning tiramisu variations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eggs Salmone, Breakfast Burrito, Earl Grey Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Organic heirloom coffee roasted in-house with vegan and gluten-free options
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and coffee aficionados willing to wait
When to visit: Weekday mornings to avoid the legendary weekend lines
What to order: Poached eggs with smoked salmon, avocado toast, matcha tiramisu, moroccan mint tea
Insider tip: Staff take orders while you're in line to speed up service
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and side streets, metered 2-hour limit. Nearby public garage at 215 S. De Lacey ($2/hr). Weekend mornings competitive.
Dress code: Casual California - athleisure to brunch attire, everything works
Noise level: Moderate buzz - conversation-friendly indoors, quieter on patio
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - 40% of menu, including signature Spanish omelet and avocado toast
Vegan options: Strong options - plant-based milks, vegan pancakes, multiple toasts and bowls
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF bread available, several naturally GF dishes, staff knowledgeable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates. The wait time creates pressure, but once seated the patio is romantic and the food gives you talking points. Weekday mornings eliminate the wait stress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's walk-up only. Arrive before 8:30am weekdays or 8am weekends to minimize wait. Staff take orders in line which speeds things up once you're seated.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 5+ - high chairs available, simple menu items (pancakes, scrambled eggs), but the wait can test patience. Better for weekend brunch families than weekday business crowd.
Is it worth the wait? If you care about organic/sustainable coffee and quality ingredients, yes. If you just want solid brunch fast, skip weekends. The coffee alone justifies weekday visits when wait is minimal.
Can I work here with my laptop? Weekday mornings yes - WiFi available, coffee refills, good for 1-2 hours. Weekends no - too busy and you'll feel the pressure to turn the table.
Best For
Better for: Organic/heirloom coffee, health-conscious options without sacrificing flavor, beautiful patio dining, and European-style pastries. The matcha tiramisu is legitimately unique.
Skip if: You're in a hurry on weekends, want boozy brunch (no alcohol), prefer diner-style portions over California-light servings, or are on a tight budget ($$-level adds up fast)