Zona Rosa Caffe
Pasadena, CA 91101-2023
Phone: (626) 793-2334
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- Colorado Boulevard
- Hours:
- Mon 7:30am-10pm, Tue-Thu 7:30am-11pm, Fri-Sat 7:30am-12am, Sun 9am-10pm
Editorial Review for Zona Rosa Caffe – by Citysearch Editors
In Short
Named after a bohemian enclave in Mexico City, this lively cafe is the centerpiece of the Pasadena Playhouse District. The two-story, vibrantly colored coffeehouse is a hub for local intellectuals, artisans and coffee connoisseurs. The menu features Mexican chocolates and South American coffee beans, as well as house favorites drinks like the Zona Rosa cappuccino and Zocalo Con Plato, a chocolate and banana ice blend. Il Fornaio provides the baked goods like chocolate croissants, muffins and scones.
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Insider Tips
When to GoDuring the summer, the cafe features live Latin jazz every Thursday night. The bands, which have included the likes of Ozomatli and Quetzal, set up in the adjacent alley.
User Reviews for Zona Rosa Caffe
06/25/2007 Posted by rharvey
Zona Rosa Caffe in Pasadena has Eclectic mexican decor with drinks with a twist mexican hot chocalate,iced cap ,red eye expresso shots and hello dolly cookies/brownies my fave.Good place to relax and drink a cup or come thursday night for the free musical entertainment ,in the now found out area of the playhouse district
06/01/2007 Posted by gustomc
Ok, so I had read the reviews and most seemed positive, so seeing as I only live about 15 minutes from this place, I decided to give it a go. I had driven by it before, and it looked kind of like a "hole in the wall" kind of find, so I was kind of excited. That's just what I was looking for. My wife and I went on a Friday night, and there were 4 people in the upstairs and 2 people sitting outside. We came in and were perusing the menu. I remembered reading some reviews about the Zona Rosa Cappucino, but I was debating because I usually just go with a double-shot of espresso. My wife said she would go for the double shot, so I went for the Zona Rosa Cappucino. For the coffee illiterate, a cappucino is supposed to be 1/3espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, and a 1/3 foam. The Zona Rosa Cappucino was described as also having Mexican chocolate, and whipped cream, which is really more of a mocha than a cappucino, but whatever. Anyway, my wife's double shot of espresso came out. Good, light-brown colored crema, but with a burned aroma. It had a mildly burned taste, and filled a ~4oz cup. Now, as for my "cappucino...." Picture a clear glass about 6 or 7 inches tall, with a consistent brownish-white color..... no foam at the top..... no whip cream.... I was thinking to myself, " Did I order the Zona Rosa LATTE sans whip cream?" Anyway, the ambience of the place is okay, if a bit quiet. Cool art upstairs, but I'd recommend sitting outside. As for the coffee.... well, if you're looking for good coffee.... look elsewhere. If you like Starbucks style, extra burned coffee, maybe this is the place for you. It's got a great location, next to the playhouse, so if you're looking for a place to kick-back before the play, maybe give it a try.
Pros: Location, Ambiance...
Cons: Burned Coffee, Drip out of Dispensers...
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