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Guide to Pasadena

Tea and sandwich spots

A tea break is only complete when there is a solid sandwich to go along with your cup.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lee's Sandwiches image 1
Lee's Sandwiches image 2
Lee's Sandwiches image 3
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Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop offers freshly baked baguettes and Asian-inspired banh mi with crisp vegetables and flavorful meats. The atmosphere stays clean and friendly with minimal seating and a steady flow of people picking up orders. Prices reflect a location premium, and parking can be challenging nearby.

Offers a variety of boba teas including a lychee mango strawberry with lychee jelly. Chamomile tea is a consistent choice, and milk tea comes with boba as a common option.

Sandwiches feature freshly baked baguettes and very fresh vegetables and meat. Options include Asian and vegetarian sandwiches that are tasty and fully vegan.

People are saying

"I loved the sandwich; the bread was fresh and the meat was flavorful."

"Iced coffee here is sweet, strong, and goes straight to your brain."

"I ordered a lychee mango strawberry boba tea, and it exceeded my expectations."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and there is a 15-minute parking zone nearby.

2

The price of Banh mi is around $8, which may be considered high.

3

The sandwiches cost $7.99 plus tax each.

02
Neighbors & Friends Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe with a community-centered vibe and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Features include a communal table, cheese bar, and a micro market with local artisanal foods. Space feels like a friend's home, fostering connection and support.

Rose Milk Tea with Espresso stands out with a magical flavor and a popular following since its pop-up days. The chai latte offers a perfect balance of sweetness without being overwhelming.

Delicious sandwiches come in many varieties, including a gluten-free option made without hesitation even when busy. Grilled cheese pairs well with coffee made from handmade almond milk.

People are saying

"This local spot has amazing food and delicious, handcrafted drinks."

"You have to try the Toasted Vegan sandwich; everyone I recommended it to loved it."

"I loved the rose milk tea with espresso."

Good to know

1

The cafe is cashless, so bring a card for payments.

2

Most menu items are Halal or have Halal options available.

3

The cafe offers a fridge stocked with free food for those in need.

03
Cordova Cafe & Bottleshop image 1

Cozy cafe with metal bar-height tables and a dominant bar area creates an inviting, effortlessly cool vibe. Mellow rock and blues music play at a comfortable volume, supporting a peaceful, warm atmosphere inside. Outdoor seating offers a relaxing space with amenities for dogs, though street noise can intrude.

Matcha and chai stand out with spicy, fragrant dirty chai that avoids excessive sweetness. The chai tea lattes use fresh ingredients, not premade syrup, offering a more authentic flavor.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with exceptional flavor and freshness. Lunch sandwiches also offer a great variety paired well with coffee or wine.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be perfect."

"I thought the breakfast sandwich was just wonderful."

"I loved the spicy and fragrant dirty chai tea."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; expect to find street parking and bring coins.

2

Happy hour is available most days with special deals on food and drinks.

3

The cafe serves breakfast all day, offering a variety of options.

04
DASH COFFEE BAR image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with bright, spacious seating both indoors and outdoors offers an upscale casual vibe with lo-fi music and a chill atmosphere. Power outlets and free Wi-Fi support work or study, while limited seating fills quickly. Clean, eye-catching decor complements a relaxed spot for hanging out or chatting.

Menu includes Thai tea lattes and a Thai tea einspanner that tends to be quite sweet. Teas come at fair prices and the service is friendly and efficient.

Egg, bacon, and cheese sandwiches come in croissants or buns and taste delicious and filling. The egg souffle sandwich stands out as excellent and the staff adapts well when buns run out.

People are saying

"The cafe staff are super friendly and helpful."

"The Thai tea and matcha lattes here are a 10/10."

"This egg, bacon, and cheese sandwich was delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

There is minimal parking available, with a small lot shared with nearby businesses.

2

Limited inside seating is available, with only 4 tables and access to outlets.

3

Wifi is free for customers at DASH COFFEE BAR.

05
Howlin' Ray's Hot Chicken - Pasadena image 1

Small indoor space with a rockabilly punk aesthetic and a shaded outdoor patio creates a lively setting. Staff provide umbrellas and misters to ease waiting in line under the sun. Loud music and an electric vibe fill the air, making the atmosphere energetic and welcoming.

Sweet and unsweetened peach tea stand out on the menu. The tea pairs well with unique dishes and offers a refreshing option.

Chicken comes out unbelievably juicy and tender with a crispy fried coating. The sandwich features an addictive comeback sauce that adds a punch of flavor. This sandwich stands out as one of the best fried chicken sandwiches around.

People are saying

"This American food, especially the fried chicken, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought this hot chicken sandwich lived up to the hype."

"I enjoyed the perfectly seasoned hot chicken."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Parking availability is limited; consider street parking.

3

Seating is limited, so arrive early if possible.

06
Rosebud Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious cafe shares an open warehouse-like space with a brewery, creating a unique but sometimes jumbled atmosphere. Bright light from large skylights and walls adorned with art add a stylish, creative vibe. Laptop-free zones and plenty of outlets support a mix of relaxing and working crowds, while the space shifts to a bar after mid-afternoon.

Rosebud chai stands out as a notable option. Matcha latte and iced tea also appear as solid choices for tea time.

Spicy chicken sandwich comes with chips and stands out for its bold flavor. Other sandwiches pair well with iced americano or matcha latte.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really good."

"I loved the Rosebud Chai tea; it tasted like gingerbread."

"I loved the spicy sandwich and mud latte."

Good to know

1

Rosebud Coffee does not serve coffee in a ceramic cup after 2pm.

2

They host trivia nights on Tuesdays.

3

There is no Wi-Fi on weekends to encourage socializing.

07
Pasadena Noodle & Grill image 1

Pho restaurant offers warm, cozy ambiance with plenty of indoor seating and an extensive menu featuring authentic broth and grilled meat options. The atmosphere feels inviting and charming, suited for those who appreciate simple, flavorful Vietnamese dishes.

Thai tea stands out with its creamy texture and balanced sweetness. Jasmine tea offers a refreshing option, and boba adds a fun twist to the Thai tea.

Banh mi sandwiches stand out with their delicious flavor and fresh ingredients. Other sandwiches also offer a good balance of taste and texture.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the banh mi sandwiches here to be delicious."

"I loved their Thai tea; it was creamy and not too sweet."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order regular lunch items to avoid long wait times.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, including pho and grilled meat dishes.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

08
Popping Yolk Cafe image 1
Brunch restaurant

Ordering system resembles fast casual spots, creating a cafeteria vibe with a relaxed ambiance and quick service. Seating includes a dog-friendly outdoor patio and a small bar offering mimosas and margaritas. Noise level stays chill, making it suitable for solo dining or casual meetups.

Offers a variety of teas including a Japanese tea latte that is slightly sweet, a mango green tea that feels refreshing, and a peach oolong tea with a good flavor.

Bacon and Cheese Sandwich has a burger-like shape but offers a different experience. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Popping Yolk burger stand out for their flavors, with the popping yolk burger often favored. The egg salad sandwich is solid, and the hot chicken sandwich also gets good marks.

People are saying

"This brunch is delicious, fresh, and satisfying."

"The French toast was not too sweet but very filling."

"The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Popping Yolk burger were impressive."

Good to know

1

There is free parking before 11am and on Sundays.

2

A $1 fee applies for 2 hours of paid parking behind the restaurant.

3

They text you when your table is ready, allowing you to explore nearby.

09
Phở Bánh Mì Chè Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers a clean, spacious dining room with barstool seating and a vegetable and sauce bar for pho. Atmosphere turns busy and noisy during peak hours, especially with many take-away orders. Known for affordable prices and authentic bánh mì sandwiches, it draws a steady crowd from nearby college.

Free iced lemon tea comes with two bánh mì orders, refreshing on hot days. Hot tea tastes amazing and pairs well with desserts.

Big sandwiches come with crusty bread and options like tofu, chicken, and BBQ pork. Prices stay under 7 dollars, and a free cold drink follows after two sandwiches.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here is fantastic and affordable."

"I thought the sandwiches were a great, cheap, and filling lunch option."

"I got a free lemon tea with my order, and it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers free drinks every day from 2-5pm.

2

A big bowl of Pho costs $12.99, which is a great deal.

3

Parking is limited and tight, so arrive early.

10
Tea Rose Garden image 1

Elegant tea room with 18th and 19th century European design and an atmosphere like a garden oasis. Live pianist adds to the romantic vibe while the space feels classy and inviting. Tables are small, creating an intimate setting suited for small groups.

Tea service features friendly servers and a wide variety of tea sandwiches. The Signature Tea Rose Herbal Tea stands out as a fantastic choice, paired well with pastries and scones.

More tea sandwich options exist here than at other tea rooms, with an extensive menu and customizable tea trays. Sandwiches are delicious and staff easily replace items like the spicy salmon sandwich when requested.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the sandwiches."

"The tea sandwiches and desserts were absolutely delicious."

"The sandwiches here are so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for afternoon tea, with the last seating at 3:30 PM.

2

Parking is available in nearby garages, but street parking can be challenging.

3

Expect a fixed-price menu with prices around $44 per person.

11
OH LA LA image 1
Brunch restaurant

French-style cafe offers a spacious seating area with beautiful interior design and live jazz music on weekends. Atmosphere feels inviting and relaxing, suitable for working or date nights. Bakery features artisan pastries that compete with top Parisian standards.

Loose tea comes in a small glass teapot, with blue jasmine and chai standing out as flavorful options. The tea pairs well with pastries and offers a comforting experience.

Fresh sandwiches stand out with options like the caprese sandwich and chicken sandwich with fries. Breakfast sandwiches and fresh pastries add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and unique."

"Aimee was so accommodating with my sandwich order."

"The blue jasmine tea was better than I imagined."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 PM on weekdays.

2

Live music is hosted during dinner time on weekends.

3

Parking is difficult to find, with most spots being time-limited.

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