I love this place ! Â Its cute, funky, and homey. Â The back portion is reserved for private shows. Â I've seen Barry McGuire, John York, Laurence Juber, Spanky from Spanky and our Gang, just to name a few. Â Very casual place, but very nice. Â Definitely catch a show there. Â Admission is anywhere from $15 - 20, and well worth it!
Review Source:I can't be the only one who reads Yelp reviews trying to figure out the personality of the writer. "Would I like this person and therefore agree with their opinion - or would I think this person is a loser and a fool?" Â It doesn't show up much clearer than in these reviews of The Coffee Gallery.
Hipster, Impatient, Entitled? Â Don't come. Â Most of the world has capitulated to the petulant - but many of us don't care and would rather not have to listen to the whining. Â Anyone who thinks that Starbucks is a good place is probably too young to realize how much you have been brainwashed by the sanitated corporate culture, and I do feel really sorry for you - but - don't come here.
[So, my imagination is that the people who have left pissy reviews here came in with entitlement attitudes, and were partially culled from the herd by the barristas ... Totally a guess on my part.]
This is a place that looks like it grew here. Â I think that the owners were not so much concerned about the decor, but about the people inside the place. Â [Although, the local art on the walls is an important feature of the place....] Â Individuals, not spouting re-worked lines from popular media, but with an original thought or three - these are the people who made the place and who like to hang out here. Â
The Coffee part is not as important as the House part - if you can figure that out - come hang here, you will probably like it.
And anyone who is interested in live music - this place is a mecca. Whether it is for the open mic nights, or the back room - this is a PHENOMENAL resource. Â Bob Stane has been on the music circuit for decades, and seemingly knows everyone, and musicians don't come here for money - they come for love. Â Once again, if you can see what a huge difference musicians paying for love vs. money would make - this is a place you should not miss!!!!!
We were headed up Lake to go for a hike and I hadn't had my morning coffee or breakfast so we met up here. The line wasn't extremely long but boy was it slow moving. I ordered a small non fat latte and asked if this was a single or double shot since I was working on very little sleep and needed a real boost. They said single, so I asked for a double - not the smoothest espresso ever. I dealt with it but it was not good by any means.
I also tried what was supposedly a blueberry pastry - yikes! Worst thing I've ever had, tasted days old. Horrible.
I'm not sure if I went about this all wrong but I did not care for this place at all and hope we don't have to return.
Drinks get 2 stars, ambiance gets 4, so averages out to 3. Nice place to sit and work, enough seating for about 30 people, yet still cozy (unlike starbucks).
The drinks are lacking tho. Tea lattes are choked from steeping, so just tastes like milk. Coffee is meh. And cannot believe they only have one guy working on a busy, rainy Sunday afternoon. Way too many customers for 1 person alone.
Charming homegrown sort of place with friendly staff, chill vibe and a menu of custom teas + local baked goods? I'm sold!
Came here for the open mic night today, Friday, and I heard that they have one on Mondays too (by a different organizer). Dennis, the Friday organizer, was a super nice guy. The set up is simple, sound board, a pair of mics and speakers. You bring your own instruments, and you can plug in your guitar if you have an electric. There was a mix of music and comedy, though I think you can contribute near anything. Dennis called it "casual Friday." :)
Chatted with various members, most of whom seem to be regulars at the cafe, and everyone was super nice. I parked on Lake. Spots were abundant, but I found one without too much difficulty, so I'm guessing there's always at least a couple not too far away. There were some side streets as well. Inside, it's kind of a long layout with the counter on the left and tables and seats on the right, couches and a table in the back. Then another back room with a dining-room style table and chairs around it. Can see why this place is popular for studying. The open mic stage was at the front, right against the window (so you can see legs, looking in from the outside).
Anyway, love that it was local, cozy and a little quirky. And that they support local music/entertainment. Can't say much about the food or coffee, since I just got a tea, which was okay but not amazing, though it was herbal and so pretty light (Khan's Delight was the flavor). Decently priced at a small for $1.50 though.
I'm guessing the reviews complaining about coffee quality or food might not be too far off the mark, but I'm a fan for the atmosphere, and it's not like the edibles are abysmal. ;)
This has been my favorite coffee shop for five years. The community small town feel is unreal. Drinks are great, free wifi, couches to relax in while to study, has everything that corporate america detests. But best part is all the community events and workshops and people coming in and living life in that place. The energy and vibe is perfect.
Review Source:I enjoy going here because of the space provided to sit/study/spread out for a while. They've got wifi, and outlets at almost every table they have in the place. they've got a comedy club towards the back that they also do open mic night i believe, and they're drinks are delish! and relatively fair priced. quite friendly atmosphere.
Review Source:In a time where most cafes are either "get in, get out" or have fallen victim to the expensive cookie-cutter-cafe movement, it's nice to see that the Coffee Gallery caters only to the neighborhood it calls home and even offers open mic comedy nights, art gallery space, and live music on certain nights!
Easy parking: Yes
Large mocha under $5: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Indoor seating: Plenty
Outdoor seating: Some
Decor: White walls, giving the local artist's work on display lots of attention
People with laptops: Yes
Hipsters: No
Famous Faces: No
Foam Art: No
People watching: Not much
In & out quick: Yes
The challenge continues!
I moved away from Altadena over a year ago and miss this place more than my own house. This is the sort of social hub that communities need. The people here are a little, slightly loopy tribe. Put your hand out. Get to know people. You will make friends like I did for ten great years.
And there is great music in the Backstage. I'm playing there tomorrow night, 1/11/13. It's a fine little space, and Bob Stane books top talent. Check the place out. Tell 'em Dave sent you.
My little family just moved to Altadena from Silverlake. We've been trying to get a feel for the neighborhood, patronizing all the local businesses. I found the Coffee Gallery to be delightful! Loved walking in on a Thursday morning to find people having lively discussions at their tables (there was only one person working on their laptop - awesome).  The barista reminded me of Kurt Russell in 'Big Trouble in Little China.' We waited a bit for our coffee but didn't mind since we weren't in a rush. Asked to have our coffee to drink there and were served in kitschy mismatched mugs. He made me the TASTIEST double americano - needed nothing more than a splash of half and half; my husband was equally impressed  by his cappuccino. We also ordered a cinnamon bun pastry which the barista kindly warmed up; he then reached over the counter to pick out two forks and a knife. I know that's not much but he could have easily pointed to the cutlery tray to serve ourselves. Once he was done making drinks for customers, he came around with napkins and asked how everything was.
Seriously. Are people still this nice? Â And yes, that pastry was delicious! Â
I love that there is an honor jar for the self-serve customers! I love knowing that the honor system works up here (hopefully?).
The low ratings make me very sad as these are the types of businesses we should aim to support. If I had a problem, I would bring it up with the business not gripe about it here on Yelp. I look forward to checking out open mic nights here as well. Great spot, great coffee, great folks, great vibe.
PS. If you are planning to sit at a table to enjoy your coffee, Please Please consider bringing your own mug or having it poured in a "for here" cup. :)
I really dig this place. We usually stop by on Sunday Mornings to get a Blueberry Muffin and drinks. This is a great place for those who are not as mainstream as others. Super LGBT friendly. The muffins are really big for the price, and are delivered daily. Come early if you are looking for anything other than bran btw. According to my girlfriend they have really good Chais. I cant speak to that myself, however they smell amazing and they don't use water in them (big plus in that regard). Yes this place is inhabited by locals who don't like to share tables, and love to speak endlessly with each other for hours. But the coffee is great--and the seating is reminicent of the way coffee houses used to be--mismatched, and comfy as heck. Enjoy!
Review Source:This is a nice little intimate spot with a stage in the back room. I came here to see a John Denver tribute (yes, "I Calypso" John Denver) with my family and loved the cozy, but not cramped, room. It doesn't look like much from the outside -- just a small building whose only indication that it's a coffee shop is the green awnings out front. We parked at the Apco station across the street.
We ordered some coffee/tea and then headed to the back room for what ended up being a 2.5 hour performance. Nearly half of the 25 or so people there had been to a previous show, and really this is the kind of musician you'd only know if you had gone looking for someone like him. I feel like the acts that perform here probably have their own loyal following, which is great for local artists, and makes for a great evening of intimate live music.
So I never come here expecting great coffee or good eats, but it's got one of the friendliest atmospheres around. Â It's the perfect spot to plop down with a book, a laptop, or some paperwork for hours and not feel as if you're intruding. Â In fact, the joint seems to welcome that kind of customer. Â
And in reality, their coffee isn't bad, it's just not stand-out, amazing, artisinal greatness. Â Their shakes, however, delicious. Â So, get a shake, bring your homework and work away at one of their many tables or in one of their comfy chairs. Â It's pretty great.
I love this little coffee shop. It's quirky, has a great selection of snacks from candy to chocolate bars, apples, ice cream, homemade pizza, homemade chilli, brownies, cheesecake, yogurt, pastries. Usually pretty quiet and a great place to work or just chill out. A great alternative to Starbucks/Coffee Bean.
Review Source:I come in here almost every weekday morning around 6:30 AM. The coffee is ready, well priced, and I get in and out of there quick. The guy who works at the counter (I think his name is FLY) is pretty awesome. I would come every morning if I had coffee every day.
They have Fosselman's Ice Cream there as well.
Parking is ample on Lake and the side streets near the gallery.
The reason I came here was to watch my friend perform, this is a great place for upcoming prospective musicians or hopefuls to come and do what they love.
I got a mocha while watching the line of performers, the mocha was nothing special, the reason you'd come here is definitely for the hodge-podge of musicians that play here. Entering and exiting gets a little awkward sometimes especially because the door is where the stage is, so that was a little uncomfortable. But otherwise, definitely a good place to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch their eclectic group of musicians.
Wow, this is a difficult review to write. The first part is the Coffee counter. Uhm, not really a fan. The are not very good, Syd ordered a iced espresso and it was burned. Prices are on par with Starbucks, actually it ended up costing more than she had calculated, but somehow coffee places always seem to do that. The menu board is a guide and then they charge whatever they want. I digress, but Spring for Coffee charged an extra fee for ice, really? Ok, I'm back from my secant. It ended up costing an extra $.65, not enough to complain about, but still.
The front is very ecclectic with mismatched furniture, salvage fixtures. Interesting things I noticed include that on Wednesdays the Koji truck comes, so they bring in a roach coach to serve food??? Also a sign for weddings, not really the place I would think of getting married or having a reception.
The back portion, or Backstage is an intimate place for musicians to perform. This area was great, decent lighting, nice acoustics and only seating about 50 people it is not crowded or too large. I came here to see one of my favourite local bands perform.
Great little oasis! coffee is good, baked goods are tasty, and the Tues. open mic is hilarious! Some comics are really funny, some, not so much. but god love 'em for trying! and hey, that's how you get better right?! The seating can be a bit sparse at times. Plus side, free wifi!
For some reason, their iced tea is magnificent. I will always have a glass or two every time I go.
I have enjoyed every Tea Latte with soy  that I had at the coffee Gallery. (As well as their coffee and muffins once in a while). Â
Their atmosphere is unmatched.  The Mismatched furniture adds some wonderful warmth and personality to  the Gallery.  Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.  The art on the walls is a plus, (as they change it often to showcase different artists).
When they have Open Mic's, the Artists present us all with such wonderful entertainment of a great variety from Music to poetry to story telling and more attracting audiences/coffee-tea-water drinkers of all ages from the mid teens to the over retired. Â What a Fun-derful group of people.
I often leave with a wonderful feeling and look forward to coming back. Â It is a Great place. Â I recommend it highly.
I stopped here yesterday for the first time because I heard that this is a good location for finding intelligentsia with whom to socialize. Â
First, I will say that the coffee and food items appeared to be of a higher quality than some of the other coffee shops I frequent for the company they keep rather than the product. Â Furthermore, the place is very large, and there are numerous power outlets in which you can plug your computer. Â
Since this was my first and only experience, I have only given three stars. Â I don't feel that I can fully give an assessment of this coffee house after having only had a latte.
I've been here a half-dozen times because it's close to home, and I've tried hard to like this place. But I just don't.
On the plus side: Free wifi. Lefty anarchist cred, with mismatched hand-me-down furniture, a rainbow of hippie intellectuals arguing the morning news at the big table in front, and a secret back room where phenomenal musicians play to starvingly-slim audiences. I'll give it another star just because it is the only place around that understands how to make a proper New York style bagel with cream cheese: ie. the bread should be resistant and/or toasted until crunchy, and the cream cheese should be stiff and cold. (Note to California: I love you, but this fruit-studded Wonder bread topped with Redi-Whip that you call a bagel w/cc is a total abomination.)
On the downside, however: The Coffee Gallery espresso is always burnt and ruined and tastes like used motor oil until you add five tablespoons of sugar and half a cup of cream. (Guess that's the reason people think the super-sugary "specialty" lattes are tasty!) And the clientele is the kind of rude that gives hippies a bad name. Â There are plenty of 3-4 person tables, but most mornings and all day weekends, they are all taken up by one person with a laptop and the contents of their bumper-sticker-covered army-green messenger bag spread out hither and yon. "Hi, mind if I share your table?" I ask with a smile. "No, I'd rather not," they say, not looking up from Farmville. Well, poo on you, then. I'll go study somewhere else.
Having lived in Altadena for a considerably large part of my life, I find it somewhat disappointing that I have only starting coming here now.
The Coffee Gallery is our city's alternate to Starbucks, the hidden player that steps in and is secretly better than the starter. In fact after just coming to this place today to get some studying done, I commented that I thought it was indeed better than Starbucks.
I really enjoy the laid-back, homey vibe that this place gives off. It really is a good place to get work done and was not too crowded on a Saturday afternoon.
I recommend the (warm) Hawaiian Mocha and the (cold-blended) Carmel Turtle.
Stepping in for the first time reminds me of how coffee shops used to be. Â With original art on the wall and diverse locals chatting it up. Â
Very chill vibe, maybe its just the surfer dude behind the counter... Â Coffee is self serve but I like it that way. Â First one I got was empty but the guy just told me to switch it out. Â No biggie. Â
PLENTY of seating, mostly 2 person tables and some outdoor tables too.
I wouldnt say parking is easy. Â But just look on the street and there are warnings posted not to park in the RED or block neighbors driveways.
It's busy sometimes, it is slow, it is full, it is empty. There is a time for frustration, there is a time for annoyance, there is a time for happiness, there is a time for hunger, there is a time for thirst.
This place satisfies all my needs from hunger and thirst to my fixation craving for emotions from annoyance to extreme happiness.
I've managed to sustain myself on large iced coffees, muffins & bagels from here and it has all been very very inexpensive.
Me gusta. Me gusta mucho.
Service here is spotty. I've come in a few times on a Sunday afternoon and find the people behind the counter slow and unpersonable. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the weird smell. It sticks to my clothese after I leave.
Coffees are self-serve style, dispensed from thermoses on the side of the counter. A few times I've found the dispensers empty. HOW HARD IS IT TO CHECK THE COFFEE?!
I'm all about supporting the local coffee shops, but I'm also about service and friendliness. At least the people at sbux are prompt and friendly.
The dickwad behind the counter today proceeded to call the other girl behind the counter "queerer," bc she called him "queerer" (ya, idk wtf was going on there), then clearly seeing me and a few others in line, blatantly ignored us and took his time with the customers in front (5 effin minutes to make a too-sweet coffee drink!?!), didn't say my total, handed back my change in completely silence (not even a thank you? where are you manners?), acting like he couldn't be bothered.
i've heard the breakfasts are good but i wont bother to find out.
Came here yesterday morning with my boyfriend for a comfy day with coffee and a muffin.
We are both Berkeley grads and this place reminded us of our school away from home immediately. Â It has a great vibe, a free book exchange, and a great variety of games. Â I had to leave for work but we plan on coming back for an intense game of Clue soon.
We split the orange cranberry muffin (delicious), and I got the Owner's Delight latte. Â I think it was vanilla, hazelnut, AND cinnamon. Â So very good.
Wish I was still in school and had reason to write papers because this is the place where I would do it.
After lunch at Slaw Dogs, we wanted something sweet so we went up Lake to Coffee Gallery. We found street parking. It's a three hour limit on Lake.
They didn't have any cookies but a friend got a croissant and a cinnamon bun. I asked for a chai latte. It was way too sweet and I couldn't finish it. Carina thought it was because it was made from a powder mix. It was very thick if you're into that sort of thing. I did ask for vanilla so perhaps that's why it reminded me of a shake than anything else. The girls liked their tea.
The barista recommended their lattes and not the coffee next to the sugar and things. Apparently true coffee snobs wouldn't drink that anyway but espressos.
I was a bit surprised how full this shop was after 3 p.m. on a Sunday. Most people were on their laptops or chatting with a friend over the paper. I saw a person half-sprawled on a couch in the back. The furniture is very eclectic. This is definitely a locals' favorite with performers coming in for their cup of java. Oh yeah, they have live performances. Make sure you call the reservations line and not the main coffee shop line.
There's one uni-sex restroom way in the back. Look for the purple door.
I've passed this shop for years and never stopped in before. I'm not sure I would again since I'm not a coffee drinker. I was also very turned off when the barista was talking trash about yelp. You never know whom you're speaking to.
The Coffee Gallery is exactly what a coffee house should be! Patrons come to enjoy themselves; Whether it'd be with friends, to study, to read, to see performances, or just to enjoy the FREE WIFI.
They have a great selection of coffee, tea, ice cream and snacks. During the weekday mornings, there is a chef on staff who makes the most delicious breakfast! There's a stage area in the back where they have performances and acts on different nights and they have a study room that you can reserve for your own private meetings.
Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop by and check this place out. There is never a dull moment here.
The Coffee Gallery Backstage is an amazing, intimate venue in a random coffee shop in bougie Altadena. Â You would never know it was there if you weren't looking for it--it's a tiny, cozy nook in the back of the shop that seats 50 and has an excellent light/sound stage set up for an intimate concert.
My mother and grandmother insisted I see a local Irish music band this week with them, and I was confused to be led into the back room of a coffee shop (it seemed like the sketchiest speakeasy ever). Â But the Backstage is lovingly maintained and intricately detailed---you can tell the owner took time and patience and money in creating the intimate space, and it pays off. Â The band we saw, Sligo Rags, was a rocking, crazy group with an impressive set list and some dedicated fans. Â I have to give Ma and G-Ma props. Â They know what's worth listening to. Â And Coffee Gallery Backstage is the place to do the listening.
I really wanted to enjoy/like this coffee house. The Art work on the walls was cool. The space had a thirftstore smell and feel to it. The crowd- goofy, nerdy, unpretentious, artsy-- think Napoleon Dynamite... Uncle Rico and Kip dynamite. The staff was friendly borderline unprofessional...
Pro's:
a well lit conference room in the back you can reserve (max 8)
a room in the back for live shows, readings, theater...
pastries looked fresh and tasty
Con's:
you want to forget coffee
cold self serve coffee
This coffee house was flippin sour
Altadena: still Starbucks-FREE...even in 2008. Amazing. But I am not complaining!
I think CG might be the only coffeeshop in my beloved unincorporated city. It's a funky place that represents the diverse and eclectic world of Altadena. The environment is very casual and comfortable- there really isn't the stereotypical coffeeshop scene in this place. Staff and patrons are pretty friendly - you can even strike up a convo with someone without feeling that phony vibe. You sort of feel like you're hanging out at the house of a friend with ex-hippie parents: tall ceilings, self serve drip coffee, mismatched yet harmonized furniture, jammed bulletin boards, and random artsy photos everywhere.... and free wireless. They also finally started accepting credit cards, which is convenient.
The coffee drinks are very good, and there is a steady local crowd that comes through. I hope CG has a long existence in this special town!!
This is a great place to listen to music groups. You wouldn't know there is a separate lounge area to listen to music beyond the front of the coffee shop.
We were here over a week ago to listen to celtic music group called The Muses. They are a trio and were very entertaining. The lounge area they performed in only seats roughly 50 people. It's a very intimate setting with candles in star cutout candle holders. It's a great atmosphere for a concert.
The only issue I had with the concert itself was the lighting. The guy there kept fiddling with the lighting. So after every song, the lights would fade out and fade in again. It was a bit much.
The coffee drinks are plentiful. They had a nice bakery case I noticed as well as Fossellman's ice cream. It looked like you could also order freshly made omelettes in the mornings. So this is definitely more than just an ordinary coffee house.
Of note the night we were there, an open mic night was going on in the front of the shop. Well, in attendance was a woman with a small snake on her head. It was small and brown, but definitely out of the ordinary. It was just sitting there and coiling up on top of her head. So my advice to you, keep your eyes open for interesting things.
Other than the scary snake lady, I'd totally come back to this coffee shop again for the coffee or as a concert venue.
By the way, they have a decent tea menu too for any hot tea drinkers out there.
This is a little neighborhood coffee shop, replete with the funky decor, non-corporate vibe, and irreverent help-staff.
The Coffee Gallery is a gathering spot for an eclectic group of locals. Â Both times I've there while visiting family who live nearby, I've witnessed people meeting and greeting each other at the front tables in what appears to be almost like a family gathering.
The edibles are solid and the iced-coffee I enjoyed was surprisingly delightful. Â The over-worked helpers were charmingly crabby yet interested and engaging.
There are kids toys in the back, which acts as a brief foil for attention-starved munchkins allowing their frazzled parents to partake in a moment or two of relaxation and immersion in this local institution.
**UPDATE**
Now that I live down the street this lil coffee joint is muy importante. Â The weekend girls are fun, inviting & knowledgeable. Â We discovered the tea immediately. Â The best tea are their combinations. Â Just don't ask the weekday morning staff about it, they seem to not want to help you. Â I'm more of a coffee girl so I tend to order the mochas and lattes. Â Some of their specialty drinks are a little too sweet for me. Â What they didn't have before but I am applauding now is that they prepare food. Â The menu makes your mouth water. Â Go for a Saturday or Sunday brunch and you won't be disappointed. Â
I'm a fan. Â I was a bigger fan when my friend Jennifer use to work there. Â And Sean. Â I don't get up to Altadena much lately but if the Coffee Gallery were in my neighborhood I would go all of the time. Â Frequenting non-corp coffee places is my thang.
We enjoy the Coffee Gallery as a coffee place; haven't been yet to hear the music. Â As a coffee place, it is comfortable and fun, with a great sense of community--whether you live around here or not!
I believe the place is currently in the process of changing owners... trust it won't change too much.
The Coffee Gallery Backstage is not a coffee shop. Rather, its the music venue that runs tandem to the coffee shop of the same name. Every week, veteran concert promoter Bob Stane brings in some of the best acoustic music from around the country and around the county to preent music in this very intimate and comfortable room that holds less than 50 people. So you can see acts that would more likely perform to 100, 200 or more people way up close. Some of my favorite shows here have been seeing the Mammals, Christina Ortega and Tom Corbett, Kevin So and performing with Claudia Russell and the Folk Unlimited Orchestra.
The Coffee Gallery is one of the best stops on the folk music circuit. Go there.
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