Coffee shops have become an integral part of student life.
Whether a coffee connoisseur or an overworked student running on four hours of sleep, coffee shops provide a haven for students to catch up on work, chat with friends or simply get their daily dose of caffeine.
To make the quest for students’ favorite coffee spot easier, a Clarion reporter, who’s also a part-time barista, explored four nearby owned coffee shops and rated their atmosphere, drinks and study-ability. For consistency, she went to each shop mid-afternoon and ordered a hot vanilla oat milk latte at each.
Ventana Coffee: 589 N. Azusa Ave., Covina, CA
Vibe (7/10): With airy white walls and blue-green tile accents, Ventana Coffee pulls off an effortlessly minimalist and clean-cut look. A variety of plants adorn nearly every shelf and light wooden countertop, contributing to a simple, yet trendy atmosphere. Numerous blends of Ventana’s fair-trade sourced coffee beans, merchandise, alternative milks and plants are displayed for sale. While Ventana may not exude the homey or comfort ambiance of a more traditional coffee shop, it certainly appeals to the modern aesthetic.
Study-ability (1/10): As a result of its current COVID-19 policies, Ventana does not provide tables, WiFi or public restrooms for customers. While a bench is provided to sit at while waiting for an order, this is not an ideal study spot for students. When Ventana’s seating options are re-opened, it will become a more functional space for those spending prolonged periods of time.
Menu (8/10): Ventana has a somewhat wide menu with a variety of hot, iced and blended teas and coffees, as well as light lunch and breakfast options. Its “Specialty Drinks” menu is particularly intriguing, complete with unique drink options such as the “sea salt cream dark brown sugar latte” and a “strawberry latte.” However, Ventana only serves its “Morning Brew” until 11a.m., meaning that traditional brewed coffee is not available later in the day. The menu prices are certainly higher than the average coffee shop, with lattes ranging from $5-$8. Yet, this price seems reasonable considering that the quality and sustainability of Ventana’s coffee is above average.
Coffee (10/10): My hot vanilla oat milk latte was a perfectly smooth blend of an ever-so-sweet oat milk and steamy espresso. While the latte’s sweetness was a bit heavy for my liking, the evident quality and richness of Ventana’s espresso was a perfect supplement. I was pleasantly surprised by the multi-layered latte art that topped my drink. As many coffee shops abandon latte art for efficiency, this small yet special touch contributed to the professionalism Ventana exudes.
Summary (6/10):Around a 15-minute drive from Citrus, Ventana is worth the drive for those in search of a quality coffee experience. However, Ventana’s COVID-19 policies prohibit it from being an ideal study spot. Until its seating options are re-opened, students should stick to more local studying options.
Nambah Coffee Co.: 2232 D St. #102, La Verne, CA
Vibe (9/10): Stepping into Nambah Coffee is reminiscent of stepping into a home. Warm light bulbs drape from the ceiling, framed artwork is displayed on each light cream wall, plants decorate every table and shelf and multi-colored pillows enhance Nambah’s several seating options. Nambah Coffee is centrally located in the heart of downtown La Verne with several public parking lots available. While it certainly has a quintessential coffee shop feel, Nambah fosters a unique atmosphere through its intentionally warm architecture and decor.
Study-ability (9/10): Nambah’s environment is perfect for anyone looking to cram for finals, chat with friends or catch up on schoolwork. While it gets crowded as the day progresses, Nambah has ample indoor and outdoor seating options to choose. Power outlets are fairly accessible, free WiFi is speedy and public restrooms can be found in the building to which Nambah connects. Light folk music is played in the background and noise is generally kept to a minimum.
Menu (8/10): Nambah’s menu is fairly standard, offering customers several espresso-based drink options, teas, cold brew and pastries. Nambah’s fan-favorite “charcoal mocha” and “heartthrob latte” are also displayed on their “Specialty Menu.” Drinks are fairly pricey, with the average small latte priced at $5.25.
Coffee (6/10): Coffee does not seem to be Nambah’s strong point. The latte I ordered, while an overall good flavor, was watered down and excessively sweet. Their espresso had a pleasantly nutty tone, but the amount of steamed oat milk washed out the favor.
Summary (8/10): Nambah’s subpar coffee is supplemented by its inviting atmosphere. For any student in search of a place to study that feels like home, Nambah is certainly worth a stop.
Pressed+Flower Coffee Boutique: 523 N. Azusa Ave, Azusa, CA
Vibe (9/10): Failed a final? Going through a breakup? Pressed+Flower Coffee Boutique is the perfect atmosphere for any dejected student in need of a boost in spirits. This storefront is overwhelmed with motivational signage, a variety of goods from locally owned businesses to browse and even a vast sticky-note wall of affirmations. Pressed+Flower was created to accommodate every member of the community as they provide a space for dog owners outside, couches and chairs with board games for friends and families in the front and a quieter bar-style study space for students in the back. While somewhat chaotic stylistically, the coffee shop boutique has fostered an environment where intentional community gathering is welcome.
Study-ability (6/10): While a study space is provided in the back of Pressed+Flower, limited outlets are available for those working on computers. However, free WiFi is available and ample seating options are provided for those who do not need to plug in. Street parking in downtown Azusa is often difficult to find, but public parking lots are a short walk away.
Menu (8/10): Pressed+Flower’s menu offers classic lattes and tea alongside more unique “signature” drinks. These signature drinks include “citrus espresso tonic” and a “lavender bee latte.” Beyond drinks, the coffee boutique also has a “Nom Noms” menu that contains various cereals, bagels and quiches to try. A note on its menu also mentions that they plan to expand to more lunch options and pastries in the near future.
Coffee (8/10): The latte I enjoyed at Pressed+Flower was perfectly standard. While it did not have an exceptional flavor or quality, I thoroughly enjoyed each sip. The drink was slightly watered down and lacking in some sweetness, but otherwise the coffee flavor was pleasant and the presentation beautiful.
Summary (9/10): Fairly new to the area and a mere 1.6 miles from Citrus, Pressed+Flower is bound to be a treasured spot for students and community members alike.
Penny Roasters Coffee
Vibe (4/10): Tucked in the eastern corner of the Glendora Marketplace, Penny Roasters is a great location for students looking for a quick caffeine boost. With high-rise ceilings and exposed pipes, the Glendora Marketplace has a rustic, industrial character. While Penny Roasters does not have designated seating for its customers, several tables are available throughout the building, including a quaint outdoor space. The storefront itself has a minimalistically white look, decorated solely with its massive coffee bean roaster and espresso equipment.
Study-ability: (4/10) Penny Roasters is not an ideal study spot for students. While seating options abound, WiFi and/or outlets are difficult to find and the marketplace is quite noisy. The best option for studying would be connecting to a hotspot or personal WiFi in the outdoor area.
Menu: (9/10) Penny Roasters’ menu was pleasantly simple, offering basic coffee drinks, tea and kombucha. This simplicity is a breath of fresh air for the indecisive among us who are overwhelmed by the sheer amount of sizes, syrups and drink options at other coffee shops. Five house-made syrups were available, along with the milk alternatives of oat, almond or soy milk. With no different sizes offered, the menu ranged from $3-$6. To me, a simple menu is often indicative of quality in the few drinks that are offered.
Coffee: (9/10) My latte at Penny Roasters had evident depth and quality. Their house-made vanilla syrup gave the latte a lightly sweet and flavorful touch and the espresso tasted perfectly done – not over nor under extracted. I noticed that Penny Roasters roasts their own beans weekly, ensuring a certain freshness that is evident in the coffee.
Summary: (7/10) While Penny Roasters is not the best study location, its excellent coffee and simple menu make for a great quick stop.
