My Favorite Coffee Shops Within 10 Minutes from APU’s Campus

by Saundri Luippold

When it comes to heavy workloads, study sessions, and never-ending to-do lists, spending a few hours at a local coffee shop offers a space outside of school to buckle down on work, alone or with friends, all while sipping a delicious drink. Here are some of the best coffee shops within a 10 minute drive from Azusa Pacific University’s campus.

Classic Coffee

Located in quaint downtown Glendora, Classic Coffee, only a 10 minute drive from campus, stays true to its name, providing customers a traditional coffee shop experience through its variety of coffee and tea options, soft, upbeat music, and a wide space for groups to combine tables if needed. Their lattes will satisfy your sweet tooth, as their menu offers honey lavender, hazelnut, irish cream, french toast, cookie butter, maple, and honey cinnamon to name a few. Outdoor seating is also available, and perfect for soaking up the sun and admiring downtown Glendora. Treat yourself to one of their delicious pastries, while enjoying the cozy, calm ambiance.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday: 6 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday: 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Address: 148 N Glendora Ave, Glendora CA

Pressed+Flower

This café is for all the flower lovers out there. Whether you are a garden enthusiast or not, Pressed+Flower, just five minutes away from APU, offers a wide selection of drinks, often topped with flower petals, that any coffee drinker will love. I especially love the Rose Cold Brew. The shop itself is as cute as the drinks are flavorful. Their pastries never cease to delight customers; I highly recommend the chocolate croissants, as they offer the perfect combination of crunchy, flaky sweetness. The shop’s aesthetic is perfect for gathering a group of friends to take pictures with. Be sure to check out their items for sale, including unique water bottle stickers, postcards, hair accessories, and more.

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Address: 523 N Azusa Ave, Azusa CA

Mantra

If you’re looking for something modern, hip, and cozy, Mantra is the place to go, located off East Foothill Boulevard and San Gabriel Avenue. Its serene outdoor space is great for catching up with a friend over a warm latte, while its spacious indoors allow for study groups to lay out their books, notes, and laptops. Mantra is perfect for completing big assignments or taking some time to chill back, relax, and sip a scrumptious cup of coffee.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Address: 615 N San Gabriel Ave, Azusa, CA

Café Cultura

Between the Spanish music playing, Día de los Muertos decor, and authentically inspired cuisine, Café Cultura, only one-mile away from APU, is definitely worth an outing. Embracing Mexican culture, the contemporary café contains a menu full of decadent waffles and pancakes, served simply with syrup or with flavor combinations of your choosing. Savory food lovers might want to try their chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, and tortas. Whether you are stopping for a quick Mexican coffee, or decide to sit and enjoy a meal, Café Cultura offers a taste of Latin culture.

Hours: Monday-Friday: 7 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Address: 709 N Azusa Ave, Azusa, CA

Cafe Bungalow

Bubble tea fans will especially love this spot across the street from East Campus. The shop offers a selection of 18 milk teas to choose from, and a plethora of Taiwanese specialities to munch on. From their famous popcorn chicken, to s'mores toast, Cafe Bungalow is the perfect lunch, dinner, dessert, and study spot.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12-9 p.m.

Address: 992 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, CA

TRO Coffee Co.

Take a drive down Route 66 to find this hidden gem. Grab a cup of coffee brewed with beans from Brazil, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, featuring flavor notes such as chocolate, hazelnut, rose, and more. Their menu is full of every tea lover’s favorites as well, including green tea, my favorite, with notes of white flowers and grapes, and oolong with a touch of rose water and fruit punch. TRO donates all the company’s proceeds to Moon Rock Bouldering Co., which helps veterans and tribal members have access to athletic opportunities. A trip to TRO will satisfy any coffee and tea craving in a space that is earthy, modern, and cozy.

Hours: Monday-Sunday: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Address: 440 E Rte 66, Glendora, CA

Saundri Luippold is a public relations intern in the Division of Strategic Communication and Engagement. Saundri is double majoring in Honors Humanities and English with a minor in Spanish. She serves as head copy editor of APU's literary journal The West Wind and writes on her personal blog, New Romanticism (https://saundriluippold.wixsite.com/newromanticism).