Hidden Coffee Gems: LA to OC Locals’ Favorites Cafe Part 2

BrandsWalk Creative |
Our first roundup introduced local favorites like Mandarin Coffee and Moongoat — places that quietly shape their communities one cup at a time. This time, we return with three more cafés that embody that same spirit: creative, intentional, and unmistakably personal. From a dry cleaner reborn as a café to a roastery turned neighborhood lab, these are spaces that remind us that coffee is just as much about setting and story as it is about taste.

How’s It Going to End? – Pasadena

Built within the frame of an old neighborhood dry cleaner, How’s It Going to End? instantly draws curiosity — both for its name and its atmosphere. The original Regal Cleaners Laundry sign still hangs above the entrance, a nostalgic remnant of the building’s past life. Step inside, and you’ll notice that the café doesn’t try to erase its history; instead, it builds upon it.

A smaller, modern structure has been inserted into the old shell, creating a layered composition of new within old. The wide-open front blurs the boundary between inside and out — with greenery and light filtering through, you feel as if you’re sitting somewhere between architecture and garden.

When we asked about the unusual name, a barista smiled and mentioned The Truman Show. Beyond that, ownership details remain elusive — a touch of mystery that somehow fits the café’s cinematic name. Maybe that’s part of the charm: some stories are meant to stay a little unfinished.

How’s It Going to End? Location
2111 Verdugo Blvd, Montrose, CA 91020

Regent Coffee – South Pasadena

At Regent Coffee, the experience starts before you even step inside — the air itself carries the scent of freshly roasted beans. This café doesn’t just serve coffee; it lives in it. During our visit, the owner greeted us warmly, balancing conversation between roast cycles.

He spoke about Regent’s transformation over the years — especially during the pandemic, when the café evolved from a neighborhood coffeehouse into a roaster’s workshop. Today, precision defines the space: polished metal counters, glass jars, and steady rhythms of grinding and weighing. Every movement feels deliberate, guided by both curiosity and care.

Regent isn’t about quick caffeine fixes; it’s about process, experimentation, and the quiet art of consistency. Their roasting happens on-site, so each batch feels alive — a reflection of the people behind the machine. We’ll be diving deeper into Regent’s roasting philosophy in an upcoming feature.

Regent Coffee Location
249 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

Glendale Galleria
100 W Broadway Suite 100, Glendale, CA 91210

Neat Coffee – Costa Mesa

A small but beloved café in Costa Mesa, Neat Coffee lives up to its name — simple, clean, and full of character. The space feels effortlessly approachable, the kind of spot where locals drop by for both caffeine and comfort.

Their menu keeps things unfussy but thoughtful — a rotating selection of espresso drinks and pastries that reflect the café’s minimalist aesthetic. What stands out most, though, is the team’s genuine energy. Every order feels personal, every interaction unrushed.

Neat Coffee Location
1922 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Final Sip

Each of these cafés adds a different note to Southern California’s coffee landscape.

How’s It Going to End? plays with memory and design, Regent Coffee honors craft through process, and Neat Coffee captures the warmth of a neighborhood morning. Together, they echo a truth we’ve felt again and again: good coffee is never just about the beans — it’s about the spaces that hold them, and the people who make you want to stay a little longer.

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