Espress Yourself Coffee Bar

Great place. Great staff. Great coffee. Right outside the library, they always have some type of muffins or pastries, menu is different from a regular coffee shop. Unique.

Went here and was excited to try from the reviews. But when I came there was only one person in front of me who ordered an iced Americano. Simple enough. The barista had no idea how to do it saying he had never done it before. And I used to be a barista for a coffee shop, it’s not that hard. He literally dumped the drink out and called someone to make a whole new drink. I was running late and just wanted a quick latte but this guy had no regard for me at all. I just stood there. I had to go so I left without even being able to get a drink because he was on the phone…
Not coming back.

I love this place! The people are always so friendly! The coffee and pastries are delicious and affordable! I work across the street and I try to visit everyday. The layout is also very nice and the library right next to them is beautiful.

Great coffee shop with very attentive staff. The staff knew regulars by name and was very welcoming to me during my first time patronage. Iced chai latte was incredible and the courtyard was perfect to study in.

I am an avid supporter of local independent coffee shops and Espress Yourself is one of those that I support more than any other in Pasadena. I’ve been frequenting this establishment for at least 10 years or as long as it’s been here. It’s located in the east patio of the Pasadena Central Library. My weapon of choice is the large iced coffee with room. I load it up with cream or nonfat milk and watching it marbleize is an adventure unto itself. They have all kinds of pastries and specialty coffee drinks, too. Richard, the owner, is a great guy and is never too busy to have a conversation with you or with whomever. His staff is equally as cool and the coffee is outstanding. Customer for life right here!

I came here often as it is in library. I expect nice flavor of coffee as I saw many good reviews on Unilocal.But to be honest, coffee itself was not that good i would say coffee here is just so so. I think nice review is because of kind staff and nice cozy atmosphere with locations which i love too.

This place is great. Small patio inside a courtyard. It’s inside the library area do it’s hard to find unless you know that.
Pastries are really fresh and good. The guys working behind the counter were super friendly and very courteous.

Friendly guys. Great location. Top quality of beverages and bakeries. Of course you should try them especially if you are planning to visit the library

Location was convenient for our hotel. Good place for grabbing latte but not to hang out. The barista was super helpful. I didn’t expect much so was pleasantly surprised that the espresso was rich and full bodied.
It was average priced for what it was, 3.85 for a small double mocha, same price for single or double shot… so for me that’s a no brainer. The latte came with pretty foam art, so that’s a cute bonus.

This is a charming and quite satisfying coffee bar establishment in the root of Pasadena. Quality brewed coffee and professional barista. Drinks taste amazing. And crunchy cookies

The delicious coffee from this coffee bar in the courtyard of the Pasadena central library makes studying more easier. They give you this rewards card. Buy 12 cups and the next cup is Free !
Extremely friendly. !

The staff is very friendly. The muffins are good too. So is the blueberries sxone. I’m sure there Tuttle I

Extremely friendly! As excited to hand you delicious coffee as you are to find a place that brews it so well. :) they also have all the fixings that not every coffee shop carries, like almond milk and honey etc. I snagged a fresh hard boiled brown egg for breakfast. This place is two blocks away from my work– I can’t believe I forgot it was here! I’ll be back soon, possibly tomorrow: D

Only one thing to say about this place, I couldn’t even get in the door. Wheelchair accessibility sucks. If I can’t get in, it’s not worth my business. Unfortunately, this is the closest place to Pasadena City Hall, and unfortunately it is simply inaccessible.
After I overcame the accessibility issue by going around the entire library to the accessible entrance, which isn’t all too accessible, and going through the maze that is the library — I finally found my way to the coffee and caffeine.
I found excellent coffee, with some very unique options. And the friendliest and most personable staff I’ve ever run into at a coffee shop! The muffin could have been a little more fresh, but it tasted good enough.
So, in sum: great coffee, nice and memorable staff, stale muffins and horrendous accessibility if you’re in a wheelchair. A solid 4 star, but knocked down to 3 for the access headache. I won’t be back.

Was really excited to check this place out cause of the phenom reviews so, perhaps, my expectations were too high. Simply ok-​ish coffee w some interesting non-​coffee and sugary selections. But I’ll stick w copa or intelli.
The kiosk is pretty conveniently located in front of the library which can’t be seen from the street (and I have no clue where ppl driving are supposed to park) and the service was slow but attentive. coffee is nothing memorable and mine was lukewarm. I want my coffee piping hot each n every time! Makes me a lil grumpy when I’m sipping on mediocre coffee that isn’t even hot. Ughhhh.
Plus, one of my fav things about coffee breaking is kicking back to catch up on my ppl watching n it’s not exactly a prime spot for it., the hard benches also hurt my bum :/

Came here with a coworker since she saw it had five stars. I am not a coffee drinker am always down to checking out places in Pasadena. This place is diagonal from the court house, in the library. Cute stand. After checking out the menu I decided to get a steamed cider. The guy told me that item is seasonal. The sign doesn’t mention that. I opt for the truffle which is a hot chocolate with flavor. A little too many questions for the morning. What flavor would you like? What kind of milk? What kind of chocolate? I was expecting something amazing but when they gave me my small cup of truffle it was barely lukewarm. What kind of hot chocolate is this? I had a sad heart as my design but I guess I should be lucky since my coworker’s soy latte had no design. My hazelnut truffle with almond milk lacked flavor. My Friday morning birthday treat was a real disappointment. I don’t think I will be coming back. It is close to my work but I would rather walk to Urth Caffe, their non coffee drinks are much better.
The staff is friendly and that’s why I am giving them 3 stars. Drink wise I would only give them a 1 star.

Was in the area and stopped in today. The owner is a very friendly and accommodating guy. This is an outdoor tented type of stand like the ones outside of hospitals. I had an iced mocha coffee with almond milk and a choice of milk or dark chocolate. It was an awesome drink, a lil pricey but very delicious. This place is located right across from the courthouse, so I dont even have to mention the parking situation. But if your in the area and parked already, it’s a perfect little spot with plenty of patio seating.

I was a fan of this place but most of the time, only one person is working and in the afternoon, the service is a bit too slow. For a cup of frappé I waited 20 minutes even though the line didn’t seem long at all. The caramel frappé can be improved — I would expect it to be better than Starbucks’ but it is not. I do love the location — located within the indoor garden of the Pasadena library, it adds a very romantic vibe to the coffee shop experience.

Great coffee and service.
Walking distance from metro and nice and quiet :)

I’ve been coming here every weekday when it’s open. I’ve finally found My Perfect Study Spot. It’s usually not too busy in the patio and the socal sunshine makes it perfect. Umbrella over your head, not too loud even though it’s on a busy street, no wind since it’s an enclosed patio…
The baristas are all super nice and friendly. Especially Jodie, haha. Many of them take the extra step to deliver your drink and get to know you a bit. I get the Japanese Green tea 90% of the time and I’ve rarely had a bad brew. Once in awhile I get a really strong steep but oh man more caffeine for me haha.
They have all sorts of coffee and tea, pastries and ice cream in the fridge. i just really really like their Japanese green tea and the way they make it. Haven’t found another place around like it. Hope they don’t run out anytime soon, haha…
Wifi from the library reaches out to this spot just fine.
Once a week the library holds a used booksale here with fairly new clean books for ridiculously low prices.