Intelligentsia Restaurant Review: Intelligentsia’s founder, Chicago’s Doug Zell, opened his first Los Angeles coffeehouse at Sunset Junction in 2007, followed by another branch in Venice. Now the popular café has arrived in Old Pasadena. Exposed brick and vintage pews salvaged from a Midwest church remind us of the historic, turn-of-the-century site, but the dark space exudes a hip, contemporary look. Behind a sturdy, reclaimed wood bar, baristas make every drink to order from siphon brewing systems---looking like they belong in a mad scientist’s lab---or custom-built Synesso espresso machines. The staff was trained by Intelligentsia’s Michael Phillips, a World Barista Champion, and some good pastries from Bottega Louie and Cake Monkey bakeries are available for pairing with the top-drawer coffees and teas. Catering company Heirloom LA provides flatbreads, salads and lasagna “cupcakes” for noshing, along with convenient bagged lunches.
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Splurging at top-rated restaurants is fun for special events, but where can you go for a good quality meal that won't break the bank? Gather the change out of your piggy bank and sofa cushions and take it to one of our selections for the best cheap eats in your area.
