Buster’s Coffee

Had to give this place 5 stars!
Got of the train at about 7:20 am, and I remembered this stop had food. I actually need to get on the other train, since only every other train actually goes to my stop.
I quickly compared reviews at the light, decided to make the cross even though I wanted to make the next train coming in ~6 minutes. The owner (I assume) was super friendly! I got a cup of China jasmine tea and an almond croissant. She showed me some nifty bags I can use for my loose leafs at home (score). And the almond croissant is deliciously, perfectly flakey and crispy… AND I made the next train. WIN!
Will definitely be back.

Clearly an establishment resting on their (long expired) laurels…
Be prepared for an unfriendly counter staff — especially the young dark-​haired short girl this morning. I just don’t understand the attitude from the get go — what is the purpose? Makes me feel that I personally am not welcome as soon as I walk up to the counter. No smile or even attempt at common politeness, no «what can I get you», just a curt «can I help you?». To say she was rude by default would be a compliment.
Food and drinks are overpriced for the quality (defrosted pastries), but then this is South Pasadena.
With several other coffee places right across the street, I’d rather spend my money at them from this point forward.

I have been coming here for years now. My friend and I usually come to study or just to get something to drink. They have outdoor tables and chairs, inside they have seating and they also have an upstairs area if you need to use your computer to do work. They have a public restroom upstairs as well.
They have a good selection of coffees, tea, smoothies and ice cream as well. There is usually a wait because it is a smaller place and not as many staff. I always order the PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS which consists if: a banana, soy milk, peanut butter a dive blended. Sooooo yummy! It is $ 5.75 so it’s not cheap, but definitely tasty. I can’t confirm about their coffee since I don’t order it. You can pay ash or card as well. There are a lot of regulars that come here.
Only annoying thing is they are right by the train tracks so the metro is constantly coming and going.

Every Fall, I go on a hard target search for pumpkin flavored lattes. I’m a little surprised it took me so long to try Buster’s. Had I found it sooner, my yearly quest would have come to an abrupt end.
Yes, this pumpkin latte is one of the best I’ve had. It was subtle and creamy and perfectly crafted. It wasn’t over the top with sweetness or overpowered with spicy flavor. I guess my ideal pumpkin drink concoction should have just a kiss of pumpkin. I still want to be able to taste the espresso and milk. Kudos to the barista for pulling off the leaf design with steamed almond milk. Bonus points for going the coffeehouse route, serving drinks in an eclectic collection of mugs.
The bakery items were all pretty tempting. There was a deep dish blueberry pie I had my eye on, but the barista suggested I go with my other (seasonal) choice, the persimmon bundt cake, since the pie was a year round staple. The bundt was moist and perfectly sweet. The spiced flavor complimented my pumpkin latte well. It really was the best choice.
Seating is available upstairs, but we sat outside and listened to the trains. It was too beautiful an afternoon to spend indoors.

Wife and I use to come here before coffee shops like Starbucks and others became the trend. This shop is in an historic building and the ambience hasn’t changed over time. The shop is always cleaned by the staff, tables are wiped down constantly as well as the beautiful window sills. Yes it can be cramped and it is small but that is the charm if busters. The coffee and food is good, I had the vegetables quiche which was fresh and delicious. If you have the opportunity stop by you won’t be disappointed.

I went here with my boyfriend and brother because I thought it was such a cute coffee shop but wow was I disappointed. There were two younger women working and they had the worst customer service I’ve ever received. They were mocking my brother right in front of us like we wouldn’t notice. He asked for a large coffee with some room for cream and they acted like he was stupid for asking, it was so uncomfortable. I won’t be coming here anymore and it’s so disappointing because this place has such potential.

Friendly owner. Good coffee. Great quiche. Great berry pie.

Very cramped ordering area, unfriendly service (every time I come here the employees seem to be complaining about the guests or each other) unless you know them personally (then they are very outgoing and nice). Decent coffee, good cookies.
There are a few other places within a block that I’d prefer before coming back here.

Great and very cool place. Excellent employees. Great drinks and pastries. Has a very cool vibe and is right next to the Mission/​South Pasadena train stop.

Cute two story fun coffee shop! Park on the street, stroller access a little difficult. Great latte!

My favorite place to get Fosselman’s ice cream! This is a nice family-​run operation that I’ve been patronizing for years.

I really like there antique «home-​like» architecture, it really resembles South Pasadena heritage. The location is very strategic, a good place to hang out with friends with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. Price is very affordable. Among all of the coffee places that I’ve been in LA, this place serves the best coffee with the most affordable price. I’ll definitely going back to this place. That guy barista with long hair knows how to make a good coffee. There were many dirty tables when I came tho, so it took a while for me to find a clean table.
Coffee: * * * * *
Location: * * * * *
Service: * * * * *
Ambience: * * * * *
Cleanness: * * *
Sorry I finished the cappuccino before I took a picture of it.

A quaint coffee shop on Mission St in South Pas, right next to the Goldline stop. The place is right out of a movie scene, so cute situated middle of South Pas, with a small town vibe, nice indoor and outdoor seating. The coffees and teas are so yummy, much better than Starbucks, and they also serve ice cream for the little ones. If you’re in the area, looking for a charming place for coffee date, this place is highly recommended. One star off is for the lack of parking, only street parking is available.

I came here a few months ago to get ice cream with my husband and I found it to be a mediocre experience. It’s a rather small place, so we found a nice corner on the first floor to sit. They have a stern rule of laptop using ONLY on the second floor, which I found interestingly odd.
They serve Fosselman’s ice cream here, which I can get in Alhambra as well. However, it seems that their prices are a little higher here than the original Fosselman’s location. I believe I paid about $ 4 – 5 a scoop, a little hefty if you ask me. Service was also non-​existent, not friendly or warm in any sense.
I did not try the coffee, so I do not have a commentary on that. My husband used to come here in his earlier years and is nostalgic, so that’s why he took me. Otherwise I probably wouldn’t walk into this joint on my own.

This is a really cute place. There’s seats in doors or outdoors. The restroom is located upstairs. The scenery is goes well with this coffee place and let’s not forget about their drinks, it was great as well.

I’ve always seen this place on my Metro Gold Line rides and have thought it was such a cute little spot in South Pas, but haven’t been until recently.
Order from the front and they give your a number and will bring your order out to you if you plan to have it there… Otherwise, you can have it to go.
People don’t just come here for the coffee, but they have a list of ice cream and sandwiches to enjoy as well. I ordered the affogato (vanilla bean ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over). I enjoyed it while seated outside on the sidewalk on a nice crisp sunny morning after it had rained the night before. Santa even made an appearance in an Oldsmobile type car tossing out candy and spreading Christmas joy, lol… He was popular with the parents and children who were in the area.
The interior of the building appears small when you’re at the front ordering, but there is an upstairs area where people can sit and chat. The restrooms are also upstairs, which had a nice little window looking outside to the train tracks, lol.
Three stars bc I only tried their coffee and I would like to try their food.
Lots of families with small children and people of all ages congregated the area. I would probably prefer sitting outside than inside, especially on s nice day.

I enjoyed my cup of Vienna coffee & Berry Cobbler. My total was $ 8.99. Nice atmosphere, soft music playing on a background. It gives this place a special laid back vibe. Girls that work here are nice & smiley, they are helping people faster as the line is getting longer. Tables were clean which is nice. Overall it’s a good spot for coffee drinkers. Maybe next time I’ll put scoop of ice-​cream into my coffee *big smile* hehe and by the way extra points for their great location right next to a train station.

Buster’s is the original place I associate with qiant and colorful coffee shop. How can you not love the space? Theres wacky stairs and small tables up stairs and even outdoor seating. Also amazing ice cream! Duh!
Buster’s is heart warming and adorable. Go here, for whatever kind of snack you need.

Quick visit but tons of history on this street.
Buster’s is no different as it is just one piece of the history on Mission St. Long standing coffeeshop.
VISIT: Came for a hot Vanilla latte. Simple & quick to drink. Sat in the place for a good 15 – 20 min during my work break. This place has been there for decades! You can feel the authenticity the moment you walk in. That’s what seems to be the charm of that street in particular. Mission Street seems to just stay true to its history. «Why fix what’s not broken?» type of theme.
Had you never been there before, you will feel like a tourist. But it’s nice to get to know the history behind the street and be astounded by just how many of their shops have stayed standing & in business over the decades. Such loyalty in that part of town!
Heads up (s):
— Street parking. Cross your fingers & hope to be lucky! Came on a weekday just past 12PM and parking already seemed to be minimal.
— Buster’s also serves Fosselman’s ice cream! Their coffee is coffee. Plain & simple, but Fosselman’s is a great addition!

I love this place and have been going here since middle school so I give it 5 stars.
But there’s this young female employee who is so ridiculously slow. Why was she hired??? I do not know. Both times I’ve come in this past week, I unfortunately had the pleasure of being served by her. She takes ten minutes to make one smoothie and the process makes me feel like time is being stopped. I brought a friend with me and dangit, I got this server again — once she took ten minutes to make our smoothies, we watched as she paused and stood there for a few minutes. She started making someone else’s drink… while ours just sat there on the counter without covers. She then proceeded to stand there some more and play with her hair. Like what??? Please, please speak to her about being more efficient so she doesn’t waste any other customer’s time.
Still love this place though, it’s chill.

This is my favorite coffee shop in South Pasadena.
Located right on Mission, next to the train tracks (across from the Gold Line Mission stop); its central downtown South Pasadena. The place looks like a throwback to a quaint coffee shop in a sleepy town. Actually, places still look like this all over the midwest, but its hard to find these spots in LA.
There’s free street parking, along the street in front.
The décor is eclectic/​hipster. I’ve sat inside (upstairs & downstairs), but I prefer outside. Its shaded and you can watch the activity & trains.
The place sells sandwiches, pastries & ice cream. They always look good, but I’ve managed to avoid to minimize caloric intake.
So the drinks I’ve had here:
Hazelnut Latte-​Better than Starbucks.
Chai Tea Latte-​Their chai is very good.
They serve the drinks in unique glassware, which I love.
I’d be there more often, if only, my dog wasn’t afraid of the train.

If you’re looking for an alternative Starbucks coffee, this is the place.
Coffee is strong & customer service is awesome!
This place is literally right next to the train tracks, but the train slows down while passing the street.

I’ve been coming to Buster’s pretty regularly since last September. My wife is particularly fond of the milk shakes, which they can make in any flavor of ice cream they have available. They also have great pies and other deserts. I’ve never tried the sandwiches or food, so I can’t speak on them.
The service is always friendly, and I’m particularly fond of the register system they use, which emails a copy of my receipt to me.
The thing I really like about Buster’s, however, is what, for me, really defines a coffee shop, and that’s seating and wi-​fi. There are two floors for seating, with the entire second floor designated for laptop users. There is also an outdoor seating area, which is popular with pet owners.
Lastly, the wi-​fi here is good. In fact, I’m typing this review on it, and I have a solid connection.

Buster’s is fun. Buster’s is cool. The berry cobbler alone brings me back time and time again. I love the view from upstairs facing the street. Great for writing the all American novel. Within a stone’s throw is the Goldline Station, history museum (Meridian Iron Works), and Farmers Market every Thursday evening. Behind Buster’s across the tracks is the Century House made famous in the movie Halloween as Jason’s family home. Around the corner is the home where CGI special effects are created for the popular «The Walking Dead» series.
Everyday is a lovely day at Buster’s sitting with a cup of coffee and a sandwich gazing out the window at one of the most familiar scenes of small town America in the world. You will enjoy a cold or hot drink, slice of pie, or ice cream in utter peace and harmony at this café.

Cute place to sit & enjoy a cup of coffee and/​or a slice of pie.
I ordered a slice of blueberry pie & an affogato… The cashier replied to my order, «someone has a sweet tooth.» As to my embarrassment, she then compliments my hair… I do have a sweet tooth that I need to work on, but the comment made me feel a little bad about my order.
The pie was delicious, i loved the streusel on the top along with the fresh blueberries. The affogato had a strong coffee and delicious vanilla ice cream to lighten it up a bit. I will be back, but I hope the staff does not comment on my sweet tooth again.

What a great place to study! Cozy, delicious coffee and snacks. The owners are so sweet. I’m glad I stopped by and I will be back again!

I’m updating my review to a five stars one because after visiting this place so many times, I can now comfortably say that Buster’s is my go-​to place for coffee.
I had my hot vanilla latte (again) which was so delicious – they are consistent about how good their product is, and I like consistency.
Boyfriend ordered small drip coffee, black – stronger today, but hey, who’s complaining about stromg coffee?
Got the herb cream cheese on sesame bagel today: OMG. Omg. Omg. I’m in heaven. This thing is SO good!!! Argh I wish I could have this for breakfast every day.
Lastly, the service was impeccable. Shoutout to the nice guy in glasses and a Marvel t shirt for being so damn nice and kind.
Come here if you want awesome possum service, good atmosphere vibes, comfort, and delicious food. Yum.