Kayla Johnston  |  Contributing Writer 

If you are looking for somewhere to get away to do homework and drink delicious coffee, but don’t want to keep visiting the usual spots—Starbucks, Classic, Klatch—then Lavender & Honey, which made its debut this summer, is the place for you.

As much as I love the accessibility of nearby coffee shops, sometimes we all just need a break. Lavender & Honey is the perfect place to actually get work done without seeing 500 familiar faces.

Located about 15 minutes west of APU in North Pasadena, the coffee shop is nestled under a brick building on a small-town street corner. There is a free parking lot just to the left, which a gift straight from the Lord in comparison to most Pasadena or LA hotspots.

If you want to het a good seat then come after the morning coffee rush. The inside of Lavender & Honey, while beautiful, is fairly small. I’ve found that it’s best for individual rather than group study sessions, as there is plenty of both indoor and outdoor seating, but small tables.

Now the most important part… What to order!

Before doing absolutely anything else, yes, even before coffee, order yourself a slice (or five) of the Lavender Honey Toast. Oh my gosh. I have been talking about it for days. At $3 a piece, it seems like a lot to ask for toast, but it will all make sense after your first bite. Sourdough bread piled high with goat cheese, honey drizzle, and fresh lavender. What more could you want? They offer other toasts and pastries, but who cares.

As for the coffee, I ordered an iced Honeybee Latte—espresso, milk, and honey. It was all kinds of delicious, but very sweet. So if you’re one of “those” who like your coffee black, it may not be the drink for you. If you’re anything like me and enjoy the taste of creamer more than coffee, then you’re set. I’ve heard great things about the chai tea and lavender lattes, so you should probably set aside time for a few trips.

You won’t be disappointed!