Zeli Coffee Bar

Smoothest mocha in a while and a very personable and caring staff. Next one I’m in the neighborhood, I’m definitively stopping by. The establishment is also very clean and not crowded like other coffee houses.

I have been here 3 times because it’s close to my work and I wanted to give them another chance and I’m sad to report that each visit has been a disappointment.
I feel like their way of pricing is unethical and dishonest. You walk in and their prices are covered up on their menu board with tacky white pieces of paper so that you can’t see the price until they physically hand you a menu. It’s been over 2 years! You’ve had enough time to properly update that menu board!
Their prices are WAY more expensive than starbucks and not even decent quality.
Their coffee is basic. I tried ordering just a bagel last time. I asked how often they change out their pastries and they informed me «everyday,» however; when I took a bite of the bagel it was STALE. It was over $ 4!
The only good aspect of the place is the seating. Very spacious and cozy. But I honestly don’t know how they are still in business with the practices they run

Love there coffee! Especially the ice blended mocha! And the workers are great very fast and friendly!

What an unexpected little gem in La Canada! I recently stopped in here for afternoon coffee and pastries with friends, and was delighted. It’s a really cool, cozy coffee shop with low lighting and beautiful murals on the walls and unique furniture.
Our lattes were very good (there are LOTS of different flavors/​blends of coffee to choose from — impressive!) and our pastries were to die for! We had the lemon poppyseed cake, the marble cake, and the cranberry scone — all delicious! Buyers beware — if you get a slice of cake, you won’t be disappointed by the portion (HUGE), although I can’t say I wasn’t disappointed in myself for finishing the whole thing! Zeli also offers cookies, cheesecake, biscotti, muffins, etc. so good luck trying to resist all of that when you swing by for coffee!

Visited 1÷8÷2016
I rarely purchase anything here because I prefer the selection at Starbucks or Coffee Bean, but my kids really like their drinks here.
What I really like about this place is the seating areas. Looks very inviting, inside more than outside.

Been coming here over Starbucks for the past 8 years. Extremely friendly staff and a great place for students to study and catch up

I wish their coffee was fresh. Great atmosphere. Lousy coffee. Maybe try smaller batches so by 10:00 am your coffee is not 4 hours old.

Mediocre at best. A thoroughly empty coffeeshop sounds inviting for potential studying, but take a second to wonder why…

Coffee is alright. they charge 93 cents for whipped cream and a dollar for hot water like wtf. who does that. the seating is alright but not coming here again

Cranky baristas every time I’ve been in. But cool little meeting room when you need it. Too pricey for the quality. Is it that hard to just be nice and make tea?

Nice ambiance, but minimal effort when it comes to the dining experience. I’d love to be able to get s breakfast sandwich or small salad. I’ll just settle for a stale pastry. Please make a note to the management: serving bagels but not carrying cream cheese is like serving coffee without the option of cream and sugar. Disappointing, could be so good.

The bear claw was really stale. The repeating world music can be atrocious. Still a lovely place but taking off a star.

The coffee and fare are mediocre, but I love Zeli’s because you can sit here for hours and no one cares. Whereas it lacks in the traditional coffee and baked good section, they have an excellent selection of teas and their frozen hot chocolate has a nice minty twist. In terms of service, it’s not «cheery, upbeat, at-​your-​feet all the time,» but people who expect to be catered to constantly should maybe readjust their expectations that «the customer is always right» as a self-​inflated american delusion.
(The service is always perfectly cordial by the way, even if they don’t understand when you ask for a «tall» or whatever. Zeli’s isn’t Disneyland, but I have never once had anyone be outright rude to me, and they have always been willing to fix and mistakes or inadequacies when asked. Just because it’s a new standard that everyone in our food service industries are supposed to be the sunshine in our day, food service workers are people too and they can’t just be happy for you, oh treasured customer, all the time! It’s infuriating to see people give bad reviews to a good place because they themselves are difficult customers, or have unreasonable expectations! I would recommend Zeli’s to anyone who’s looking for a quiet place to relax for a couple hours.)

I appreciate the fact that Zeli’s is a small, independent run coffee shop in a world of Starbucks and Coffee Beans — places which I’d rather not give my money to. With that said however, independent should not mean bad service and extraordinarily expensive prices. I almost feel like I’m inconveniencing the people working there by giving them my order. Two coffees and two thin, pencil-​like pastries called «Pecan Stix» cost almost $ 15. I wish there were more independent coffee shops in this area so I didn’t have to choose between supporting a small business and getting a good price/​good service elsewhere.

I cannot find two more unfriendly servers than the couple who work on Saturday mornings. I don’t know whether they own the place or whether they were pulled out of the parking lot to work and told to be as surly, unsmiling and critical as they could.
I made the mistake of asking for a «tall» cup of coffee and was looked at dumbfoundedly, for at least 30 seconds, until the server said, «you mean a small coffee, right.» Okay, so I used the language of Starbucks! I apologize profusely.
But because I shop every Saturday at Gelson’s next door, you can be sure I am directing others to the small, friendly and forgiving coffee bar in that store where they don’t care how you ask for your cup; The Baristas there just want to be sure you have a fresh coffee and a nice day.

As far as coffee goes, Zeli’s delivers a strong drink regardless of what you order– keep in mind everything is quite expensive (my boyfriend and I ordered two almond mochas with a piece of cake and a muffin and it was $ 21).
Their deserts are alright, but are usually stale since they do keep things a little longer than considered fresh. The times I have gone here the female employees have always been kind, but the male who usually makes my drinks can make things a bit uncomfortable. To say the least he isn’t the friendliest.
Overall, give it a try if your a coffee fan– for all you know this place might become you ideal spot. As for me I rather keep my money.

I’ve come here on and off for years. I love their selection of teas. I also like their coffees. The service is usually quick and friendly.
I was slightly annoyed, though, when I asked for a large ice water with my coffee and they only gave me a tiny cup with no lid. It was a really hot day and I would have appreciated a larger cup, especially since I was a paying and tipping customer.

Zeli’s is a great local coffee shop that’s well known to long-​term residents but pretty much flies under anyone else’s radar. I’ve been frequenting this place since I was in middle school and still enjoy stopping in for a frozen hot chocolate from time to time. I never really deviate from the frozen hot chocolate because it’s the perfect refreshment for a chocolate lover like myself. The consistency is never too icy or too runny and the taste is wonderfully creamy with a minty aftertaste. I love it because it reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream in delightful ice blended form.
I also find Zeli’s to be a great study/​work spot. There is ample seating indoors with comfortable seat cushions and a more private room with a larger table tucked away in the back of the shop. While there is pretty consistent customer traffic throughout the day, I find that the noise level and general atmosphere is more conducive to getting work done than, let’s say, the local Starbucks,. The ambience is bright and cheerful, with plenty of natural light streaming in through large glass windows.
I can’t comment on the pastries and other assorted food offerings, as I have never tried them, but I’ve always had a positive experience at Zeli’s and would recommend.

Prices have gone up! A small drip coffee $ 2.23! On top of the poor quality to-​go cup/​lids. Will not be coming here any more.
Try the hazelnut coffee at Panera just a few blocks up! Sign up for the panera card and you get free pastries, bagels, coffee periodically. AND they give out plastic sticks to plug the opening on the lid so it doesn’t splash out!!!

This quaint, feel-​good, artistic coffee shop is what we need more of. Can’t believe I hadn’t been there for a year. Must get out of mainstream coffee places and encourage these coffee houses more!
The price is also unbelievable. We had two mochas (huge) and a cappuccino (huge) and a super large piece of cake and biscotti for all under twenty dollars. Seated in a beautiful décor — … so nice!
Large parking lot, outdoor seating, and a fairly decent service. They are doing their job, and keeping the place clean. I am sure it’s owned by family and you know it’s not too customer service oriented. BUT we are to have our coffee enjoy it and leave. I am sure they put up with a lot. Hence, I look at it as I am a guest, (paying guest) but still.
Go and try them, we need to support local little coffee shops. They have that unique café experience. Feel it!