Co-owner Mike de la Rocha likes to describe Tepito Coffee as “rooted in Mexico, poured in Pasadena.” The warm and welcoming coffee shop makes the stuffy streets of Old Town feel like Whittier Boulevard in East L.A. on a Sunday morning. Through the process of what they consider reverse gentrification, they’re on a crusade to build community through coffee for the Latino population in Pasadena and the neighbors willing to experience it.

Tepito translates to “small temple” in the Nahuatl. For them to identify as Indigenous and Chicano and exist within Vroman’s, the historic independent bookstore in Pasadena, is a fantastic reality. Their name and carefully crafted drinks are evidence of holding themselves responsible by embracing the teachings of their ancestorsin their recipes.

By meeting weekly with their coffee producer, Pecora 19º09’ from Veracruz, they’re serious about their “farm to cup” mission: “Our visions can only happen if they’re running at the pace of the land.” Order their Adelita Latte, brewed with their Warrior House Coffee, cinnamon, star anise, orange peel and piloncillo, paying homage to the warrior women who fought in the Mexican Revolution.