Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery
Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is a delightful little gem tucked away at 1029 Foothill Blvd, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011. This charming spot is more than just a cafe; it's a haven for book lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Known for its cozy atmosphere and unique combination of literature and culinary delights, Penelope's provides a refreshing escape for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a well-crafted meal.
A Cozy Cafe with Delicious Offerings
The menu at Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is a blend of comforting, hearty dishes that keep customers coming back. The cafe's specialties include crispy paninis, fresh salads, and flavorful soups, all made with the finest ingredients. One standout item is the panini, crispy on the outside with a warm, savory filling that satisfies every time. Paired with a hot, robust latte, it's a combination that seems to have won the hearts of many. In addition to the paninis, the cafe offers generous portions of soup and salad combos, perfect for those looking for a light yet filling meal. For dessert, you can indulge in their lemon bars, a true crowd favorite—tangy, sweet, and absolutely delicious.
A Relaxed and Inviting Atmosphere
The ambiance at Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is one of its most unique features. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a longer stay, the cafe offers a welcoming and homely environment. Guests can enjoy outdoor seating under umbrellas on the small patio, making it ideal for sunny days or casual meetups. Inside, the decor is tastefully adorned with seasonal items like fall, Easter, and Christmas decorations, available for purchase. It's this attention to detail and charming decor that gives the cafe a cozy, intimate feel.
Excellent Service with a Personal Touch
What truly sets Penelope’s apart is the warm service that adds a personal touch to every visit. Customers often highlight the friendly and welcoming staff, like Edith, who is praised for her cheery greeting and attentive service. The staff makes an effort to create a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and valued. It's clear from customer feedback that the service contributes significantly to the overall experience, leaving guests with a smile every time they visit.
Family-Friendly and Convenient for All
Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is not just for solo visitors or couples—it’s also a fantastic spot for families and groups. The cafe is good for kids, with a relaxed dress code and a menu that caters to all ages. Whether you’re grabbing lunch or having a casual dinner, Penelope’s offers a welcoming environment for everyone. The cafe is also equipped with amenities that make it convenient for different lifestyles, including free Wi-Fi, bike parking, and ample parking options—both street and private lot.
An Ideal Spot for Relaxing Lunches and More
With its casual dress code, delicious menu, and peaceful ambiance, Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is a great option for anyone looking for a relaxed lunch or a quiet place to read and unwind. Whether you're popping in for a cup of coffee, enjoying a panini, or just spending time in a cozy environment surrounded by books, this cafe ensures a memorable experience every time. The combination of great food, attentive service, and a cozy atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Why Penelope’s Continues to Shine
In short, Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery is a standout spot that offers much more than just a meal. The food is delicious, the service is warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful, enjoyable experience. From the great selection of paninis and desserts to the charming bookish vibe, it’s clear why this cafe has become a favorite in La Canada Flintridge. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s easy to see why Penelope’s continues to earn praise and remain a beloved spot for food and relaxation.
Reviews
What a quaint and cute little cafe. This is truly a hidden gem, with excellent food and wonderful staff. The atmosphere is very welcoming & homely. Me and my mother absolutely loved our soup, salad and sandwich combo. Huge portions and wonderful pricing (considering the size) for dessert we ordered lemon bars. Omg!! Talk about delicious, these bars literally make your mouth salivate because of that lemony tang. So so good! Definitely worth visiting. *My advice is call ahead and reserve a seat. Because it gets busy and they take reservations
This place has a small patio with umbrellas. Upon entering the place you see cute stuff such as fall or Easter, Christmas decorations to buy if interested. The sandwiches that we ordered were really good. But we didn't really enjoy our soups. The service could have been a little better as we felt a little uncomfortable to ask questions due to the way the lady would respond. Overall, it is a chill and peaceful place to sit and eat your meal. The prices are reasonable too!
Came to Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery after a hike and service was so gracious to serve us 30 minutes before closing. My hiking friends and I were a party of 6, so it was very cool of the restaurant to provide such prompt, kind service near closing hours. Ordered the pastrami sandwich on sourdough with a salad and side of ranch dressing. Food was decent and served promptly. Camera didn't eat much (lol), as I felt slightly rushed due to the restaurants closing time. Interior is pretty cute with books everywhere. Indoor and outdoor seating here. Parked along the street for free.
My family and I love Penelope's Cafe. It is a charming beautiful oasis to dine at. It was design with great detail of warmth and love, and one can truly enjoy it. Penelope and her staff are wonderful and welcoming. The ambiance is relaxing and one can take the time to enjoy and romance one's meal, without feeling rush. Edith's suggestions like always are delicious choices. In the kitchen, kudos to Kelly for making wonderful salads and Matt for his expertise of preparing delicious and mouthwatering sandwiches. It was simply perfect! To our great friends Linda, Larry and David, thank you for introducing us to this lovely place.
Yes I'm back. Couldn't resist another crispy panini accompanied by a fantastically robust and piping hot latte. Thank you Edith for your cheery greeting and service! My associate throughly enjoyed her salad