4. Restaurants

Catalina Coffee Co

126 N Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
  • (310) 318-2499
  • Store is closed

Catalina Coffee Co Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Redondo Beach for healthy meals suggestion.

Cinnabon ( 1815 Hawthorne Blvd,Ste 369 )

Visit below restaurant in Redondo Beach for healthy meals suggestion.

Cinnabon ( 1815 Hawthorne Blvd,Ste 369 )

  • Melanie C.

    It's hard to find a good coffeehouse that you can really hang out and lounge around in for hours, and this place fits the bill. The fact that they roast their own coffee fresh is a huge bonus, although it smells like popcorn or burnt toast in there and you'll leave smelling like that (strangely, the roasting coffee doesn't really smell like coffee). Also, the first cup of coffee I got was pretty much lukewarm-to-cold. They happily brewed up a fresh batch though and I was satisfied (not thrilled, but satisfied) on their second attempt. The dessert selection and quality are standard, it's not a gourmet bakery - they need something to go with the coffee though, right? Sucks that they don't have free wifi. I'd normally just give this place 3 stars based on the coffee/food/wifi thing, but since it offers such a rare loungey environment, it gets upgraded 1 notch to 4.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    This is a cute coffee house with good coffee and tea and lots of seating. There is a nice sized patio in the front and inside there are lots of cozy chairs and sofas. I usually go here when I'm meeting up with a friend on a lazy weekend morning. The staff is not always very friendly, but they always get my drinks right! I've never had any of the food, so I cannot comment on that. If you're looking for a nice neighborhood coffee house with good drinks and a nice atmosphere, this is your place...

    (4)

  • Cyndy J.

    LOVE love love this place! Know those places that just make you feel good being there? This is one of those! Cozy places to curl up with their perfect chai, or sit outside in the sunshine. Really yummy veggie sandwich and my favorite Cobb Salad (they make it for me without meat)--apples, candied walnuts, and other salady things with an appley creamy dressing. I have driven from the Marina to Redondo for this salad. Yummers.

    (5)

  • Greg W.

    By far one of the best coffeehouses i've ever been to! It has a very comfortable atmosphere to go and talk, read a book(they have plenty to choose from on the wall if you don't have your own), or sketch. The furniture is GREAT!!!...it's always a crapshoot as to the comfort level of a seat since they are all different. The whole place has an overall excellent vibe to relax. It's a hidden gem in the southbay...

    (5)

  • Ryan B.

    What a great place to have a Chess Game! I think i didn't leave for hours after discovering the place... After 3 visits back, I'm happy to say the quality of the coffee is consistant, the service is helpful, and the interior is clean! WiFi is free, bring your LapTop! The only drawback is that the prices are about 10% higher than some other coffee shops in the area. Overall this is a very nice location with easy parking that is nice to relax in.

    (4)

  • Lillian K.

    Catalina Coffee is all about the ambiance. It is extremely quaint with comfortable couches and bookshelves filled with random books one can read. Another cute asset are the tables that function also as chessboards, with huge chess pieces that anyone can enjoy. The coffee is delicious and the turkey sandwich on multigrain bread is very tasty-- very clean and simple. It's a great place to go to enjoy a good book alone or to sit for hours on end with a friend whom you've lost touch with. Another great thing about Catalina Coffee is the plentiful parking. As you may or may not know, the Redondo/Hermosa/Manhattan areas all require meter parking, but the parking lot alotted to the cafe comes in handy! However, a drawback is that the WiFi is not free and must be purchased. Overall, the cafe is a great quaint place to enjoy a nice relaxing morning, afternoon, evening, or night... although I enjoy the cafe most during the night time.

    (4)

  • lia s.

    The best Cobb Salad I've ever had. Not your traditional Cobb. Their homemade dressing is to die for. Order before noon, they typically run out of one or two of the many items they put in.

    (5)

  • Andy M.

    terrific spot for sunday morning coffee that sure as hell beats the paper-cup-offering alternatives.

    (4)

  • Catherine R.

    Scone and cappuchino!!!! Love this friendly comfortable coffee house! Definitely will be back!

    (5)

  • Pierce D.

    I used to live in San Diego and went to a coffee shop called The Living Room. I moved to the South Bay and was searching forever for a place similar. I found it in Catalina Coffee Co. The staff is super friendly and the drinks are on point. I haven't had anything to eat there other than a scone, yet, but everything I see come out of the kitchen looks awesome. Highly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Sara C.

    Cute place but whats with no AC? On a HOT day like the day we went, i was seriously feeling toasty in there. sure they've got ceiling fans...but it really didnt make that much of a difference. I really like that they have super comfy couches in the library area but there are no outlets there. so no bueno if you need to charge anything. Coffee is ok, nothing special to talk about. The staff....well, one of the guys working there isnt the friendliest....very emotionless and seems like he's just going through the motions there. Can't say much for the others because I didn't get to interact with them but for a coffee shop, they should really train employees to be more friendly and upbeat. wifi.....ugh, so its free. its available...but only in spurts. the internet kept cutting out which was a hassle because me and my colleagues were there trying to get some work done which requires being online and we kept having to wait for the internet to come back on. quite a nusance. if you're lucky, you may get a parking spot in their private lot, otherwise find street parking (some are metered).

    (3)

  • Jeff G.

    Catalina Coffee has been a great place for myself and my family to enjoy for years (and many more years to come)! They have great food, a very bike-friendly location and coffee is their middle name! Keep up the good work guys...thx! :)

    (5)

  • Brian H.

    Updating my review from 5 stars to 3 stars because things have gone downhill since 2013 or so. The service is particularly to blame. Most of the baristas are not friendly; no smile, no greeting, no "thank you." They're not rude per se, but it just feels like taking my order is beneath their level of coolness. Catalina used to have such sincerely friendly people working there, I'm not sure why they've all been replaced by aloof hipsters. The coffee is still good (roasted on-site!), as is most of the food (cinnamon rolls aren't nearly as good), but the experience isn't the same. They have only one cash register and it can take 20 mins just to place an order on busy days. The display case for pastries often has flies inside. The WiFi, which used to be decent when it was a paid service, is now slow and unreliable. At least it's free now, which is what everyone wanted...yay. I used to LOVE Catalina and visited several times per week for years, but not anymore. They may have the advantage of a fireplace and many comfy sofas, but for better quality product and faster/friendlier service, I now prefer Saks on the Beach about a mile farther south.

    (3)

  • Chris N.

    This is my current favorite place in the world. So on a day out expedition to a used bookstore in Torrance, my girlfriend suddenly wanted coffee (which she pretty much always wants), so we decided to check this place out. Little did I know that we would find paradise. Forget about every other type of coffee shop ever. You know how in Friends the Central Perk has legit sofas and couches instead of uncomfortable plastic chairs like most other places you'd find out here? This is just like that, except HUGE. There is so much space in here and every single corner is the most comfortable getaway you could imagine. There is a fireplace and multiple chessboards about the setup (and one GIANT Scrabble board). Some of the walls are lined with bookshelves, with actual books! I didn't get to check any of them out since I had my own book at the time, but I'm secretly hoping it works as a book exchange. The menu was great and fun (albeit a little pricey, but worth it). I had a Dirty Swede bagel sandwich. The cream cheese on it is the perfect compliment to the turkey and bacon they use in it. Plus how can you go wrong with anything on an everything bagel. I finished it off with a slice of their New York cheesecake, which had sour cream in it. SO DELICIOUS! You'll want to pair it with something hot (maybe a hot chocolate). The staff is also pretty chill. I took my shoes off to relax and they didn't seem to mind at all. If you have a book that you really want to read and need a place to do it, this is the spot. Hands down, the homiest cafe I've ever visited.

    (5)

  • Weihan C.

    The only reason why I gave four stars is the lack of free Wi-Fi, otherwise this place is awesome. And if you if love coffee, this is definitely a place for you. A stone's throw away from the beach, it's got everything a coffee shop should have. Outside of the great in-house roasted coffee, there's plenty of table space with varying types of chairs, electrical outlets, sufficient table space, and indoor or patio seating. Great place to read a book or hang out with friends as a final destination or a stop off before or after the beach. If you're local and haven't been here yet, you're missing out.

    (4)

  • Marisa F.

    This place has a nice atmosphere, lots of seating and lots of parking. I was a bit disapponted because my hubby and I went there after lunch for a cup o' joe and a sweet snack to split only to find almost nothing yummy goodey and delicious looking in their big glass case. We had to setttle on some average looking pecan bar. The coffee was good but like another reviewer said, a bit more pricey than those 'chain joints'. Two medium cups of coffee and a pecan bar was 7 bucks. The menu looked pretty good and I think I'm going to go back to try the food. Make sure you keep a look out for the update!

    (3)

  • Jeff K.

    i am all about local coffee houses and try my best to stay away from starbucks and the gang. i am a sucker for unique chairs and couches, and this lovely spot as lots of them. oh yeah...the coffee is pretty good too. if you want a mellow spot near the beach to read, study, write, doodle, or hang out with friends for no reason what-so-ever, this is the place to be. so grab a book (if you don't have any because you are poor, its okay...there are plenty of books there!), your studying materials, paper and a pen(cil)/laptop with your creative ideas, or just call your friends and head on over to catalina coffee co.

    (5)

  • claudia r.

    This cafe is a little jewel...its so cute...love it in the winter on a saturday evening when raining...love it on summer day...its great...the "living room" feel makes you want to stay there for long...the smell of ground coffee is awesome...their catalina salad is to die for! Mexicali tortilla soup, so good! I asked the barista where they got the name for this soup and she didn't know...she didn't even know there is a city named Mexicali...I think I am the only one that knows up here cause I was born there! LOL! Anyhows, soup is great, try it! The coffee is great too...go there study, read, relax, take a date, take a friend go alone it doesn't matter...just enjoy =)

    (5)

  • mandy r.

    Definitely the best coffee house in the area, in terms of ambience and comfyness. The giant coffee roasting machine reminds me of the little engine that could. I cant vouch for the coffee as Im a tea drinker (diet coke actually, which they don't have, be forewarned its some weird natural diet coke imitation...ikk!) I rode my bike here from Hermosa today and got some studying done and had a decent salad and tuna sandwich, with a kick-ass pickle! My friend had the choc. chip cookie and said it was the best of her life. There should be more places like this around here. The staff is very friendly and attentive and they have great outdoor chilling areas as well. The only bummer is that wi-fi is not free. If you love giant chess boards that double as coffee tables you will so be in your element...

    (4)

  • Melanie E.

    Love this place! Cozy and great coffee.

    (4)

  • Angela T.

    Met my favorite coffee shop. It's big, it's clean, it's comfortable--and it's perfect for ease dropping. You see, comfy environments make people feel like they're safe at home, and then they'll start talking (loudly) about everything! Sometimes I'm amused, like when I overhead an older Match.com couple meeting for the first time. They talked about world travel, their latest divorce and how their kids grew-up to be perfect. Sometimes I'm mildly offended, like the time I shared a couch with two teenagers plotting a hell-fire-and-brimstone religious intervention for their 'lesbian' 'friend.' When the coffee shop gets too rancorous, and sometimes it does, I put in ear plugs and read happily as I sip one of the South Bay's best deliciously spiced chai lattes (yeah, they have vanilla too). Don't think my time at the coffee shop is all leisure and laziness, I mean, a lot of multitasking and coordination goes into it. They use big, wide, coffee cup bowls for their drinks. Do you know how hard it is to sip a piping hot drink without spilling or losing your place on page 453, paragraph 2, sentence 8? It's difficult my friend, difficult. But so worth it. So worth it to get some alone time out the house, engrossed in a book, drinking a high quality beverage, all without adding paper cups to a landfill. You should come out and try it, in fact bring an extremely gossipy friend and sit towards the back, where I'm most likely to overhear the latest dirt.

    (5)

  • Toby N.

    Old School Coffee house.... Good coffee, good pastries. Lot of locals go there and if you are a visitor try it out! Just make sure you tan yourself before you go in.. :) Atmosphere makes you want to talk and stay. Too bad they are only open till 10:00 PM.

    (4)

  • Albert V.

    When I took my wife to the Catalina Coffee Company for the first time, she mentioned that it reminded her of "Central Perk" from Friends. Admittedly I am a Starbucks junkie, but going to Catalina Coffee was such a refreshing change of pace. I loved it! I've never seen a coffee shop with so many COUCHES to plop down on. There's a tremendous character and uniqueness to this place - well worth visiting for your latte fix.

    (5)

  • Jen M.

    I love reading and working at this coffee shop. While the couches and armchairs are a bit worn looking and the wifi is imperfect and paid, it is all worth feeling comfy and cozy while I read a book and sip my tea. I also like supporting local businesses over large chains. I love the food here because it is fresh and simple and healthy- like having a home prepared salad or sandwich without having to prepare it myself. I recommend to Cobb Salad, Side Salad with Oil an Vinegar, and the chicken salad sandwich.

    (4)

  • Dan G.

    Boo. They make you pay for the wifi!!! I mean the bar up the street even has free wifi. Who makes you pay for wifi nowadays?

    (1)

  • Jansen C.

    If not for the inconsistency, and efforts to cut costs, this place would be great. A five star concept, with a 3 star execution. Both the staff attitude and the food portion size, depends on the individuals working when you arrive. Staff ranges from the genuinely upbeat, to the ""we're closing in an hour" (and I definitely wanna get outta here) attitude.Prices keep going up, and not that a great cobb salad isn't worth nearly $10, portions size can change dramatically. in an obvious effort to cut costs, hours have been tailored back to 9 pm closing, 6 pm on Sunday, a decision based purely on the bean counter (no pun intended) side of the business. Finally, they have a new location, which serves only 12 oz size coffees. When I inquired as to why, I was told that the owner was having problems finding larger size mugs from their supplier. C'mon, even the political parties can spin better than that.

    (3)

  • Scott K.

    This is a great little coffee shop to meet up before heading out to the beach. The sandwiches and salads are pretty good and the coffee is served in big mugs like you make at home. The people working there are chill but sometimes the service is really slow so relax and give yourself time to be there a while.

    (3)

  • PJ M.

    Best coffee house in SB by far. Casual, comfortable. Lots of places/spaces to sit. They don't seem to care if you stay a while. Staff can range from enthusiastic to "don't give a crappy-doo," to a slightly pretentious. Mostly the former or I wouldn't be ble to make myself go back there. Food and drinks could be better, but frankly, I've given up on finding a cafe with both good food AND a good atmosphere in the South Bay. I keep planning to make this place my second home if I am eve unemployed again....I can't wait!

    (5)

  • todd r.

    i used to like this place, but i gave up after realizing they really don't get the coffee culture. no, dear it is not an "ex-presso." my "expresso" was delivered to me in a coffee mug because they do not have any demitasse cups. what kind of coffee house does not have proper espresso cups? service and order accuracy were dismal on previous visits with friends for lunch. i'll give this place a miss and use the gaggia at home

    (2)

  • Lisa D.

    An excellent independent coffee house that seemingly caters to a nice, diverse crowd. Quiet enough to bring a laptop or book while sipping your favorite coffee drink. Or for a nice table in the afternoon sun enjoying the very best White Chocolate Mocha I have ever had. Drive past all the Starbucks and treat yourself to this little place.

    (5)

  • D S.

    It's a normal coffee shop, but the pastries are way too expensive. 2 or 3 dollars for a lemon bar, come on! It did taste good though.

    (3)

  • John S.

    I love this little coffee shop in my neighborhood. Big chairs, library, chess game,fireplace set up. A great place to grab a bite to eat, read a book, work on your laptop, meet people. I especially recommend the Catalina Turkey sandwich. People behind the counter are real friendly too.

    (5)

  • Brooke H.

    I love this place. Cozy, comfy and roomy. Not everyone is on their laptop intensely writing, so you can have a conversation and not feel like you're the only one in the room who is talking. Food-wise, I've only had a brownie--fudgey, no nuts. Very good. The drinks are sizable. My only complaint is the hot drinks are often warm, not hot, so if you're looking to nurse your latte for a while, you'll need to reheat, or order your drink extra hot.

    (4)

  • Dave M.

    coffee hang out

    (3)

  • Shannon C.

    Pros: great location, right cross street from redondo beach pier. Tons of seats (cute sofa seats), good and free wifi. I came to this place couple times during week days, weekends and had no problem finding a comfortable seat to work/chat. Cons: drinks are meh..

    (4)

  • Shelby P.

    I have been going to this coffee shop since High School- when it was Yesterday's... Then changed names and owners, as businesses tend to do so thru the years. I have always had a great cup of coffee, muffins and breakfast there always. My husband and I used to go there every weekend when we lived in Broadway. I love local coffee shops and this one is a gem. Those chocolate cappuccino muffins have a special place in my heart!

    (5)

  • Lauren C.

    I love this place, it's got a great vibe, it has super nice employees, and the patrons were friendly as well. The atmosphere is comfortable, it's great for a gathering, or a place to come and hang out and do some work or even a first meet n greet :)

    (5)

  • Kristen S.

    Adore the interior. Could sit here and sip coffee for hours. Large outdoor area. Some off street parking. Space to park bicycles. Everyone enjoyed what they had. I would return for a latte on a cold day.

    (5)

  • Wesley C.

    Really neat little coffee place, where the exterior does not match the interior.The interior reminds me of like a really old quaint library. Some older high-back chairs. Desk lamps. Wooden tables. They serve a variety of food: from pastries to sandwiches. I can't speak for the food as I only ordered an iced coffee. The coffee has a nice front taste and semi-sweet end flavor. Great place to study or just chill out. Minimum $4 for credit card use.

    (4)

  • David G.

    For several years I have been going to The Catalina Coffee Company in Redondo Beach, California. During that time I have always found a very pleasant environment where I could have tasty meals or coffee with comfortable seating accommodations. The food has always been tasty, the coffee is very good and the employees are very courteous and prompt. During my visit last week I noticed the parking lot was totally filled and I had to park one block away. Upon entering, there were almost no seats available except for the outside; it was a rather cool day and the outside seating was not an option. While surveying the interior seating I noticed that almost everyone had taken over many of the chairs, couches and alcoves while being "sprawled out" using their laptop computers. During a conversation with one of the patrons, she told me that most of the people had been in there for several hours and generally did not leave until the afternoon; it was that way most days. It appeared that there was an occasional coffee cup sitting on the table beside these people that had probably been there for hours. Sure, I could have left, but the main reason I went there was to introduce the place to my editor. I was working on an article for a travel magazine about the great little unique "non-chain/corporate" places that people should visit. Finding the disappointing change we only stayed for about 20 minutes. The Catalina Coffee Company, which used to be a nice place to have coffee, pastry or sandwich has now downgraded and become no more than a "Starbuck's" type place. I am sure that the owner's might welcome that change, especially if it generates more revenue. But, Catalina probably does not realize that they have driven away their "more high paying customers" because patrons either have problems finding parking or a place to sit and eat. Readers of this review will probably, falsely, assume that I am not a computer user. Nothing could be farther from the truth; I am probably the "ultimate techie" but I do not go to another person's business and camp out there all day with my laptop, tablet and computer cases. I believe it would not be in the best interest for his business. Nor would I go into an upscale restaurant and sit there, by myself, for hours working on my computer. I have been a professional writer and restaurant reviewer for many years and I would not and could not continue to recommend The Catalina Coffee Company as a place to have coffee or a tasty lunch meal. It is more of a place to go if one wants a "Starbuck's" environment with a different look or to hang out with other computer users--A Cyber Cafe. This place reminded me of a recent visit to Asia where people all sat in a room and worked on their computers. Previously, in the travel magazines, I had suggested The Catalina Coffee Company as a very unique place to go. Too bad that it is not the same place I previously wrote about but as a "Cyber Café--Starbuck's Type Coffee Shop" they will appeal to a certain crowd. My reviews with be informative to those seeking a computer café and a place to hang out. Those looking for a nice meal in a nice environment will be warned.

    (1)

  • Justin M.

    This place is super cool, all of the staff are awesome the cozy comfy feel of the place makes the experience even better. They make fresh sandwiches which is cool. I like turkey so I had the Turkey panini and turkey sandwich. The panini was pressed perfectly, so good. The sandwich was great also, plenty of turkey and an awesome sauce. We sat at one of the couches and had our food. The staff made sure everything was great. I'll be coming back next time I'm in the area for sure.

    (5)

  • Sierra S.

    Their Black and White Tuxedo drink (i think thats what its called- i have a terrible memory!) is delicious! both hot or ice blended, a great go-to coffee drink if you're looking for something sweet. Staff is very friendly and helpful, best service ive seen at a small coffee shop :) very chill environment if you're looking to relax by yourself, read or catch up with an old friend

    (4)

  • Sal O.

    Bad customer service. No smiles. No appreciation. Seems like the guys working today 4/17/2015 @11:09am were supposed to have their days off and were called in to work. If you're gonna be providing bad service, please don't come to work.

    (2)

  • Joyce B.

    Ellen~is your place in trouble? Seems to be in a decline the last year with service and food preparation. I'm reluctant to patronize after 10 years. Staff is not holding up their end for you!

    (2)

  • Alaine J.

    My favorite coffee shop in the South Bay! Cozy, homey, lovely. Decor feels like a cross between a library and someone's home. This place is roomy with tons of seats and a couple chairs in the middle have the giant board games available. There are outlets too for those who are working or studying. It's a little dimly lit so come during the day and sit next to a window or a lamp. Got here and there were signs saying certain areas were reserved for book clubs at a certain time - so cool. I didn't even know real book clubs still existed oops. I forget what this blended drink is called but it's supposed to be one of the strongest ones and it is so amazing. I love the touch of ground coffee beans in there for a little crunch. Yummo. Great place to work, study, chill or read a book! Parking also rocks cos they have a private lot. If that's full then there's always street parking. Staff isn't the friendliest but definitely not rude. Cashier was slow both times I've gone. Free wifi is a plus. Only one bathroom but never had to wait for it.

    (4)

  • Marissa G.

    Had an iced Americano to-go. Mom had an iced coffee. The drinks were great. Their espresso has a nice flavor and doesn't taste burnt like Starbucks. However, the two guys behind the counter were pretty rude. Guy at the register was snotty as hell. No idea what his issue was. This place is out of my way, so even though the drinks were great, I don't see myself coming back.

    (3)

  • David P.

    Very cool cozy coffee shop not your typical chain like starbucks. You feel at home with coaches and chairs along with board games which adds a nice touch., also offers typical outdoor patio area. This place offers plenty of parking as well. Pretty good selection of food options. Definitely will be back and recommend to anyone.

    (5)

  • Robert H.

    It's a very chill atmosphere here. Blocks away from the beach, there's a nice breeze. It's a good thing they keep fans going - it seems like it can get a bit stuffy in here. I like that they keep the music at a low volume. This is my third time coming here to get some work done. The overall color scheme evokes the atmosphere of browsing through a collection of classic leather-bound books in the rare books collection at a used book store, with a more social aspect to it. There are plenty of comfy mismatched couches, armchairs, and accent tables, and adorable vintage lamps. The table in front of me (probably the only one of it's kind in the cafe), reminds me of a late 19th century trunk with a pseudo-vintage map printed on top. So far, I've only tried the iced coffee. I like the flavor of their beans. They offer Sumatran and Columbian in a medium and dark roast. I believe they used a medium Columbian (Full City) roast for the iced coffee. If you like a robust, earthy quality to the roast, I think you'll like their beans. I've heard from a few customers that the food here is decent. My only issue would be the need for more vegan options. The baristas have been pleasant all three times I've come here. I think it might be even better if perhaps they took another step and and asked "for here" customers if they wanted Internet access. Overall, I would give this place 4 stars. Heat aside, I'm liking this place for it's very comfortable, relaxed and cute atmosphere. The beans (at least for the iced coffee) seem to have a nice flavor to their roast. I can see coming here regularly to get some work done or to just chat and relax some evenings.

    (4)

  • Kelsey C.

    It's cute but it's old school. By old school, I mean beat-up armchairs for lounging, low tables for your coffee while you curl up with a book or a laptop, and a handful of simple wooden tables and chairs for people who still sit upright to study so they don't fall asleep. I fell asleep. Unfortunately, I fell asleep because there was no air conditioning, and the fans are just not enough when sunny SoCal turns on the heat. The drinks are tasty, but the lighting is poor and the air is very stuffy. I think I would have loved coming here to gossip with the girls, but this is not the ideal environment for getting work done.

    (2)

  • Fields F.

    This place can be anywhere yet it's in the South Bay across from the beach. Comfortable cozy and relaxing. It's so comfy you can fall asleep in one of the cozy chairs...zzzz, oh my I'm so comfy I almost fell asleep. We have several meetings here! it's perfect!!!! Don't ever move this place!

    (5)

  • Marcus C.

    Large and homey, Catalina Coffee Co is great for having a relaxed cup of coffee. It's almost like going over to an old friend's house for a cup of coffee. This is the sort of place you can read a book or play a game of chess. The service, coffee, and food have all been great on my visits and I never feel rushed. There are very, very few coffee houses like this and it's a gem.

    (5)

  • Jamey B.

    The panini was decent, a bit too heavy on the chipotle aioli. It did take a bit long, but lunch hour in a weekend with a large crowd not overly so. The iced tea was great; orange pekoe. It was stifling inside, luckily I grabbed an outside table. No one was cleaning anything and there was a huge pile of dishes outside. I don't know if the staff was short handed or just a bit lazy. Based on the awkward jokes by the cashier I would guess a bit lazy. Good for a take out coffee or tea, wouldn't stay again.

    (3)

  • Brian R.

    *updated +1 star* I used to love this place. It was great atmosphere with comfy chairs, book shelves everywhere, and awesome coffee / food. If you like to read or write, this place is perfect. There are a lot of book clubs that her there too. The last few times have been inconsistent. The coffees, which are expensive, were not as good but much better last time I went (06/2015). I got 2 different desserts (scone and I differ the other) which were pretty bad. The most frustrating was their WIFI, though this may have been fixed as I didnt have an issue in June. However, if I need to get something done, I will go somewhere I can rely on first. They had an old router and it kept shutting off. I know this was a consistent problem because it happened to me 3 times in a row. I think the mgmt must have changed because people used to be much more upbeat, but there is still good service. If you want a place to stop and chat that feels better then spending money at Starbucks and don't care about spending a little more then a normal coffee or reliable WIFI, this place is a cool comfy atmosphere. Otherwise, you can do better

    (3)

  • Tony B.

    I've been going to Catalina Coffee Company for a while now and always enjoy the experience! It's so comfortable and relaxing, I enjoy sitting on a couch reading a book and watching the people come and go. The furniture is a mix of upholstered chairs and sofas with coffee tables and even a few wooden tables & chairs in the front, if that's your thing. There is also a nice sized outdoor patio in the front with plenty of seating and even a water dish for your dog. The food is good; I usually have the roast beef sandwich with horseradish which is truly tasty. But on my last visit I had a turkey & avocado panini recommended by the cashier - it was great! In addition to the coffee and tea beverages they also have some bottled sodas, I always get a Bubble Up when ordering food. Pricing on the food is a little high but when you consider it includes the use of a sofa its ok :) Catalina Coffee roasts their own beans and the smell when the roasters on is amazing. My drink is espresso and if you are used to corporate coffee you are in for a big treat. This is not just good it is delicious!! There is a nice big parking lot to, a big plus this close to the beach. The staff is friendly but again you are at the beach so take a breath and relax a little. Go to Catalina Coffee. Enjoy a sandwich, have a coffee and relax!

    (4)

  • Scott Z.

    I seriously dig this place. I like stopping by on Sunday mornings on the motorcycle for a bagel sammich and a huge mug o latte. The place reminds me of my grandpa's library. all kinda old mish-mash sofas and cushiony chairs and weird tables, books, and games. I just imagine this cafe is pleasantly haunted by the old folks that once owned the relics. The coffee is legendary. The foodies are yummy. Parking ample. The bathroom locking mechanism is also old an a cyclist may walk in on you while you are peeing. So maybe stick to #1's until you've got the door thing down. Hey, no place is perfect. What would give it 5 stars would be a resident Bassett hound named Curtis living on one of the sofas.

    (4)

  • jeff M.

    Great place, wonderful and caring owners. Those who post negative comments because they disagree with a local political position are bullies. The owners sincerely care about the community and the customers they serve. Not to mention yummy coffee and food. certified bicycle friendly. A place we have met many times and they never cared if my thoughts differ from theirs .

    (5)

  • Brenda K.

    One of the best coffee cafes in Redondo Beach. It's so cozy and cute; the best part about this place is the atmosphere. There are dimmed lights and vintage carved chairs and love seats. There's also lot of windows and doors and makes it feel open and alive. Drinks are good - mocha latte and hazelnut latte. Very cheap as well. You order at the front and it doesn't take very long to be made. There are also different board games you can play with your friends so this is definitely a good place to go when you want to hang out or catch up. Also, there's a parking lot which makes parking really easy.

    (4)

  • Dan E.

    Great little neighborhood coffee joint with great community support (ignore the 1 star reviews, they've probably never been here anyway)

    (5)

  • Marlena S.

    I actually can't believe I haven't written a review about my all-time favorite coffee place until now. I love everything about this place - the delicious coffee, friendly service, comfy seating, tasty snacks, and awesome clientele. When I was studying for the GRE, I practically lived here. I love the various options for seating - there is the dark quiet corner for chatting with girlfriends; the outside patio for enjoying a cup of coffee on a sunny day; seating by the window, or everything in-between. There are sofas, armchairs, regular chairs, and bar-stool chairs. Take your pick! I absolutely love being here for people watching. Sit here long enough and you'll see a Spanish Club, Meet-Up Crochet Club, Starving College Student and a Script Writer, all here at the same time! There is a display case of tasty treats to choose from (the chocolate chip cookie is my weakness), soups and a selection of made-to-order sandwiches and salads. My only "complaints" are that the couches are rapidly exiting "shabby chic" and entering "gross," so they may need to be replaced soon. I would love a little more of a food selection, and free-Wi-Fi. Otherwise, this is my place!

    (5)

  • Cat P.

    I loved this place until I went during the day when the sun is still out and it can get pretty hot in here without any A/C running... They have fans but it's hot air blowing on you and it's humid! Ended up migrating to Starbucks. Don't know if I'll be back during the summer days if they have no A/C :( Some A/C would be nice during the summer! hint hint

    (3)

  • Kellianne R.

    This place has a very unique and interesting set up. It looks like it's an old antique store but it's been transformed into a coffee shop. It also looks like it could've been an old bar or diner back in the day but they decided to make it into a coffee shop. Needless to say it's an interesting atmosphere. There are giant scrabble and chessboards for entertainment you might have to provide your own pieces to play with I'm not really sure or maybe you just ask. The coffee I got was delicious, I ordered a hazelnut latte just a little less sweet. My husband ordered a vanilla latte just a little less sweet and it was also good.

    (4)

  • Mickey M.

    Catalina Coffee is a great spot to bump into other locals, have a wonderful latte and enjoy great menu items. The people who work there are always friendly. They have a lot of comfortable seating so it is a perfect spot to have a meeting.

    (5)

  • Phuong T.

    super cute coffee shop. lots of fans because there isn't AC, but i don't know what good it does when you're blowing straight hot air back down. bikram catalina. barista was super duper nice. americano was not that great, most likely because the espresso isn't that tasty. had a burnt quality to it which tastes like those percolators concoction. space was big, great for socializing and drinking okay coffee. the menu is big enough to probably make up for the meh drinks. lots of table tops to study, wifi was not spotty so that's a plus. most likely won't be back here but can see why it's so charming to the locals.

    (3)

  • Yuri K.

    Okay, so I'm a little behind in writing this review. A friend recommended this place about two months ago. I love trying new places and I love coffee so we met here. I never knew a place like this existed in Redondo Beach. It's a pretty cool hang out place that reminded me of the hit TV show, Friends. Big comfy sofa and sofa chairs. The place was a bit on the dark side, maybe meant for an intimate ambiance? I enjoyed my mocha and the company. They also serve sandwiches and dessert but we already ate before we got there. They had a chess table set up I couldn't take my eyes off. I'm going to have to make another trip there with a friend willing to take on a game with me. =)

    (4)

  • Nitar L.

    Something about the westside makes me so happy! Maybe it's all the friendly strangers I talked to or maybe it's all the doggies my puppy got to meet. Well, I got to embrace all the wonderfulness of the westside in one place, the dog-friendly patio of CCC. I got a large chai tea latte with soy and an oatmeal cookie for over $6. Yes, it's pricey, but it's totally worth it to get free Wi-Fi, free parking, and to enjoy it all with my pup by my side. The drink was served in a large mug, nothing fancy. But that oatmeal cookie was something else! It wasn't dry like most and it had a gooeyness to it. What was that? White chocolate, perhaps? Whatever, my new year resolution of eating healthy can suck it! There are no outlets to charge my comp out on the patio and the big doggie water bowl looked pretty nasty (luckily, I brought my own).

    (4)

  • Scott S.

    Cool little place. Feels like a coffee house should. Big soft comfortable chairs, game tables, books on shelves. However, be careful if there is a line. Service is very slow. This is definitely not a Starbucks. Lots of people standing around behind the counter looking lost.

    (3)

  • Tony A.

    I'm a huge fan of this Redondo Beach favorite.. incredible meeting environment, great people watching, and home style coffee mugs. I so appreciate the entrepreneurial spirit of this business - thriving amongst franchise competition, and yet embracing the local spirit of our beach community.

    (5)

  • Saira G.

    Love the ambience and setting, honestly can't remember how the coffee was but I don't remember being disappointed (it's been a while since I've been here). But, like I said, the atmosphere is exactly what I expect and look for in a coffee ship. Cozy and comfortable, the kind of place you could sit for hours =) Don't like their earlier hours now though.

    (4)

  • Suzette T.

    I've really enjoyed coming to this place the last three years I've lived in the area. Great coffee, great place to get cozy and read or chat with a friend, loved the food, and the people working there are really nice. The only things that I could think of to improve it for me is better wi-fi and later hours, especially on the weekends so we can spend more time there!

    (4)

  • Julie-Ann F.

    Great coffee place in South Redondo! This is a great place to sit with your friends, have a cup of coffee or tea (good selections!). The wait staff is courteous and solicitous. The ambiance is cozy and there are plenty of little nooks and corners to find a place to have a private conversation. I really like this coffee shop and highly recommend it to you...

    (5)

  • Shannon M.

    I'm a little behind on my review here. I visited the coffee shop about a month in a half ago. This is by far the place to go in the morning for your first cup of coffee or specialty blend. The flavor and palate hang time is superb. I went nearly everyday while in the area and each day quality was great. My last day there, before getting on the road, was very crowded. It appeared to be a staging area for bicyclists so wait time exceeded 30 minutes. Other than that it's a great place. I will drop in for coffee each time I'm in town.

    (4)

  • Elise H.

    To be fair, I haven't gotten my food yet. I'm waiting outside after what can only be described as a pretty damn rude ordering experience. No greeting, no discernible eye contact, and as I finished ordering, I was concerned about the accuracy of my order because the cashier spent the entire time bitching about someone who called out today and how he had no intent to work beyond his scheduled hours. Way to have ambition or dedication. I thanked him, and got no return thank you or even a you're welcome. The man who brought my cappuccino was kind and helpful, and the coffee is pretty ok. There's a reason I haven't been here since high school.

    (2)

  • Liz W.

    Absolutely love the set up, atmosphere, and feel of this place! It has plenty of seating, including sofa seats, couches, tables, and work benches! A perfect spot to study, work, hang out, relax, and have some fun playing chess & table games while having great (and reasonably priced!) coffee and pastries. I love to explore coffee shops all over LA where I can relax and get some work done and this is definitely one of my favorites! Friendly service, fairly easy parking, & indoor and outdoor seating! So glad I stopped by this place!

    (5)

  • Veronica Y.

    Excellent little coffee shop. Decent coffees, haven't tried the food. The big draw is all the couches. In fact, there are more couches and armchair seating than there is regular table+chair seating. Pair that with the free wifi and this means you have a place where you want to (and feel welcomed to) sit and work for hours. They have a parking lot so that is fairly easy. My only complaint/observation is that it can be a little bit dark inside. Perfect if you are seeking a more den-like atmosphere (I can see this being cozy in the winter), but not if you want something bright, airy, summer-y (if that makes any sense).

    (4)

  • Cathy L.

    Free wi-fi, though its pretty spotty. I would randomly lose internet access or it was extremely slow. Cute space. It was very big, with a nice patio. Plenty of chairs and desk and couches for people to lounge or do work/study. The crowd here is extremely friendly. Coffee was good, no complaints. I would definitely come back here to do some studying, but not if I need to do some heavy internet searching.

    (4)

  • Steve R.

    What's not to like? Ample parking, lots of seating inside and out, and great coffee. Reasonable prices too. Inside feels like my grandma's living (God rest her soul). Ceiling fans are more than adequate to keep the place cool.

    (5)

  • Andrew E.

    I came here to study and do some homework on a Wednesday night. The place was not crowded at all and it was fairly quiet and easy to concentrate on work. I sat at the counter facing the wall, which made it very difficult to find an outlet for my laptop. I was able to grab one, but there definitely wasn't enough for one outlet per stool at the counter. No good. I ordered the ham sandwich on sourdough (came with a pickle) and an iced tea. Very good food and drink, though nothing special here. There are mostly couches and armchairs here, along with large tables - this makes it great for groups. If you're by yourself, it's a different story. I personally prefer flat surfaces to work on, and those were somewhat harder to find if you're just one person and don't want to hog a five-person table. The counter where i sat is nice, but there is only one outlet, five chairs (could fill up quickly!), and no afternoon breeze coming in through that side. All in all, this is a pretty substantial shop. The food isn't terrible, it's comfortable, and there's parking in the front. What more could you ask for?

    (3)

  • Jonathan T. R.

    Let me preface this review by saying the 2 stars are for the service only. There is so much room for improvement here. I've been here a couple of times and the service has been spotty. I've called in orders before and the sarcastic tone of some of the employees makes me want to hang up the phone. In person, I've asked simple questions like "what's your favorite coffee" or "what do you recommend" and again, I'm met with sarcasm with a hint of frustration. Coffee and decor are both pretty much on point. There's outdoor space, ample parking and enough couches for you and your friends to relax / get work done. I also like the fact that you can borrow games. That aside, if you can get passed the attitude, this place isn't half bad. Good luck.

    (2)

  • Keila N.

    Catalina Coffee Co has a large interior. It also has outdoor seating. It's a welcoming spot to just chill. It's unfortunate that it only has one bathroom for both men and women. There is always a line for this ONE restroom. It's a good place to meet. I liked the atmosphere. The coffee is average. It had pastries.

    (3)

  • Ashley P.

    The coffee is okay here. BUT I am upping the stars from "a-okay" because of the amazing interior. Such a cozy and nondistracting spot to get some good work or reading done. They have a great seat selection and the place is so large that you won't have any issues with nearby conversations distraction you. If anything, you'd just end up switching locations with in the store. Always super productive when I come here to work. Wifi is pretty good, though I have had an issue with it before where it didn't work for like 20 minutes. But that seemed to be an outlier. Outlets are also easily accessed. Parking is super easy.

    (4)

  • Kristy F.

    I've been here twice now and both times the service has been stellar. This time I ordered a cafe latte with a brownie. I was tempted to pour some sugar in my coffee however the brownie was perfectly sweet (and ridiculously tasty) so I simply alternated the bitter with the sweet. My favorite part about this charming coffee spot is not just the ease with finding parking but the venue itself is supremely cozy. I could sit there for hours just relaxing in a soft chair and sipping tea/coffee. If the brownie wasn't enough to bring me back, the venue and staff service definitely was. There are also a few boardgames available and the prices are very reasonable. I wish this coffee spot was closer to where I live, I'd be here often.

    (5)

  • Tiffany J.

    This place is a great place to study and hangout with friends. A lot of tables and couches to just chill on. They have a MASSIVE chess board if any y'all are interested in that. :) I've come here a few times and very much enjoyed studying here. Though they close a bit early which completely sucks. If they stayed open a little later they might have more people. Also came on a Sunday and there were absolutely no parking spots. However just around the corner about half a block down there's a lot of open spots. :)

    (4)

  • Nathan D.

    Solid joint to grab a coffee and relax. They've got plenty of cushy couch seating (from Goodwil) as well as patio seating. The only discount I have is that there is no A/C and it can get a little muggy inside.

    (4)

  • Lisa Y.

    Lots of seating areas and a spacious outdoor patio. The indoor seating, however, definitely looks aged and is worn from use...I guess it creates a home-y, comfy environment though! The WiFi is spotty. One of the employees claimed to have fixed it, but it still didn't work. I came there to do some work, so I didn't want to stay long. Definitely a nice location for a coffee date though! They have a chess set and a few other games available to play. Food and Drinks: - Orange Blossom Tea - Not bad! Unsweetened, so I definitely like to add some sugar water, which is available for customer use on the counter next to the register. - Strawberry Smoothie - Had a powdery taste...Jamba Juice it was not. - Chocolate chip cookie - Actually pretty good! I didn't expect much for a coffee shop cookie, but it was soft and had lots of chocolate chips!

    (3)

  • Hima M.

    Oh, this place is just simply divine. Extremely aesthetically pleasing. The chairs were very comfortable with unique details on the patterns, the walls were covered in gorgeous paintings of the stars and nymphs, and their choices of tea and drinks are huge. A classmate of mine had recommended me to go to this place since I am always looking for cafés to do some of my paper work in. I have to say the Catalina Coffee Co has made a very good impression on me. The staff were also very attentive and friendly, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Their bakery items were simply delicious; I would personally recommend the flour-less chocolate cake. The cake was very decadent and delicious and not too sweet for those people who prefer a more darker flavour than sweetness in their chocolate cakes. Short review, but personally I would come here again.

    (5)

  • J. T.

    My sister and I were having adventure time driving all over the place when we decided it was about time to stop and get something refreshing. I can't remember why we chose to stop at this cafe but I'm glad we did! It's a super fun cafe! I wish it was closer to where I lived because it was such a fun place to hang out. It was literally like someone took 5 different living rooms, squished them together, and made it into a cafe. The perfect place to curl up in a giant plush armchair and study, do work, or read. It's definitely a place you could get together with friends but it just seemed more like a place to chill and study. My sister got a blended mocha and I got a mango smoothie. Both were good, as expected. I really would love to come down again and do work here. I can't find another place like it! A living room away from home :)

    (4)

  • Ruth K.

    FRIENDS VIBES. I get giddy just sitting in here. Not a huge menu but it's big enough. Get their mocha, it's sweet but really good. Their lattes are just alright. Low prices. I don't know if I would come here to study, since their lighting is pretty dim. Great place to just sit and chat with your friends, though! LOVED the huge chess table. Not a professional chess player but I was pretty sure they were missing a piece or two. Bummer! It's okay; picture time instead. I wish they worked a little more on latte art. Yeah yeah, it's the taste that counts, blah blah. But seriously... The mocha was nice but it looked like someone just spat foam on the top. It didn't look too appetizing. I still drank it though, so I guess that's what counts. And it was delicious :)

    (4)

  • Ton Y.

    If you're looking for a heavy dose of attitude and rudeness, c'mon in. The people that work here all seem bothered by those damn customers that are keeping the employees from standing around with a sour scowl permanently jammed on their faces. Unfortunate found this out as I was ordering. I imagine the only reason there are people here is based on the location (and the fact there's no competition nearby). Skip

    (1)

  • Dexter M.

    Great drip coffee. You get to select from 6 flavors. Excellent taste. They have flavor creamers upon request. Free coffe for Ur birthday.

    (4)

  • Helen C.

    Nothing special. Nice space, but not comfortable on a warm day. Chocolate chip cookie was average and iced white mocha was average. People were friendly enough, but first, the cashier forgot to even put my drink in queue to be made, and then I was made a single, when I had asked for a double.

    (3)

  • Tosha B.

    This is a cute coffee shop in Redondo Beach, CA. We came here after going paddle boarding in the morning for a snack and coffee. The line was pretty long when we arrived, but it moved pretty quickly. I got an iced coffee and a brownie. The coffee was good and the brownie was fudge and definitely homemade. The place has lots of seating and different varieties to include tables, couches, and comfy chairs. This is a nice coffee house that is spacious and has decent food options on top of coffee and pastries.

    (4)

  • Alex L.

    Really cool little place. My girlfriend and I had been wanting to try this place since riding our bikes by and becoming intoxicated by the wonderful coffee bean aroma oozing out the front doors. We finally tried it today.. First off, it's affordable. About $2 for a generously sized small black coffee. Something like $3.50 for specialty drinks. We didn't try any of the food, but were pleasantly surprised at the plethora of sandwich options. I definitely plan on trying them soon, and will update this review as soon as I do. Secondly, the "vibe" here is terrific. It has a very open feeling with tons of windows and doors, all hanging open to let in the natural light. There's plenty of cool tables and chairs (and even dinner trays too), so relaxing is pretty easy here. If I have any work to do, I'd definitely consider bringing the laptop here over any old Starbucks.

    (5)

  • Chantal L.

    Drinks are decent. I usually go for one of their hot teas, so my review wouldn't be too helpful if you're looking for which coffee drinks are good to order. Well, I mean, the hot tea selection is good. Cheap prices, too; that's always good. I prefer this coffee shop over the overhyped Coffee Cartel, which is also in the area. Like Coffee Cartel, there's a Friends-esque feel to the place. Decor is nicer with giant chess sets and all. Their parking lot is slightly bigger. The place is generally better maintained. The couches don't feel so dingy.

    (4)

  • TS G.

    Walked out of this place the other day because of how rude the guy at the counter was. This place is slow to begin with but I liked the environment. There are too many other coffee places in this town, with friendly and smart employees (a special need person would have been more capable), to want to deal with this guys attitude and he's the reason the service is even slower now. He was being difficult on purpose and my friend and I walked out. Will never go back! I like to support the small business but there is a Starbucks and a Whole Foods right up the street on diamond that will get my money over this place.

    (1)

  • Stacey H.

    Ok so it's time for an update. They did some light remodeling in the register area with new display cases. It definitely looks cuter inside. Their coffee is pretty strong-which I love and their pastries are still delicious. If you haven't had their croissants, you need to. They are perfectly crisp outside and super soft inside, pure heaven! I love stopping here to grab some sandwiches & drinks before heading to the beach. Service was a lot better this time around, no snottiness, lol.

    (4)

  • Lea H.

    I LOOOVE this place!! It's the perfect place to come for studying (hello free Wi-Fi!) or to meet up with people and have good conversation in a cozy setting, as if you were at home in your living room. The only difference is that you wouldn't have access to great tasting coffee and delicious pastries at home. I've had the lemon bar and flourless chocolate cake, and both are amazing! For breakfast, I've tried the egg croissant, which I loved, and I've had the breakfast burrito. The burrito is kind of a miss for me because of the big potato chunks inside of it. Since discovering this neat little place, I've gone 1-2 times a month, and I look forward to coming back again very soon!

    (5)

  • Rebekkah C.

    The perfect first date spot! It' casual, cozy and comfortable. You can enjoy a panini with tea or coffee at the table/dining area or hangout at the lounge area on the other side of the restaurant. Either way, you will have a nice time. I prefer sitting at the lounge. The large sofas and love seats by the giant chess pieces are so comfy. Kinda reminds me of the show Friends ^_^. My friend and I sat at large sofa chatting, while sipping on coffee and tea. They serve paninis, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, coffee drinks, tea, soups, salads and baked goods. I've only had their iced green tea and poppy seed cake. The tea was good but the poppy seed was dry and crumbly. I should've gotten the brownie instead. Service is great and they have ample parking. I definitely recommend this place!

    (4)

  • Michelle S.

    As someone new to the Redondo Beach community, I am very pleased to know there is a local coffee house that I can go to, to enjoy a nice meal and catch up on much needed reviews... I've been slacking. This place is great. Plenty of places to sit. If you forgot your book, there is plenty to choose from. I have yet to see selves full of books at the coffee shops back home. Great concept!!! The staff is helpful and responsive. I ordered the Dirty Swede and a side salad - fantastic! Iced tea was not bitter. I'm finicky with teas. I'll be in town for a few weeks and I know where I will be spending my mornings. If you ever make it to Redondo Beach, skip the Starbuck's (at least once) and check out this gem of a coffee shop.

    (4)

  • Jamie E.

    what a great place. this is what a legit coffee house/cafe is supposed to be like. lots of tables outside, large indoor area with couches and tables inside. fireplace with a comfy, homey type of atmosphere. great selection of sandwiches, soups, pastries and of course, coffee. the coffee comes in really large portions - for a large latte mug, you pay the same price as you would for a small starbucks latte. coffee is delicious and rich. i got a panini - turkey, avocado, provolone, spinach. WOW. delicious. i don't even like sandwiches that much but this was super tasty and fresh and piping hot when they served it to me. dogs are allowed on the patio. free wifi. really nice people working there. will definitely be back here to study, work, play a game of checkers, read, meet friends, etc!

    (4)

  • Mary Z.

    Yeah.......Just got home from this place. Me thinks not. I walked in here for the first since I always drive by and have never checked it out. I gotta say I was a bit disappointed mixed with a feeling of displeasure. From outside this cafe looked cozy and inviting but once I walked in, I felt it was far from it. As soon as I walked in, I noticed a funky smell! I don't know if you're as big on your sense of smell than I am but, it was definitely obvious. It kinda smelled liked a basement from the 70's... with thick, filthy never before washed carpet smell. I told myself I would stay for a bit (had some reading to take care of) so I ordered the *Aloha Latte. Not sure why I tipped the cashier who took my order, because his attitude was a bit sarcastic when I asked for a suggestion or recommendation since I was a first-timer but I did anyway. To say the least, my drink wasn't all that. Nothing different than a watered down latte. The exterior deceived me, I was disappointed. I won't be returning.

    (1)

  • Rose R.

    I love how Ali R writes, "the only people you see here is regular Americans, with no taste buds." Ok, Ali...what does that even mean? You will most likely find residents from the area, surfers, athletes, and students. Catalina Coffee is a cute local coffee shop with good coffee and great breakfast sandwiches. So Ali, if you hate our local coffee shop so much...please do us "regular" Americans a favor and not come back. Thank you.

    (4)

  • Broadwillow V.

    Coffee was good, I wouldn't say the best but not bad at all. I'm not a coffee snob but one of my neighbors founded a coffee company years ago and sold to Starbucks.. I may be biased here but his coffee is the best. The high ratings here is for the whole package. What you would expect from a good unique one-off coffee house. Great casual living room environments with bookshelves full of reads, huge chess pieces and tables, a patio, and cool old vibes like you're in a very old library room of a castle. And the pastries are freshly made and not oversaturated with sugar. I had the pecan bar and it was delish! not too heavy with sugar so very very palatable. You can spend hours here reading, working, chatting, playing chess, or just sippin on jin and juice....i mean coffee. next thing you know, you're waking up because you fell asleep from the warm and comfortable atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Gary I.

    My meetup group meets here, and I find Catalina Coffee Company to be a very comfortable cocoon which is populated by a mishmash of comfortable, overstuffed wing chairs, ottomans, & the occasional cushy sofas. The place has the feel of a darkened study and is unpretentious with a come as you are ambiance. The staff here is pretty much low key and pleasantly laid back. There is no pressure to have to buy although I do get San Pellegrino with ice and lemon (no calories), or if they don't have that, an Orangina, and I'm good for a couple of hours. I have yet to try the food or the pastries here, but from what I could see of what other patrons have ordered, I don't think you go to the Catalina for a stellar meal. However, this is a great space to meet with friends, kick back, & enjoy a beverage or two. I truly appreciate the Catalina for creating a friendly, cozy spot and providing a very pleasant public forum.

    (4)

  • Lindsy M.

    Great outdoors space. I'll have took inside eventually because I need to charge my laptop, but it's a really nice place. Wifi password is 1password

    (4)

  • nick m.

    Awesome coffee shop. I wish there were more around like this one. Big spacious area with comfy couches. The sandwiches are delicious. Nice seating area outside. The cappuccinos are great. Big chess table for playing and wi-fi.

    (5)

  • Carlos A.

    This I message is to the owner... This place at one time had great soups. What happened? Had a bowl of chicken soup that tasted so bland and tasted like it came out of a box. Please make it from scratch and hire a real cook.

    (1)

  • Ismael P.

    I had to walk out before ordering since there was no place to sit to do work. Looks like a good place but if your looking to do work then this place might be a coin flip. It was frustrating to see a customer hog up a coach to himself. Waste of my drive.

    (3)

  • Brandon H.

    Visited Catalina Coffee Company to get a different environment from my usual stop -- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. I'm all about the atmosphere of a place and this cafe definitely has a cool vibe. It's filled with large, fancy-looking chairs/sofas. The bookcase in the back and the giant chess table/pieces make for rustic and fun decorations. I especially like the large windows which let in plenty of natural light, as well as the nice patio seating. The staff also seemed pretty nice. As far as coffee goes, I had a simple double espresso. It was strong and good, though it was $0.45 more expensive than the same drink at Coffee Bean ($2.50 compared to $2.15). The staff delivers the drinks to your seat, which is a plus. In any case, if you're in Redondo Beach and want a pick-me-up, this seems like a great place.

    (4)

  • Sarika S.

    My friend suggested going here to get breakfast as we needed a walk and also a stroller friendly place. She did, however forewarn me about the wait. There was a couple people in line in front of us, so it took a while to actually order. We got a to go order as the wearer was nice and called for breakfast on the beach. We shared a egg-all sandwich, nice & filling. The latte & iced tea were as they are at all coffee shops. The food and drinks came out very quickly. There is a chess board and many books inside for those who want to hang there.

    (4)

  • Scott S.

    I literally started coming here when this place first opened. That was twenty years ago. This was pre the whole Starbucks invasion. At that time, the first coffee house/pastry shop that was opened in the South Bay was Creme' de la creme' (1982). It was located in the surrounding parking area of the Manhattan Beach mall. Though what they had to offer was much better, it did not have the atmosphere of Catalina Coffee. All this being said, we need to get down to the nuts and bolts. Yes, this place has an interesting, (what I would call a very good), atmosphere. It is very old school coffee house style. But, it also has several flaws. First of all, the place simply has a dirty feel to it. Look around, look behind the counter and you will see what I mean. The staff also has much to be desired. They tend to come and go and that says a lot about a place. They have always been nice to me but I have seen various staff members be rude to customers and it is very common to be ignored because they are chatting in the back. Finally, the coffee drinks are okay, the food is terrible. Don't bother unless you are really hungry. Overall it is a nice place to check out and I recommend it for that. But, it may not be the experience you are looking for.

    (3)

  • Mike G.

    I am big into health and wellness. I came to see what others are raving about. I ended up getting a great big bowl of oatmeal and it was the best. I will be back!!!

    (5)

  • Nicole W.

    This place is a joke, what's even funnier is it is always busy. It has dirty floors and even dirtier couches and chairs. One time my husband ordered a drink with a modification and the girl who took his order didn't put it the modification. Of course the drink comes out wrong and when we say something to her she said "you didn't say that." The Batista apologized and made our drink. Went in today and they didn't make my drink, we asked about it and the barista said it was next. Never came, had to ask again after waiting for twenty minutes. No apology, no refund. Worst service here. I would rather drink Starbucks and get proper service. :(

    (1)

  • Mark A.

    Great place to kick it with friends or just sit down with a book and a hot beverage. Personally I don't drink coffee but my friend do and they love it. I drink tea and they have a nice selection. Something for everyone. I also enjoy the food, free wifi and friendly staff.

    (5)

  • Tina M.

    Decently sized coffee house with ample seating inside and out. The coffee here is pretty good and although I didn't get anything to eat, the food smelled delicious. Came here to relax and read for a bit and ended up staying for about 3 hours. The lighting is a bit dim throughout but I was sitting next to one of the lamps so I had enough to read. Good place to chill with friends, read or study

    (3)

  • Lisa M.

    Great coffee and great atmosphere. Very impressed with the quality.

    (5)

  • Monika M.

    Been coming here forever but for some reason hadn't thought to review. Outstanding neighborhood coffee / lunch / wifi / gathering / venue. Rich yummy espresso drinks and a vast array of food selections and bakery goods - love the healthy burrito and salads. Jeff and team have worked hard to create a cozy friendly vibe and scrumptious menu and the efforts paid off. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Ali R.

    seriously the worst coffee shop i have been to! i ordered a breakfast burrito, generic tasting eggs, might be the liquid eggs, and potatoes, thats it. hahah. not to mention its disgusting. I took 1 bite and through it out. Got an iced coffee the guy at the register, of course no personality, looked mad at the world "mr tattoo" lil guy put 3 pieces of ice in my coffee. By the time i walked out it was melted., didn't say hi, or thanks.. only people you will find here are regular americans, with no taste buds.. Also how DIRTY can a place be. Seriously OWNERS take some pride in your business. clean the place, if you stand at the reg and look back its disgusting. dirty floors trash everywhere. Common people! I will never go there again!!!

    (1)

  • Molly F.

    Came here to get some fresh coffee beans as I didn't want to drive all the way to Santa Monica to my usual place. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best experience. When we asked which types of beans they had, the employee had no idea. When we asked for a specific kind, he then said that they did have it. However, when we asked what the difference between two different kinds of beans they had, he said "I don't drink coffee. I don't know." He didn't offer to ask someone else or even to try to help us figure it out. We then had to ask one of the other employees if he knew and he gave us a one-word answer and walked away. They also brag about labeling all beans with a roast date... Which ours didn't have one on them. Needless to say, we most likely will not be coming back here, as the drive to SM is worth it, purely for the service.

    (1)

  • Gary D.

    Neighborhood gem! The coffee is good and the service is friendly. The mismatched furniture adds a cool quirkiness vibe to the place. I've met many clients in here and it's always been a nice experience. Low noise level for a coffee house. Plenty of free parking.

    (5)

  • Daniel N.

    Today was a bummer. They were out of ingredients for whipped cream. That sucks considering I ordered an espresso con panna. They subbed a triple white mocha for me which was cool. Also ordered a healthy black bean breakfast burrito and a croissant breakfast sandwich.

    (4)

  • Michael G.

    This is the perfect coffee shop to work at. They have a lot of tables and chairs, good coffee/food, and a nice local feel - all just a few blocks away from the beach.

    (5)

  • Unknown U.

    This place is absolutely horrible. Everything is cooked in the microwave, the baristas have absolutely no experience or knowledge, everything is Costco brand, the smoothies are advertised as 100% fruit but they are concentrates with the first ingredient being corn syrup and cost $4.50 (thats a lot for some ice cubes and some corn syrup with some artificial mango flavoring). Flies everywhere, roaches, mold, and the whole place smells like rotting flesh permeating from the drains from time to time. Surprised they haven't been shut down yet, as this place is absolutely disgusting. Yea, the atmosphere is cool, but its not worth food poisoning in my very humble opinion. The owner is immature and not business savvy whatsoever. He looks to make a quick buck, but has little concern for quality and when people make suggestions he doesn't give a single thought to it. Maybe if he would actually spend some time in there this place would go back to its glory days. Never again.

    (1)

  • Kaci P.

    Stopped in one morning during a road trip. Ordered a burrito, fruit cup and a bagel. Nothing special. Reminded both of us of airport food - looks good on a menu, and not so great in real life. My Americano was fine. If you just want an espresso drink and a muffin, this place is probably a good choice. Anything more, go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Jason C.

    This place is AWESOME!!! Great coffee, relaxing atmosphere and great sandwiches... I highly recommend this place!!

    (5)

  • Sheila S.

    Favorite coffee shop in the southbay! They have awesome lattes. It's a unique setting with chill vibes all around:)

    (5)

  • Jen M.

    A wonderful spot to enjoy your cup of coffee or tea by yourself, with that special someone, or meeting up with a group of friends. Lots of comfy seating options, replete with mix-matched tables that end up creating a very creative and relaxing atmosphere. There is also patio seating to watch all of those avid road bikers ride by. They have a nice selection of coffees and espresso drinks, as well as yummy pastries and sammiches to satisfy your cravings. Free wi-fi, an over-sized chess table, and some reading materials make for a comfy and inviting place to enjoy that cup-o-joe!

    (4)

  • Kathy L.

    This place has the perfect vibe. It feels like walking into "Central Perk"! (The coffee shop on the tv show Friends) Great coffee. Yummy Goodies. I love being there. It feels so inviting.

    (5)

  • Brett H.

    Best coffee house ever. Thank you for being such a great Redondo Beach resident. Thank you so much.

    (5)

  • Tom B.

    Solid espresso, bagels, muffins, etc. Also a very nice place just to relax on a couch and use free wifi or read a book. The staff here is generally pretty friendly, but also very forgetful. If there are more than three customers in the shop (ie any weekend), you have a pretty good chance your order will be very slow, wrong or completely forgotten.

    (3)

  • Alan W.

    Came in with several friends at 2PM on March 14, 2015. Ordered. Then waited a full 30 minutes for the server to say there was no roast beef for the sandwiches. Waited another nearly 25 minutes for the substitute sandwich I ordered, which did not come with what I ordered. Three people in our party ordered the Cobb Salad. None of them got an actual Cobb Salad. The restaurant ran out of plates and served the mock Cobb Salads in styrofoam containers. Nice people work here. Someone should give them an actual restaurant to work in. I recommend eating before you come here. But if you must eat here - BYOP (bring your own plates) - and be prepared for surprises!

    (1)

  • Kristen R.

    Not being from LA, we happened across Catalina Coffee on our way out to explore. It was hopping! It is clearly a local spot, which we always enjoy. We tried the Paradise Parfait and Healthy Black Bean Burrito. Both were full of flavor and well-priced. We didn't order coffee, but the serving sizes looked great and the selection was what you'd expect from a local coffee spot.

    (3)

  • Vanessa L.

    I keep wanting to love this place, I really do. But I don't. Even though it's walkable from my place, I frequently find myself looking for another location for a coffee or a quick bite. The seating is awkard and not very comfortable. I also have the feeling everything in here is super old and maybe not super clean. It's not a good place to work from as it's nearly impossible to find an outlet, and there aren't many tables. And while the coffee and food aren't bad, they aren't good enough to make up for all of the other missing pieces. I do enjoy taking a morning stroll down the street if I haw guests because it is a nice low key spot to grab some caffeine. But I don't think I'll be becoming a regular.

    (3)

  • DJ G.

    Great coffee, excellent service, plenty of parking, and ample indoor/outdoor seating. pretty much everything you could want in a local non-chain coffee joint.

    (5)

  • Ila F.

    This is one of the best coffee houses around. It has great service and a friendly homey atmosphere. It gets a little crowded weekend mornings, but that is because it is just a great place to sit, relax and enjoy a cup of joe or a bite to eat.

    (5)

  • Orlando R.

    Catalina Coffee selflessly provides a high quality location for Redondo High student and parent events, as well as, a number of local interest and support groups like cancer care. I've been an on and off customer for several years, as has been my family. I'd recommend the place for a light snack, a sweet, a coffee, or a coffee drink. If you need to meet someone, or, just want out of the house, it's much better than a generic Starbucks too!

    (5)

  • Beth M.

    Great coffee, delicious baked goods, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. What more could you ask for in a coffee house.

    (5)

  • Jim S.

    So glad there are still places like this in the Redondo Beach area. Nothing corporate!

    (5)

  • Chet C.

    Great coffee. And cheap too. $2 coffee with 75 cent refills. Lots of comfortable seating and free wifi. If you like to work from coffeeshops, this is the place to be.

    (5)

  • John R.

    Parking was easy, and it had a great atmosphere. I love they way they set up everything. A must for any coffee goes in Redondo Beach!

    (4)

  • Donna J.

    I was here this morning and I was not pleased at all. I was ignored, until one of the staff (all chatting), noticed I was standing there. Not only did they get my order wrong, the coffee was cold and had a horrible watered down flavor to it.

    (1)

  • C D.

    I absolutely LOVE Catalina Coffee. It has a great homey feel, fabulous coffee, and tasty food! Been my go-to spot since 1997. If you're in from out of town be sure to check out this great locals hangout!

    (5)

  • Jim L.

    A good place to meet for business or pleasure discussions. Quiet and homey. The patio is great when it's warm - bike and pet friendly. I am not a coffee drinker, and am not a fan of the diet soda they have. Otherwise, I'd give it a 5.

    (4)

  • Rene M.

    This is my first YELP review. I have always enjoyed my time at Catalina Coffee Company. The food is good and the coffee is good! CCC is a perfect place to curl up with a good book or tablet, especially on a rare inclement day by their fireplace.

    (5)

  • Sarah W.

    I love Catalina Coffee Company! The coffee is great, the decor is wonderful... best locally owned coffee shop in the South Bay. Definitely one of my favorite hang outs.

    (5)

  • Steven D.

    I have been going to Catalina Coffee Co. for several years. I have met friends there, conducted business, and enjoyed the eclectic warm feeling of its atmosphere. In all my years of going there I have not had one complaint about its service, quality of its products or the gracious of its employees. It would be sincerely missed in the neighborhood!!!!!!! Steve D.

    (5)

  • Erika R.

    Just came here for the first time. I ordered the Aloha Latte for here. A few minutes later, a guy brought me my drink and spilled it, but didn't offer to replace it or anything. He just walked away as if it never happened. Okay, whatever. I taste the latte and its suuuuper sweet. No real coffee flavor, just sugar. Not just that, but it was lukewarm. Usually, I can't even drink my hot drinks until they cool off, unless I get them at a lower temperature like 130° or so. But I did not burn myself on this latte at all. How disappointing. I can't sit here and enjoy my latte for a while because it'll be cold. I do give this cafe stars because of the prices, which aren't bad at all. There was no problem finding parking, which is hard to come by in the beach cities cafes. Also there are many seats to choose from in different areas of the cafe and outside as well. The wifi is also pretty fast, which is good for studying. I might come back for the ambiance and seating. If I do, I'll order something different, and make sure it's extra hot and not so sweet.

    (3)

  • Norris B.

    Comfortable coffeehouse. There is ample parking either on the street or in their parking lot. The food offerings are basic and go well with their beverages. The coffee is rather bitter for my taste. The cafe layout is decent. They have a small patio seating area in the front of the cafe. The cafe is fairly clean. They have one unisex water closet (don't drink too much drip coffee as the line can be a killer). The crowds are constant. There are times (mostly post lunch) where finding a spot to sit and relax is difficult. This is a neighborhood meeting place. It appears that mostly regulars hang out here. The staff is low key, yet proficient at what they do. Unfortunately I'm still in the hunt for an incredible doppio espresso macchiato.

    (3)

  • Arleen R.

    My husband and I are celebrating our anniversary in Redondo Beach this weekend. He found this cafe on yelp so we wanted to try It out. We ordered a couple of mochas and 2 orders of lox n bagels. A number was given to us and we sat out on the patio. 10 min later our coffee was served. We sat, chatted and enjoyed the weather while drinking our coffee. 20 min later, we realized our food hadn't been served. I had taken a photo as soon as we sat down. I checked the time stamp on the photo and realized that it was actually a total of 35 mins had gone by!! Still no food. I got up to inquire and was told that the cook was making it now. So we waited an additional 5-6 before my husband got up to see what was going on. In the end it took 40 min to receive our food and groups that had ordered after us were already enjoying their meals as soon as 10 mins after sitting down. While the food and atmosphere are deserving of 4 stars, the service, no apology, and no attempt to make amends (especially it being our first time here) 1 star is warranted to get our point across. Customer service matters.

    (1)

  • Nicole H.

    I am not normally in the area, so I basically went to the first coffee place I could find nearby. I was immediately drawn in by the cozy environment- super cute. I ordered a chicken pesto panini and I normally don't like super sweet coffee but I decided on a mocha. The cashier was patient and very nice. Panini was great, the mocha AMAZING. Taking a star off for one of the employees though, I asked what the name of the place was since I hadn't been before. It was the guy with blue hair and he gave me attitude. Totally unnecessary. Otherwise a great experience.

    (4)

  • Mick Jodel G.

    A nice place for friends to meet, chitchat while having a nice cup of coffee. They have a coffee bean roaster on site. Roasting their own coffee beans. U can get coffee beans either whole bean or ground. Half pound or a pound. Wifi is free! Customers can hang out, study and have a business meeting. Parkis is plenty. Close to the redondo beach pier. I will defintely come back here again.

    (4)

  • James H.

    Comfortable laid back environment, good coffee, great chocolate chip cookies, nice staff, and free wifi...what's not to like?

    (5)

  • Jim B.

    So Iv'e only come here twice before and all three times have been average. Today I went in and asked them what kind of cold coffee they had because it was so hot. I was told the options and espresso came up. I didn't know they made cold espressos but they extremely uninterested employee suggested it so I ordered. Maybe It was my fault for not knowing a lot about espressos, but to be fair I did ask for cold coffee. I sit down and the lady brings me the coffee and I take a big gulp and its piping hot and it burns my mouth, didn't see that coming!

    (2)

  • AM C.

    Holy fruit flies in your dessert case batman! & when we are embarrassed enough to bring it to your attention, your employee says "well it's the end of the day, it's hot and there's really nothing we can do about it"??? I'm sorry, what? You really don't care? Ok, we love to keep it local and support small businesses... But come on, at least Starbucks keeps fresh quality products, & their pest problems to a minimum. Have you even gone into your bathroom and smelled what's going on... Step it up... Loyal customers deserve better

    (1)

  • Lauren M.

    Can I sleep here? That's inappropriate? Fine, but this kind of comfy and homey environment is bound to illicit that kind of response. This is by far one of my favorite spots to come and study. Oddly never gets too loud, even with the various get togethers happening. Plus you won't find them blasting the music until you reach the point of vigorously and violently shoving earplugs all the way into your head. They have furniture EVERYWHERE! No more hard, uncomfortable and slippy slidey chairs for my behind. You won't be sitting in top of the notch, chic, brand new couches and arm chairs, but the worn in coziness of it all is refreshing. It's an eclectic place in both people and decor. Inside is pretty littered with outlets; however, it does get full so you might have to get your computer to run on wishes until a spot opens up. Free Wi-Fi, parking is a breeze, patio for beautiful days by the beach, and it's in a nice area of town. I've read some complaints on the service, but the employees here have never been anything short of agreeable in my experience. Sure, you may not get the kind of robot like efficiency you would with Coffee Bean or the over the top cheeriness like in Starbucks, but they're all nice enough and always helpful. The sandwiches here have been decent enough, but the drinks and pastries are where it's at. Definitely recommend you give this place a try.

    (5)

  • Jessica N.

    Great little spot to meet someone for the first time. Good coffee, friendly people, and inexpensive. Very comfortable seating perfect for a long conversation with someone new.

    (5)

  • LAgirl D.

    Great food and yummy coffee. Kind of old and a little dirty but since the food is great, you over see all the stuff. What annoys me the most are the people working there. One of them is completely slow and kind of retarded. They don't care much about customer service and they sure take their time making good or coffee.

    (3)

  • Slater R.

    This place has the best atmosphere. Very relaxing but also initiates the desire to learn and study. I used to meet my therapist here as well as a discussion group for a little while. The coffee and pastries are excellent as well. I haven't tried their soups yet, but everything else is absolutely fantastic, including the service. I highly reccommend this joint for a relaxing afternoon.

    (4)

  • Sunnie M.

    This place is like a home away from home. Love it :)

    (5)

  • Vicky O.

    I usually only get coffee drinks. The baristas are very nice, the ambiance is homey. The owner is a nice guy. I like being able to go in and see someone I know every time I go. Very community oriented. My daughters love to meet up with friends there. It's also very easy to park and close to the pier.

    (5)

  • Eric F.

    This is a great cozy coffee shop in the coffee shop-deprived South Bay. There are a ton of Starbucks and Coffee Beans, but not a lot of independent options for those looking more for atmosphere than blazing fast speed. Catalina Coffee Co. has that "worn in" feel that makes it easy to relax and get lost in a book while sprawled out on one of their many comfortable couches. I lost touch with these kinds of almost Bohemian style coffee shops over the last couple of years and am happy to have discovered Catalina Coffee. It's just one of those places you can come as you are and vanish from the rest of the world for a bit - very therapeutic for me. The environment is great for laptop campers, fiction junkies, quiet couples, and study groups. I've only ordered double lattes from here and they've been good. Does the drink have the intense, biting, adventurous quality of something you would get from the new wave of hip coffee shops in LA? No, rather it's a lot more mild, maybe to an errant fault of being overly milky. But it's comforting, much like the rest of Catalina Coffee Co.

    (5)

  • Linda C.

    Cute coffee shop with a homey feel to the place. I ordered the iced tea and a tuna sandwich. All very normal and tasted good, nothing special.

    (3)

  • Elaine F.

    It was... Okay. Positives: the decor, atmosphere, reading material made available and... That's about it. Negatives: I went in at 1pm, wanting to get one of the two soups of the day but the cashier said "the soups aren't ready". What? It's 1pm in the afternoon. So I ordered the chicken Caesar salad instead, which was a large portion but it was tragic! My chicken was tasteless and rubbery and the dressing was just slopped on top and wasn't mixed in. I mean, fair enough but at least provide the salad in an adequate bowl so I can mix it myself instead of a flat rectangular plate. Overall I wasn't all that impressed. I had read up on all the reviews on this site so I was prepared and didn't even try to use the WiFi. So yeah. It was okay, nothing to write home about.

    (3)

  • Nick F.

    Coffee is pretty decent although it can be a slow line to get it. The food is okay for small plates but not overwhelming. The whole place has a ton of potential but seems to fall a bit short. Its good enough to stop by on my bike on the way to the beach, but Its not worth seeking out on its on. There is better places in the area, but overall not the worst.

    (3)

  • Linda T.

    I love their chai tea latte!!! So incredibly delicious. The ambiance is very relaxed and reminiscent of 90's coffee houses. Great place to catch up with a few friends, not a big group since people can sometimes hog up the couch (when they are alone and can easily sit on an arm chair which is meant for one person....hmmph) but it is what it is.

    (4)

  • Suzy S.

    This place was better when it first opened. I think it had a different owner though the menu has stayed the same. The coffee is very average but I do like the food they serve. The curry chicken salad on brown bread is a good sandwich, I also like the fresh soups like the pumpkin. It has a nice patio. Lots of comfy couches and chairs to sit in but way too crowded on the weekends. A giant chess set if you're up for a game. Service is OK. It took forever to get my coffee when I was the only person waiting. People camp out here and never leave. Very annoying when you are looking for a table and none are available. I've never used the wifi but if it's $4 an hour that's ridiculous!!!

    (4)

  • Claire W.

    This little cafe was a delightful casual place to have a quick bite. However, the ambiance was a bit confused and the food was only ok. I ordered the mango smoothie and the black bean burrito. The mangoes came from a bottle and the waitress poured water and ice into it. If I'm going to pay three dollars for a smoothie, I would like it to be fresh. The burrito was good but the tortilla obviously was from a couple days ago. They also brought me a couple tablespoons of canned salsa in a plastic cup. Very tacky. If you are willing to go to a mediocre cafe and spend lots of money, then this is your place.

    (2)

  • Antho L.

    This place has got a great bohemianesqe atmosphere and has got a unique character unlike the sterile coffee chains that's taken America and the world by storm. Visit this place for its ambiance and for having those deep intimate conversations with a friend or just hanging out. They've got bookshelves stocked with tons of books. The place is furnished with sofas and arm chairs on which to cool your heels while sipping on a latte. The furniture, however, is in dire need of re-upholstering as they appear a bit worn and dirty but I suppose that lends to the rive gauche setting. The latte is good but taste tends to differ depending on who makes it. The Cobb Salad I ordered was overpriced I thought at $8.12 as they give you such a small portion. On other occasions, I've had the turkey sandwich which was fairly ordinary as well. One high note is they do make their own fresh baked goodies on site instead of having processed pastries trucked in like the major coffee chains which is really refreshing. I wish they would stay open later than 10:00 p.m. for those weekends when you just want to hang out late with friends or go grab a cup of coffee and chill after a late night dinner. They lose a 2 stars however for charging the patrons for internet access. These days, when whole cities are providing free access to the worldwide super highway, charging for the service is just tantamount to being greedy! Just provide it as a value-added service for free as other coffee shops are doing and I'm sure you'd get a lot more people to frequent your establishment. I think free internet access should be accessible anywhere especially at coffee places as well as at hotels and airports. Charging for wifi access to me is likened to charging for access to radio waves. Come on, get with the 21st century model and provide free wifi to your clientele! You'd get a lot more business if you did and you'd be providing a much-appreciated community service!

    (3)

  • Hello K.

    I have been here twice and I liked it. The gals behind the counter were polite and helpful. The decor has a very homey feel and there is a fireplace! The chairs/couches are comfy and it makes me feel like I am lounging in someone's living room. There are people there reading, chatting, studying, surfing the web, and playing chess on these over sized chessboards! There is also outdoor seating in the front if you want to sit outside. The drinks are good and not scorching hot like other places I have been to. The only thing I can say that is a con would be the time they close. They close too early. People love to hang out at coffee shops very late at night and I think they are loosing out on business by closing at 9pm (they close at 6pm on Sundays). I hope they change this because it would be my go-to place for late night studying/reading, while enjoying some tea or coffee!

    (4)

  • Scott K.

    Great location and huge potential.....but that's about where it ends. The building inside and out is very cool, but the employees are not happy, never smile and the service is so so. I was in here yesterday and one of the employees was eating toast with spaghetti piled high on top behind the counter in front of customers at 8:00 a.m. in the morning....do we need to see this? There were 3 or 4 employees and only one was at the cash register working. The coffee was mediocre, but the pumpkin scone was good. There are hand written signs everywhere with certain rules, giving customers direction.....just isn't run very well, not very unprofessional. Could be awesome under different management / ownership.

    (2)

  • Bryon G.

    The coffee is okay. The service is hit/miss. The prices are a bit high and the decor is dated and run down. What really upsets me about this place is their wifi. It's run by a 3rd party that, once you get signed up, makes it really, really hard to cancel. They auto-bill your credit card, don't provide a receipt, and give you no way to cancel online. It's really a pathetic setup that I expect takes advantage of a lot of people. I will never give another dime to Catalina Coffee. So if you're a victim of $13.95/month that shows up on your statement as Atlantis Technology Concord MA - you're paying for internet access or the possibility of internet access or maybe nothing at all. If you want to cancel, try going to guestboxuser.com -- Sadly, you will need a username and password that you probably don't remember and they don't have an "I forgot" option. They do have a phone number, which will helpfully refer you to their webpage. If you do happen to remember your username and password, they will show you your billing history and allow you to change your password, but not cancel your service. The parent company is atlantistech.com and if you want to be like Catalina Coffee and setup a crappy system that shafts customers, you can read about how to set it up like Catalina did here at guestbox.com . Good luck with that!

    (1)

  • John S.

    Great coffee and the breakfast sandwiches are good. They never seem to have any cinnamon rolls ready, but when they do they are great. There is usual a line and sometimes it is difficult to find a seat, but the overall atmosphere of the restaurant is a nice, cozy library. Its a nice place to have a morning coffee in Redondo. We go regularly. The just started charging a minimum fee for credit card use.

    (3)

  • Pia L.

    This is a great place. I love the atmosphere, the coffee is really good, the food is fine, and obviously they are so good, you can't find a parking spot anymore.

    (4)

  • Kris P.

    Such a nice departure from Starbucks. Good food, good latte, lovely patio outside just perfect for people-watching!

    (4)

  • Andy G.

    Would give this place five stars but for the fact that there's no free wi-fi. $4 per hour is a bit steep - I think it should be changed to free wi-fi with purchase or lower it to $2 an hour. Wi-fi issues aside - this place is fantastic because of the comfortable seating, quiet atmosphere, great drinks, and attentive staff. Great location for socializing or studying

    (4)

  • Cira M.

    I like this place overall--I want to love it, but there are some issues... I think the prices are high for the overall quality and ammenities offered. I have a problem paying close to $6 for a drink AND having to pay another six bucks to use the WiFi. There is only one bathroom stall and they seem to have...ahem... plumbing issues frequently. I have been there more than once when the floor in the bathroom is wet, the are fans going full-blast and there's a bit of a sewagey smell in the bathroom. I was there earlier today and I left super annoyed. My soy dirty chai was $5.60, I waited TWENTY minutes for my drink, went to the counter and asked what was going on--they had no record of my order (apparently the girl who took my order never put the order in), I didn't get an apology, had to reorder the drink and wait another 10 minutes to get it. When I did get it, it was not soy (which I paid extra for) and it was about twice as sweet as it should be. YUCK. The ambiance is really cute, I like supporting independant businesses in the area, and their food is solid (nothing super special, but good quality and fresh). Unfortunately, overall I can only give this place 2.5 stars because the pricing/WiFi issue and flaky service. If they improved their service and offered free WiFi I think this place would deserve 3.5-4 stars.

    (3)

  • Kaley G.

    This place is the perfect escape. It is small, dimly lit, surrounded with plush sofas and chairs. I love a good sit-down coffee shop that serves its drinks in actual mugs; a place to curl up with a good book and lose the world.

    (5)

  • Diana I.

    I've been coming here every once in a while for the past 3 years and it's still an amazing cafe! Not exactly the perfect place to study because it's pretty dimlit, wi-fi isn't free, and it's a little TOO cozy... I can totally fall asleep here on one of their cushiony couches! But it's a great place to catch up with a friend, read a book, or cuddle with your favorite person while sipping on their DELICIOUS chai lattes. Absolutely wonderful. I wish there were more of these kinds of cafes in the area.

    (4)

  • Jason P.

    The cup of coffee is decent. The niceness of the baristas are hit or miss. The place is definately a quiet spot with a lot of space, so I love to read a book, study, or have a quiet chat with people. Large patio as well for those nice days. Large private lot for free parking is a plus. Their pastries are decent, but what I do love about this place are their chocolate chip cookies. Pretty good ones here! Sandwiches are ok...they do the job, but I've had better. Overall a decent place for a place to study or meet someone. Looking for really good food or coffee or free internet? Go somewhere else.

    (3)

  • Zoe S.

    high prices, so-so food and coffee. Worst part was the owner herself told me I had to leave because I wasn't buying enough for the amount of time I had been studying there (I bought a wrap and 2 drinks before noticed me!) It was quite rude, and I swore I'd never go back. I still support small businesses over going to Starbucks, but I'm a local and I had been going there for years. Please don't go here. She does not deserve your business!!!!

    (1)

  • Caitlin Z.

    What I like most about this place is the atmosphere. I love the comfy chairs and the non-commercialized feeling that you don't get at Starbucks. I like their flavored coffees which you can't get at Starbucks. Sometimes I want flavor without sugar and these are perfect. Their lattes also have really good foam. I like all of the flavor choices too. The bagels smell sooo good. It's hard not to order one when you see lovely looking bagel sandwiches flying by you. I ordered the Jolly Spartan sandwich which has ham, bacon, apple, and cheddar on toasted sourdough. I asked for mustard instead of mayo and it was absolutely delicious. I also ordered a side salad which was simple but good with really good croutons. This is definitely one of my favorite coffee houses in the South Bay.

    (4)

  • Kevin C.

    While I dig it's coffee such as the delicious mocha that they offer, I absolutely do not dig the lox bagel it serves. As good as it sounds, being smoked in house, I think the color-dyed salmon CCC uses is a bit too rich in the coloring. It throws me off. On top of which, the salmon itself is not fatty. It is, however, a coffee company after all. So I really shouldn't expect much out of them. All in all a great coffee join that doesn't offer food any better than mediocre.

    (3)

  • Terence N.

    Finally came here with my friend after gobbling up a delicious burger from The Standing Room next door. I ordered a white chocolate mocha and it was delicious! Not too sweet, you can still taste the espresso, and the dab of whipped cream on top made a perfect drink for a nice afternoon. The interior is nicely decorated with plenty of sofas, chairs, and wood décor. I love the whole wood interior; it makes the place feel very cozy. Okay, the painting of naked women on the top strip was weird, I didn't even notice until my friend pointed it out. They even have their own coffee roaster! Crazy! This is definitely a place to hang out and chat, but I really don't like all the little kids running around with their board games and being a nuisance. Please, keep your kids under control!

    (4)

  • Gil K.

    I come here often, but this monday was the first time in awhile. I came here to get some work done but didnt' know that wifi was $4 an hour and $6 for the whole day. We ordered a coffee, tea, and a cobb salad ($13 total), I could understand if they were trying to weed out people just buying a coffee and camping for the whole day, but if people are actually buying food, it should be included. Whatever, not my business. I would give them 2 stars but thei cobb salad was so great that I can give them 3 stars. Great amount of chicken, cranberries, feta, some bacon (bits), and almonds. They dont' skimp on the chicken, promise. oh ya, their coffee is good too.

    (3)

  • . ..

    If I wanted free wifi or free refills on coffee, I'd go to starbuxxxx... Instead, I come here for the coziness, mom n pop feel of the place, and the great coffee (50c per refill)! Because I'd have to pay for wifi (which I definitely will not do), it's also one of my favorite places to read a book or study without distraction (i.e. no facebooking or yelping)

    (4)

  • Min L.

    Wifi is 7 dollars an hour. Yikes! Their soups/sandwiches are delicious as are the rest of the food items on their menu. Coffee is pretty good and they have a huge machine near the patio doors for in house roasting. It can be quite dark inside so do your eyes a favor and sit outside to enjoy the fresh ocean air if reading. Otherwise, snag the huge homemade scrabble table for a game or sit on the cozy couches near the fireplace to catch up with friends. Stay away when the weather is hot as there is no air conditioning available unless you plan on losing 5% of your body weight through your sweat glands. Lots of cyclists stop here during the weekend mornings/afternoons so be prepared to see lots of spandex and butts.

    (4)

  • Cyrille K.

    Great local spot! Yummy white chocolate mochas! Fresh whipped cream! So why not 5 stars, you might ask? $4 per hour for internet! That would have been nice to know before I ordered my coffee. You know, like when I was at the counter placing my order and I asked "How does your internet access work here?" No mention of cost whatsoever until I couldn't get it to work according to the directions I was given by the girl who took my order, and then they tell me "oh, you have to pay a small fortune for that!" I think the reason they charge is they used to have people move in all day to work or something, but at least give an hour for free or something! I will still go back for the coffee, though. =)

    (4)

  • Tony S.

    Love this place......it's like I left the house and went to another house for coffee! Servers have always been nice to me(have yet to meet the guy with the angry look on his face) I usually get a cup of medium roast coffee in their ceramic mugs, a home made brownie....to die for!!!!! My girlfriend loves their Chai Tea, along with the brownie we share...lol!! I had breakfast there once, Egg-Al sandwich with sausage....delicious!!! Atmosphere is cool, the front counter resembles a coffee place, the rest of it looks like the living room of a house.....love it!!! If you're into spy novels, come here.......

    (4)

  • Jack C.

    Visiting from the Coffee Capital, Portland OR and trying out the various coffee shops. Catalina Coffee was the best we have visited in Redondo. Nice atmosphere, good service and excellent coffee. We had a mocha and a latte, and both came in big ceramic cups and the drinks were excellent. Will become regulars during the rest of our viist.

    (5)

  • Ryan T.

    It doesnt happen very often but this is my favorite spot for a nice relaxed quiet cup of coffee(or in my case, typically a large chai tea latte!). Inside its nice and cozy, the staff is awesome and very friendly. The outside patio usually has a couple cute puppies/dogs tagging along with their humans. They have all kinds of freshed baked muffins, pastries, scones, etc. Theres usually a "special of the day". This past weekend I had a breakfast sandwich on a fresh baked croissant. Its your typical sandwich but they fancy it up a bit with some tomato and thinly sliced red onion which makes it a fave. Another favorite item here is their cinnamon scones. They're usually nice and crispy around the edges with tasty little pockets of cinnimon and butter scattered about. Breakfast burritos are also really good, i usally like the burrito with sausage, you can pretty much choose whatever meat you want(i believe they have bacon, ham, and sausage.) They are stuffed with the meat, cheese, potato, and they give you salsa and sour cream on the side. If you happen to be in the area, check it out, you will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Christopher M.

    The Catalina Coffee Company is located on N. Catalina Ave., between Diamond and Emerald Street. Parking can be challenging but conveniently located in a small lot, to the side of the shop, with some additional street parking available. From the outside, The Catalina Coffee Shop, with it's subdued earth tones might easily be missed (look for the café umbrellas). From the inside, it continues with these soothing earth tones, the "import store" kind of vibe, and a little kitsch sprinkled in for good measure. Ample seating, cozy couches and lounges with a medium sized library niche and chess tables in the back. Outdoor patio area with café table seating also available. From a food perspective, there's nothing terribly fancy here--a modest café menu. Specials at the counter, goodie case, standard offering of coffees and drinks. Ranging from bagel to biscuit--sandwich to soup; served to local patrons. Wait time and service is about what one would expect; in line with flavor. Portion sizes appear to be average compared to other similar establishments. Pricing is just a few bits over the moderate side, compared to some of the other "corporate coffee" competitors--but to be expected from the "non-assembly line" style of independents. The Catalina Coffee Company does offer pay to play Wi-Fi accommodations--inviting but somewhat limiting. A nice place to visit by the beach; a good spot to relax for a short conversation--The Catalina Coffee Company might be the place. Overview: Yelp currently does not currently use half star ratings in the user review process. I want to rate The Catalina Coffee Company a bit more than a standard 3 stars (it has all the makings of a great spot). However, I'd have to rate it a 2 Star based primarily on café food flavor, WiFi accommodations (unfortunately pay to play), and staffing--inline with Yelp standards. It does get a + 1/2 star for cozy atmosphere and another + 1/2 star for location near the beach. Bringing the total modified score of 3 Stars overall--or defined by individual tastes. Establishment - Simple, comfy, ample seating. Good location. Staff - About what one would expect--nothing fancy. Clientele - 20 to 30 something crowd and up. Food Selection - Goodie case, soup and sandwich. Flavor & Quality - Meh--fairly standard.

    (3)

  • Casey c.

    great vibe, surprisingly excellent food! try albacore tuna salad. ..... year later still love this place... i visit SoCal RB every 6 moths

    (5)

  • Emily R.

    Scott and I walked here on our first day in Redondo. We had our dog Sophie with us and Catalina just kind of fell into our laps...the thing that struck our attention? There was already a couple sitting on the patio with a dog...YAY dogs were allowed! We jumped right on it. We both got coffee (and they add a dollop of homemade whipped cream if you want), and I got a bagel with cream cheese and Scott had the egg salad sandwich. His sandwich was SO good....it had so much dill, and I looove that. We sat on the patio which was great, but the inside had a "dads den" atmosphere...very dark, and cabin-like. Great place, great food, and dogs on the patio. Love it.

    (4)

  • Eric L.

    Very nice, cozy, and rustic feel to this place that has soft cushy chairs and sofa's as well as a patio to sit out in the fresh breeze. Good prices here and friendly low key service. You can reserve seating as well!

    (4)

  • Brandy W.

    I LOVE this place. My friend Katie and I always meet here when she's in town. It's known as the CCC to us. It used to be an even cooler name, but let's not judge too much. The best thing about this place is how cozy it is. Even better is thinking about how many people have sat in these chairs over the years. It does creep me out just a bit to think that the "comfy" chairs are well used... and you can't just spray a little 409 on that stuff to clean it like the Starbucks. I'm just ranting. I'm also the kinda person who hates movie theaters because the seats disgust me. Okay... getting back to the real deal. The coffee and grub is good there. It's a fun place and very hip. Just try to forget about those chairs.

    (5)

  • Lucy W.

    I have been going to Catalina Coffee Company since before it was Catalina Coffee Company. The quality of their coffee is excellent and trust me when I say I am snobby about my coffee. In addition to roasting their own beans, they also make fresh baked items and homemade whip cream that goes on their mochas. YUM! So why did I only give them 4 stars? The large crowds. Unfortunately, this is the official meeting place for bible groups and bikers on their weekend cruise down the beach so it gets a bit crowded. The line for the bathroom at times has been ridiculous with all the bikers who drank all that water on their ride. One more thing to note, I love the old furniture and old books, but if you are the type of person that is squimish around antique stores you may want to get your coffee to go.

    (4)

  • Raechel W.

    I really like the ambiance in Catalina Coffee Company. There are mismatched armchairs and ottomans everywhere, bringing a really charming and hipster feel to the place. There are also bookshelves, poker cards, and chess sets for the delight of the patrons. In addition I visited during Christmas time and they decorated quite well! I could see this being a very popular place for hipsters and intellectuals; the majority of the patrons were of an older demographic, but they enjoyed sitting and chatting in the place without a problem. :) I also really liked the mellow lighting in the place; dim, but not too dark. Perfect for sitting back with a book and a cuppa. Ordered a chai latte and it was really good! Not the best one I've had, but definitely what it's supposed to be. :) Also a decent price for such a decent size The employees served it in a ceramic mug where my friends and I sat and it sort of felt like home or like the coffee shops in the UK (even the Starbucks there ask you if you want your coffee in a mug or takeaway). The only drawback here is that there was a funky smell in the place; I dunno if it's that they serve smelly foods, but it probably does something to your palette when you're eating or drinking, so I imagine if they cleared the smell up, everything would taste better. CCC has it's own parking lot on the side so yay for not needing to park in the street! I'm not a frequenter of cafes unless I'm chatting with friends, but I would definitely like to be back sometime. :) Probably for the eggnog latte that I didn't get to try!

    (4)

  • Marci B.

    This coffee joint is really spacious, but has a warm feel with its eclectic use of couches and chairs, to make you feel at home. I ordered a chai latte with soy milk, which took a bit of time to make. I was in a rush, no doubt, and they made an iced chai latte by mistake! I was a little irritated, but the girl apologized for the mistake and the wait, and quickly made what I originally ordered. With that kind of apology, I might have said "no problem" and consumed the iced version instead of having them waste it and make a new drink, but it was a VERY cold day (at least by Southern Californian standards). I just wouldn't suggest doing too much work here if you need to be online because there is no free wi-fi here.

    (4)

  • Stephen C.

    Comfortable and homey. It's a great place to chillax. The coffee is good, and it's refreshing to have a local roaster in the neighborhood. I am not a fan of the food though. Sometimes it's tasty, but it's hit and miss.

    (4)

  • Brigitte T.

    cute little coffee shop with a nice little menu of standard offerings. My favorite thing here has to be the cob salad. Inside is very homey with a library sort of feel to it.

    (4)

  • Aaron F.

    Was out and about today looking for a coffee shop. For years I always drove by this place and heard really good things so decided today was the day to get something. When I got inside, the first thing I noticed is the set up. It almost felt like I walked into a Pier 1 Imports/library/old cottage all mixed into one. While I did see people seated trying to work on their laptops or read in those comfy looking chairs, it looked hard to concentrate since it looked as if the MOM's Club was in session. About 10-15 women with all their children were running around all over the place. Maybe that was not a good time to sit and read a book at around 2pm. Many posters before me said it can be difficult to read let alone study, I see their point. It was lunch time so I decided to try a chicken curry sandwich and a small mocha, to go. As I was waiting for my food/coffee the coffee maker thingy in the corner caught my eye. It seems that they literally make their own coffee on site which is really cool and don't see everyday. I also saw coffee's imported from all over central, south american along with Africa. Service was really good. The women that work the counter are attractive, so that helps :). My sandwich was pretty good, it was a little dry for my taste but enjoyed it overall. It came on wheat bread with a pickle. My mocha also tasted really good. Maybe it was me but I tasted more milk than coffee. Don't get me wrong, I liked it but something to watch out for. Next time I stop by, I'll try the coffee from other countries they brew.

    (4)

  • Andrew L.

    Overall the decor screams family coffee shop. It's loaded with comfortable chairs and couches with walls of book shelves. The drinks are pretty good and the location can't be beat as it is 1 block away from my place and a few blocks from Redondo Pier. Book groups occasionally meet there so it does tend to get loud if you happen to be there at the same time. - 1 star for paid wifi

    (3)

  • Matty G.

    Awesome spot, very comfy chairs inside, great coffee. Only thing is that wifi isn't free, which in a way is good because it keeps people moving...

    (4)

  • Rebecca V.

    If you love unique coffee places, books and fireplaces, you will love this place! Yes, they have a fireplace and they have walls lined with book shelves filled with books for you to read! Their sitting area is made up of different living room settings! They have this huge chess board and lots of lamps that are great for reading! It is a quiet oasis close to the beach for wonderful coffee, and treats! This is owner run! The owners are a mother and son who really love their business and it shows! The staff is amazing! Friendly, helpful and they really take care of the customers! It is a wonderful place to meet friends or having a meeting at! The location is perfect and the atmosphere is warm/inviting! There is plenty of free parking. I love this place!

    (5)

  • Sylvia G.

    This is my local coffeeshop spot and has been since high school. I love their drinks! My favorite is their hot chocolate. The atmosphere is great. It's super cozy with oversized, mismatched furniture, fireplace, and a library-esque section with tons of books. There is also some outdoor seating which is great since it's by the beach so you can enjoy the nice weather. I love to just sit here and chat with friends. Service is always friendly and you can tell a lot of the people are locals and are regulars.

    (5)

  • Andrew H.

    Awesome morning breakfast! I rarely make my way out to redondo beach, but when I do I stop by Catalina coffee company for breakfast. I usually go with a muffin and coffee, but today I went with a recommended Egg-al sandwich with the everything bagel and added bacon. This was such a nice morning start treat, I had to write a yelp review. Side notes: nice atmosphere, outside patio seating with umbrellas and the ladies are easy on the eyes.

    (4)

  • Vee V.

    Now THIS is what a Cafe should look like!! Check out the Pictures.. Coffee is a Coffee is a Coffee...

    (4)

  • Red Z.

    Really good coffee, yummy moderately spiced breakfast burrito, nice relaxed atmosphere, free wifi, and plenty of parking. The guy who took my order and the guy who brought me my food were friendly, accommodating and greeted me with a smile; but the lady who refilled my cup of coffee (for $0.75) wasnt friendly and had the look that i was annoying her -- no smile! Would have been 4 stars if not for the unfriendly lady and the fee for a coffee re-fill.

    (3)

  • Fiona H.

    Nice, little local place with a nice selection of food, drinks and desserts. I used to come to this place all the time with my friend when we were in high school. I hadn't been in years until this last Saturday. We wanted to grab a quick bite to eat and decided to stop here. For some reason, it was unbearably HOT inside. I started sweating just waiting in line to order my stuff. It's a good thing there is seating outside because otherwise I'm not sure if I would have been able to handle it! The thought of sweating while I'm trying to relax and enjoy a sandwich...not very pleasant. I had a tough time deciding what to order because so many of their sandwiches sounded good. Plus the new girl at the register was a total buzz-kill and didn't help me at all. Me: "What's better, the roast beef or the lox?" Her: "I don't know. I'm a vegetarian." Oookaaay, nevermind. I chose the lox and it was good. I could hardly tell it was "home made" though, like it said on the menu. There wasn't anything special tasting about it, which is sort of what I was expecting. The service was fairly quick and overall we both enjoyed our food, even though my friend had a little discrepancy with her sandwich...which I'd rather not mention because it wasn't that big of a deal. Although if it had happened to me, this would be a very different review. Anyway, I would like to come back to try more of their sandwiches and especially their desserts (the cakes that they had in the display case looked delicious!) but I will keep in mind to never ask that girl her opinion again. I suppose I'll just have to deal with making my own decisions.

    (3)

  • Sam O.

    Quick & Dirty: A decent coffee house with nice strong coffee. Cool place to chill and drink a cup. Long & Strong: This is really the only "Coffee House" around me that I know of. At least it's the only one I know of that has tons of places to sit and relax while you drink a cup of coffee. When you walk inside the place is filled with tons of wing back chairs. I've only ever been in here in the morning and there is rarely anyone sitting in them. There seems to be more people who prefer the patio out on the sidewalk. The coffee here is pretty good. It actually has some flavor and isn't just the average crap. I'm so tired of Pike's Roast that I think I could hurl, so I'm glad to come here and get some variety! The staff is decent enough but not super friendly. They don't ever try to sell you anything you don't ask for like a muffin or some $hit. Not that they don't look good, because they do. The muffins that is. There really isn't anything else neighboring by this place which kind of bites. So you can't just come here and then go walking around window shopping or something. When you come here, you come here for this place only. Would I go here again? Yes, because it's convenient and on my way to work. Should you go here? Sure, it beats that Pike's Roast! Adieu Sam

    (4)

  • Chris J.

    Want to go to a coffee shop that feels like a living room? Then this place is for you. Selection and staff are outstanding.

    (4)

  • Barbarella F.

    My sister used to come to CCC years ago so when I happened to be in the neighborhood today, I pulled right over! The private parking lot was a great first impression, since most other parking in the South Bay requires lots of quarters! I also loved the huge space with lots of random seating. Reminds me of the funky coffee culture in Portland, OR, which I dearly miss! Haven't lived in the South Bay for almost 20 years and the overgrowth of corporate franchises breaks my heart. But that's "progress", right? The back area was too dark for me, but several people were there enjoying a variety of activities... including a game of gigantic Scrabble! I would have sat outside but the traffic noise was pretty loud. So I chose a comfy chair up front. Was a bit annoyed by someone who sat down nearby and made a lame attempt to engage me in conversation when I just wanted to be in my own space. But I was seated in a big circle of chairs, so DUH! Other people sat down, one at a time, who happened to know each other and pretty soon an interesting conversation, mostly about music & art ensued. So yay.... that was pretty cool. Will reserve a five star rating to see how future visits go. This was a Tuesday afternoon so the crowd & noise level was low. $10-ish seems a typical price for a sandwich + coffee, so I opted instead for the lower-priced Egg-al available all day. Yumm! Very tasty egg/cheese on a toasted everything bagel. An iced Americano is hard to goof up so all-in-all, a good time was had by all (ME!) :-) If there was free WiFi, then Five Stars would be easy. But paying $3.95 is not cool.... so I'll never come back with a laptop. I will for the atmosphere & am happy to find a non-Starbucks place to hang! ~~

    (4)

  • Stacy E.

    I LOVE this place. The coffee and drinks are great. Their baked goods are to die for. Best chocolate chip cookies around. I am a personal fan of the Vanilla Chai latte. I love the whole homey, eclectic atmosphere. They are very dog-friendly. They have water bowls you can clean out and lots of places to tie up your dog while you enjoy your coffee and food. The only negatives are the B rating in the window, and the swarms of bicyclists that come in on the weekends.

    (4)

  • Terry H.

    Stopped in here in the middle of a long bike ride. I was very encouraged to see the stack of high-end bike lined up outside because cyclists don't bother to cycle to bad eateries. Ordered mocha and bagel sandwich. Food and drink came reasonably quickly and my friends and I spent a pleasant 30 minutes eating and chatting on their tatty but comfortable easy chairs. Very pleasant. Food was good and portions were generous. I will have to remember this place - it's worth returning to.

    (4)

  • Jacqueline C.

    I LOVED the belgian waffle with strawberries and cream. I also ordered a blended mocha, which I wasn't that big a fan of. It was very icy with little flavor. Next time I'm in the area, I will go back to try other coffee beverages and especially the belgian waffle.

    (4)

  • Charay C.

    Went there this past Sunday (12/19) for my birthday breakfast with the bff (Viola and Raechel..I think I saw you guys there!). Absolutely love the place and have been coming here for the past 10 years (started when I lived in Redondo, then continued when I moved to Palos Verdes). They have the best eggles and tea. I can probably explain the "smell" some are commenting on. This place has lots of velvet and heavy fabric upholstered sofas and chairs and they have all been used well, so these will retain smells and such, but I think it is nothing that a little fabric refreshner won't cure. In the winter, it has a cozy feel and is great for hanging out with a book (they have tons of bookshelves with books you can freely read) or with friends. In the summer, they have an outside area that is great for watching the bikers roll past and getting that nice beach breeze. :)

    (4)

  • Michael B.

    Never been here before until yesterday.The 4 of us came in and ordered a chai tea and 3 cappuccinos in mugs,cups to drink there,whatever as long as it's not cardboard or paper cups.She said we could have large or small.When I asked her what size small was she said 12 ozs.We finally seemed to get her to understand what it was we wanted exactly.They'll bring it out she said.A few minutes later a girl brought out a chai tea in a mug and 3 cappuccinos in 8oz paper cups.When we complained we wanted cups or mugs she said they had run out.Considering the place looked to have a dozen customers at the time including us that was a very poor reason.What made it even worse was even though the coffee tasted good there was barely 5oz of liquid in the cup,the rest was froth.Three small sips and it was all gone.Not impressed!

    (3)

  • Tori R.

    LOVE this place...could seriously come here to eat and have coffee everyday. The only thing that really bothers me [hence the 4 star rating] is ONE guy that works there is so absolutely rude and makes me never want to go when he's working. I don't get it - he always has a rude angry look on his face, is never nice, and alwayssss makes my drinks wrong!!! [I'd say about 95% of the time he makes them, they are wrong]. =( Obviously, nothing, even his angry little face, could keep me away from this place...but if he starts working often, I'm not sure what I'm going to do!! **sidenote: Their dirty chai is amazing, and the cobb salad is probably the most amazing thing in the world! Homemade dressing...you can't beat it!

    (4)

  • rino k.

    I have been coming here for coffee with my girlfriends for years now, and I love it! They roast their own coffee, and my iced & hot lattes have been consistently delicious. I recently went in for lunch, and tried their Turkey and the Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches. I usually don't consider sandwiches to be the most filling, but the portions here were quite large! I really enjoyed the subtle flavors of the Curried Chicken Salad. The Turkey was also very good, but I'm not big on sliced deli meat. However, I was most blown away by how delicious the wheat bread was. You heard me right, I am reviewing the bread. Now, when I think of wheat bread, I usually think "brown & healthy-tasting." Not CCC's wheat bread! It was seriously the most delicious wheat bread I have ever tasted. Soft, fluffy, and ever so slightly sweet. I don't know if they make their bread or if they buy it from a bakery, but I'm hooked!

    (5)

  • Jessica C.

    Catalina is a cool place -- the sort of place when I go I feel like, "I should come here more often." A good place for studying. The atmosphere is calm and there are plenty of comfy places to sit. Food is pretty good too. I got a veggie sandwich once and was a fan (although I was a little put off by their prices). My biggest complaints -- in the summer it was SO FREAKING HOT here. Unbearable. Normally in Redondo Beach weather isn't too much of an issue, but they seem to have made no moves for an air conditioner or heater, making this place much less accessible when you're looking for a place to escape from the weather outside. Second, my boyfriend came here and tried to use the wifi and got no results. The staff even came by to assist and still it didn't work. This was disappointing as it was a big reason we came. Ultimately I like Catalina. It's a decent place to visit with yummy food and drinks. However, as far as actually becoming a regular... a nicer idea in theory.

    (3)

  • Jenet M.

    Great spot to meet up with a friend for a coffee, tea or a snack. The drawback for me is how packed this place gets and subsequently, how noisy it can be. They have a nice selection of teas which is key for me, a non-coffee drinker. The prices are good and the service while it can be slow is usually friendly.

    (4)

  • Dan D.

    Below the standard of an independent coffee house, made me wonder why I didn't go to Starbucks. This place is all window dressing to make you feel like you have stepped into a small business that still individualizes its attention for its customers. The cashier was rude and sluggish. It was early yes but HELLO, this is a COFFEE shop. Comfortable couches were clearly dirty and full of allergens. The oatmeal was inedible. The coffee was so-so. Even if the peppiness and morning cheer is a directive from a corporate manual, at least you get it from one of the big chains.

    (2)

  • mike e.

    Pretty much everything there is good. Service is equally good (most of the time) the ambiance is nice but they could run the vacuum a bit more often...

    (4)

  • Craig B.

    One of my favorite places to get coffee. It is very inviting and has a comfortable feel inside. Also the coffee is fantastic!

    (5)

  • Julien R.

    Really enjoy the vibe and mellow vibe that Catalina Coffee Company. I go here to study, and even in the mornings when its crowded, it's still at a very low noise level. They give you coffee in a big mug, and there's plenty of space to sit, and are quite comfortable too. The workers are interesting, i might say. Meaning that they dont have the attitude workers have at star bucks or any other mainstream coffee shop do. I guess you can say they do what they feel like, they'll sing in the back, talk amongst the customers about whatever, and what not. But I guess in a sense that's what makes Catalina a laid back place. If you're up for place a game of chess, checkers, need to study with some friends, want a pretty ok cup of coffee, I would suggest Coffee Catalina.

    (5)

  • wade l.

    Everything a coffee shop should be. My favorite coffee spot, by far. Years ago, I used to rent a room across the street. I stopped by many a time for a bagel sandwich - or when coming with company, to play a game of chess with their ultra-large chess boards or lounge and chat on their nice couches. Also just dropped by to hang by their fire place and read the paper while sipping a hot drink. The general "feel" of the store is what sets it apart. Relaxing, comfortable, artisan, non-cookie-cutter, & mountain-lodge-esque. The room is littered w/ miscellaneous arm chairs and couches you likely won't find in an Ikea catalog. I've never had their salads, but I really need to - they look absolutely insanely good (especially their Cobb). I've just been a creature of habit here - lox bagel sandwich (which is excellent) & some hot apple cider (complete w/ Cinnamon stick). Love stopping in whenever I'm in the area.

    (5)

  • Josiah C.

    A peerlessly cozy coffee spot. I am glad I dont live nearby, or I would probably live there. The fact that the place does not offer free wifi is a bit of a downer however. They roast their own coffee, which is great! Though I felt like the cup I had was a little watery. Will definitely come back!

    (4)

  • Vanessa R.

    Really cool place. Makes you feel right at home. Nice to go with friends and need some down time.

    (5)

  • Joan S.

    They claim to be "South Bay's neighborhood gathering place". It does indeed look that way! I have adopted this place as my 'home away from home' as I go through the steps of moving into this area. This wonderful dimly-lit coffee house with a vintage beamed ceiling has plenty of tables, on which I spread out my papers while househunting, comfy well-seasoned stuffed couches and armchairs, chessboards, handpainted murals, a fireplace, computers, in&outdoor seating......one block from the ocean. They boast a library containing an all-mystery used bookstore with 2000+ volumes for sale. The coffee is good and their menu looks interesting: salads, sandwiches and on-site baked goods. I'll get to it. Plenty of free parking in the lot....40 spaces.....in L.A. this is unheard of. Don't tell or somebody will build a condo there. 8/2006 Update: So I did try the food. It was several months ago, to be fair, & hopefully things have changed since then. I had oatmeal. The portion was so small it was laughable. I'm guessing half a cup or so. Give me a break.....it's OATMEAL!!!!! Doesn't cost a fortune to prepare.

    (5)

  • J Y.

    their brownies are amazing and i LOVE all the comfy furniture in this cafe. I actually really used to love this cafe, but recently i just had HORRIBLE service. My friend and I ordered a cappuccino and latte respectively and the guy comes by with this pissed off look on his face comes with the coffee in his hands and just slams the cups with no saucers on the table and walks away. my friends cappuccino was literally a shot of espresso with a layer of just dry gross foam. i know a cappuccino has foam on top, but seriously???? My latte was really bitter and gross too. I couldn't believe how horrible the service was. Its such a shame because i really used to love this place. i'll prob give the guy the benefit of the doubt and maybe he had a really bad day. But don't take it out on paying customers please!

    (2)

  • Brent C.

    There is not internet here, WiFi. No Free WiFi If you are really worried about people sitting in your coffee shop just to use WiFi for free. Then just make them make a purchase first, and give them a free one hour card. One purchase per one hour of free WiFi. I live right next to this place, in a huge apartment building and would come here all the time with my friends, if they didn't try and bend me over every-time I need to check my email. Seriously, this isn't 1995, WiFi is free now, for paying customers at least. Catalina Coffee Company- You are losing a lot more money than you are making with this policy, in repeat business, and local customers, trust me.

    (1)

  • Austin F.

    Just got two vanilla no foam lattes and am enjoying the breeze on the patio of the hotel. Cozy place near the beach roast their own beans. Solid coffee fix!

    (4)

  • Johanna V.

    Semi-Short and Sweet: Came here on a Saturday morning for a study session... their cafe americano is excellent and in a X-large cup. Very "Friends Inspired" place. Cool place to just chill, read a good book, etc. But gets pretty busy during lunch time... get there early enough and you can get a seat on one of their many comfy chairs. Will be back tomorrow and the day after that :)...

    (4)

  • P R.

    Coffee was really strong in my opinion! Brownies were AWESOME and generously portioned! Love the cozy feel, all of the books in the book cases (though most are sci fi and romance), the oversized board games, and staff was pretty nice. Prices were very reasonable, I think cheaper than most "obscure" coffee shops AND chains. No one rushed us, parking was ample, and there was even this CLICHE guy talking about his book with this other guy that came in. He had his Mac open and was typing away, talking about science fiction and completing the book. People still do that? I rolled my eyes at him and his conversation but liked that this kind of thing still exists and people aren't just writing fanfiction in their basement. Will return, but it is a little far for a daily study place.

    (4)

  • Lori K.

    Remember back in the mid to late 90's when Central Perk-ish grungy coffee shops were all the rage? In those days my older sister used to hang out at Ground Zero on San Fernanando in Spermbank but when we moved to the South Bay she started telling me about Coffee Kartel and then the Catalina Coffee Co. Both of these coffee houses have the same general feel, but Coffee Kartel is a bit rougher around the edges and Catalina Coffee is a bit more refined. I like the dim lighting, comfy armchairs and sofas and the various tables and giant chess set. There's a very homey decor and lots of books on the shelves that one would actually want to peruse. Catalina Coffee Company doesn't feel like a coffee house, it gives off a more informal vibe as if it were someone's living room. I like going here to read, hang out and sometimes even to grab a snack. The sandwiches are very filling and I think about their iced caramel coffee often. The End.

    (4)

  • Julia K.

    Java Stops are places like Starbucks. Coffee Shops are those joints with greasy spoons. But a Neighborhood Coffee Joint is rare, and when it hits, it brings out the "Be All you Can Be" in its self and the little community it creates. I practically live next door to Catalina Coffee Company, so it's hard for me to be so hard on them, but now that I have the time, I am going to let it rip. - 1 Star - Paid Wifi. Um, even Starbucks doesn't charge for wifi anymore. Why is the wifi here farmed out to some 3rd party at the rate of $3.95/hour or $6.95/day (etc)? Seems cheap and cheesy. If people are staying too long and not eating/drinking, then have it like Peet's does where there is a time limit. Geez. - 1 Star - Dirty Furniture. The couches and old leftover yard sale chairs all have a funk to them that is pretty nasty. I am always reluctant to sit on them, but since this is the seating in the back part of the cafe, that's the only choice. + 1 Star - Patio. It's a cute patio with a plethora of tables and chairs. Even places to water the dog. + 1 Star - Dog Friendly. On the patio only, of course, but that's cool. + 1 Star - Bean Roaster. It's a big ass bean roaster and when it's cookin', the smell is heavenly. - 1/2 a Star - The Coffee. Hmmm. I am not sure about the disconnect here. The roaster is there. The coffee is made just next to there. But it's just not that great. It's... fine. Are you guys not using filtered water? What makes the jave here so run-of-the-mill? - 1 Star - Extra charges for Soy milk. I thought we had left that behind us, people. Again, even Starbucks doesn't charge extra anymore (with your rewards card swiped) for soy. + 1 Star - Whipped Cream is free. On specialty drinks that is. + 1 Star - Homemade pickles. Need I say more? they are delish! - 1 Star - Lackluster Food. It's like what I would make at home. But not as cheap. At nearly $9 for a bagel and cream cheese with lox, for example, I expect frickin amazing bagels. Overall, this place is ok but it could be better. A few sugestions would be: - Perk up those smelly sofas and cruddy chairs. Slipcovers? Furniture cleaning company? Replacements? Borders is going broke - I bet you can pick up all the leather club chairs from them cheap! - Have the water tested with which you make the coffee and tea. - Revamp the food menu. - Utilize Twitter better. I signed up to hear about specials, and there has yet to be a discounted special on the offer. Lame. So Catalina Coffee, you are my go-to, but not because you are the best. That's Cafe Arigato up in the Riviera. You are convenient and on my way to things, so I am here a lot. It would be great to love you, but I just cannot.

    (2)

  • Katherine M.

    I grew up in the South Bay area and while the South Bay never really has been my favorite area of LA since I find it lacks a lot of the individuality of other areas of Los Angeles. Catalina coffee is okay, as it does offer one of the few alternatives in an area dominated by Starbucks, and appeals to those who like our independent coffee shops. The perk is it does have a bit of an artsy decor and offers a wide range of coffees and teas. A bit over priced and the coffee is okay. To be honest, as far as coffee goes, Starbucks is probably better. So in essence, Catalina is a place where you pay for the soulful ambiance and it is a great place to chat and catch up with an old friend. To be fair, I also have some resentment towards this place, because growing up it used to be Yesterday's Coffee House where it gave sanctuary to local teens and twenty-somethings. Basically it was a place to imbibe in teen smoking. I have fond memories of Yesterday's where it was a little more shabby chic and rocked a used book store and a personal owner who would take his dog named Jasmine to roam the coffee house. Now it is more for the older yuppies of the South Bay who want a more soulful coffee house than Starbucks. And the angsy teens have all moved to Coffee Cartel about a mile away.

    (3)

  • Dre C.

    bad bad bad...don't come here don't enjoy having your coffee here GO TO STARBUCKS..OR OR COFFEE BEAN OR PETE'S OR SOMEWHERE....ANYWHERE...NOT HERE!!! oh.....did I give it 4 stars? Well I LIED!! GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!!

    (4)

  • C J.

    Unique, cozy, hip (yes I stated "hip"), cool place for coffee and eats. TRIVIA: for many years, the south-facing side of their store sign read "CATALNIA" instead of "CATALINA."

    (4)

  • Kim F.

    Why are all the good coffee shops in Redondo Beach? Catalina Coffee has made itself a distinct coffee shop by offering more than just hand-crafted coffee drinks. The intimate decor is the perfect place to plop down and read a book for hours on end, or write a literary piece. Love the high-backed chairs and bookshelves. If that's not your thing, look over to the other side, by the cashier where you will find casual lunch tables. And they have a patio to boot if you're in the mood for alfresco. Great coffee, great lunch food and lovely atmosphere! Good for intimate conversations, and hang out with the locals. Parking can be a hassle though, especially during busy hours. But that means this place is popular for a reason.

    (5)

  • Bianca A.

    When I was in college, there were mom and pop coffee houses everywhere. I had more fun going to those coffee houses vs the big chains. It was for the simple reason that the staff was always more genuine. They knew you, they knew your story, and of course they knew your favorite drink. Yes, they train you to be nice to the patrons when you work at the "big box" coffee houses, but it's just not the same. It feels scripted. Not authentic at all. After leaving college and moving into the real world, I found that the mom & pop coffee shops were few and far between. It was a bit saddening because the years of patronage at independent coffee houses taught me to support local business. I was out to find those coffee houses again, even in a city as vast as Los Angeles. Enter Catalina Coffee Company. A local favorite just minutes from the sands of Redondo Beach. This quaint coffee house has the mellow feel that reminded me of those in college. Cushy furniture everywhere, an honor code library and even chess tables allow you to relax and unwind. There is no pressure to sip and go, no stress, just sit as long as you like. Catalina offers a wide array of coffees, teas, pastries, chips, and even soup and customized sandwiches. Simply order what you'd like & they will bring it to you. The hot chocolate was brought to me moments after placing the order. The flavor was sweet and not too rich. Just right. Moments later the turkey sandwich was also brought to my table. The meat was tender, the bread was chewy. It was a perfect lunch on a cool autumn day. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. They were seen throughout the establishment cleaning and speaking with the guests. The dining area was clean and although the staff delivers your food, you are encouraged to put it away at the bussing station once you are through. A majority of the patrons obliged with the task. Catalina is a great alternative to the usual chain coffee houses. It not only has great coffee and sandwiches, but it's also an ideal place to study, and to catch up on work, or simply to read. Students and professionals alike can be seen throughout on their laptops. It has its own parking lot that fills quickly on weeknights after 7pm. There is limited parking available on the adjacent streets. Bring change just incase you need to park at one of the metered spots. Operating hours are Monday - Friday 6:30- 10pm and Sat- Sun 7am-10pm.

    (4)

  • Frank N.

    This place has an awesome seating area with lots of couches and comfy chairs. Coffee is acceptable. Some concerns... First, it smells like a gym locker room. I am not kidding. You walk in the door...and it hits you. Subtle, but inescapable. I'm not sure why or how or what they can do about it, but all I can say is that it stinks in there. I would love to come there and sit on one of those big comfy couches, but you can't escape the smell. Second, it's a coffeeshop that charges for wireless. Really. I can't think of a single coffeeshop that charges for wireless anymore. That all said, the yogurt bowl is pretty good. Coffee's acceptable. Nothing amazing, nothing terrible.

    (2)

  • Craig R.

    This place has a little something for everyone. Local's love the fresh coffee roasted on-site in the copper kettle; tourists like the ocean air, and watching the locals; business people on their laptops. Avid readers can't get enough of the 2,000-volume library! I have been told it's the largest in the South Bay. Stop by for a cup of coffee and curl up to your favorite suspense novel. This is a cozy home away from home.

    (4)

  • Ashley G.

    ahh their iced vanilla lattes are sooo good!!! not too sweet not to biter, but simply put it, just perfect!!! and i love their laid back atmosphere! great place to study, relax, or catch up with old friends...that is, if you can find a seat!!

    (5)

  • Kelson V.

    Great homey atmosphere, the kind of place you go to hang out with people instead of staring at a computer screen. Best caramel mocha I've ever tasted.

    (4)

  • Reno C.

    So, I was riding my bike after work today as the forecast shows rain tomorrow. I need to burn calories because I eat to darn much, and I hung out at BBC yesterday afternoon sharing a pitcher of beer, Nachos and tacos. See I consume way to many calories. I have never eaten here, just had coffee. Today, It was a little cold, so I stopped to warm up a little since I had plenty of daylight to get back to my ride. Today, I had a latte, with soy, easy on the foam. Not bad, I thought, but I still love a strong Cup 'O Joe. I meet my friends here on Sunday mornings, as a central meeting place. I love the boost from caffeine for my sunday ride, and my friends, as reward after their ride. I've always sat outside, but today, I had to hide inside away from the cold. Plenty of locals come here on foot, outdoor patio seating for those with dogs or whatever. The interior is nice, with plenty of reading material everywhere. Plenty of seats, from sofas to wooden chairs. It's fun to watch others and wonder who they are and what they do. You sometimes get guys driving BMW's with ripped jeans and T's, a Harley rider with orange flames on his boots, yikes! Anyways, the staff has always been nice and polite.

    (4)

  • Vero M.

    One of the best sandwiches I've had in LA (I got the Californian), very fresh. Very nice people work there. Downside = styrofoam and lots of packaging :( I expected more from a fresh local place like this.

    (4)

  • Doreen M.

    I love this place for a nice and easy breakfast. I love their bagels with cream cheese, egg, turkey and tomato. So yummy and only $4.95. And the Cafe au Lait is huge and delicious. I also had the cranberry orange muffin and it was awesome. Their cinnamon roll kicks A**. Soooo good. The lunch options are great too. Love their tuna sandwich and my BF loves the turkey sandwich. He loves their potatoe salad as well. Afordable and just an awesome place to eat or hang out.

    (4)

  • Sophia L.

    According to Wikipedea: The term Expresso can refer to: a short English comedy film, a Portuguese newspaper, a spreadsheet community, a fashion brand that joined the Fair Wear Foundation, A trim package for Plymouth automobiles in the late 90s. - May I have a double espresso, please? - Oh, you mean you want a double Expresso?'' -Sure. I'm not a Venti-Shmenti snob. To the contrary - I still insist on my right to say "I want a large coffee" at Starbucks, but this is a coffee shop, people, for God's sake! Shouldn't they know their nuclear from their nukelar? (and no, this is not a political statement) 20 minutes later, my eXpresso arrived in a huge MUG! Wi-Fi is not free. They close at 10. Nuff said.

    (2)

  • Steven W.

    What a lovely little coffee shop. In today's world of Starbucks and Coffee Bean, it's nice to know there's a place that actually feels like home. It reminds me of Central Perk from the TV show Friends. Couches, sofas, and lamps galore. I love the Greek statue ones the most. Nice place to read, relax, or hang with friends. If it's a really warm day, you can have your pastries and iced drinks on the patio.

    (5)

  • Harry C.

    Edited review 04/11/2013 well i am back in the south bay today and i remembered about this place... today i tried their "Half white chocolate and Half regular chocolate Mocha" special and it tastes really good!! i have recently started to "quit" coffee, but as i entered Catalina CC, that aroma was so irresistible that i had to get my coffee intake.... well i didn't feel that bad afterall i had just a mocha and it turned out to be one of the best mocha i had in along time!!! Below is my review back in 2010 -- The place is nice and cozy to chill and just hang out with your buddies or just to read a book. i've seen people working on their laptops on the couches. i'm such a couch person, i love places where they provide nice couches for customers to chill... Their coffee are just alright, nothing special. But i guess its one of the nice place to chill in the south bay, my ex roomie told me about this place.. and unless you're from the south bay not too many people know about this place :))

    (5)

  • Earvin F.

    I had forgotten to write a review for this place after I had visited this place a few times months back. Great local coffee shop which provides more "homey" vibe than Starbucks. They also provide some decent dishes for lunch. This place is great for single people and free wi-fi. Also, great place to meet up with friends and lounge on their huge couches. Lots of sitting areas and great ambiance vibe to give it a cozy feel around you. Prices are fairly the same to pretty much any coffee shop. Looking at $3-4 on average for a flavored coffee or latte (hot or blended).

    (4)

  • Mary C.

    This is a real nice cozy place to have a bite, a drink and relax. I think it's one of the best local places in the Southbay. I haven't had the coffee, but their spiced cider is really good. It's not too sweet and the small is a big mug :) I love their breakfast croissant - egg, cheese and tomato on a croissant. I get it almost every time. My favorite place to sit is the couch in front of the fireplace at the back, it's really comfortable and fairly private. Sitting outside is also nice early in the morning before traffic starts passing by. You'll usually see some road cyclists hanging out here. The service is very good. Order at the counter, take a number to your table or armchair and a server brings your order and napkins. They're really nice, I've asked for the breakfast croissant at 9:30 at night and they made it for me even though they officially stop selling breakfast at 2 or 3. It's a really good place to meet with friends or go on an intimate date.

    (5)

  • Luke F.

    I love the ambiance here! The seats are very comfortable and I enjoy getting work done here! I love the drinks also. Go here!

    (5)

  • Frank P.

    Finally! An alternative to the yuppie Starbucks joints. Breathe of fresh air and great coffee

    (5)

  • Marsh D.

    I'm now a Starbuck's guy, BUT I do fondly remember the days when the genuine coffee houses ruled the world. Had there been more places like this where you couldn't wish for a cozier living room, but with company, maybe Starbuck's would not have taken over the world. I have a "genuine" coffee house in my 'hood - sucks. If this place was in my neck of the woods, Starbuck's would have one less customer.

    (5)

  • Rachel M.

    Definitely not the least expensive place to get coffee in the area, but if you're headed to a coffee shop like this, you're probably more interested in hanging out on the couches and wingback chairs than in a quick cup of joe. I went one afternoon after work about a month ago to meet with a group of friends -- got there early, so I ordered a mocha and one of their HUGE brownies (yum...sin on a plate...my mouth is watering!). I loved that I could take my brownie and wander around the different chairs and look through the bookcases filled with donated/lending library books. Honestly I felt a bit like Goldilocks inspecting the chairs: "that one doesn't look as comfortable, I can't curl up in that one..." The coffee wasn't anything to write home about, but that brownie...mmm-mmm!

    (3)

  • Sven G.

    A great place to relax with some coffee or tea. They have lots of comfortable seating (couches and arm chairs). The food is pretty good for a coffee shop. Try the Cobb salad, it's amazing!

    (3)

  • Regina S.

    Unique coffee shop but the coffee isn't. I would definitely visit here for a long conversation with friends, but without free Wi-Fi or ample lighting you're pretty much stuck people watching---mostly likely they're people watching you.

    (3)

  • nancy R.

    I love this little gem of a coffee shop. It's just a great setup overall, comfy couches, grandma lamps, and a cozy fire place. There are outlets throughout the place, convenient for labtop use. The coffee is good and strong, yea a bit more expensive then your starbuck cup but well worth it due to the great feel of the place. Plus, if you're not watching your figure GET YOUR DRINK WITH SOME WHIP CREME...it's so good...filled with buttery fatty goodness. Their food is good, on the expensive side so you'd probably want to just try out their coffee. The only thing that bugs me about this place is that it's only open until 8pm during the weekday and 10pm on the weekends :( boo ...that's why I'm giving it FOUR instead of FIVE

    (4)

  • John K.

    my favorite coffee house when I'm home in Torrance. Comfortable seating, pretty good coffee. wish they were open later!!

    (5)

  • Ryan D.

    Great local coffee house. The coffee is good - they roast in house and they actually brew several varieties everyday (not just your standard offering of 1 house, 1 bold, and 1decaf). Good array of tasty pastries and cakes. Can get very crowded but surprisingly most of my friends have never heard of it, I guess its really just locals. When I'm dining in I'll go for a cappuccino and eggal sandwich or cranberry muffin.

    (4)

  • Jessica V.

    Good coffee and a killer chai latte. This place is always busy - especially on the weekends when the local bike groups stop in for snacks. Also - you have to watch out for drink stealers!

    (4)

  • Matthew M.

    Finally, an indie coffee house! It's the coffee house for you if you're sick of Starbucks, or Coffee Bean and other cold cookie cutters cafes. The atmosphere is quite cozy, the staffs are friendly, I think I know at least one of them from middle school, or high school... Their coffee is average. Nothing new there. But their sandwich is quite fantastic. They have great bread, and the spreads are quite good. I haven't tried any of the baked goodies, so... until next time!

    (4)

  • Camden Y.

    Do not be deterred by the surfer bro sign! The interior is absolutely homey and warm, with mismatched furniture and a quirky vibe. After moving back to the South Bay, I've been starved for a little cafe. Just somewhere that serves their drinks in something other than paper cups would suffice. The CCC has been my saving grace. Not only can I spend hours here with a perfectly good book, basking in the perfectly dim lighting, lounging on a perfectly worn chair, but on top of that the coffee's good too.

    (5)

  • Babs H.

    So cozy. This place is always jammed when I go past it. I know other's have commented on the speed of their service - maybe they've seen these reviews, because our drinks and sandwich came out within minutes. The blended drinks could have used more ice since they were a little liquid-y - but it was unusually warm out. The turkey sandwich was loaded with turkey and was delicious. Staff was friendly and inviting.

    (5)

  • Leslie S.

    This place had a very cozy environment. The drinks and food were good. My study partner and I only stayed for an hour, because we realized we needed internet. Unfortunately, you have to pay for internet, which I think is crazy now-a-days to have in a coffee shop. So unfortunately, although it seemed like a cool spot to study, charging for internet became a make or break for us. This is probably why people run to Starbucks....I'm just sayin'. My goal is to avoid going to Starbucks, because I want to support the smaller independent coffee shops, but when you don't have internet...I am on to the next one.

    (3)

  • Joann R.

    I was introduced to Catalina Coffee through a friend of mine a month or so ago. Funny because I live less than a mile away from Catalina Coffee but i just discovered this cute little spot not too long ago. Unlike Coffee Cartel, Catalina Coffee has clean furniture & a spacious atmosphere. Many of the tables duo as a chess board & the book collection is quite plentiful. A downside of Catalina Coffee would be the selection of drinks & the price. i found that a coffee w/ an espresso shot was not worth the price they were entailing. another negative would be applied to smokers, it in a none smoking environment (indoors & outdoors). the baristas are not all that friendly. my thoughts are "you work at a coffee shop in Redondo, you are NOT urban indie chic". Besides that, Catalina Coffee would be a nice spot to hang with a few friends or take a first date.

    (4)

  • Brad C.

    I have been by this location numerous times and overwhelming smell of fresh ground coffee has tempted me to stop, I did so on a wonderful day. As I entered the restaurant the wonderful smell fresh coffee filled the air (not to strong / not to weak). The young man who took my order was pleasant and got the order correct. The view is nothing to brag about but was overcome by a very good cup of split pea soup and a turkey sandwich. The time it took to receive the meal was excessive given how few people were present when I arrived. The food was good. The patio area is truly in need of a good pressure washing (NOW). I will come back please clean the patio. Ratings have a lot to with having a clean business.

    (2)

  • Carrie S.

    After driving past this place for YEARS, I met a friend here to knit & lunch and I'm completely smitten. Great atmosphere; casual & relaxed, with big comfy sofas and chairs strategically placed in little bunches, creating the perfect place for a friendly meet-up. I had a delicious curry chicken salad sandwich that was piled so high on the thickest squaw bread - heavenly. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • John F.

    It's a quiet, comfortable local coffee shop. Lots of room inside, friendly staff, nice patio. The food has been good so far. Definitely one of my favorite shops in the area. They have a lot of couches and chairs ... feels much more like someone's living room than it does a starbucks type coffee place. Wifi is not free though (keeps the place quiet?) and to go drinks could be larger.

    (4)

  • Melissa W.

    I love the espresso-chocolate muffin. The coffee is amazing too. The setup is quaint and cute, with a dozen or so high-backed armchairs that engulf you in their comfyness. The library (what a concept!) provides the ultimate reader's haven. Cappuccino+novel+big fat muffin=happiness. Why don't other coffee shops do this?! This place makes me want to stay forever. I could live off the sugar and butter fumes from the kitchen. No free wifi? Read a book :). Or play chess on the giant chess board.

    (5)

  • Lindsay K.

    I love this place. It's comfortable and the coffee and treats are fantastic. Plus, it's okay to stay for a long time.

    (5)

  • Johana P.

    Having lived in the Redondo Beach/Torrance are pretty much my whole life, I JUST discovered this place recently with my sister and a couple friends. We LOVE it. Mostly for how cute it is inside and we can just lounge and talk. The inside is like a huge living room with many different couches/sofas and coffee tables. Looks as if they bought whatever furniture they found at flea markets but that's what I like about it, it's comfy. As far as the food, I've only tried a few things. I've had a bagel with cream cheese (it was yummy, not hard to mess up that though), a mango smoothie, which is worth the price tag because it comes in a HUGE glass cup, and the breakfast burrito. That's the only one I had an issue with, but only because I'm a picky eater and didn't want bell peppers or onions but I DID want the potatoes, egg and cheese. They told me the potatoes are pre-mixed with the bell peppers and onions so I could try picking them out.....so i did......it was ok after I picked them out, just time consuming. Should've just got the Egg Sandwich that my sis got because she loved it! This just seems like a great place to relax with friends or even come on your own to study or read. UPDATE****6-18-08 I went last night and myself had the egg bagel sandwich and it was VERY yummy just as I was told :)

    (4)

  • Holly A.

    Had coffee with a friend here last weekend. I love the eclectic decor, ample seating, and selection of java bevvies! I didn't love the temperature inside -- it was 70 degrees outside but it was much warmer inside CCC. The location is fabulous and the coffee is ground and roasted onsite -- fabulous! I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Melody L.

    Play chess here. Internet costs money - may be a good or bad thing. Cobb salad is awesome.

    (5)

  • Tayen K.

    is it the living room of a writer in his 50s? is it a coffee shop? is it a vegan restaurant? who can tell! every time i visit a new coffee shop, i try their iced coffee. my uncle, who owns a coffee company (tona, my 2nd fav in the world, btw) says the best way to tell the quality of someone's coffee is to drink it cold... or room temp. so naturally, i had the iced coffee at catalina. and i will say that it was a-oh-boy! definitely low acidity, but strong flavor. pleasant nutty aftertaste, and quite refreshing. my friend and i sat and talked for hours, with the chirping of a book club around us and a gorgeous shelf of books behind us. i will certainly be going back for a day of writing and drawing!

    (3)

  • Amireh G.

    Best Chai and Vanilla Chai Latte....EVER!!!!!!!!!! Caramel Hot Chocolate is great too. Other drinks are not great - just ok. I have had a watery hot chocolate and a burnt latte. They make their own pastries (muffins, cinnamon buns). Atmosphere is warm, cozy - fireplace - and an interesting mix of students, book clubbers, mommy and me groups and friendless 50 year olds inhabit the place. Wi Fi is NOT free and no outside food allowed in. Credit cards accepted.

    (4)

  • Chris S.

    After years of people watching, I have realized the people are what bring me back repeatedly. Half the clientele are regulars. Despite the limitation of pricey unreliable internet which seems to work best when the sun is out between the hours of 12AM and 7AM every other Sunday, The staff is friendly, fast and while the menu small, the food is good. Saturday Mornings are busiest, the line often trails out the door till well after Noon. They close early. If you are a night owl, 10PM may be a bit early to be chased out; Sundays even earlier at 8PM

    (4)

  • Jen C.

    Just moved to Redondo and needed a cool new coffee place to go to. Im from Rancho Cucamonga and Bad Ass Coffee Co. Was my go to place. This shop is a 3 minute walk from my house and I was very disappointed with the service, burnt coffee and the old stuck up usuals that seem to flock here. I'd rather get coffee at 7eleven over this place.

    (1)

  • CaroleAnne H.

    Super neighborhood coffee shop. Great place to meet with friends and chat, study, plug away on the computer, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Dogs are encouraged to hang out on the patio, and there's lots of parking to boot. The only downside: my teenage daughters like to study here too, so we have to fight over who gets to go and have the place for the evening. :-)

    (4)

  • Keila H.

    love this place, great patio for sunny days and comfy indoor couches for june gloom days. free wifi and great coffee and food.

    (4)

  • Muriel A.

    This place is near and dear to me since I would come here like every day when I was studying for the bar. No one bothered me and my study buddy or gave us those "you finished your coffee why are you still here" looks that you get at some places. The vanilla chai latte is delicious and come in one of those big cups. So nom. I also really like the bagels either with cream cheese or as a sandwich. All the people who work here are super chill and really nice. This is a great place to study or read the paper and just hang out.

    (4)

  • Saira G.

    Love the ambiance and setting, honestly can't remember how the coffee was but I don't remember being disappointed (it's been a while since I've been here). But, like I said, the atmosphere is exactly what I expect and look for in a coffee ship. Cozy and comfortable, the kind of place you could sit for hours =)

    (4)

  • Timmy G.

    A very unique coffee shop and my favorite. If you don't get their Lox there you're really missing out. They make their own lox several times a week and it's simply the best. If you're going there specifically for the lox I'd suggest calling ahead. It takes them two days to prepare and cure the lox so they frequently run out. Their roast beef, chicken and eggel (egg on a bagel) sandwiches are delicious too. Actually I like everything I've ever eaten there. Being an optimistic person part of their charm is the fact that their service is slow and they frequently mix up the orders. Half the time I don't get quite what I ordered. But as previously mentioned everything is good so it's not a bit deal.

    (4)

  • Rina K.

    Catalina Coffee is the cutest little place! Awesome, comfortable furnitures and lots of books you can scope. They also have free wi-fi, so if you're the can't-live-without-internet type of person, this is the place for you. They have a pretty wide variety of things you can savor.. I believe they have pastries and sandwiches, but I've yet to try them. But I have had their hot cocoa, and chai latte and they were both very good! They come in a huge mug.. and the refill is really cheap too, if I remember correctly. It can get a little crowded inside, depending on the time you go, but outside patio is usually pretty open. I guess everyone prefers the comfy couches over the tables outside where you can feel the cool ocean breeze.. So definitely go to Catalina Coffee if you want to drink some hot cocoa while catching up on some reading, or for coffee outings with your buddies.

    (5)

  • Paul P.

    wifi is not free. the credit card purchases require a minimum charge of $4. their charm is in their friendly baristas, good drinks, and comfortable, old-school chairs. the springs in their chairs are worn down just right... and saggy. you can fall asleep on one of those. easily... this joint has a cool vibe. it's a place where good friends get together, or just you and a book. lots of seats, most in groups surrounding a marble slab table.

    (5)

  • Andrew T.

    When i first moved to California, I lived right next door to Catalina Coffee Co. I would wake up in the morning and smell the roasting coffee beans. This place is awesome! I would go here a few times a week and really like the coffee. This is a great place to just sit, relax or take a date. I think one downfall about this place is the amount of Road Weenies that come here on weekend mornings. They walk around with their shoes clicking on the concrete while they sport the tights that bare everything. Not that cool.... Other than that, you should go there! Its way better than that Starbucks bullshit.

    (4)

  • Jeanny J.

    I love this coffee place! The inside is really cute, with all the antique stuff it looks really nice. I like to sit at the chess table with an order of White Chocolate Mocha and Cobb Salad. It's the only two things I ever get there.. I'm not sick of it yet since it's really good! Considering I really love coffe.. especially White Chocolate Mocha, their's is really good. I can't wait to find time to go there again.

    (5)

  • Ernie D.

    Catalina Coffee Company is a special, unique, and rather eclectic place. I enjoy Starbucks also, but this is a completely different environment and experience. The room is fairly large, probably close to 1000 square feet, and chock full of comfy old cushy chairs and couches, as well as tables for groups to gather, and gather they do. When you walk into CCC for the first time, you might get the impression that everybody in there knows each other, that's because a lot of them do. Imagine Cheers, except with coffee instead of beer, and you've got the picture. There are a lot of regulars at CCC, and I have become one recently. The place is so warm and cozy and inviting. They hire the nicest people in the world to work at CCC, every one's a gem. They're not just employees grunting through a work shift, they are friendly and woven into quirky social fabric of CCC. I hate to say anything bad about this place because I love it so much, but their drip coffee kinda sucks, maybe because they roast the beans themselves. You're better off ordering a cappuccino or latte type drink. They have amazingly yummy food for a coffee shop. CCC has an incredibly delicious selection of fattening baked items. They have these fudgy brownies that are best (legal) ones I've ever tasted. They make their own whipped cream. When I decide to give up all together on controlling my weight, I am going to go there every day and pig out on their cakes, muffins, and brownies. Their sandwiches and salads are also great. They have a thing called the Catalina Cobb salad, with a unique combination of ingredients and their own homemade dressing, one of the best salads I have ever had. There are a limited number of electrical outlets available to plug in, so it's best to pre-charge your computer. There's a selection of mystery books customers are welcome to peruse, and various clubs, social groups, students studying, and friends gathering. It's easy to settle in for an extended comfy visit to CCC. When you go there, don't be a turd and spend hours there without purchasing anything. After all, they are running a business.

    (5)

  • Sayaka H.

    Perfect place to be any time of the day. I enjoy going alone or with great friends for long talk. My favorite is blue berry muffin.

    (5)

  • milo m.

    I have always liked their coffee, but service leaves something to be desired. Note to the blonde woman working the counter: if I'm putting you out by making an order (as your attitude certainly suggests), perhaps you should consider another line of work--especially if you're going to get the order wrong anyway, which you did. How hard is it to get a bagel and coffee right?

    (1)

  • C. M.

    My partner and I stopped in to grab a cup of tea and brought our laptops to surf the web a bit. Turns out they CHARGE for the Wi-fi!. A ridiculous $3.95 an hour too... After finding that out we promptly packed away our computers and went elsewhere. We have free Wi-fi at home and a thousand other coffee shops and cafes in the area. Other than that, although I liked the decor, the place reminded me of noisy cafeteria. The table we grabbed hadn't been bussed or wiped down and we were there for 10 minutes before leaving If your looking for a place to relax, kick back, and sip some coffee or tea... Go to Coffee Bean and Tea leaf or (God forbid) , Starbucks.... Skip it.

    (1)

  • Bee R.

    Good coffee, free whipped cream on my latte, and service with a smile (and sometimes singing from the guy in the back!) Cute environment and comfortable couches. What more could I ask for?

    (4)

  • Teej T.

    Enormous couches? Bountiful bookshelves? Friendly staff? A roaring fireplace? And all of this is next to the Redondo Beach pier? Oh hell yes. Whenever I'm tired or frustrated in Los Angeles, I can always count on this comfy, inviting coffee shop to raise my spirits. If you're in the mood for a real treat, be sure to get a large mocha. It comes in a giant coffee cup, covered with mounds of whipped cream and chocolate syrup. It's ridiculously delicious. Do keep in mind that if you want ot use your credit card to pay, it's a $5 minimum. I've had to plan my purchases carefully on more than one occasion so I could pay by plastic. =)

    (5)

  • Mojo S.

    I like the ambience here. I don't hang out in very many coffee shops and I haven't tested out all they have to offer, but it feels like a nice place to loung or converse. From the mini-library room to the expansive tables and chairs, everything feels cozy. I definitely want to come back when I have more time to kill and with the right group of people. I bet this place would be killer for a session of Race for the Galaxy or after catching the latest flick somewhere.

    (4)

  • zheng y.

    First visit, had a bowl of their Jerk Chicken soup which was delicious, and a HUGE cup of cappuccino. Very nice ambience, but half of the staff seemed less pleasant than the other half. The gal who took my order was sweet and pleasant, but the gal who pushed the soup my way needs a customer service class. A third gal who brought the cappuccino to the table was also not taking sweet pills. It was kind of sad, because it is a great shop which looks great, in a great location, one would think the management would at least hire people with decent personalities that don't have anger issues. Second visit, just a quick lunch with a couple colleagues. Great breakfast burrito (breakfast items served from open to close). And great soups. Staff still mixed, some nice, some ho-hum. Third visit, dinner with a couple different friends. The Catalina Cobb salad is unbelievably delicious and friends had nicely stacked sandwiches. No roll served with salad, and server said he'd bring some bread for 75 cents, but never did. Huge hot chocolate very good, regular coffee tasted like it had been brewed too weak and too long ago. They seem to roast by formula rather than by a "master roaster"-type person, could explain the boring regular coffee. Nice desserts, Red Velvet cake was perfectly delicious. I like this place more for its potential and food than for its staff. Half the staff there wouldn't pass my hiring standards, kind of sad because the rest of the concept works so well. In this recession, keeping marginal servers with absolutely no personality seems like bad business. If yelp would allow half stars, I would up this to 3.5, but can't give a 4 with the present staff.

    (3)

  • Matthew M.

    I'm giving it 4 stars because i'm taking a star off for lack of free wi-fi. But the environment is great. I only ever really came here in the morning after i would run along the beach and make my way up to catalina. The service is great and really friendly. They have a coffee card, so after 8 drinks one is free. I'm a fan of just regular straight up coffee, so i was extremely pleased to find out that when you order a cup to stay, every refill is only 50cents. Great neighborhood vibe !!!!

    (4)

  • Michele J.

    I love this place. We have a group that meets up here regularly, and it never disappoints. The first time that I met the group here, I fell in love with the ambience. There are great chairs and various areas where you can get a group of people together. And... I can call in advance, and they'll put a sign up letting everyone know where "our" area is. We have had problems with this in the past at other places, but the people at the Catalina Coffee shop just "get it." I usually get a green tea or a white chocolate mocha, and it's fine and never takes too long as one reviewer mentioned. I also had a great brownie that they hooked up with chocolate syrup and whipped creme. YUM! For a great casual meeting place, this is the one. Also, if you're there at closing time, they usually walk around and bring you a free cookie (as a hint to leave). I LOVE it!

    (5)

  • JENNY B.

    My Grandpa and I had been going there for years- nice local place to chill

    (4)

  • sienna m.

    This place has great muffins, chai tea latte, coffee and apple cider. A nice place to hang out at, read a book or study. The cashier's and barista's here are always helpful and very friendly.

    (4)

  • Christine S.

    The worst service! Ordered tea and I got a huuuuge cup of water and 1 tea bag. When I told the girl that my tea tasted like hot water, she told me to wait 8 min. and it would be better. Well I did that and it was still all water. I went back to her and asked for a second tea bag and the manager there told her to charge me for it! I can not believe the way some people do business! It was my first and last time there!!!!

    (1)

  • Alexandra G.

    What can I say except... I adore this coffee house. Once you've tried Catalina Coffee Company you won't want to go anywhere else for your daily coffee fix.

    (5)

  • C. H.

    HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! My tab must have been lost or looked over because they forgot to make my food. Not a big deal. When I went to check up on my order just as a friendly reminder I was blown off by the manager which he then came to my table. I was a little confused because I gave him my receipt and the number it was under which is all I could do as a customer, but he looked perplexed as to what he should do next..I don't know maybe get me my sausage breakfast burrito I ordered or apologize for the mishap? That would be a nice start. The manager gave me a "whatever", an eye roll/sigh, and asked me what I had ordered. The manager made it completely seem as though this mistake was MY fault. I assumed that him rushing away meant he was going to get my food cooked up asap. After giving it another ten minutes, I decided I didn't want to wait anymore and would just get it go. Good thing I went up there AGAIN because the cooks hadn't started making my food. I left this cafe livid with the way I was treated especially when I was completely faultless. An apology or some show of consideration would have gone a long way and might have avoided the outcome. Any manager who rolls his eyes, smirks, and victimizes a customer after blatantly screwing up deserves to be fired.

    (1)

  • Darren R.

    Rude service.

    (2)

  • Richard M.

    A solid coffee shop, great to hang out in after a ride in PV. The espresso is good and I have tried some of their sandwiches which are also pretty solid. Good outdoor seating and a convenient location. A lot of people seem to hang out in here and study as well. Fun and comfortable couches inside. I've read others complaints about the wifi but it seems to be fine when I've been there. Do the PV loop and check this place out afterwards!

    (4)

  • Josh S.

    Waited in line for 30 minutes on a Sunday and when we got to the front the card swipe wasn't working. Apparently that's why the line was long in the first place because the card swipe was taking so long. Make an announcement or something!

    (2)

  • daniel p.

    (Gonna come here with my cousin soon so it reminded me to write a review for this place) I really enjoy this place. Quaint and tasteful. Whenever I'm in this area, i always try to make an effort to come and just relax here, read a book, or enjoy a good conversation. Their coffee is wonderful, and the service affable. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Brock H.

    If you're living in Redondo Beach and getting your coffee anywhere else - YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG. Catalina Coffee is my go-to spot every day.

    (5)

  • Suzy S.

    Comfortable place to relax and knit or read in an old overstuffed chair. I don't mess with wifi etc but there are a lot of regulars who seem to rely on it so it must be okay...? I'm a terrible coffee house customer, I mostly just drink Pellegrino but every now and then I go for a latte and they do a good one here. Food selections are hit or miss; best bet is the roast beef sandwich and lots of people love the Catalina Cobb salad with apples. Save room for a brownie but leave a corner piece for me.

    (4)

  • Luke N.

    This is my go-to spot for weekend studying/reading. The food and coffee are top notch. Very friendly staff. Plenty of seating. My only issue is that the internet has become unbearably slow as of late. It has forced me to leave early on multiple occasions. I know I'm not the only one who has had complaints about the shotty Internet. Hopefully they can upgrade their router or bandwidth to accommodate their customers.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth H.

    I feel that I should post another review for Catalina Coffee, so here goes: I was here on a Saturday (last week)and we ordered in and hung out for a while....this is definitely a place you want to hang out....very comfortable, relaxing and cozy. From where we were sitting enjoying our latte's and talking, we were in clear view of the kitchen. I watched a female employee in the kitchen, making sandwiches and between orders, she ran her hands threw her HAIR!! She was not wearing gloves, did not have her long hair up or even pulled away from her face.....she did this about 8 times while we were there, not even pretending to was her hands!!! I really, really LOVE THIS PLACE, but this is beyond gross!! I know that some of Catalina's pastries are outsourced but they do make their own sandwiches, brownies, etc. and I NEVER EVER purchase any edible food item here again!! I'm really surprised the management here allows this to happen because they seem so together with all other aspects of this coffee house. Major disappointment!! :(

    (1)

  • Gloria C.

    I have been going here for over a decade now and met Ellen, Jeff and Kitty over this period. They are the owners and although Ellen is not there, Jeff and Kitty are active in the family business. There are friendly people that work there and that's one of the reason why its packed. So you may have to wait a few minutes during peak hours but the food is always good and the prices are VERY fair. The patio is a great place to sit and they welcome cyclist with outdoor space to eat while they cool off. My favorite things are cappuccinos and bagels with lox. They cure the lox on the premises. The best thing about Catalina is Sunnie. who's name matches her disposition. She is consistently friendly and a damn good Barista. This place is a dying breed of "old home town feel good" places in this area. If you want to hang out and work they have wifi. They have plenty of parking and accommodate special needs with a ramp at the back door. This is one of the best places if you want to take a break from the surrounding big business franchise places and be treated with good food and friendly service!

    (5)

  • Shaan L.

    This place is great! It's about as cozy, intimate, and cute as a coffee place can get! The decor, comfortable furniture, and relaxing environment is enough, but on top of that, they have the best hot chocolate I've ever had! I'm not a coffee drinker, but I'm sure all their drinks are phenomenal. There's plenty of space to chill and study or read. There's even a huge chess board table! This place would be perfect if it weren't so popular. The ambiance they have is ideal for some quality time with your special someone, but you'll usually find every available seat is within a couple feet of someone else. Regardless of that, I will definitely continue to return!

    (5)

  • Cosme P.

    Cool little spot. I miss the South Bay. Not necessarily hidden shoppe, but cool location. The inside was legit. Different types of decor. Two big chess tables. Decent wifi. The latte was alright. The brownie was rich. The service was good. Checked up on me. I'd come here again.

    (4)

  • Suzy Q.

    Horrible/unfriendly service by tall, dark-haired cashier. I felt like I was not good enough for their high-priced coffee and received no welcome and/or thank you when I left. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Tanya F.

    Great little coffee shop. Kinda reminds me of friends lol. Kinda dark inside but the food was pretty good. They also have a decent amount of healthy choice foods and drinks. Servers are great and bring everything out to you. Parking lot can get full but they also have street parking. Prices are ok. 4 bucks for a cup of coffee will never settle with me but it is what it is. I come at least 1x a month with a friend because we love to sit out in the patio in the morning.

    (5)

  • Leo F.

    I am five years behind in writing this review since I lost my old Yelp account. It's time to give the love back to this great and warm gathering ground. Catalina coffee is a true locals hang out with some people being here 5 to 7 days a week, but can still be very welcoming to those who are visiting for the first time. I was part of a group that met here once a week for more than three years consistently. We received great service during that entire time. They have had great employees (Liz & Brooke) who have been super friendly and accommodating but sadly not there anymore. I would highly recommend some of the specialty salads with chicken added or the "Dirty Swede" sandwich made on a wheat bagel. During the cooler months of the year they have an indoor fireplace that is usually on, which adds to the already warm and cozy feeling of this great environment. Catalina coffee company is truly a neighborhood business.

    (5)

  • Billy K.

    ok, I'm done! I gotta lv da small owner on sight small local coffee houses that are rare now-days. So I have given Catalina Coffee every single chance, and it just keeps getting worse. Walked there this morning to discover that the owner has raised the price of coffee refills to 75 cents! WTF? The greed factor has driven me away. Want me back? (I spend around $3000 grand a year for coffee and food) Pretend that you give a shit! stop with the bakery mixes! )There is enough poison in our food! $3.25 for a Betty Crocker muffin mix ball of wax/glue WTF? Improve your coffee! (Just because you have a roaster does not mean you know how to buy/roast coffee! It's your loss. I'm too Boushie 4 u! aloha bk

    (1)

  • Cathy U.

    I went back a couple of weeks ago and was hugely disappointed in their Turkey Avocado sandwich. I was so underwhelmed by it. The sandwich was bland. I was really hoping to get more (in both taste and volume) for $8.50. Oh well. I still love and recommend this place for a cup of coffee and as a place to meet up / hang out with friends. It's a cool place to chill in between appointments or errands. 2 stars for the sandwich I had (maybe it was an off day?) 4 stars for the coffee selections, comfy couches and overall ambience.

    (2)

  • Toyo K.

    I come here once a week for a language meetup and they are always nice enough to accommodate and reserve a section for us. They close at 10pm, but they usually let us stay past that without ever rushing us to leave. The coffees, teas, and sandwiches are all great here. The service is excellent too. My favorite sandwich so far is the "Irish" one they have on their specials menu. Comes packed full of ingredients - try it out. Real people, great service, a homely atmosphere, and well-managed.

    (5)

  • Kyle K.

    Always on the lookout for a locally run coffee shop with sofas and grandfather chairs to lounge in, I stumbled upon this obscured gem off Catalina Ave. Dark, but not too dark, was the ambiance set with some walls covered by book-lined shelves while others were with chic votives and wall accents. Almost a rustic feel, I was impressed and felt as if I had walked into a local hangout. Despite the arid, humid atmosphere inside (wonder if thats common or just due to today's weather?) I found a spot on a very worn couch and ordered a "dirty chai (chai + espresso). Unlike commercial coffee shops of today, I was asked to take a number stand where I sat and my drink would be delivered. Nice touch... certainly a lost art in most establishments now! My drink was delicious and my body soon adapted to the climate inside. Casual conversation with my fellow patrons made my overall experience at the Catalina Coffee Company a positive one. Suffice it to say, I'd return the next time I'm in town...

    (4)

  • Bruce H.

    The service is terrible. Thirty minutes after we ordered the order wasn't even started, and they weren't even busy. They didn't have any water and we had to ask them twice to fill the container. After 40 minutes and cancelling our order there was no sorry or apology, just a blank stare.

    (1)

  • Emily C.

    I really want to be a regular at this place. The coffee here is yummy. The prices are reasonable. And the atmosphere is wonderful. The plush couches everywhere, and warm colors gives this place a wonderful homey feel. BUT NO FREE WIFI?! You want me to pay $4/hr for internet access?! Even my local super market offers free wi fi now! I've never been to a coffee house that makes you pay to get online. Absolutely ridiculous. Sorry Catalina Coffee Company, looks like I'll be sticking to my usual Starbucks for now :(

    (3)

  • Bob D.

    Really good coffee and atmosphere. They roast all their beans onsite.

    (5)

  • Doug B.

    I'm giving them an extra star for being a nice social space. I've eaten here twice. The first time I had a tuna sandwich on croissant and I enjoyed it. Today I had curry chicken salad on sourdough and I was less than impressed. Please ditch that recipe and get a better chicken salad. First the bread was stale. I'm picky on my bread. If it smells a bit yeasty, I lose my appetite. Why not have fresh bread daily (or at least every other day)? I get that this is a big challenge for a coffee shop as food purchases may be hard to predict. I'm also a bit frustrated with finding electrical outlets. They definitely have some code violations going on there. For the most part though, the place has appeal. I never get anything done there, but occasionally I meet some cool people just chillin.

    (4)

  • Em K.

    I could live here at Catalina Coffee! I can't wait to come back in the winter and sit in front of the fire...oh, that's right, it is winter!

    (5)

  • Ameera N.

    This review is solely for the comfortable environment and their decent coffee. Fiance and I *love* coming here because there are so many comfy places to lounge and just enjoy each other's company. Super ecclectic decor and a roaring fireplace at night. They have a chess set and I think some other board games as well as an enormous collection of books to keep yourself entertained. Their coffee is just okay, nothing special.

    (4)

  • Pamela B.

    Amazingly nice staff and owners. I love the one of a kind coffee house style with its comfy chairs and cozy fireplace. Now if they would only bring back the world's best scones, my life would be complete.

    (4)

  • Rita D.

    Customer first was not on display today. I ordered a latte which I have had on previous visits. It was uncharacteristically weak, more like milk with a little coffee. I brought my cup to someone at the counter (he may have been the owner, but I'm not sure) and explained that my latte was not up to their usual standards and I was surprised and taken aback by the attitude I received in return. He said yeah, lattes are milk and coffee, that's how they taste. Sarcastic. I was nice. I repeated that usually their lattes are very good. I asked for it to be fixed, perhaps add a shot of coffee. Finally he dumped some expresso into my cup. Wow, thanks. However, that's all it needed; I enjoyed my latte. If the gentleman was the owner, shame on him for treating a customer so condescendingly.

    (2)

  • Glen I.

    Such great potential. Cool eclectic decor, great menu, good location. Unfortunately, the white chocolate mocha was only warm and the waffle was at a cool temperature at best.

    (3)

  • Sarah K.

    I've been here exactly twice. Once to write college apps and once during my winter break from college. Both times were good experiences! The staff is super friendly. Good service! The coffee, tea, and other drinks are pretty good too. The interior is super cute. I feel like I'm at someone's house and I mean that in the best way possible. There are comfy looking chairs and couches, vintage-y tables, bookshelves with real books, and chess boards. The free wi-fi is also a definite plus. Good place to get work done, catch up with friends, or be inspired!

    (4)

  • John C.

    really thought this was a nice and cute coffee shop.. i love going to coffee shops that are not named starbucks! came here with my girl and i had a coffee she had a thai tea w/ soymilk and we shared some oatmeal which was very healthy tasting.. had some brown sugar and raisins and milk on the side.. it was nice that once your order is taken down there is someone right beside the cashier to take the order and executed at a moment's pace. i like that they have an indoor area that is very spacious and has lots of seating (an inordinate amount of books also), most of which are comfy couches and some dining tables just in case you order some breakfast.. but they also have a rather large outdoor seating area which overlooks catalina blvd where you can soak up some sun.. i will def be coming back here for my caffeine fix

    (5)

  • Charlie G.

    This is a true local, neighborhood gem. A great place to sit in one of the many comfortable, quirky couches and chairs and read a book, play chess, catch up on some work - oh, and enjoy some yummy coffee and fresh, healthy food.

    (5)

  • Mels L.

    Parking: Decent on weekdays and weekends. Small parking lot Atmosphere: Very relaxing. Lounge chairs everywhere and you can play chess as well. Indoor and outdoor seating. Service: 3 on a busy day- takes forever to get your coffee and for them to clean it up. 4 on regular days - quick service and the woman took away our coffee cups immediately Coffee: Mocha Latte - Delicious until the end :( I would order it again. Double Macciato - Super strong, but delicious. Maybe I should have added some cream and sugar, but overall, I had better coffee. 3 stars for service and parking + pretty decent coffee, but not the best.

    (3)

  • Jane K.

    It's probably the best coffee spot in the Southbay area. Inside is very cozy with warm tone, dimmed lights, a bunch of couches, and even different games you can play. There's also a lot of tables outside and dog friendly. I tried their cafe latte with hazelnut (extra 60¢) it was just a tad sweet and smooth. Just the way I like it. It's a nice spot to chit chat or get some work done. There's free wifi. Some parking spots but its always packed, but don't worry because there's a lot of street parking available in the area.

    (4)

  • Jerry T.

    Really 3.5 stars. I've been going to this place since the beginning of 2003. For awhile there were steady faces (employee-wise), but in the last six/seven years there has been a decent amount of rotation. Generally good food and good coffee. The -1.5 stars are for the prices and a few food items. Pros: - Mostly good food & coffee. The lox and cream cheese bagel is amazing - they smoke their own salmon. The coffee is good and they usually have all roast types - light, med., dark (caveat: I don't have an amazing sense of smell so good is relative connoisseurs). - True coffee house ambiance. They can't change a lot since it's a Redondo Beach historical/preservation site. - They roast their own coffee. - Some mornings it can get busy, but usually enough parking in lot or on street; there are a lot of cyclists on the weekend. Pro/Con: - If you come to work on a laptop or tablet, note that the wi-fi is now free (there is a password), but there are few outlets. Again, real coffee house. Cons: - Not the cheapest place, so I personally don't come here that often. - Toss-up with employees. I haven't been there often, recently, but there was a spell where a few employees were cursing...loudly. They were not yelling at a customer or at each other, they just had loud voices and cursing was part of their standard vocab. Not professional, and not cool when there are often young children (incl. toddlers and infants) in the place. - Some of the food - the breakfast burrito comes from a "mixture"; it tastes processed, unlike most of their other items. Moreover, it is not mixed, the egg is a hulking block that sits in the middle and then there is the meat, veggies, and sauce between the egg and the tortilla; the flavors don't mix and while not disgusting, it just doesn't taste that good. Also, they changed the bakery supplier (in ?2013?) and I don't like the new items as much, e.g. the scones are drier.

    (4)

  • Shruti N.

    I stopped here to kill some time while waiting for my food from the Standing Room next door. The ambiance was nice and the coffee shop really felt like a neighborhood joint, but the service was pretty...strange. I ordered 2 dirty chais and sat down to wait. And I waited...and waited. 20 minutes later when I went up to ask the stoned-looking dude who took my order where my chais were, he looked around at someone else and said, "Oh man you didn't make those?" Then he turned back to me and said, "Ah things are a little crazy we don't know what's going on." There were 4-5 employees working and there was no line...all the other patrons were sitting down and working/reading/drinking coffee. So I have no idea what the issue was. Finally he did bring us our drinks and they were quite yummy, so there's that! I would come here if you're ready to hunker down with some work or a good book and chill out for an hour or two, but not if you're in a rush.

    (3)

  • Maria L.

    Coffee is sooooooo good here!! The workers are super friendly. The only thing about this place is that it really needs a deep cleaning. The staff cleans but it's not that...some of the couches need replacing.

    (4)

  • Sarah L.

    I go here for the cozy atmosphere! Perfect place for a lazy day of reading or falling asleep on the confy sofas

    (4)

  • Carmell O.

    Driving around Redondo beach looking for an easy place for lunch. Noticed Catalina Coffee Company and decided to give it a try. Me and my fiend put our order in and waited around 15ish minutes. It was taking forever, so I went up to the counter to learn that the ticket machine was not working and they had not even started on our lunches. They then came and an employe was so kind and sorry for the inconvenience. She gave us a ticket to get a free drink. We hot a gra frapachino to share. They then gave us 2 frapachinos! Overall good food and they made up for the mistake they had made! Will definitely will be stopping there again!

    (4)

  • Kev H.

    If you are one of those of the modern generation who can't survive without wifi, then don't come here. But if you'd like to get comfortable and get down with the simpler times, then this is the place for you. As other reviewers have stated, you have to pay for wifi, so you'd probably want to go to starbucks or something if you need the internet. This place had lots of sofa chairs all around, with dim lighting overhead but lamps and floor lights near every chair. There are a couple tables with wooden chess sets on them that you can play with. There are bookshelves filled with old hardcover and paperback fiction books that you can read if you want. I got myself a Cafe mocha - they give you a number sign so that they can bring you the coffee after you're seated. They brought my mocha pretty quickly, in a giant orange mug. Makes me feel like I'm at home in the living room. The coffee was good, not too sweet. There was a wide range of patrons - friends catching up with each other, people playing each other chess, people studying with their laptops, and people reading books from the shelves. All in all, a great place for coffee and go to study or catch up with friends.

    (5)

  • Danielle L.

    Great coffee. They must be roasting the beans to order because they are sloooow. Food is average, overpriced. Dog friendly. Comfy couches. Definitely NOT the friendliest staff. I've been in here at least 100xs and facial recognition abilities nor the friendly gene have evolved here. Internet is slow.

    (3)

  • Brad W.

    This coffee shop has it all. It's near the beach and port of call. Tons of books are on the shelf, Written by poets like myself. Jk but srsly writers here Work all day and night w cheer. The coffees good and ground inside The fire glows and friends arrive. The bathroom is my only complaint, The sweet aroma of a rose it ain't. But the staff is fun and genuine, Plenty of couches to fit you in. Mural of mermaids on the wall, Spartacus the lamp is standing tall. Baristas always on the ball... Yep, Catalina has it all.

    (5)

  • WenHsin J.

    After living in South Bay for almost 10 months...why didn't I discover this place earlier?! This is such a cute coffee shop with many huge sofas, full bookshelves, and huge chess set making the place feels like your own living room. My friend and I split our turkey and tuna sandwiches, which were both decent. I really want to try their new turkey avocado panini and pesto chicken panini next time. The coffee here is so much cheaper than Starbucks. My sumatran was decent, but even better with their wide variety of condiments (chocolate powder!!); my friend loved his Americano, he said it's like beer-flavored coffee. It is a little dim-lit for studying but if you get one of the window seats, you're good to go! However, the staff was not as warm and welcoming as the other places I've been to. P.s: private parking lot and free WiFi. Oh and $4 minimum for credit cards.

    (4)

  • Stacy L.

    Located right across the street from where we live and biking distance from the pier so it's definitely our go-to for a good morning cup of coffee to meet up with friends :) And love the homey ambiance here! QUICK TIP: They have a punch card at the front/cashier: Buy 9, get the 10th free. They have street parking and a private lot so it's usually not a problem finding a place to park though it has quite a crowd for the early morning risers. Interior is filled with vintage-like mismatched chairs, variety of tables, games and books are on a huge shelf in the back, low lighting but great casual set up. Place gets crowded on weekends but considering how low-key this place is I'm not surprised. Menu is a blend of salads, sandwiches, soups, bagels and baked goods. They also have a pretty good assortment of coffees and blended drinks (including smoothies). QUICK TIP: There's a minimum purchase of $10 for debit/credit card purchases and unfortunately NO FREE wifi :( PET FRIENDLY (outside patio), good coffee, ample seating inside and out and great service. Should definitely drop by if you're looking for good local neighborhood cafe! :)

    (4)

  • JJ S.

    It's an awesome place to hang out, date, chill, kill time. They offer books, comfortable seats, delicious coffee, snacks, warm place. Parking is plenty. Employees are kind and friendly. One thing I like the most is their big wooden chess set that's accessible for everyone that desires to play. Aside from that, the location is beautiful. It's a walking distance from redondo beach pier which I find great!

    (5)

  • DM T.

    Great local spot to chill and enjoy your coffee. Our kids have book club here and it works great, they like to play chess after and we never feel rushed by the staff.

    (4)

  • Jim O.

    No almond milk. Ok coffee. Not nearly as good as petes or even whole foods. It's almost 2015....why don't you have almond milk? Every other store that does fancy coffee has it so it can't be that big of a pain in the ass.

    (2)

  • Randy L.

    Coffee was great, food was good - Service was ambivalent at best. The Cashier was SLOW and didn't seem to care there was a long line. She just took her time with each customer - no, not giving great service, just being slow...

    (3)

  • Steve B.

    Mediocre at best. The coffee drinks just dont taste good. They roast their own beans on the premises and if you are lucky enough to wander in the day of or after roasting I suggest getting a bag to make at home, mainly because the employees here don't do these beans justice. Specify the grind when ordering. I've been waiting 10 minutes so far for 2 drinks. It seems like they have a new barista and he is slow. He isn't taking all the proper steps when making espresso drinks. I see a lot of road bikers sitting in dingy grimy old couches. I'd hate to pull one of the couches away from the wall to reveal whats underneath. After 13 minutes, I receive a non fat mocha. My ex-barista gf just waved so-so after tasting her iced latte. The large here is medium most other places. The mocha tastes powdery and the milk isn't frothy enough. My gf says the mocha tastes burnt and like poop. The egg sandwiches are disgusting. Microwaved egg and mayo makes me cringe. It would be so easy to fry an egg to order. I can't recommend the food really, at all. Where this fails is exactly where it should excel, fresh roasted coffee drinks.

    (2)

  • M M.

    Okay, I've thought about this review a lot. I've been a frequent patron of Catalina Coffee for years. They have great coffee. The shop is adorable with comfy chairs and nice ambiance....so much good here. But since living in the neighborhood, and also recently acquiring a dog, I've started to see things that if fixed could make this a much more desirable coffee shop. I'm happy to see they have just recently added free wireless service. I think that's a good move, although it was interesting to me that the notice in the shop says they finally made it free due to all the complaints. See...that's where I think CC doesn't get "it" about customer service. Why not announce in a very positive manner...."We Now Have Free Wireless because We Want to Please our Customers!" The main drawback to CC is that the staff sometimes is just somewhat apathetic and sometimes rude. A coffeeshop should have welcoming, warm, customer-service oriented staff. Starbucks has this down pat. CC could take some lessons. Asking staff a question seems to be an annoyance. A smile and warm greeting is not the norm, and it should be. Finally, now that I'm a dog-owner...I really think this place could go a bit further to be dog-friendly rather than just allowing dogs on the patio and putting out (usually dirty, empty) water bowls. With a cement floor, it seems like they could set up a separate line to allow dog owners to at least walk in and order coffee and food, without tying up the dog outside. Not every dog is calm and comfortable at being left alone outside when the owner disappears, plus there are often other dogs on the patio, so it can present a real problem. Offering some individual bowls for dogs so they can have clean water would be great, and maybe some dog treats to buy would be a nice touch. In other words, they could develop this niche and make it a lot more welcoming for dogs and owners. Good coffee and location is not enough. Work on service and attitude CC.

    (3)

  • Greg N.

    I've driven by a thousand times and finally made it there today. Great location, very friendly service, love the homey feel, and killer coffee! I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • JoAnna L.

    Came here for an after-run pick-me-up with my sister. I got an everything bagel with cream cheese and an iced mocha. We sat out on the patio and then our drinks and food came out pretty quickly. The mocha was delicious and the bagel amazing, but I did have to scrape off some cream cheese because there was a lot. We enjoyed the neighborhood and my sis utilized the free wifi...just ask them for the password :) I'd come back her for sure if in the area.

    (5)

  • Michele B.

    I love the atmosphere of the Catalina Coffee Company. They have all these cool big arm chairs, a huge collection of paperback books, a giant checker board as well as numerous other games. There is tons of indoor seating as well as a patio. I really like their chai and they have a bunch of food items on their menu to include some delicious paninis and salads.

    (4)

  • Neil K.

    This is the most comfortable coffee shop in the area... Plenty of room to relax. Great coffee and the food is decent. The staff is fast and curious.

    (4)

  • Kitty K.

    i like this spot from the comfyness, and i can survive without the wif-fi, however lose the meat item options (plenty of veggie stuff already, yeah! but get rid of the animal cruelty.) and i'd SERIOUSLY like to see POETRY READINGS, OPEN MICS FOR POETS, SINGER/SONGWRITERS, a PIANO around to play in, OFTEN. Shakespeare read-alongs. Art workshops. coffee is great but THE HEART AND SOUL IS MISSING, as in most of La-La Land, this would help bring some culture and ethics back, and you've got the perfect location. I can help you set it up if you want while i'm in town.

    (4)

  • Tiffany W.

    the best place to study!! lots of couches, coffee tables to put your documents and plugs are accessible pretty good latte, good service love sitting by the fireplace doing work for hours

    (5)

  • Chase A.

    This place is adorable! There are old bookshelves, a giant chess set, super comfortable antique chairs to lounge in. I had a fantastic cappuccino with homemade whipped cream that I was able to sip and enjoy while I got some work done on their wifi. Service was excellent, and the staff was very friendly.

    (5)

  • Sean C.

    Library room of coffee houses with giant chess boards and Scrabble, and reading areas with love chairs and cottage chairs. Baked goods are just barely adequate, but the coffees meet the standard. Favorite is the White Chocolate Latte.

    (3)

  • Jim A.

    Wow! I loved this place. They know how to make a great cup of coffee. No low cal here. But it's so good! Great atmosphere and great stop in between your bike ride.

    (4)

  • Andres I.

    This place is near my neighborhood so I go maybe once a month. Each time I go I tend to get my food after a 20 minute wait. To me that seems like a long wait considering I'm just ordering a sandwich. I think to myself, well maybe they're busy or it's an off day, but it seems pretty consistent. Today I ordered my food to go and noticed it was placed on a table. I did not know how much time it had been there or much less the fact that it was mine, but I had a suspicion it could be because I had already waited 15 minutes. It took 5 minutes for a server to notice the food and finally say the item I ordered out loud. I asked her, "how long has that been sitting there" and my question was ignored. I don't think the employees like working here very much. Anyways, here is my review. Service: 1 star - Distracted employee - lack of attentiveness to completed food - not enough workers during peak hours - "we don't have that drink right now" (Despite the tea being extremely popular) Ambiance: 4 star - Great place to take a date if you're just going to get a coffee, and waiting a while for your food gives you more time to sit and relax with your date. I would recommend this as a place to just hang out with your friends or meet somebody for the first time. Food: 4 star - Aside from the fact that my food was cold from sitting out for a while, it was pretty good for the price. I had a turkey/ coleslaw sandwich. I thought it was different and I liked it. Parking, 5 star - thank goodness for private parking lot and street parking. Summary: I may go here again on a day when I'm not in a hurry, but if I go I know that I will be there waiting. Next time I know to ask "how will I know if my food is ready".

    (2)

  • T A.

    I really want to like my neighborhood coffee house more than I do. The coffee tastes good - and they roast their own fair trade beans on site (I can smell them from my house!), they bake their own delicious pastries, and the place has a funky bohemian vibe, with all of the old, mismatched furniture and shelves full of books. The patio is dog-friendly, which is a nice bonus. Unfortunately, the service is sloooow, the coffee is never quite hot enough, and some of the employees would be better off not working with the general public. Please do not even get me started on the large packs of obnoxious bicyclists that frequent the place while invading our neighborhood on the weekends. Last time I went in, I was pleasantly surprised to see a full pastry case, which included blueberry scones (my daughter's favorite). After waiting for what seemed like an hour for the party ahead of me - indecisive yuppies wearing workout gear - I ordered one to go, along with my coffee, and unfortunately did not take a look at it till I got home (and why should I have?). The chick gave me the one in the back, that I couldn't see, and it was the shittiest-looking over-cooked one, just shy of being burnt. I'm willing to pay a little more for the better-quality stuff, but when I pay close to $3 for a scone, I don't think it's too much to ask that I get a decent one. Oh and the lack of free wi-fi is disturbing - and after reading some of the reviews here, detailing bad experiences with the paid wi-fi, I will definitely avoid that like the plague.

    (3)

  • Penny O.

    I really like this place! Its super unique. It has different lounge areas with cool furniture and comfortable couches/chairs, not like many other typical coffee places with plain chairs and tables, that resemble a high school cafeteria.They also have outdoor seating. Also some book shelves, they come in handy really, after i finish playing on my ipad i was flipping pages on fun kids books! (they have other subjects) I like the oversized chess set, its cool. I don't ever play chess but I played that one just cause it looks cool LOL. Lighting is nice and dim, perfect to seat back relax and chat.They recently added free wifi. Big parking lot. I like the brownies and the chewy oatmeal cookies. Hot chocolate is good. I dislike that somedays it can get super super busy and there wont be a place to seat cause of book groups.

    (4)

  • david e.

    I am very happy to finally be able to leave a review for this place. I waited for three years and stopped frequenting this place because they charged for Internet. Now it's FREE. It's kind of slow, but it matches the pace at which I drink my tasty beverage and eat my sandwich so I don't mind. Honestly, to me this place is what a cafe should be. It has lots of well worn sofas and chairs, good food and drink options, lots of outlets...and now free Internet. I'm so glad they finally came to their senses as it means I will be here more than once every six months.

    (5)

  • Roy W.

    Coffee: CHECK Desserts & Snacks: CHECK Friendly service: Check Good for: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch: CHECK Great new find. Came by on a Sunday for a bit of reading and working. The place has a great open area for private conversations or for meeting with a group friends. There is a well sized library and outdoor seating. The drinks and food that we tried were all great ...nothing was truly exceptional but I do have tendency to rate coffee a bit harshly... seeing as how I love the stuff so much.....check out this great local spot.

    (4)

  • Camille G.

    When the coffee is good it is really good. When it's bad it's awful....which is about half of the time. What you can count on is an unfriendly wait staff. No one there seems to like their job. No greeting. No smile. No help. Not a happy place to visit.

    (2)

  • Hailee H.

    I went there last Sunday 5/5/13. It was an average level of busy, given that it was a weekend morning. I ordered a soy dirty chai and a croissant breakfast sandwich. The sandwich was reallllllly greasy and the cheese was a bit overkill. I couldn't even finish it because it was so gross. And THEN, I got my coffee and it wasn't even luke warm, it tasted like the milk had just come out of the carton. So I went up, waited for a fairly long time before the barista even would look at me and politely asked if I could get my drink hotter since it wasn't very warm. So she takes it and puts in in the microwave! She even said that if it wasn't hot enough still, she could nuke it for longer. I'm sorry, but I don't go spend $5.00 to drink microwaved milk. That's gross. The extra star is for the atmosphere. Super cool looking place, but I won't go back.

    (2)

  • Rebecca L.

    I love the atmosphere here. If it was closer to my place I'd come here all the time.

    (5)

  • Tara H.

    Go Here. Get the Tuxedo Mocha. It is literally the best coffee in the world i love this place. You wont get a cup of joe here you will get a BOWL of delicious coffee magicalness, the ambience is really relaxing you can play chess or pass out on a couch with friends. The baristas actually know about coffee and how to make it and they whip their own whip cream how can you go wrong? Favorite coffee spot in sobay.

    (5)

  • Christina P.

    You know you can feel at home in a coffee shop when you walk in and see a lady straight up knitting a huge quilt on one of the overstuffed couches. I haven't seen a place that so encourages people to stay and linger and do their thing since the study rooms in college, though this one is much nicer and cleaner and serves much better food and drinks than any place on my college campus. There are tons of squishy chairs and big sturdy tables to put your feet up on, lots of cozy library-like lighting, books stuffed onto the shelves, even chess boards. There are lots of people having meetings, studying, and doing work-from-home tasks like myself. The only downer is that it seems that you have to pay for wireless access... but it's so comfy in there chances are you'll just want to curl up with a good book anyway!

    (5)

  • Diana L.

    Alright, so I've starting coming here more often lately, and I'm not sure why. I guess I really miss having that homey living room type of feel... even if the couches ARE old and nasty, at least they don't smell. Mostly I think I just want somewhere to sit where people won't bother me. I say that I'm not sure why I keep coming back because almost everything is very very average. I usually stick to the chai latte and breakfast croissant sandwich, although the chai latte has been kind of weak lately. And sometimes the croissant is toasted, sometimes it is not, but hey when they get it right it's delicious. And paid wi-fi? Get with the times, ya old geezer of a coffee house. Way to turn-off potential customers. Yes, forcing customers to pay for wi-fi is a turn-off, because it says something about you. Either have it or don't, but don't force people to pay for it. I think a lot of people are going easy on rating this place because it's one of those "local" spots that is so rare during this era of Corporate Coffee Chains. Just cause you WANT to love it doesn't mean you should lower your standards. Ho-hum...............

    (2)

  • Valentina L.

    I wish i could come here more often. Last time i was here when it was cold outside. I ordered pumpkin soup, brownie and cappuccino. It was soooo warm and comfortable to sit there and have my dinner. I enjoyed food, drinks, magazines, games and people around. P.S. Chairs are very comfortable :)

    (5)

  • Sara J.

    Like the coffee, food and concept of this place although recently ive been thinking they could do with a shine up inside it is looking a bit tired/dirty. Also the hordes of cyclists that descend can pack the place out for hours.

    (4)

  • Ayumi S.

    Went on a lovely catch up lunch with my friend on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon. She chose this place because it's pretty relaxing, and cute. I've never seen it before, but I'm always always down to try new places. We walk in, and it's set up like a bakery, with all the sweet goodies on display. I went for the turkey sammich. Comes with this aioli sauce, turkey obv, your choice of cheese, and lettuce and tomato. - the lettuce and tomato on mine. Oh and on wheat. They have water chillin for you on the side. When you walk in, the right side is all tables, and the left side is all lounge chairs and relaxation area. They had a giant chess set waiting to be played. In my opinion, it was kind of dark in there. I didn't find it cute..but it definitely looked comfy. We chose to sit outside, and they have a good amount of tables for the outsiders. Literally like a minute after we sit down, my sammich arrives. Comes with a dill pickle. My friend's came out 5 minutes later..although we ordered the same thing. My first bite was very dry, but it turned out to be a very good sandwich! I was about to take my second bite out of the pickle when I noticed something black on it from the corner of my eye. I zoomed in on it.....and it was a DEAD SPIDER D: !!!!!!! I was so grossed out. :/ All legs sprawled all over my pickle. (Well it was small..but still!) I called the guy over, and he quickly got me a new pickle "spider free!" as he said. But besides that..it was a pretty good experience. I also got the worst sunburn of my life..since we were chillin outside conversating for like 3 hours. I feel like on the bakery, they should put what the desserts are. They just have cookies and muffins with no names on it. There was a cookie with white chocolate chips on it..so I assumed white chocolate macadamia nut. I asked the cashier for one while saying the name of the cookie and she got it for me. When I took a bite..it was lemon and coconut. Gross. :/ Ol' girl shoulda told me!!

    (3)

  • Tom M.

    It's about a close to a rustic coffeehouse feel as RB gets. However, it is getting so damn beat up that you have think twice about sitting on the stained and threadbare chairs and sofas. The coffee: Considering they roast it all themselves, it isn't that good. The Americano is your best bet, but the other coffees are not made with much care. Now the WiFi: You have to pay for WiFi, it's slow, and it isn't cheap. A word of warning: I made the mistake of choosing a month pass for $13.95. But I found out that the company handling their WiFi service (Atlantis Technology) has been charging me that monthly rate every month, and I haven't been into CCC in 5 months. Once you sign up for a month, you have to cancel it or they keep charging you. Do they email you a monthly statement? Nope. Is it marked "WiFi" on your credit card statement? Of course not--that would make it harder to screw you. Did I not pay attention, or forget to read all the fine print? Probably. Is that CCC's fault? Only because they've chosen an expensive (and slimy) provider. As I can get better coffee and FREE WiFi at Peet's, I won't be going back any time soon.

    (2)

  • Aurora L.

    This place used to be the best. What happened? My recent visits have left me completely disappointed: sub par food (veggie sandwich= tomato & lettuce between cold, un-toasted bread), bitter coffee, employees that could use some sharpening and $4/hour for internet?!? Maybe I'm just cranky, but come on! Every place in town has free Wi Fi. And after reading the roach comment below - ugh - I'm never eating here again.

    (2)

  • Donna G.

    This place USED to be awesome but over the last year or so, it has really gone downhill. My husband and I used to walk here two to three times a week. The employees ( usually the same girl) were always friendly and sweet. There were always a lot of sweet treats to buy.... Well, this hasn't been the case for about a year maybe even longer . It has gotten really bad lately. Is there a new manager? Maybe a new owner? I don't know but every time I come in now, there are very few desserts to choose from. Is it really so hard to see that an item is running low and maybe make some more before they totally run out??? There used to ALWAYS be delicious brownies available but this is no longer the case. They wait until LONG after they run out to make more. And now the norm seems to be if they run out of something ... Oh well!! Tough luck!! I am tired of being disappointed. Lately my husband and I have been going down to the Coffee Cartel which is very similar- they always have awesome sweets and friendly, helpful employees... it's just inconvenient since we have to drive there when we can walk to Catalina Coffee. I think it's just sad that they seem to have added employees... A lot of them... But they aren't very industrious ... The management is no longer what it once was and this place is no longer the five star establishment it used to be.

    (2)

  • Katie H.

    So disappointed. I came here after the Redondo Beach Super Bowl 5K. It was crowded so I expected a wait. That wasn't the problem. The staff was complaining openly to each other about the crowd. I thought that was so inappropriate. One - you know this event goes on every year so you should expect a crowd. Two - do you not want the business??! I waited forty minutes for a latte. Again, I expected the wait but I had to request status on my order twice since I saw people who ordered twenty minutes after me get their order before me. When I finally got my latte it was lukewarm. I dumped it and walked to the (equally crowded) Starbucks up the street where I was served a steaming hot latte with a smile within 5 minutes. I won't be back to Catalina Coffee...but hey, didn't sound like they wanted the business anyway!

    (1)

  • Brandon C.

    This is a fantastic place with a great vibe. I ordered a white mocha from a gal who informed me she just started working there. Despite this, she was friendly and helpful. The white mocha was delicious and the cream atop it was fresh and hand made. While awaiting my drink, I was able to sit down in a very comfortable chair, put my feet up, and take in the awesome surroundings. Chess boards, countless books and a giant fireplace. Great place for evening coffee.

    (5)

  • Dan P.

    This is my second favorite coffee shop in the area (my favorite is neighborhood grinds!) This is great because there is a lot of comfortable seating both inside and outside. The couches are plush and there are plenty of games to occupy your time if you are bored. It's easy to spend an afternoon here. However, it is a little too dark to read and study so if you like to study in coffee shops, bring your own light source (like a clip on light, etc.). As for coffee? It's good.

    (5)

  • Jesse D.

    This place is so cute!!! Lots of comfortable seating, cozy armchairs inside AND a patio outside, plus easy parking. Wow. Will def be back!

    (4)

  • Ryan B.

    Catalina Coffee is by far the best coffee place I've ever been to in Redondo Beach. I've done a vast tour of the Redondo and Hermosa area, including all of the local Starbucks, and this place tops them all. Here's why: When you enter you are greeted by a vast assortment of comfy sofas and classy chairs (the soft, cushiony, LazyBoy types) and quaint coffee tables; one of the coffee tables even has an oversized, playable chess board WITH the pieces! The ambience is very relaxing with the dim lighting, bookshelves (go ahead and grab one off the shelves to dive in to another world!) and artwork. I cannot put into words how much better this place is than any other coffee shop I've been to, especially Starbucks which reminds me of my grade school cafeteria (uncomfortable wooden chairs & tables). It's like comparing fast food dining to 5-star fine dining. The nice young lady that works at the cash register, Deborah (Spelling?), always has a smile on her face and greets you with a warm welcome. She upstages the glass-case display of yummy-looking muffins, and the generous menu of breakfast and lunch choices. They also have table service here if you plan on sticking around awhile. I like this place much better than my own home office. The social atmosphere helps to keep me awake while I get some work done, though I am pleasantly distracted sometimes to peoplewatch a little bit (my favorite pastime). They also have a nice, covered patio and inside they have outlets where you can plug in your computer! Truthfully, I was somewhat hesitant to write this review only because I don't want all the couches taken up when I get here! :-) They definitely deserve it though.

    (5)

  • Amber O.

    Still great, but thought that I should include a note on here about the WiFi. Some reviews say it's free, but I asked today at the counter for their password and was told that you do actually have to pay to use it. Thought that might be helpful! But seriously, get a drink or sandwich first, spend some time reading or catching up with a friend in one of the comfy couches or armchairs, and then head out for WiFi if needed... :)

    (5)

  • Reza E.

    Awfully slow internet access and wireless connection that keeps dropping...

    (2)

  • Viola L.

    So fellow Yelper Raechel W. and I attempted to come here the other day, but somehow ended up at Coffee Cartel instead. We made it our mission to come here the next time we were to get caffeine. We ended up visiting with another friend which was quite delightful. The parking lot was almost full which is surprising because it was raining. I guess people are willing to brave the rain to come here. There were only a handful of spots left but we managed to snag one. When I first walked in, the place smelled strongly of beans... and feet. Not sure what it was. Maybe it was the combination of rain and various other food items? Not sure, but it eventually blended in with the coffee smell. Kind of. A little. After we placed our orders, we got a little stand with our number on it. After a few minutes of waiting, I got my mocha. So I skimped out and went non-fat, which I totally regret doing now. Because I could drink whole milk if I wanted to... But regardless, the mocha was still delicious, strong, and robust. The couches and chairs were super adorable. I loved the random mishmash of patterns and prints. The decor was interesting too, some pieces were super random, but it worked. There was a chess table with oversized pieces that were adorable too. So intellectual. This is such a "let's get together and chat" kind of coffee shop, not so much studying. Perfect environment for catching up with a friend or two. Good lighting, great ambiance.

    (4)

  • Megan S.

    Since my breast cancer diagnosis in 2010, I've been here dozens of times, usually to grab some coffee after getting lab work done or after oncology appointments. So Catalina holds a special place in my heart as the homey independent coffee shop that, like the lollipop they give you at doctor appointments when you're little, makes you feel just a little bit better. Food here tastes homemade. I'm a fan of The Dirty Swede sandwich, the mocha chocolate chip muffin, and the brownies. My usual is an almond latte, hot or iced. Coffee isn't the best I've ever had, but it's better than most chains. I love Catalina because it has a very comfortable, beachy feel. Parking: Lot. Seating: Outdoor and indoor. Indoor seating includes wooden tables/chairs, arm chairs, and couches. Sure, furniture is worn, but it adds to the charm. Clientele: Weekends you'll see groups of cyclists, but the crowd is fairly mixed otherwise. You'll see someone reading a book, another on a computer, and then hear someone giving a business proposal at the next table.

    (5)

  • Lizze F.

    You walk in here and immediately get the sense that it's cozy. I don't know about you, but I'm a fan of book cafes and comfy chairs. There's nothing better than snuggling up on a couch with a cup of coffee and a good book, right? The coffee is pretty good, but what I love most about this place is the environment. This is the perfect place to study or meet up with a good friend, or just to be alone for a little bit. The people are always really nice. If you ever want a place to feel like your home when you're not home, I'd suggest Catalina Coffee.

    (4)

  • Hugo C.

    I'm sure this place is charming and delightful when you have the sun shining through and plenty of people filling the space with life. If you make the mistake of visiting during a weekend afternoon though, I like to think it more closely resembles the type of place grandma's go to die. I took notice of the quieter than quiet atmosphere as I sat down in one of their armchairs in the upper nook. I took a whiff and couldn't tell what I was smelling, but I was afraid it might have been the aroma of death emitting from the straight-from-the-estate-sale armchair. I just kept looking down at my chair and thinking, "this is where my cat would go, my reading glasses would fall right between these cushions, and I suppose I would cross my legs just like this...right before dying in this armchair!" It turns out later that the possible aroma of death wasn't that at all; it was just stale coffee that tasted like it hadn't been brewed anytime recently. I try so hard to remind myself to support independent coffee shops, but then they go and do something like this and it makes me think that Starbucks isn't so evil after all.

    (2)

  • M T.

    Inside and outside, both nice. Coffee is not expensive and tasty. Waitresses are so friendly. You can stay there for a long time because it's so comfortable and nice. Pity that they don't offer free wi-fi! There is a private parking lot, so you don't have to worry about finding street parking place. Love this plance!

    (4)

  • Katie W.

    Great drinks, great food and a lovely atmosphere! Very comfortable, and there is nothing else like it in the South Bay. Parking is somewhat limited, but this place is worth finding a spot and stopping by!

    (5)

  • Thomas A.

    somebody might want to tell the owners that it's 2014 and an internet connection is pretty basic... visited Catalina coffee 5 times... experienced internet issues 3 of them... won't go back...

    (2)

  • Tuki L.

    Love all the coffee choices. Nice atmosphere for chatting or reading. My only gripe is they charge for wifi.

    (4)

  • Sandra V.

    To the couple who let their children run around the place last night, screaming like a couple of wild banshees: NOT COOL. Do you know? Do you know what happens to people who let their children wantonly terrorize others with their unacceptable behavior? Those people die a slow, painful, torturous death. Just FYI. Anyway ... This place use to be a lot nicer but the quality's fallen off in the last couple of years. The seating is spacious at Catalina and the coffee is good. The food's pretty rotten, though, and they charge for Wi-Fi, which I suppose is their prerogative, but really? I just spent almost $10 on a truly horrible sandwich and an Orangia and you want me to shell out another $4.00 for an hour of internet? On a cold day in hell, maybe. The Halloween decorations are a nice touch.

    (2)

  • Kathryn W.

    I had really high hopes for this place. I wanted to bring my friend here while we met with an acquaintance about planning an event. We needed a little bit of room to spread out some notebooks & enjoy some delicious treats while we chatted. Unfortunately Catalina Coffee didn't deliver. At all. Ordered a chai & hot chocolate and they came out 25 minutes later....cold. Waitress made no apologies. While it was still 'ok' in taste - it was cold! And there wasn't even a line in front of our order. What was happening back there??? So, then we're sitting there talking about plans when I reach down to pull out my laptop and connect the internet...well apparently I couldn't because the "connection page" wouldn't appear on my laptop. We asked the waitress about it when she came by and she just said "ummm. I don't know. it's been weird. so, like, I don't know....just keep trying??" and then some dude 2 tables away laughed and said he was on the internet but wouldn't tell us how he got on. He just laughed, packed up his stuff and left. The waitress kinda laughed with him - but then just walked away without offering us a "how to fix" to this situation. Whatever. I can survive without the internet and the coffee could just be a hit or miss event - so I let it all slide....until I went to put my laptop back in my bag and looked down to the right of my foot and saw a roach the size of a silver dollar!!! It was stuck on its back and kicking in every direction. I immediately wanted to throw up. We *handled* the roach...but when I peeked under the table & chairs - it's no surprise there were roaches....there was left over food, crumbs and discarded food items under all the chairs and tables. Just gross. It's not that hard to sweep after hours...I know it sucks to do, but seriously....after seeing the creature, we couldn't got over the fact of "where there's one, there's hundreds...." I just can't come back without getting the feeling of creepy crawlies everywhere. Eep.

    (2)

  • Matthew V.

    I prefer the cozy furniture, big space and mature, not so hip crowd found here. More eclectic. Great place to spend hours relaxing, reading, writing. Feels old school. Feels good. The coffee is nothing to write home about, so it wouldn't appeal to the "artisan" cafe crowd. Not unless they also like comfortable, eclectic, warm, non industrial interior designed spaces, like I like.

    (4)

  • Jay S.

    I've been here a couple times to meet with friends. It definitely has a laid back living-room vibe with lots of old couches, dining tables, study desks, and other used furniture. While I prefer a more modern/clean space, the Cafe area was fairly well-kept. Catalina Coffee sells a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and of course coffee. I've tried their cappuccino and lattes, and they are both creamy, rich and strong-tasting. I like how the baristas here are fairly consistent at making their drinks. Service is friendly and knowledgeable, and they even bring your drink to your table which is a nice gesture. The place is usually filled with locals so I think it's definitely a nice spot in South Redondo. Just a tip, I often see Lakers players here. Pau Gasol stops by often, and when Luke Walton used to play for them, he was often here as well. Overall, this place just reminds me of how much I want an Urth Caffe in the South Bay.

    (3)

  • Erica J.

    I'm happy to find that my old study haunt is still a great place to go. It's still quite popular, but thankfully I was able to get a spot at one of the tall tables, next to a bright light and with enough space to spread out my papers and laptop. There's quite a mix of people who go to Catalina Coffee Company, from families with small kids, to screenwriters, to high school students, to older locals who have been going there to get a cup of coffee and read the newspaper for years. It's a fun place to people watch a bit, as you can see and meet many interesting people. I always liked the homey feel of the cafe, with the armchairs positioned next to the fireplace and lots of different "rooms" to sit in, if you can just find a spot. The one major drawback would be the lack of free wifi. I wish they would change that, but it's possibly a good thing for keeping off the internet when I have to do reading. It was nice to study in peace here last weekend, with enough ambient noise to filter out and an abundance of interesting, kind people to provide distractions when I wanted a break. Note: tables can get a bit grimy at times, with the constant traffic of people in the cafe. Also, there's only one single-stall bathroom for a fairly sizeable cafe. There's a decent-size parking lot for the cafe, as well as street parking.

    (4)

  • David C.

    This place is a ripoff. Iced tea is 2.22 for a small little cup. I ask why they don't have bigger cups and the girl looks at me like she's brain dead as she's sniffling and wiping her nose with her hand. No answer just points at a sign and that says no credit card purchase under $4. You can keep it. #starbucksplease

    (1)

  • Megan D.

    White mocha with extra whip. Always extra whip. Its really the only reason I come here. Service is alright. Snacks are decent. Atmosphere is okay. I don't really like all the dirty chairs they have there. But good lord is their whip cream good.

    (3)

  • Johnny G.

    Friday late morning visit. What a GREAT place for a study group. Minutes from the beach, fresh HOT coffee, big-time comfy chairs. Monstro-size coffee mugs. Bookshelves to the ceiling. That atmosphere is totally conducive to psychological discussions. LOL. Good times.

    (4)

  • Ellen E.

    The owner is so rude. I bought a coffee and was peacefully reading and she told me I had to purchase more to stay longer. I will never come back here. Even though this place is walking distance from my house, I will drive or bike elsewhere. The Coffee isn't that great anyway.

    (1)

  • S F.

    This is the nicest coffee shop I've been able to find in the south bay. Nice couches and armchairs, pleasant ambiance, reliable though occasionally sluggish Wifi, and good food and coffee. I come here quite regularly as a result to do work and read. The main reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is the staff. People who work here appear visibly unhappy, and are unpleasant as a result. Rarely does one get a smile or a warm attitude from them, and each time I go up to order I'm somehow made to feel like I'm bothering them, even though I'm polite, pleasant, and tip them generously. I simply don't understand this attitude, but I suppose I can ignore it for the rest of what this place has to offer. Another minor inconvenience is the fact that they don't have self-serve water, and I have to ask someone behind the counter for a (tiny) cup each time I'm thirsty.

    (4)

  • Eric H.

    Great coffee shop. This reminded me of a New England coffee house. The coffee was very fresh, the breakfast crossant sandwich was top notch. Also reccomend the cinamon roll with cream cheese icing. A welcome treat....for anyone looking for a real cup of coffee and a relaxing place to chill.

    (5)

  • Chidinma E.

    Awesome place to read! You have to pay for wifi though! For the record "paying for wifi" means you have to buy something (1-4 bucks) and then you get UNLIMITED access. No biggie.

    (5)

  • Stef S.

    Ordered the curried chicken salad sandwich with the beef vegetable soup for lunch and a nonfat latte. The latte mediocre to be honest: average (good) but nothing special. The curried chicken salad was delicious and the soup was great! It had barley in it-- I love barley! My friend enjoyed her egg salad sandwich (it was not too mayonnaise-y, according to her). The food wasn't too heavy, and the portions were good. Latte was $2something (always a fan if coffee is cheaper than starbucks), sandwich and soup combo was around $7-8. Good deal! There's a cozy/hippy/cafe vibe to this place with plenty of comfy couches and christmas lights to make the whole family happy. Easy to find parking. The

    (4)

  • Gerard P.

    I should've written the review while I was sitting on one of the large plush chairs back round the corner with the towering bookcases of read-worn paperbacks. In a place that has such atmosphere, that approach would've been best. That was yesterday, and neither here nor there. I don't know if there aren't many coffeehouses anymore or if they've just fallen off the radar; crowded out and marginalized by Starbucks, which incidentally I do patronize and appreciate. I suppose we still have places like Klatch Coffee, and Home Brew in San Dimas. So the pool's not empty. Catalina CC is one of those spots that would've been popular in the early 90's before the great Starbucks push. It makes me think of Singles, Alice in Chains, and the cast of Reality Bites. The nostalgia trigger is nice. The decor is motley: swag lamps, plush seating, hexagonal coffee tables stolen from my aunt's house, exposed wood beams, and the like. The wifi wasn't free. If I recall it was $3.95 an hour or $6.95 for the day. It was initially a bummer. On the plus side, this encouraged me to look up alternative file transfer options on my iPhone. Faced with first world adversity, I learned something new. What struck me on an early Saturday evening was how many people were there. Voices carried. Conversations filled the dim spots. Though it wasn't crowded, there was a healthy collection of locals and daytrippers filled with local seafood. They made for a lively, vibrant atmosphere. I'd definitely go again.

    (4)

  • Ume B.

    Great little hidden gem... Love the atmosphere and the nice comfy couches. Great place to get some studying or work done. One star off for the painfully slow internet.

    (4)

  • Nazeeha B.

    Ok, so I love this place, its very cute, cozy and has GREAT coffee... esp their white chocolate mocha. Its better than any other place I've tried. And they use real homemade whip cream. My only issue with the place- it closes randomly early. Like at 6 pm on Sunday nights. It use to be my go to spot to get some reading/homework/grading done but one of the larger chain coffee companies is almost better for that...I would have otherwise given this place 5 stars, but the hours suck.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Delivery : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Good for Working : Yes

Catalina Coffee Co

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