Bar Betsy, 871 E Mariposa St, Altadena, CA 91001
Why does this place have no sign? Well, there is business name on the window but it’s for a different business? Look for Bar Betsy, two doors down (west) from their sister restaurant, Betsy. Bar Betsy is a casual, all-day café with coffee, matcha, wine, pastries, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. The menu changes after 3 PM.
For brunch, they have toast, kefir, oats, grits, breakfast sandwiches on housemade stecca (similar to focaccia), salads, and pastries.
Grab a table inside or out for service. The interior is lovely but it’s mostly a bar with a long counter. There are a few tables on the sidewalk. Due to the limited seating and bar feel, I didn’t feel comfortable pulling out my laptop. The outdoor tables were small.
Filter coffee ($5): they serve a Canadian roaster, enjoyed the bold, rich coffee – not too bitter. It seems to come with free refills
Roasted carrot sandwich on stecca ($16): it’s a small sandwich and not well-constructed (the carrots kept falling out) but it delivers in terms of the flavor and quality. I love roasted carrots and these did not disappoint. The large chunks of rainbow carrots were sweet and soft but still with a bit of bite. They were topped with a flavorful chunky romesco (red peppers, tomato, garlic, spices) reminiscent of ajvar, creamy tahini, pickled red onions, and fresh earthy clover sprouts. The bread had a firm, crispy crust and a spongier, focaccia like bottom. So good!
Double chocolate cookie ($5): thin with crisp edges, softer towards the center, lots of sea salt on top, not too sweet
Service was excellent. It’s in downtown Altadena. A few buildings burned down on their block (Eaton Fire). It’s a quiet area and good to see signs of regeneration and growth.