Penelope’s Cafe Books & Gallery

Penelope’s is an wonderful neighborhood café. The food is fresh and homemade — not fancy, but definitely delicious and the portions are generous. The staff makes you feel like you are on vacation, if only for the time it takes to eat breakfast or lunch. It is so nice to escape the chains and have such a unique and relaxing experience — no one will rush you through your meal. I am SO confused by the (relatively few) negative reviews… did we eat at the same restaurant?
They do not offer table service, you order at the counter and your food (freshly prepared to your specifications) is delivered to your table. I prefer not to have staff hovering over me while I am in conversation and dining. Family owned, Great food, Relaxing atmosphere, Gifts, Books, & Art for sale as well — such a nice change of pace from the run-​of-​the-​mill.

I love Penelope’s Café, and I love Penelope! She’s a delight and has consistently made our Christmas luncheon a true celebration for the last 6 years. She goes way beyond what one might expect to make our day special. We all love the food and the ambiance. Penelope’s staff is most gracious. I don’t think it gets much better than Penelope’s!

The Owner is a Salty old Bitch! She’s ungrateful for her patrons, as you can see and feel, as she stands behind the counter taking food orders. As someone stated in a previous review, They wanted to walk out. Well guess who else is walking out, and never going back? ME, and my friends and family! Take THAT, and Shove your poor attitude up Penelope’s ASS!

I wish I could split my rating between the food and the service, but since I can’t I have averaged my scores.
First the good news! Food Ranks at 5 STARS! The food is DELICIOUS and the portions were very generous making it a great buy for the money. It really tasted like a home cooked fresh meal with quality ingredients. The ambiance is AWESOME as you felt like you were out of town at some quaint bed and breakfast. The outdoor area was full of charm.
And, the not so great news. The Service Ranks at 2 STARS. And, those two stars are ONLY because the staff who brought our food to the table were quite friendly. But, the older blondish woman who took our order and money was TERRIBLE!!! Not an ounce of warmth or personality. The vibe she put out was that she really didn’t want to serve us. Given her attitude I was seconds away from leaving as I don’t like giving people like that my money, but my friends really wanted to try the food. And, it was that food that was the only saving grace for me.

Love Penelope’s! The BEST Caesar salad with chicken ever! The coffee is delicious too!
And I love the people who work there. It is my #1 lunch spot! Everything is super fresh.

Quiet little place, nice neighborhood and overall just relaxing. Service was awesome and the food was great. Try the turkey club :)

I walked in and loved the atmosphere. Of course I was with some ladies I just love too! But I agree that the people behind the counter are some of the rudest and least friendly service people I’ve ever experienced. They act as though they’re doing you a favor by waiting on you. I too had never been here before and didn’t know the system for ordering and was treated like a big annoyance by the staff. The food was just set down in front of us in a big hurry with no smiles or comments. Food was good but the attitude took away the enjoyment of the experience for me.

Charming place to meet friends for lunch! The menu had a nice selection of salads & sandwiches.
I wish the counter service was faster… else it would be 5 star!

What a fantastic spot for lunch. First thing, the atmosphere is excellent, especially on the patio. The owner and staff are friendly too. I ordered the Chipotle Chicken sandwich on Rosemary bread with pepper jack cheese. It was one of the best sandwiches that I’ve had in a while. The salad was very good as well. I will be back for sure. Give this place a try.

Penelope’s is THE spot for lunch in La Canada. (which isn’t saying much, La Canada is tiny!)
I mean that though. It is just the right size, it is hidden away from other larger businesses, and it has quality food at great prices!
Part bookstore, part lunch spot, Penelope’s has a great outdoor patio that benefits from a cool breeze whipping up and down Foothill. The inside is peppered with books and paintings, many of which are for sale, and the whole place feels a bit like visiting Grandma’s. I mean that in the best sense though, as it is comfy, cozy, and makes you feel at home.
There are a couple of tables by respective windows you will spot immediately as you enter Penelope’s, and though I have yet to enjoy a meal there, I definitely want to!
As I’ve mentioned, Penelope’s is perfect for a leisurely lunch date. Just be aware that they are closed Sunday and Monday. Oh, and parking is a cinch, with a big parking lot in the back.

I had high hopes for this establishment. But when I was unhappy with the Endive Salad I got because, well it was awful, the Salad Natzi gave me a verbal spanking which I really a: did not deserve, and b: did not appreciate and c: gave me an upset stomach. Really?! Is that how you treat customers? The rudeness was uncalled for. He did ask me (in a rude manner) If I wanted something else, I was hungry, so, ‘yes, I want a Caprese salad,’ I managed to say. He said snippily, ‘your salad will be up soon’. I will not be back. I don’t know why I gave it a star. I’m so upset.

The BLT & avocado sandwich was delicious. The Spinach salad with fresh strawberries was so tasty. The raspberry vinaigrette was perfect. The out door seating was delightful on a beautiful sunny day. The. Customer service was pleasant. The owner was a little stand selfish. Beware if you need an extra plate– it will cost $ 1.50. Really

I have now been here twice and won’t be back… sad because it is a lovely spot but when paying $ 27 for half a tasteless tuna sandwich with a small cup of fruit, a small salad that was barley more than a basic green, an iced tea and diet coke — I think the owner could at least put a smile on her face. She should also dress in appropriate clothing — a work out outfit is not appropriate for running a restaurant.
She was so uninviting when we gave our orders. When asked a question about what was on a salad she tapped a menu tapped to the front counter instead of actually engaging with us.
One star for the nice patio setting and one star for having a very nice gal working the patio area.
I am curious if there is a second owner/​cook because of the extremely different reviews posted.

I have come here for coffee a few times since my first review and really enjoyed the atmosphere. Coffee is good and refillable, service is nice.

Penelope’s is a really charming place for lunch. It has a walk up counter where you order and then you go sit down with your number. Staff is friendly, food is good and for the most part healthy. For some reason there are always more women here than men. It has a feminine edge to it for sure, feels a little like a dainty tea house (but it’s not) and the courtyard garden is lovely.

I love Penelopes! Hands down one of the best places to eat in La Canada. This place is very cute and cozy and had a home feel to it. The outside area is very cute and breezy.
I usually always get the half salad half sandwich.. I’ve tried most of them but my favorite salad here is the Barbara salad with a scoop of tuna. Everything from lettuce, spinach, avocado, cucumbers and olives in this mix. Absolutely delicious. I’m a ranch person so I always get my salads with ranch.
All their sandwiches are great though. My top fav is the pastrami sandwich. The turkey chili here is also very fresh and very amazing. Overall everything here is fresh and yumms. You won’t be disappointed.

At first I was skeptical because its a bit pricey, but… I absolutely love it! I ordered the blackened turkey on whole wheat with a side of fruit and it was delicious… worth the price. Service is great, theyre very sweet. The location is hidden, seems like a house and it does have the country feel to it. I will definitely come back for lunch!

Came here for lunch with a few coworkers and I had Kelly’s chicken chipotle sandwich which was a bit spicy but satisfying.
The employees were definitely more amiable than the owner. You place your order then have a seat at one of the available tables. There’s a cute little garden you can sit at outdoors it’s very delightful and homey.
We called ahead to place our order and although they didn’t guarantee anything they served our food as soon as we got there which was a plus!
Overall, I really liked the set up and menu of salads and sandwiches. I’ll definitely be back for lunch.

I won’t be coming back here. I don’t know if I just came on a bad day or something, but no one here was very friendly and my sandwich was just ok.
As soon as I walked in, the lady at the register didn’t even say hello. She looked like the owner so I awkwardly said hi and that I would need a minute looking at the menu. I mentioned that I had never been here before, and the she didn’t even respond. No suggestions, no polite welcome to the café for the first time, nothing. Just a blank stare, pen in hand as she waited for me to decide. Did she hear me? I’m pretty sure she did. Okay, whatever. She quickly wrote down my order and gave me my number.
After ordering I sat down and was brought my food, but no drink, and the server just kind of gruffly said «yeah drinks are in the front.» Well, thanks for all the communication, lady at the counter.
I paid around $ 12 for half an egg salad sandwich, a small fountain drink and a little cup of fruit. Kind of pricey, but maybe not for the area. I just wish my food and experience was worth it.
Oh yeah, there’s a gift shop, but I didn’t really bother looking. This place is cute, but I just didn’t feel it was worth sticking around.

Great little place to escape the troubles of the world and get a bite to eat and cup of coffee.
I really needed to visit this little cottage near the woods today. If I am not hiking it’s my little zen oasis away from the problems of the world. I won’t go into specific details, but you know what I am talking about if you turned on the news today.
The structure that Penelope’s is in used to be a house. If you walk in the front door you will see a warm and cozy little living room with a love seat and couple chairs around a fireplace. There is artwork, books and miscellaneous gift items for sale along with plenty of tables inside. French doors in a couple places lead out the lovely courtyard area. In the courtyard there is a gorgeous tree which serves as a canopy for the entire patio. I don’t know what kind of tree this is, but it is really beautiful. There is a lovely fountain with potted flowers all around off to the east side of the courtyard. My favorite table is right next to the fountain. I am usually pretty lucky and get my favorite table whenever I come in.
They serve a couple kinds of quiche, assorted muffins, mixed fruit and Belgium waffles. In addition, they have some great salads and sandwiches. I’ve always liked everything I’ve ordered. They don’t have a stove, so you aren’t going to get omelette’s and things like that, but I always seem to find something that I like.
I’d highly recommend coming to Penelope’s Café, Books & Gallery.