This hole-in-the-wall Korean cafe in Montrose is known for its boba. They have also started selling delicious and delicate shaved ice (Patbingsu), served in glass bowls. Their shaved ice comes in two flavors: fruit and matcha green tea.

From the outside, the store doesn’t stand out. However, when you walk in, the colorful menus and simple-to-understand posters make the store look visually appealing. There’s cute and festive looking decorations sprinkled around as well. The employees are super kind and give helpful suggestions.

I got the matcha flavored shaved ice which had bits of crunchy, Fruity Pebbles on top and a scoop of ice cream.If you want a more traditional taste, then adding red beans is the way to go. It’s served in a large bowl with fruits such as kiwi, strawberries, grapes and bananas. You get to add fruit cocktail or condensed milk to the desert for a richer flavor.

The bits of mochi add a chewy flavor to the desert. It all seemed like a random messy mix, but it worked together pretty well. The shaved ice itself tastes like an ordinary snow cone, but the toppings on top are what makes it worth it. By the time I got around to eating the shaved ice, it had all melted into a milky texture. The sheer size of the bowl made it inconvenient for a quick snack, but it is definitely something everyone should have once in awhile.

Other than the eye-catching shaved ice for dessert, there’s also the option of getting powdered sugar funnel cake. As for the boba, you have the choices of adding jelly or custard pudding to it, along with tons of unique flavors such as lavender, taro, white chocolate mocha, cookies and cream and spiced chai.

There are few cafes with good quality boba in La Crescenta, so 5.2 Patio is the way to go. 5.2 Patio is ideal for getting boba or food on the go.

Address: 3231 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214

Phone: (818) 957-2389

Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (daily, except closed on Sunday)