The People’s Cafe in El Monte is more than a place to get delicious food and cafecito, it’s a portal to culture, community, and creativity in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley.

In the tradition of politically conscious community bookstores/cafes of the Chicano movement, husband and wife team, PhD professors and community activists Carla and Aron Macal Montenegro have been working toward this dream for a decade now.

The opening weekend was a community celebration featuring the delicious food and drinks, live music, poetry reading plus danza azteca and a drumming circle.

With an art gallery featuring local artists from the surrounding community and cultural and arts programming planned by Center for the Arts and Social Action (C.A.S.A.), this third space hub is instantly iconic. It’s a place to gather, learn, and practice decolonial liberation.

Open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am- 8 pm serving delicious Indigenous fusion sandwiches, salads, waffles, and various agua frescas and coffee drinks.

For a in depth feature article and interview, the LA Local’s Sarah Quiñones Wolfson feature is a must read.