Some of the best coffee in southern California right here! Amazing pour overs and perfect espresso. The beans are mild roasts and very high quality, including many single origins. You HAVE to hit this place!
Had the lavender honey latte and sat with my baby and old friend who I hadn't seen in over a decade. We enjoyed the coffee and the environment and had no issue talking story right in the front of the bar. Beautiful day and setting to meet with a good friend. And coffee was spot on.
Portola Coffee is for the coffee connoisseur, not the average Starbucks goer. Portola is more of a coffee experience. Portola serves up one size of uber flavorful coffee classics prepared with great care and artistic flair. No sweetener needed... it would mask the complex and subtle flavors that their lighter-than-most roast imparts.
If you are looking for a 'thirsty two' ounce coffee beverage laden with sugar, you won't find it here. What you will find is a gourmet coffee experience that won't disappoint those who appreciate really, really good coffee.
I came here and tasted the latte, the tree leches latte, and the Guji on the machine (forgot the name).
I thought the latte was a bit weak but tasty. Not the best espresso I've had, but good enough.
I was very disappointed with the guji. I can't quite tell if it was the beans themselves, the method of extraction, or the roast, but it tasted off. Given that this thing is supposed to control pressure and temperature, I would guess that it was the beans/roast. However, I can't be sure unless I go back and get a pour over. I would say try this place out, but don't expect the greatest coffee in the world. As per other reviews, it seems like this place can be hit or miss.
Brian Ernst (leetNightshade)
+5
I'm not sure how this location is during peak hours, or for hanging out at and working. I go here purely for their great beans, and cold brew.
This is the best Portola Coffee Labs location I've been to, and according to awesome staff this is their "R&D" location where you can find things like lavender or hop brewed coffee, something I haven't seen before. They source beans with flavors I've never seen at other nearby shops, like Ethiopian Sidama Ardi beans that taste like strawberries and buttercream. Great single origin varieties. I've been shopping at this roaster for almost a year now, and checking out all the other local roasters to see how they compare.
Staff knows their stuff, and is excited to share what they're making or new things they're trying. They may offer you free samples, and if you're lucky they may go above and beyond that.
The fellas here had chill laid back customer service which is always nice in my book. I happily ordered their vanilla latte. And the taste is just perfect!
Coffee bar in the Santa Ana 4th street market
Really nice baristas who offer to help explain anything on the menu
---24 hour Iced coffee: smooth coffee, pretty impressive
They've also got a limited selection of pastries if you aren't already stuffed from all the other vendors in this market!
NOTE: there are parking meters in the street or its $1 per hour in the parking garage
Portola Coffee Roasters closed. It's now the up and coming Loose Leaf Boba Company. Check them out. Guarantee well worth your time.
Mocha Latte was very rich and not overly sweet!
Get the house cold brew! You won't regret it!
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