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Mandarin Coffee Stand: Your Go-To for Exquisite Brews and Delightful Bites

At Mandarin Coffee Stand, we believe in the art of brewing exceptional coffee. Nestled in the vibrant city of Pasadena, we specialize in unique flavors like our renowned Vienna Latte, celebrated for its silky texture and subtle sweetness, crafted using fresh, quality ingredients. As a proud Asian and women-owned business, we prioritize accessibility with features like wheelchair access and outdoor seating. Our menu boasts delightful pastries, from Bacon Cheddar Biscuits to decadent brownies, ensuring every visit is a treat. Experience community and connection here, where each cup tells a story, and every sip invites you to savor the moment.

mandarin coffee stand at a glance

  • Address 380 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101
  • Restaurant type Cafe .

Photos & Gallery

mandarin coffee stand: Reviews & Ratings

B L
5

This hidden gem of a coffee shop is a must-visit for coffee connoisseurs! Their Vienna coffee is truly exceptional - rich, velvety, and expertly balanced. The shop itself is cozy and intimate, with a warm atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Despite its small size, the shop packs a big punch in terms of flavor and quality. If you're a coffee lover looking for a unique and delicious experience, look no further. The Vienna coffee alone is worth the wait in line.

George Z
5

Total Score: 9.400 Ambiance: 5/5 Very cutesy!! Love the art and the indoor moodiness. Gives library. Food: 4.5/5 Got the Sicily, cold brew and very citrusy with orange. P good! Slightly bit toooo sour tho Wow: 1/1 So cute!! Total Score = 3.5*AM + 6*FOOD + 0.5*WOW

Brittany Mendez
4

I was looking for a cute coffee shop to go to with my husband and this definitely met my expectations. We felt transported to another country immediately because of the aesthetics they have curated here. We had to wait about 35-45 minutes for the coffee and the baristas were nice. I got a ham and cheese croissant (I would rate it a 7/10) and the Vienna with oatmilk (which was the best out of the Toasty and Matcha) in my opinion (8.5/10). My husband got a croffin and the Toasty, and he liked the croffin more than the Toasty. The croffin was really good, and I agreed that the Toasty didn’t blow me away. We ordered Matcha for my sister to go and she said initially it was average, but as you stirred it up it got better. Overall this was a really cute coffee shop with good pastries, nice baristas, and good coffee. If you’re open to wait for the line, I would definitely make my way down to mandarin to try out their coffee!

avey
5

$9 single origin pour over (Ethiopian) Pastries are similarly-priced. Don't forget to tip! Only 4 customers inside of the shop at any given time due to its size. I wish it was in a larger café to provide more traditional coffee shop vibes.

Amanda Manea
5

Excellent food and drinks, usually the wait can be anywhere from 5-40min depending on what time of day it is. There is a 4 person max inside the coffee shop so you’ll be waiting outside in the shade (if the line is only within the Burlington arcade). The Hojicha matcha and Vienna latte are my favorite. Service can be slow but they make everything fresh in front of you.

Anna
5

The Burlington Arcade is so gorgeous and mandarin coffee stand fits right in! While the storefront only allows 4 customers at a time, waiting outside doesn’t feel bothersome because you’re in such a beautiful space. While they do have citrusy flavors on their menu, much of their focus is on serving Chinese coffee among classics. I got the gui hua latte (which only comes hot) and it really grew on me, with the complex flavor combination of coffee, slight spice, and florality. Their Vienna latte was smooth and rich while their honey yuzu fizz was bright and refreshing. There are a couple of tables in the walkway, but I wouldn’t count on doing work here or staying for a long period of time. Parking is pretty easy in the lot, though!

Viera V
5

I learned about the place from TikTok. It was highly recommended to get a good coffee: Vienna Latte-absolutely delicious. On the way back through town I went back again to try something else but Vienna Latte was hard to beat. There was a line when we got there on Saturday morning, that tells you something. I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the coffee. While the place itself is small = it serves only to get the coffee, The Arcade itself has plenty of seating available to enjoy the ambiance

Charlene Hsu
5

Super smooth coffee oh my days. I really enjoyed the vienna latte and it wasn't too sweet and the coffee wasn't too bitter and was super creamy and smooth without it being overbearing. The decor and vibe if the shop is super cute and gives a unique antique feel. It's located in a super cute like alleyway with other shops to explore. There isn't seating inside but there's seating outside.

Location

  • mandarin coffee stand
    mandarin coffee stand
    380 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101

Welcome to Mandarin Coffee Stand, a hidden gem nestled in the charming city of Pasadena, California. With a location at 380 S Lake Ave #111, this coffee haven has become a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike, known for its incredible flavors and warm atmosphere.

As you approach Mandarin Coffee Stand, you may notice the bustling line often spilling out the door, a testament to its popularity. Despite the wait, patrons like Ashley M. rave about their signature Vienna Latte, a smooth and creamy treat that combines freshly roasted coffee with a delicate sweetness. One sip of this blissful concoction is enough to make you forget about any delay. “The cream on top balances the rest of the coffee perfectly,” she mentions, emphasizing the art behind this delightful drink.

Beyond its renowned coffee, Mandarin Coffee Stand offers a variety of delicious pastries that are perfect for a light snack or breakfast. From the savory Bacon Cheddar Biscuit to the decadent Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie, there is something to satisfy every craving. Customer reviews consistently laud these delectable options, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and flavor.

  • Accessibility: The stand is completely wheelchair accessible, features outdoor seating, and even allows dogs, making it a welcoming environment for everyone.
  • Utilities: Enjoy conveniences like free Wi-Fi, catering options, and credit card acceptance (with a processing fee), ensuring you settle in comfortably.
  • Environment: Those who appreciate sustainability will be pleased to know that Mandarin Coffee Stand provides reusable tableware and compostable containers, aligning with eco-friendly practices.

Despite its small interior, which only accommodates a few patrons at a time, the ambiance is inviting and relaxed. Lauren X noted, “The line moves quickly, and it’s an enjoyable experience waiting in a charming alley.” The location not only serves as a coffee stand but also as a social space where coffee enthusiasts can connect.

With a variety of drinks like the Pineapple Espresso Tonic and pastries such as the Kimchi Spam Musubi Croissant, Mandarin Coffee Stand has skillfully created a niche for itself in the competitive coffee landscape. Its Asian-owned, women-owned status adds a meaningful layer of integrity to the brand.

While the wait may sometimes feel a bit lengthy, the rich flavors of the drinks and the quality of the pastries make every minute worth it. As Soseh P. reflected, “It’s not too sweet, and the homemade sweet milk is amazing.” This sentiment resonates with many who have made the trip to indulge in the unique offerings at Mandarin Coffee Stand.

So next time you find yourself in Pasadena, don’t hesitate to join the queue at Mandarin Coffee Stand. Prepare for an experience that promises not only great coffee but also a sense of community and delight. Cheers to good coffee and good company!