Portola Coffee Lab
| Address: | 201 E 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701, USA |
| Site: | portolacoffeelab.com |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 8AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 94
Reviews 23
MI
Mike Castro
At a glance Portola Coffee Lab is a high-end coffee stop. This one located in the heart of DTSA in the recently opened (and highly anticipated!) 4th Street Market. What youll get? Damn good coffee thats big on flavor but not so much size. But as they say, quality not quantity! Whats good? Just about everything...well...depending on your taste. Just standing in line, you will be filled with anticipation for a caffeinated concoction as the aroma of coffee beans floods your nostrils. I am not the biggest coffee drinker but can tell you that I do enjoy a good brew. I ordered what the cool kids apparently drink, a gaspar, and absolutely loved it. Like I said, dont expect a trenta of anything here and definitely not for with the gaspar. The drink I can best describe as this: When first becoming an adult I remember smelling coffee and thinking "if it smells like it tastes, it must be amazing!". This was far from reality from what I came to find over the next few years. This drink however is exactly what I wish I would have had those years back. The other beverage I have had the pleasure of drinking was a flat brown, which is more or less a damn good mini mocha. The coffees good what about the service? The staff is awesome. Super friendly and if you dont know what to drink ask them! What I love is I get a high end coffee experience with out the uppity/snooty attitude. Service as a process left something to be desired but Ill explain below. What ba...well what could be better? The whole ordering of coffee process is a bit confusing and intimidating (that said dont be scared just ask where the line starts!) Waiting in line has 2 main problems 1. Making line can be chaotic with lines starting seemingly anywhere and everywhere. 2. Ordering drinks seems at times random with just coffee orders being taken down the line and specialty drinks being ordered in a seemingly different queue (same line though) and then picked up at the end. It makes some sense but seems very disorganized and I have to admit that at some point I felt like walking away just based on this experience (good thing the coffee is delicious!) This being said, its opening week so Ill cut them a break. I am more than positive that these kinks will be worked out in the coming weeks. What I loved? The experience. Despite the line experience, I have to tell you there is something super cool about a some hip dressed cool kid(adult), making a super fresh coffee right in front of you ready to drink. It makes the experience intimate and adds an extra dash of artisanal flavor to the entire experience. I cant wait to go back later this week when I can make time. Ill be updating my review over the next few weeks and hopefully I can elevate that 4 stars to 5 as soon as that line issue gets fixed.
BR
Brian Ernst
Im 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 Ive 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 havent seen before. They source beans with flavors Ive never seen at other nearby shops, like Ethiopian Sidama Ardi beans that taste like strawberries and buttercream. Great single origin varieties. Ive 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 theyre making or new things theyre trying. They may offer you free samples, and if youre lucky they may go above and beyond that.
AN
Anna Miller
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 Ive had, but good enough. I was very disappointed with the guji. I cant 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 cant be sure unless I go back and get a pour over. I would say try this place out, but dont expect the greatest coffee in the world. As per other reviews, it seems like this place can be hit or miss.
AN
Anthony Libby
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 Theyve also got a limited selection of pastries if you arent 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
NA
Nathan G
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!
SI
Simon Kaulius
Industrial grade French Press controlled by computer for the exact amount of water at the exact temperature for the exact amount of brew time equals the perfect cup of coffee!
AR
Armando Santos
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!
D.
D. Andrew Jones
This place is hit or miss just like the internet connection here. Ive purchased some crap drinks here while having to stand in line while the
JC
JC Diaz
Just ordered hot Chai Latte with Soy Milk. Great flavors, well prepared. Great customer service. Thank you.
BR
Brett Sanders
Nice Portola location in Santa Ana . Hung out a few hours working on laptop. Good vibes there
CH
Chris Johnson
One of the best places to get coffee in Santa Ana. Baristas are top notch and friendly.
CH
Chris Johnen
Coffee has a different flavor than what Im used to. Ok.
KA
Kathryn Pritchard
Some of the best coffee I have ever had thus far
RE
Rece Tetrault
Great quality coffee. Ask for a whipper-snapper!
LU
Luis Pulido
I had an exquisite V60 fruity Ethiopian coffeee
CA
Carlos Berlanga
Delicious Vanilla latte!
AN
andrew le
Cute little coffee shop
MO
Moi Mora
I just simply love it
MA
Maian Tran
Good quality coffee
SU
Suming Jeremiah Chen
This place is great!
GO
Gordon Chan
Love this place
MA
Matthew Minegar
Great coffee.
EC
Econo Green
Fresh coffee
