mandarin coffee stand

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.

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

What a wonderful coffee experience. The drinks are delicious, the vibes are beautiful, and the people are so cool. I love the Chinese heritage and Asian flavors that inspire some of the shop's drinks. Makes me proud to be Chinese! The space is super small, but people will sit outside in the little mall to sit and chat. The line is often long, but goes by pretty quick and just confirms that other people think this place is great as well! They also sell beans from some amazing roasteries and some wonderful pastries as well. I wish I lived closer to here, because I'd be here everyday.

Very nice little coffee shop with limited outside seating. Have to wait outside a bit before going in to order d/t limited inside space. Ordered a matcha tonic and a latte, both are very good. Price of drinks range from 6 to 8 dollars. Very cozy coffee shop.

Beautiful and delicious coffee stand tucked into the arcade building! There was a little line when we arrived in the late morning, as the shop itself is small and can only hold a few people at a time. The staff work quickly though and made delicious drinks! I loved my cold brew and was impressed at the flavor notes of the bean! The workers are also very kind and knowledgeable for any questions. There are a few tables outside to sit at but expect having to take your coffee to-go. Parking is free for a limited time in the lot in the back with plenty of spaces. :)

A little hidden gem, literally. The entrance is small and the inside fits 2-3 people at a time as you wait for your order. The outside has a lot of available room to sit and is filled with hanging lights and lots of sunshine. I went with the toasty , I asked the cashier if they had anything sweet (I love sweet tasting coffee) and he said not really. Fortunately for me the toasty was a great cup of joe. It had such a great flavor I wondered why coffee couldn’t just taste this good everywhere!

Tiny coffee shop inside of a cool little mall. AYR Black Tea Latte was excellent, don’t forget to add the house made sweet cream top for $1! Long lines and it moves slow so be prepared to wait.

Mandarin Coffee Shop - Pasadena, CA Mandarin Coffee Shop is a gem for coffee lovers in Pasadena! The coffee here is exceptional—rich, smooth, and clearly made with care. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it a great spot to start your day or catch up with friends. However, be prepared for a bit of a wait. The line starts forming even before their 8:00 AM opening, which speaks volumes about their popularity and quality. Arriving early is definitely worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with fantastic coffee and a great experience. Highly recommend checking it out! But I gave it 4 stars as I had high expectations but the coffee was average for me

Came here with my best friend on a Saturday late morning on July 4th weekend around 11:30am. The coffee stand is located in the Burlington Arcade. I initially came here because I wanted to try it and because I wanted to get it stamped on my Pasadena Coffee Passport. There's plenty of free parking in the back. And meter street parking in the front, if you can find any. There was a line when I arrived and I waited about 30 mins. I got the following: - SIGNATURE- "Toasty" Iced - Cinnamon Roll I'm a big cinnamon girly so the two combined was heaven for me. I really enjoyed both. The coffee was very subtle and delicious. The cinnamon roll was so tasty, so small but packed with flavor. I can understand why there's a line. Will definitely come back but maybe earlier next time. The place is super small but super cutesy. And the staff and sweet.

This place is def worth checking out when in Pasadena! Located in a really cute alley with an amazing ambiance that makes you feel like you're in France. The inside only has a 4 guest policy since it's really small and the line can very quickly get long. We got the vienna latte which was a really great latte! it's the most recommended and their signature for a reason. the cream is super indulgent with the bold espresso! We also tried the matcha latte and it was great latte with quarter sweetness! I don't prefer my matcha on the sweeter side and really liked the quality of it overall. Kinda bummy that you're not allowed to add a cream top to it even if you're willing to pay extra for it. Overall, it's a good find! luckily it wasn't super busy around the time we went and had an overall great experience. There's no indoor seating, but rather a shared common space in the alley with a few tables.

Finally trying mandarin after walking by 100s of times. At 8:30am on a Saturday there was about a 10 minute line. The shop is small with just a few staff but they work pretty quickly. I ordered: Vienna latte: 10/10 So yummy! The foam on top was delicious Kimchi + Spam Croissant: 8/10 It was good, but would have been better if they could have warmed it up. They had so many delicious looking options in their case, I would definitely try something different next time. They only have a few tables in the alley but it was easy to grab one as most people were taking their order to go. The alley is what originally drew me in, it's very cute with string lights and an old phone booth. Gives European vibes. I'd love to come back and try a different pastry

Came with my cousin in the afternoon on a weekday for a caffiene fix. There was a line, and while we were waiting, they let us know they ran out of ice. It was a hot day, but we were okay with it. We both went with the Iced Toasty. The drink was still very good. The inside of the store itself is pretty small, but the line will wrap around the outside. The area that it is located is very cute, a nice place to catch up with friends if the weather permits.

My friend and I had both heard good things about Mandarin Coffee Stand, so we decided to drop by around 12:30 PM on a Friday. I ordered an iced matcha latte ($7) but thankfully they don't charge for alternative milk so I got oat! I found the matcha here to be a bit watery and bitter for my taste. Not sure if it's just the way it was whisked, but it didn't have the smoothness that I enjoy from other lattes. I do prefer lattes on the sweeter side, so I asked for sweetener to be added which helped the overall flavor a bit. The line seems to pick up as the afternoon goes on, so I would build in some wait time depending on when you're looking to drop by. As far as seating, there are a few bar stools indoors, but those are often used by customers who are waiting for their orders. There are also chairs and tables outside though. Overall, I wouldn't recommend Mandarin for matcha lattes but I'd be open to trying their other drinks and pastries (white miso kouign amann caught my eye while placing my order).

I got their iced Vienna latte and it was amazing. I asked for it to be 25% sweet and decafe, they made it happen, with smiles :) There was a line of people but didn't wait long, it went by quick. Service was great, parking is easy and price is on the decent side. Would definitely come back.

It's one of those places where you have wait in line for a bit before you can get your drink. I fortunately got lucky and had to wait only about 5-10 minutes, but as soon as I walked out of there, I saw the line get a lot longer, which means the line must've been about a 30 minute wait from the end on a weekend. I ordered the iced matcha latte for my coworker, and an iced vienna latte for myself. They also had some delicious looking pastries, so I ordered two of those as well. The drinks are good, but would I wait 30 minutes for coffee? I don't think so. However, next time I'm in this area and I see little to no wait, I'll be swooping by here.

I've been to Mandarin Coffee multiple times and am a huge fan! I have tried a couple selections of their drinks (matcha, coffee, etc) but found my favorite to be their iced Hojicha because of it's nutty + unique flavor (and have put several people on it as well). I do agree that the wait can sometimes be a bit long, especially during peak hours, but it's always worth it for the quality and vibe. The staff is friendly, and the drinks are consistently great. Highly recommend the Hojicha if you're looking for something different--it's become my go-to!

I love Mandarin Coffee, and clearly, so does everyone else--the line is definitely worth it. Every experience here feels personal. The staff never rushes you, and the quality is always top-notch. If you like your chai with a kick, order the iced chai latte--it's perfectly spicy. If you're a matcha lover, they serve ceremonial grade matcha, and I've had both the iced and hot lattes--both are amazing. My daughter swears by their iced vanilla latte, and the touch of shaved vanilla bean on top is such a thoughtful detail. Mandarin is located in the Burlington Arcade, so whether it's sunny or raining, you're covered. Sitting outside feels like you've been transported to London or somewhere charming in Europe. I especially love when they have pop-up pastry vendors, and just recently I picked up some freshly ground espresso from Peru--it smells incredible. Everything is made fresh, and the setup is both stylish and functional. Honestly, it looks like it could be overwhelming to work there, but the staff is always calm, cordial, and spot-on with every order. I always recommend Mandarin to friends and out-of-towners--it's a little gem that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Was very excited to try this spot given the hype, though it didn't live up for me personally. As it is a very small shop, there is often a long line. On weekends, it looks as long as 40+ mins sometimes. I waited about 20 on a weekday morning. I got their most recommended drink, the Vienna latte. It was good, but I don't think I'd wait that long for it again. I also found their customer service to be lacking, as they have to constantly enforce a patron limit within the shop and send people back outside. What did really impress me was the quality of their pastries, I'd highly recommend trying a croissant if you are going to wait in the line anyway. There is plenty of parking in the retail lot in the back.

The alley is super cute where it's located. Love the vibes. The line is... really long. To be honest, I don't see the hype but since I'm never really in the area I wanted to give it a try. Line did take forever but me and my friend were chatting it up so it was not a problem. The matcha latte we got unsweetened with oat milk and it was pretty good. We then sat at the alley area and had more time chatting. I probably wouldn't come here again due to how long the line is but if you're looking for a cute place to chat and have matcha, I recommend it.

Another solid coffee spot in Pasadena, seems like artisan coffee places are on the rise but this one is legit. DEFINITELY prepare to wait in line unless you're here at odd times on a weekday. For a Saturday afternoon we waited around 35 minutes before we were able to order our coffee. The shop is TINY with a capacity of about 7 people. With 3 people working there's only room for 4 people inside to order at one time. The coffee shop has a minimalistic kind of vibe. Super cute and they sell coffee beans and merch inside as well. I ordered the Vienna coffee which was so rich but not overwhelming. The cream foam was delicious and it's such a cohesive drink. Would loved a gui hua latte as well but it doesn't come iced. 10/10 would recommend. Maybe not for your morning cup of coffee because of the long waits but definitely good spot for an afternoon pick me up.

I finally got to try their Vienna latte with oat milk after passing by this spot so many times--and I'm glad I did! The latte had a great balance of espresso and just the right amount of sweetness from the creamy foam on top. However, the 40-minute wait was a bit much, especially since the shop is super tiny and only fits about four people at a time. It's worth trying at least once if you're in the area, but I'm not sure I'd wait that long again.

Listed as one of LA's best coffee shops for a reason! Highly recommend their specialty coffees. The coffee flavor is so robust and is accented with the added flavors, which are so unique! The toasty latte has Organic Rooibos, which gave it a mix of a tea and coffee vibe. The Vienna latte was just the right amount of sweet! Didn't get a chance to try the pastries, but they looked really beautiful. Outdoor seating only. Long line, and only 4 people allowed in the shop at a time. Baristas work quite hard to produce beautiful drinks constantly!

4.5 stars, rounded up! Finding parking was a bit of a challenge even on a random Thursday morning ... but I guess at least the first 90 minutes are free. The little alleyway that the ship is located in is super aesthetic and makes you feel like you've transported to a charming London side street!! We still had a bit of a wait (~15 min) but I know the line gets to be like 30+ minutes on the weekends so I can't complain. The drinks were so good!! I ordered the iced Toasty which was a perfectly spiced milk tea, a 5/5 and unique drink. My friend got the summer signature coconut cold brew, and it had such a delicious strong coconut flavor, also a 5/5 drink. We also tried the matcha tonic, which was refreshing & solid. Would I come back? Definitely if I wanted to impress a friend with a unique drink & an aesthetic photo spot. But for a casual day, probably not, just because parking and the line can be a little annoying. Still, the area and flavors make it worth checking out!

Wow I have this place bookmarked for a while and finally got to try! Came on Memorial Day and the line was loooong! Waited about 35 minutes since the actual store is pretty small and accommodates 4 people inside at a time. I love the Asian fusion idea and I got hojitcha and the gui hua latte (important: you can ask for your drinks to be less sweet)! I really like the hojitcha - slightly toasty and almost have a chocolatey feel! Note: no matcha related drink as of now. It's located in a super beautiful and vintage building! There are some small tables outside. Staff were super friendly as well!

I went around 9am on a Wednesday and they still had their signature line. I think I waited around 10 minutes before having my order taken. They only let 4 people in at a time, but the three separate people behind me didn't read the signs and crowded into the room. I went as early as I could to secure my choice of pastry. The chickpea curry puff (triangular shaped) is now my new favorite. The curry is delicious and the pastry is super buttery and flaky. The ham and cheese croissant is very tasty especially with the little pickle on top. I also got the seasonal rose hip black tea latte. I was hoping to get a hot latte on that cold morning but it only comes iced. I still enjoyed it and thought it had a pleasant flavor.

Was in Pasadena charging my car and yelped to see what coffee places were around. Mandarin Coffee Stand looked promising and was a few steps away so thought I tried. When I saw the line out the door, I thought this place had to be good! The storefront was cute, the interior albeit small was cozy and welcoming. Their display of pastries looked delicious and I enjoyed looking at their items for sale while waiting for my coffee. I asked the barista for a recommendation based on my preferences, sweet and creamy. She said the sweetest and creamiest latte they had was the Vienna, which happens to be their most popular one with homemade sweet cream. Sounds good to me! The coffee looked amazing. Why the three stars? One deduction was that they didn't have half and half, only almond or oat milk aside from their whole milk. Another star deduction was that the Vienna wasn't sweet at all like she said. It's good coffee that my husband would enjoy, but not enough flavor or sweetness. Cute place, but not for me.

Vanilla Beans Latte was pretty horrible. Almost undrinkable. Vienna latte was delicious. Long line so unfortunately a 3 out of 5 overall.

Thanks to my friend who suggested us to visit this lovely coffee shop on our girls date! Very unique decoration, chilling and comfortable vibe in deed. This is the BEST Sicily I've ever had, the citrus perfectly balanced the bitterness of the coffee!! Super refreshing at all seasons. Toasty latte is definitely heartwarming and cozy. Very smooth and silky texture. Expect a long line over the weekend. We went on a weekday and the wait was within 10-15 minutes.

So I have to say the line does move although it is always out the door. The reason being they only have space for four patrons inside so you will have to wait until they come out before you go in. Everyone is so polite and patient here so it feels completely fine with the long line. More time to enjoy the ambience and take pictures in this cute alley. The menu choices are posted by the window and I wish they had a QR code before the line since we're all just waiting around instead of having it right at the entrance. Can't go wrong with their popular Vienna latte and their homemade sweet cream. The coffee is really strong if you like strong coffee as it will definitely give you a jolt. It definitely taste better without a straw so you can really soak in the cream. Pastries definitely run out really fast so if you come anytime after 1pm you're out of luck. Plenty of parking behind and a lot of nice eateries to go around as you're enjoying your coffee or two!

Super overrated and not worth the wait. I came here on a Sunday afternoon and we had to wait 40 minutes in line just to order. It's a really small area so they only allow 4 people inside at a time. The workers are really nice, but there is just a lack of hustle or they are simply understaffed. Whenever I go to cafes and coffee shops in KTown, the lines move way quicker & drinks taste so much better. Outdoor seating is limited, but available. I've came here twice because I wanted to give them another chance and here is my ultimate verdict: The matcha latte with the cream top was not good. I ordered it sweetened, but it tasted so bland. The milk to matcha ratio was just off. I tried it with both regular milk and oat milk and both were below mid (the oat milk version was slightly more awful in taste I might add). Parking is convenient though.

The spot is so cute and outside area is definitely something you'd do with your friends or family. There are food shops and some goodies along the way too. Lots of parking in the back, you have to pay of course. The line is quick, small inside and only 3-4 people inside at a time. Coffee was soooo good. Not too sweet, I got the Vienna latte. Everyone was friendly, good price point. I will only say there is no coffee shop vibe, but the outdoor seating makes up for it. I will definitely come back to try the matcha because it was sold out when I went!

I waited in line here for 40 minutes on a Sunday 2pm and got the seasonal coconut latte. Considering the time I spent in line and the drink I got, I definitely think this place is overhyped and wouldn't wait in line again to get a drink here. It's hard to give an accurate rating but based on the drink and the wait alone, i would say it's a 3/5. But If i'm ever in the area and see that there is no line I would be down to try it out again! The 2 girls behind me were raving about their matcha drinks so maybe I will try those next time if I'm back? The coconut latte was good but wasn't amazing, but the decor, vibe, and location were all great.

Day: Monday Time arrived: 1:57pm Order/got my drink: 2:23pm Decided to stop by since my boyfriend had a dentist appointment in the area. I was a bit hesitant about the wait time, but with my luck..I felt it wouldn't be too bad. Haha and lucky for me it was as short as it could be. I went with an iced Hojicha latte with oat milk + a cream top ($7.75). This drink reminded me of Memorylook's matcha einspanner drink, because of the cream top. It has the same creaminess. Overall, the drink is pretty good. Roasty, creamy, a good amount of sweetness and not watered down. Fire. I don't know if I would wait more than 30 minutes for this place. But it is one of the better coffee spots in the area. Would I go back? Absolutely. I would like to try their other items.

Located in a pretty cute and aesthetic area with small shops and a telephone booth photo op. We came to Mandarin on a Sunday afternoon and not only was the line long, but it moved extremely slow. I've heard online that this is usually the case. We waited 45 minutes and got the matcha and vienna latte. The drinks were good but in my opinion, not worth that long of a wait. If you come here I definitely recommend getting here at least an hour before closing time because that's how long you might have to wait and I'm not sure if they take many orders after 3. I also recommend adding sweet cream to the matcha as it adds a nice touch.

Came here on Saturday morning and there was a long wait! It took 45 min or so to get our drinks but wow was the wait worth it!! We got Vienna Lattes! It was delicious, especially the homemade sweet cream! Will definitely be back for more!

We waited for about 30 min to try this coffee. The line was almost to the lot when we arrived on a Saturday afternoon, so be prepared to wait. The ambiance of the little coffee shop was a nice place to relax with coffee and music, and just get lost in conversations. I loved the interior and loved every decor in the space. The service was welcoming. I ordered the Vienna Ice Coffee because it was a hot day and it was so delicious! I would definitely come back again

I first came here before it blew up on instagram & TikTok and I absolutely have loved it. I don't come as often just given its popularity and I try to avoid crowds as best as possible. My favorite items are the matcha latte and their "Toasty" signature latte. Today, I had their lemon loaf for the first time & I absolutely loved it! I love where it's located and overall vibe. Just know it can get pretty busy at times.

This Asian owned and inspired coffee shop is one of my go to places when in Pasadena. I love the Vienna iced latte. The coffee is not bitter and in my opinion the perfect roast that pairs well with their house made sweet cream. The sweet cream is not too sweet and very smooth. If you love cream tops with your coffee, the Vienna would be a solid choice. The line is usually long but moved consistently. If you're in a rush, this isn't the place to go to. They make each drink to order and once you order, it takes 5-10 minutes for your drink to come out. The vibes of this coffee shop are cute! They sell matcha and hojicha powder here! There is seating outside where a lot of people like to sit and enjoy their coffee.

I started going to mandarin a few years back when there was no line, and I'd go straight in and order and be out within 5 min. I wish this place was still gatekept because I waited over an hour today... but I'm super happy to see this place doing so well (thanks tiktok). Their Vienna latte is the best latte I've had, and their summer special coconut latte is INSANE! (Can you PLS keep this on your permanent menu?!) -a loving customer since day 1

I went to Mandarin Coffee on Saturday around 12:15 PM and there was a line, but it honestly moves pretty quickly. The staff is super friendly, which adds to the cozy vibe. They were out of pastries when I went (sadly!), but that's just another excuse to come back another day I ordered the Vienna Latte with just 1 shot instead of 2. There's a parking lot in the back which makes it convenient. I was having a tough week, and this spot turned out to be the perfect little pick-me-up.

Omg I love this cute little spot! No inside space to drink or eat, but there are small tables outside, if you're lucky, you can chill and enjoy the semi-outdoor air. Their coffee is wonderful. I tried their popular Vienna Latte and I can honestly say, it's worth it. Wonderfully made. They have some pastries as well and I got to try their vegan Matcha donut. It was pretty decent and simple, not too dry. This is a perfect spot to get coffee from and chill outside and just enjoy life. :)

Vienna latte was DIVINE... no notes. I waited maybe 15 min in line, but it's worth it! The area is really nice and there's a lot of outdoor seating.

This coffee shop is in such a cute location! Even though there's no seating inside, there is some seating the hallway of the shops. Vienna latte - the barista recommended it iced but it was cold and rainy. The hot version was good but I don't have the iced version to compare it too. It was creamy. Gui Hua Latte - it's espresso with a hint of floral. At first, I wasn't sure how I liked it but it grew on me after a few sips. I would definitely want to come back on a sunnier day.

This coffee spot has been on my list for ages and glad that I needed a charging for car so got to enjoy it. Be ready for a line because the shop can only take 2-4 people inside so don't be scared of the line. Since this has been on my list I opted for both a hot and iced drink. TOASTY - fantastic! I loved how their espresso tasted. PINEAPPLE ESPRESSO TONIC - amazing!! I appreciated they top off the tonic. The yuzu highlights the espresso well. Glad that this is near the charging station.

Mandarin is hands down the best cream top coffee place in the 626 (and it's also very aesthetic outside for those looking for a nice insta coffee shop). There is always a line when I stop by, but the best part is, parking is free in the huge lot behind the shop. I have never waited more than 20 (even on a weekend) but maybe I have just been lucky. The last time I ordered the classic Vienna latte (cream top) and loved it! I do prefer my coffee on the sweeter side so it may not be for people who like some hints of bitter or sour, but this was perfect for me. Extra creamy with notes of caffeine - a little perfect cup to kick off the morning. You can also substitute for oat or almond milk for free which is amazing! As for the pastries, I ordered the kimchi spam and it was pretty good as well. Flaky on the outside with savory spots here and there with the spam. I did reheat it because it got cold fast and it did feel quite oily with some soggy areas (probably from the kimchi). Overall, will definitely be back to try their matcha cream top / any other seasonal drinks!

I'd tried to go a few times and the combination of a long line, an immediate need for caffeination (because I am of the Caffeine Nation) and Pasadena heat kept me from actually getting it. But I'm the kind of person who gets it. So I got it. Another (week) day, a less pressing need, a shorter (and very good looking) line (which is another kind of Pasadena heat), and I connected with a Vienna Latte. Which was delicious, creamy, not too sweet, and provided just the hit I needed post-Muay Thai pre-creative session. The people working inside were funny and kind and helpful and an Ethio-Jazz soundtrack really landed on my soul, via my ears. Dark wood, cool air, and a calm workflow, the environmental counterpoint to what you're seeking from coffee. Bravo, will be back.

Worth the wait! I came last weekend and the line was moving so slow I gave up. I came back again this weekend and can say I regret leaving the line last time. This place is bomb. It's a memorable coffee shop for me. I'd say easily top 5 in LA. It's a very small shop like literally a stand so that's why you'll always see people waiting outside. They have some unique flavors on the menu like yuzu inspired. I haven't seen other coffee shops incorporate yuzu into coffee! I went with the Vienna latte and loved every sip of it. If you like Camel coffee then you will absolutely love this latte. I also got the green onion sesame pastry and this is a must for all green onion lovers out there. Unfortunately the pastries do sell out very quickly so if you want one of these Asian inspired pastries definitely come early.

This is such a cute coffee shop! It's too bad that it's always busy and guaranteed to have a line on the weekends. The vanilla latte was standard, the matcha latte with cream top is something I'd get again. Matcha wasn't overly strong but decent without needing to drive to LA. The shop is very small so there's no seating inside but there are a few table/chairs along this alley. Because of the large crowd waiting in line, this is more suited for a grab and go.

I've been wanting to visit and stopped by with my sister. I got the Vienna latte with oat milk and my sister ordered the toasty. Vienna latte was a 8/10, the cream wasn't too sweet which is perfect, the coffee was prominent, paired perfectly with the milk. It wasn't anything particularly special but it's a very solid drink. My sister rated her drink a 7.5/10, very refreshing, the cardamom on top was her favorite. Though the combination isn't her most favored but worth a try. We came on a weekday (Wednesday) around noon ish so there was a short line but it moved pretty quick. The baristas were working pretty quick too. Will come back to try their other drinks.

This place is really cute with the ambiance of the alley way. My friend & I saw a line outside so we decided to try it. I've also seen videos of it on social media. We tried the iced matcha latte & iced hojicha latte. We both got half sugar but the sweetness in the matcha tasted noticeable different compared to the hojicha, like it had no sweetness. I liked how the hojicha had a nutty & milky flavor though & service was pretty quick. Worth trying though!

First time trying this coffee spot, and I was drawn to the homage to Chinese flavors in particular! I got the iced toasty latte with oat milk, which has rooibos tea and espresso. At first flavors hit me like as if I were drinking boba tea instead of a coffee, meaning the rooibos tea flavor is the dominant one in the flavor profile. The espresso was so smooth and complimented the overall flavor profile. I also loved that the drink was not heavily sweetened!

Nestled inside of Burlington Arcade, Mandarin is a cozy, woman owned coffee shop. They feature coffee beans from small roasters around. The place is tiny and only four people are allowed inside, but seating is available in the charming courtyard out front. I stopped in around 9 a.m. on a Saturday and, luckily, there wasn't a line because I heard that a recent TikTok feature has increased the popularity of this place. I ordered the Brown Sugar Latte and was happy to discover that they don't charge for milk alternatives, so I requested almond milk. The lady who assisted me was genuinely nice, and the barista was too. There was another lady behind the counter, and I think she may have been the owner. She was also friendly. I didn't have to wait long for my latte. The first sip was pure bliss, and the rich creamy foam was a delight. Honestly, they don't need to rely on the TikTok hype because the quality of the beans speak for themselves. The roast was smooth. I didn't detect any bitterness and the sweetness level was perfect. If you're craving a delicious well-balanced latte, this is the place. They also sell pastries, coffee beans, loose leaf teas, brewing essentials, and merchandise from small local businesses. *Ample parking in the lot.

Always a good reliable coffee spot in the area! We got their iced americano and an iced matcha latte with oat milk. Both were amazing and well worth it. My matcha latte was creamy, smooth, and had the perfect amount of matcha flavor and sweetness. It's a small shop, so the line usually is formed outside, but don't be fooled by how long it gets. Service is quick and worth it.

Mandarin Coffee Stand is a small Chinese owned coffee stand located within Burlington Arcade in Pasadena. This shop is woman-owned AAPI business serving freshly brewed tea and high-quality specialty coffee. The social media hype of this tiny coffee stand has become troublesome for customers who had to wait in a long line, whereby the avg wait time is 60 min on weekdays and longer on weekends. Hence, customers can easily be discouraged to support this cute lil coffee stand. Moreover, it can only accommodate 4 people at a time due to its extremely small space. Indoor atmosphere was relaxing and they have no chairs nor tables inside but plenty outside. It's basically a to-go-coffee service. Menu items are limited as well as their pastries. They sell tote bags and coffee bags starting at $25 bucks. Coffee prices were competitive and pricey which match the quality. However, I abhor their hobbit like coffee cup (6oz) size. Fortunately their cold drink cup was average (12oz) in size. I had a Flat White and it was robust and smooth; just the way I like it. Barista staff were amiable and competent. Service was on point. Free wifi available. Free parking for the first 1.5 hrs on the rear lot, a rarity in the area. Overall, it's a decent coffee stand with a long wait time.

On a recent visit to Pasadena, my wife and I visited Mandarin Coffee Stand. As many reviewers have mentioned, there seems to be a line here no matter what time you stop by. We stopped by on a Friday morning and the line was about 10 people deep. Despite there being a line out the door, it moved rather quickly. I think in total, we were in and out in 15 minutes. I got their Toasty with oat milk ($6.50) while my wife got the Iced Vienna Latte ($6.25). These drinks were absolutely delicious. As a person that normally gets black coffee, I really enjoyed how not sweet both drinks were. The thick layer of foam on the Vienna latte makes it a bit hard to get to the actual coffee part of the drink, but it's a delicious, well-balanced combination once you get to it. The espresso itself is nice and strong. If you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by and trying one of their signature espresso drinks.

I live walking distance from Mandarin and I finally decided to brave the line and try it out. I went Easter Sunday right when they opened thinking everyone else would be busy. However, others had the same idea. I arrived at 753am on Sunday and there was a small line. I waited about 15 minutes (not bad) and got a Vienna Latte and my sister got a matcha latte with sweet cream. The Vienna latte was good and it was the right amount of sweet. I am not a big person on sweetness. My sister mentioned that the sweet cream overpowered the matcha taste and wished she hadn't gotten it. Overall, the people were great and nice. And it would be a solid coffee place if the line wasnt so long all the time.

Visiting from Utah, and the number one spot I saw on social media was the Mandarin! I am a coffee lover so I knew I gad to stop in. I ended up going with the Vienna latte after seeing everyone try it. It was delicious! It was smooth and creamy, just how I like my coffee! The staff was incredibly friendly, and I'm really glad we got to stop in before we left California. We went on a Monday morning and it wasn't terribly busy. Maybe 2 or 3 people in front of us, and the line went rather quick. I loved the calm atmosphere of the whole experience. I didn't feel rushed. I probably looked a little silly taking all these photos to the locals, but I couldn't pass it up! I hope if I'm ever back in Pasadena I am able to stop in again and try some new goodies! Thank you Mandarin!