TL;DR Mandarin 2 is the only place for the serious spro enthusiast! Over the years, I've been incredibly honored, blessed and humbled to experience coffee in deeper way than most, locally having the experienced Thee Coffee GOATs/Royalty & LA Coffee Pioneers (Glanville & Babinski and the OG crew that includes but not limited to Jaymie Lao, Percy Ramirez, Brent Glanville, M'lissa, Sumi Ali, etc...and including so many more like Mike Phillips, Tyler Wells, Yeekai Lim, Leon Li, Frank La...I can go on and on), to which I am eternally grateful. Regrettably over the last 10 or so years, it has been my perception that much of the specialty coffee industry has: 1) capitulated to the taste buds of the casual coffee drinker (or the masses) and have abandoned their desire to change hearts and minds with education about a new wave of coffee drinking experience; 2) are shops owned and operated by people who are non coffee professionals (you know who you are!) and lack pedigree & experience. I get it. It's tiring and frustrating trying to help customers understand that what they are drinking is not "weak" coffee just because they "can't taste coffee." The masses & self-proclaimed coffee enthusiasts want "strong/bold" coffee but they themselves don't even understand what that means! Youngsters want to drink their iced lattes all the while pretending to be grown ups and/or be part of some trendy shop. they take 100s of pictures of the same latte and finally post one to their intriguing Instagram story. Why? Because trendy, duh! Thank God for Sherry Gao and the undeniably talented team at Mandarin & Mandarin 2. THESE KIDS ARE BONAFIDE COFFEE PROFESSIONALS!!!! They have phenomenal coffee pedigree! If you are familiar with my senseless ramblings, or so-called "reviews", you will notice that this one lacks my customary per item ratings and elaboration. This is intentional. Considering the subject matter of coffee, I simply cannot and will not write about "how good this latte is", etc. With all due respect, I drink spro, and almost always only spros at shops that actually know what they are doing (with an occasional deviation of a spro & some milk or something else interesting to my palate at the moment). So yeah, if you must know, Mandarin 2 is THEE PLACE for coffee. And to all the iced latte experts, please do spare us your expert opinion on coffee. read more

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This place is for someone who wants to try something new and interesting. I'm not Chinese or Asian so these flavors were new to me. I got the seasonal coconut latte and I liked the espresso it was smooth and creamy. My mother got their latte with the milk tea and I personally liked it but she wasn't very happy with it. The baristas weren't accommodating about substitutions or offering to make a new drink. Each business has a right to run it the way they want but be warned that you kind of have to commit to trying something you may not like. This place gives an either you like our drinks or just don't come back type of vibe. They don't really seem to care about appeasing you. Do with that information what you will. read more

I had an unforgettable, magical experience at Mandarin (Pasadena). It's now my #1 favorite coffee in the SGV. I ordered the Gui Hua Latte ($6.50). It's Osmanthus Flower Honey, Cardamom Bitters, House Espresso, and Oat Milk. I felt happy and alert. I arrived at Mandarin (Pasadena) on Monday (around 10:09AM). Parking is FREE and very simple compared to "Pasadena Standards." There are no parking meters in this area. There's no customer parking lot, but there's nearby neighborhood parking and free street parking. Signs say, "1 Hour Parking - 7AM to 6PM - Except Sunday." I parked three minutes away and walked over. Staff is VERY knowledgeable. Staff effortlessly went into deep details about their coffee. Staff is also very friendly and welcoming. Staff happily answered all my questions. When ready, Staff carries the drink to the customer. My drink took four minutes and 18 seconds. Good time! As mentioned, I am now OBSESSED with the Gui Hua Latte ($6.50). I need to wipe away literal tears of joy as I recall this heavenly elixir. This coffee is rich and roasted like warm cocoa; its top is foamy and fluffy while carrying wisps of that honeyed Osmanthus tea taste; and the strength is gentle yet firm like a strong cuddle from a doting parent. I felt awake and filled with unbridled joy. On ambiance, Mandarin (Pasadena) is cozy and small. There's very little seating, and it's very POPULAR. There's about three tables, four very tiny stool tables, and a long standing counter. There's also customer internet with password; details are displayed on the counter. Mandarin (Pasadena) is very minimalistic, but it's also very clean and well-ventilated. There's a gender neutral restroom. And there's soft, upbeat music playing. Overall, Mandarin (Pasadena) is a MUST-TRY for any fan of coffee. It's AMAZING!! Personally, I'd happily drive an hour to have another sip of that lovely brew. If you're nearby, you're INCREDIBLY lucky. 5 out of 5!!! "GO!! JUST GO!!!" read more

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Mandarin one was definitely caffeinated fun and now act two is a spot for you and a crew. As I went to the counter I didn't have a clue what I wanted so I ordered a few. As my eyes watched them carefully prepare my drink my anticipation grew. With my view I started to think about my review and then my ideas all started coming through and I was like phew! I stated off with their One on One and after that I felt brand new! My second drink was a Pour Over and from there I was really ready like Scooby Doo! Or maybe like an animal escaping the Zoo! LoL! But seriously, baristas here take the craft very seriously and tasting the coffee and watching them how much they enjoy doing what they do it's a no brainer why this place is legit. The service was great and the atmosphere total chill as well as the playlist. And that's my take on it, Peace out... read more

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Let's get to it! 5/5! Just like the og location in the Burlington Arcade, this one is great! They have different menus but the quality is really good. I got the gui hua latte and it was lightly sweetened plus made with oatmilk. The drink comes hot automatically. The espresso was smooth and easy to drink. Overall will be back! Service was nice. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Plenty of seats and they have tables for those who have work to do. It's located below a residential building. Lots of parking available. Decent pricing too! read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Affogato! It's a must try. And before pouring that espresso take a taste of the individual ingredients. It stands out among any affogato. The unique flavors are a flavor zap that will keep you mmm mmming all the way till the end. This sweet and savory mix is done so well itll keep you coming back. Limited 1hr Street parking. Inside seating area or one outside table available. Baristas were so friendly, welcoming and informative. Will definitely return. read more

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Super cute coffee shop. Great space with tables for working or studying. Highly recommend the gui hua latte (hot option only) if you want to try something new. I really enjoyed the florals-- not too strong! read more

Mandarin 2 - Gui hua latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

When I first walked in, I honestly couldn't tell if they were still remodeling or if that unfinished look was part of the aesthetic. That said, I'd definitely come back. The coffee is reasonably priced and actually tastes great. You can really taste the crema, like they're pulling the espresso shots properly unlike a lot of these newer coffee shops popping up lately It feels like they actually know what they're doing and have mastered their craft. I've been to so many newer spots charging $10 for a drink that ends up tasting burnt or way too milky. This would be a great spot for a coffee date or to study. There are plenty of tables, good lighting, and the service is quick and efficient. I'll definitely be back. read more

Mandarin 2 - Gui Hua Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

This second coffee shop of the famous and popular Mandarin coffee stand located at the Burlington Arcade in Lake is much more spacious. A simplistic light colored wood aesthetic works well in their cozy space, well lit by natural sunlight. Decent amount of tables, lots of standing table space, but no plugs/outlets for your laptop. Same high-quality, unique, artisan coffee drinks as their original coffee shop. They also have a good selection of pastries. Personable staff and baristas, quick service when I was there (though it wasn't too busy yet, as they tend to get in both locations). A good addition to East Pasadena. read more

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We wanted a post-lunch coffee, so we went to Mandarin 2 this past Wednesday afternoon. My cousin's been to Mandarin Stand before, but we went to this location since it has seating. The interior is pretty spacious, and we had no issues finding a spot after we ordered our coffee. Mandarin sources many coffee beans from various well-known roasters including Hydrangea, SEY, and Terraform (from Shanghai), which they also use for their pour overs. We tried a couple of their current offerings: Ninga, Brundi from SEY - 6 tasting notes: black tea, plum, pear blossom Brighter coffee of the two, I liked that it had a more tea-like flavor mixed in the fruity notes. La Margarita, Peru (gesha) from TERRAFORM - 13 tasting notes: lavender, raspberry, nectarine Cleaner and more subtle, very floral with mellow fruity flavors. The pour overs tasted very clean, but we thought it was a bit too diluted and would have preferred a stronger coffee. Overall, glad I got to try Mandarin, and I hope to buy a bag of Hydrangea beans next time (sadly, they were out of the bag I really wanted). read more

Mandarin 2 - Pour over - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

This spot doesn't have the matcha cream top that I've come to associate with Mandarin, but I really love the pour overs here. You've gotta scan the block for residential parking and once a peacock came by and scratched up my car while I was inside the cafe, but overall this is a cute place to come and yap with friends or get some work done. read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I'm literally still sitting in this cafe at the moment, but they deserve a great review so I'm leaving this before I forget. Suchhh kind staff and such a lovely spot to hang out/get work done. One of the baristas even brought out a free sample of iced tea for me + the rest of the customers to try, completely unprompted! Thank you so much! You guys are the best. read more

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Cute coffee shop with a solid coffee menu, but kind of limited seating. They had a small pourover menu with beans from Sey in Brooklyn, NY and La Cabra in Copenhagen, as well as a single origin espresso menu. The signature drinks on the menu also sounded good, but we didn't have the chance to try any of them. We got two pourovers and thought they were decent. Nothing mind-blowing but we were at least able to get some of the notes that came with the beans. Espresso was similar, decent but not anything standout. Mandarin seems to be pretty popular, so it was kind of difficult finding a spot to sit down. There are only a few small tables for 1-3 people and a counter by the window. Pricing is pretty on par with other specialty coffee shops we've been to. I'd give this place about a 7/10. read more

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I was in Pasadena for a dentist appointment and had to find somewhere to take a couple work meetings. I had seen news about Mandarin Coffee opening a new location (I haven't been to the original though), so decided to check this out! PARKING: I was able to find parking on the surrounding streets, but may be difficult if coming during a peak time WHAT I'VE ORDERED: Iced toasty White miso kouign amann THE DRINK: Iced toasty was great - as the name implies, very toasty. The espresso tasted really good in the drink and paired well with all the other flavors. The rooibos wasn't too prominent, but in a good way such that it didn't overpower. The kouign amann was good too and such a great flavor pairing, though I wish it was fresher and crispy, but I came later in the morning so that made sense. SERVICE: Baristas were so friendly! If you get it dine-in, they bring your order to you. VIBES: Lots of people studying/doing work, though I wouldn't say it's ideal for that (no outlets I saw!). I think that was intentional, and perhaps this place was meant more of a place to connect, and I think it's perfect for that. Here's my work-from-coffee-shop checklist: * OUTLETS: None that I saw! * WIFI/INTERNET: Yes, pretty good speed * BATHROOMS: Yes, clean * VOLUME: Not too loud * SEATING AVAILABILITY: A mix of tables, and there was also some standing area, as well as a super cool outside area with little stools. * LAPTOP FRIENDLINESS: No restrictions I saw BOTTOM LINE: DEFINITELY want to come back to chill with friends and try the other interesting looking drinks. read more

Mandarin 2 - Iced toasty - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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(+) Gui Hua latte (+) Spacious (+) Ambiance Mandarin 2 is a coffee/tea shop that specializes in Chinese inspired tea/coffee flavors. It is labeled "2" because this is the second location opened, as their first location is in Pasadena. Unlike the first location, there is plenty of seating indoors. Parking is available on the street only. The front door is located on the corner of Colorado and S Quigley Ave., behind a green hedge. Thank goodness for dairy alternatives, that are also free of charge. Drinks: I tried one of their signature drinks, the Gui Hua Latte. It is a Osmanthus tea with cardamom bitters and oat milk. This drink is only offered as a hot only. My initial thoughts were "interesting" in a good way. I tasted the floral tea at first, and then the espresso taste followed after. Dried tea leaves are sprinkled on top, which was a distraction. I would order it again, but would try another signature drink before. Service/Ambiance: The shop is inviting and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Plenty of natural light and an awesome place to go and study or finish some work. The servers are friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. Overall, I would recommend Mandarin 2. It is a cute shop that deserves recognition and thankful for a location closer to my home. read more

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This mandarin coffee location is a little easy to miss, but when you spot the red stools outside, you know you're there. I ordered the matcha tonics and i think it was one of the best I've had! It was so yummy in a nice glass. Didn't really interact with the workers but they were getting drinks out quickly. Efficient. Thanks to the barista that waited for me to start taking pics to pour my matcha bahahaha read more

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I had no idea there was a second location for Mandarin so I was super excited when my husband took me here! The interior is modern and spacious! I didn't see a designated parking lot but there is street parking. I usually get matcha at mandarin so I thought I'd try their espresso and ordered the cortado, which was delicious! I got the butter croissant and my son got the chocolate donut, which both were good. The croissant was flaky but a little too crispy. I did get it warmed up so might opt not to get it warmed up next time. Staff was friendly and can't wait to go back! read more

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Love the space of Mandarin 2 than the Mandarin Coffee Stand. Mandarin 2 locates under a complex of luxury apartments in East Pasadena. It's a bit of a further drive for me, but I really love their interior space design and it is more spacious with both indoor and outdoor seatings. Staff are friendlier and warmer here. Their drinks are consistently good. This time we ordered their Toasty coffee and Red Oolong tea. Both taste good! I recommend going to this location if you plan to have a long chat with friends or have a work session! read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Gotta start off the bat - coffee is phenomenal. Immediately as a coffee geek or not you can tell, care and attention to detail is poured into these drinks. Although the space is definitely on the tighter side, the interior is well thought out to feel cozy while still remaining open with large windows to let in ample light. Now the star of the show, the coffee. I ordered a One and One which is a seasonal single origin espresso (pre-selected by the shop), a Cortado, and I believe their seasonal mulled wine? (Pls someone correct me if I'm wrong) which I was pleasantly surprised by! Espresso was dialed to perfection with clear tasting notes of berries. A single sip of the cortado had me roll my eyes in defeat because I immediately knew after I finished that I definitely wouldn't be able to replicate it at home hahaha. The freeze distilled milk adds a great level of creaminess and sweetness to the drink while still allowing the espresso to shine. Also incredible selection of coffee beans from iconic roasters, from SEY to Hydrangea and safe to say I am really enjoying brewing my Catimor at home. In the SGV, there aren't many specialty coffee shops at all without going into the heart of LA, so I am obsessed that Mandarin decided to open a location more on the east side. read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I was happy to find out Mandarin was opening up a second location and this one does have indoor seating! This coffee shop is located underneath an apartment complex and there's plenty of street parking in the area. Unfortunately my experience was meh so I won't be back. I went in hoping to order a Vienna einspanner but turns out they only have that drink available at their first location. Crazy because that's the most popular drink along with the matcha einspanner. Anyway I'm fine with that but the person at the counter was very unfriendly, when I asked all she said was we don't have that drink here. No other context and I wanted to ask if they would eventually add it to the menu but she looked like she didn't want to talk any more so I just ordered a brown sugar latte and left it at that. And that brown sugar latte was way too sweet, my drink didn't taste like coffee at that point. Big flop. Was hoping this location would be better! read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have visited the first location before, so I thought it would be nice to check out their second location to compare. They are located down stairs of an apartment building, the sign is very small (you won't be able to notice it when driving). Their matcha is from Kettl, so I was excited to try. The matcha quality is above average, not the best quality. The bitter, earthy, umami taste is minimal. The matcha is not too creamy and nutty. Not a must try. Gui Hua Latte is a great coffee latte alternative choice. The osmanthus taste is strong. Compared to the first location, the store is more spacious with lots of seatings. The interior design is simple, vibrant, and bright. In this second location, they do not have Vienna latte and some other of their specialty drinks. They have more pour over at this location. I visited on a Sunday afternoon, so street parking was kind of limited. The staff were all very friendly and welcoming. There's a lot of staff, so the wait for drinks is not too long. read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Hooray for a new location! Place is small but warm, chill/friendly baristas, not a chaotic vibe at all like some other busy coffee places! They have pretty interesting drinks like some sort of osmanthus latte and the orange blossom cold brew was great as well But yes it was pretty busy when we went on the weekend, but the line moves. Some folks are reading, some were on their laptops, although I wouldn't say it's a cafe meant for working (table space is limited) but great they they could do that on the small tables lol If you're close by, it's worth stopping in! Tbh both locations are a vibe, although this one's further out but much, much less busy than the other location. There were much more families dressed well at this one, so I wonder if there was a church nearby or that's just how east pasadena is lol read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I'm genuinely confused by the menu decisions at this location. Not offering the Vienna latte, one of your most popular drinks, at a brand new store makes no sense from a business standpoint. I gave two other drinks a fair shot and both missed badly. The Sicily tasted like burnt orange peel diluted with water, and the Toasty was thin, weak, and under-extracted with barely any balance. Charging $7 for a cold brew with this level of quality feels disconnected from the customer experience. There's a real gap here: no solid, cream-forward iced latte or approachable classic option to anchor the menu. If this is meant to attract repeat customers, the execution and drink lineup need serious rethinking. read more

Mandarin 2 - Sicily - terrible. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I didn't know this second location existed. It was a happy coincidence. Didn't know exactly where to park, but I happened toto walk by and saw a small wooden sign. The drinks are good and aesthetic, as well as the interior. The chairs are a bit random, but I'm just appreciative of indoor AC seating, as well as a pet friendly outdoor seating area. Bathrooms are inside, at the back. read more

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Lines are going to form once you realize that it's so much more accessible for those who are on the east side of SGV. Bigger space, seating areas, distilled to the essence of coffee--what else would make one happy? Parking aplenty on the street. Current hours are 8-2 daily with plans to expand in the future. There are Mandarin 2 exclusives and an expanded pour over selection. read more

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I came to try mandarin 2 on a random Thursday hoping it would be somewhat similar to the original stand in Pasadena, however it was not. To begin with, this place definitely had more of a cafe feel where there is more seating and space for one to work both inside and outside the cafe, which I can appreciate. Staff is very friendly, although they were a tad busy im sure they do their best to get orders out as quickly as possible. As for the coffee, I was expecting to see my absolute favorite Vienna latte here and was disappointed to see that it wasn't. Instead the barista recommended I get an iced toasty which is more on the sweeter side (his words). It definitely wasn't, the coffee was in the stronger side and had a burnt flavor, maybe that's why it's called the toasty. Especially for that price I wouldn't buy it again. Overall I would appreciate this place a lot more if their menu had just remained the same as their original. read more

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Maybe it's just the oat milk that the barista recommended to me (Koatji), but I had the nastiest matcha latte ever here. I was really looking forward to trying their matcha but it left an awful aftertaste in my mouth. My partner got the hojicha latte with the same oat milk and agreed it was awful. Got the gluten free donuts and they had an aftertaste too. I was desperate for water after coming here to get rid of the flavor of my drink and food. To make matters worse, the price was painful... nearly $30 for two small donuts and two drinks. Lovely vibes and employees are nice but the stuff I tried here was disappointing. Hopefully in the future it's better if I ever want to come back.... read more

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A bit of a wait on a Saturday morning but I was excited to check out the new location. It's much bigger than the original as its got indoor and outdoor seating. The menu here has different drinks than the og but also very good! Tried both the matcha and the iced toasty.. both delicious! The drinks taste great without being too sweet. Also tried their savory musubi croissant which was tasty but a lil salty for my liking. read more

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I tried out this coffee place with my boyfriend a couple months ago, and please believe me when I say this, this is the best coffee that I have ever had so far! You can really taste the unique quality of the coffee that they use. My boyfriend and I don't remember what we ordered but I know for a fact that we wanted more! His coffee was the best one and I believe it may have had honey or cinnamon, or perhaps both but it was so delicious! I wish they had a closer location to me but I now understand why they do get busy! I would also like to mention that I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place. It is such a vibe! I can't wait when I'm in that area, I'll definitely stop but again and get a larger size! read more

Mandarin 2 - Good Coffee!! Sadly, Don't Remember What It's Called :( - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Nice coffee shop with some seating indoors and bench stool seating outdoors. Located at the corner of the new apartment building with a small signage. Lovely latte art with unique signature drink selection. There's also a good matcha selection on the menu. Enjoyed the smooth osmanthus latte. I like the wooden zen feel decor. Pretty popular new addition to the East Pasadena cafe scene. read more

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Located at the corner of the Rinrose Apartments. Street parking only. One main thing I really appreciate about Mandarin Coffee is that their hot drinks are served at the perfect temperature. Warm and ready to drink right away, without the risk of burning your mouth, which is honestly underrated. I really enjoy their Gui Hua latte and mocha. Their mocha is made with local Pasadena Artisanal Goods by CAR chocolate, and you can definitely taste the quality. Their pastries are pretty good as well, making it a nice spot to grab both a drink and a bite. Friendly staff and a welcoming vibe overall. Definitely a solid neighborhood coffee spot I keep coming back to. read more

Excellent drinks and such a cute location! Mandarin 2 has a good amount of indoor seating and is much more spacious than the original location. Parking is fairly easy on the surrounding residential streets. The Gui Hua latte was perfect. Hoping that they'll start offering the Vienna for this location! read more

Mandarin 2 - Gui Hua Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love the ambiance and the space itself. I was warmly greeted upon entering and the staff answered some of my questions. In comparison to their other location, they have more seating both inside and outside and I don't feel as overwhelmed in the space. You're also likely to find street parking which is convenient. I enjoyed my specialty latte and chocolate chip cookie as well. If I had to pick, this one would be my go to location! read more

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I am a fan of mandarin coffee stand already and I was so happy when I saw this location opened as it's closed to my son's school. I had tried their matcha tonic and one + one. Both were delicious! One + one include one cortado, espresso shot and herbal tea as cleanser. I love how they balance with each other. Matcha tonic was also great. I can taste the distinct matcha with yuzu juice. My son also enjoyed their pastry. read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Mandarin has been on my list of coffee shops to try and was glad they opened up a second location on a not so busy street of Pasadena! Came here on a Sunday morning post brunch, and there were people seated to enjoy their drinks, but not a line for ordering. Most of the seats were taken and even the two tables outside were occupied with groups of people. We were looking for something refreshing and light on a warm Sunday in December, so we opted for the Matcha Tonic and Sicily. The matcha tonic was perfectly paired with the yuzu, which added a nice refreshing flavor to the strong smooth matcha. The Sicily is cold brew with hints of citrus from the orange and lemon - this pairing works well and the cold brew is extremely smooth. Even with all the citrus aspects, the cold brew was not acidic at all, unlike other places, which I really appreciate! I'll have to be back to try the other drinks on the menu! read more

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I ordered the matcha tonic drink. It came with a dried orange slice and was fizzy. There was plenty of seating inside and lots of red plastic backless stools outside. Found parking on the street. read more

I came through a friend's recommendation. I got the Sicily. The lime gives it a really refreshing feeling that's perfect when you're feeling thirsty. I also stayed for a popup experience after 2pm in which they had a very long line. I got to try some unique pour overs which was a very fun experience. I parked in the neighborhood behind the coffee shop. There were a lot of peacocks/peahens on the street. read more

I really like the iced latte with brown sugar. One of my favorite lattes I've had. The one and one was good. The gui hua latte was decent. Skip the sicily and the americano. read more

Mandarin 2 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

Mandarin is a fave!! Altho first location is beautiful but I love the second location spot because well on a good day there ain't no line and still the best quality drinks you can get! My fave here is the Vienna, Matcha Latte and Houjicha! Delicious :). read more

Mandarin 2 - Cute interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Don't really get the hype. Coffee was pretty mid. I ordered the "Toasty" and only made it halfway through. The setting was decent, nothing crazy. The tall Asian guy taking our order was also very condescending. read more