Pink Lantern has quickly become one of my favorite spots for both coffee and cocktails. I had the opportunity to visit during their soft grand opening and have returned several times since--and each visit has given me another reason to keep coming back.
Interestingly enough, this is actually where I discovered that I do in fact like coffee. My first order was the Iced Vietnamese Coffee, and I've since worked my way through a few of their offerings. The Pandan Cold Foam Coffee was easily my favorite--the combination was incredibly flavorful and probably the drink that made me understand the coffee obsession. My boyfriend ordered the Salted Caramel Cold Foam Coffee, which was also delicious. Naturally, I found myself back the very next day and decided to venture into matcha territory with the Matcha Latte. Unfortunately, matcha and I are not meant to be, but I can't fault Pink Lantern for that one.
I also tried the Ham & Cheese Croissant, which was really good. While they don't bake the croissants in-house, the bakery they source them from clearly knows what they're doing.
The staff has consistently been friendly and welcoming every time I've visited. I especially appreciate that they're happy to take the time to explain the menu and make recommendations whenever I have questions.
And then there's the space itself. The interior is absolutely adorable, and I love the use of pink throughout. It has this fun, slightly retro aesthetic that gives the space a personality without feeling overdone. It's the kind of place where you can easily settle in with a coffee and stay awhile.
But what I particularly love about Pink Lantern is how the atmosphere transforms in the evening when it becomes a cocktail bar. I've had the pleasure of attending a couple of their Saturday drag shows, and they have been *so much fun*. The vibe is lively and entertaining while still feeling comfortable and welcoming, which makes for a great night out.
As for the cocktails, my go-to has been the Good Luck, Baez, followed by the Midsummer Night, which I tried most recently. Both have been standouts for me.
Whether you're stopping in for coffee during the day or cocktails and entertainment in the evening, Pink Lantern has managed to create a space that feels distinctive, welcoming, and genuinely fun. It's definitely earned a place on my list of spots I'll continue coming back to. read more