Brandon S.

My wife wanted a drink and heard about this spot opening. She apparently has been to the original one in DTLA and wanted to see if this one was just as good. We got a gui hua latte decaf. The drink was pretty good. With a slight sweetness and roasted taste. The top was very very creamy. My wife loved the drink way more than I did, but I'm not that big on coffee in the first place. Wife very satisfied with the drink = wife happy = me happy. 10/10

Christy C.

So thrilled Mandarin Coffee Stand in Old Town opened another coffee shop and this one has an Asian twist, whereas the other one has a Spanish! They're open daily 7am-3pm It's slightly hidden and apparently it seems like it's part of the apartment complex so it can be easily missed! Parking was a little tricky since they don't have parking but there was nearby residential street parking. Service was so friendly, welcoming, and helpful! Inside was very modern and spacious. There was a good amount of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as power outlets, making this a nice study or hang out spot! Pricing was reasonable and most drinks were $6-$7+. Love that they have complimentary milk substitutions (oat/almond) and offer ice/sugar adjustments! Got the Toasty ($7) and it consisted of milk tea, espresso, brown sugar syrup, and cinnamon. It's nice that the default for this drink was oat milk. This drink was so delicious! The coffee was not too strong or overpowering. I really enjoyed that it wasn't too sweet without any sugar adjustments. The cinnamon added a nice touch and cherry on top to the drink. Overall, this drink was very yummy and unique! Definitely enjoyed this cafe and would recommend!

Nathaniel S.

One of the best mochas, hands down. They use Carr Bakery chocolate from Pasadena, which makes the drink incredibly rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. Their brownie cookie is also phenomenal -- chewy, salty, and delicious. The space is cozy, with just a few tables inside: three smaller ones, one large table, and a handful of smaller standing tables that are just big enough to set your drink on. The staff is friendly and genuine, and I appreciated how attentive they were. I also saw a customer spill part of their coffee after sitting for a while, and the staff kindly replaced it free of charge.

Ian A.

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!!!"

Leonard A.

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...

Matthew C.

Wow. Legendary. This latte one of the greatest brown liquids to ever enter one of my orifices. I'm nowhere near any sort of coffee connoisseur but I know when my taste buds are tingled and tickled for sure. This was so good. Also the affogato with their witchcraft ice cream was super gas too.

La Vonne C.

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!

Beth C.

Drinks: The affogato was a standout, espresso and ube ice cream, absolutely divine. Also grabbed a Sicily to go which was just as incredible. Both drinks were full of flavor and beautifully made. Service: The barista/cashier made the whole visit feel personal. When I mentioned I wanted to enjoy the affogato in house and take a Sicily to go, she suggested I relax with the affogato first and just signal her when I was ready, so the Sicily would be freshly prepared right as I headed out. That kind of thoughtfulness really stood out. Atmosphere: A great spot to slow down and enjoy a drink in house before heading out with another for the road. Cozy, welcoming, and worth lingering in. Overall, 11/10. The drinks, service, and atmosphere all delivered a fantastic experience.

Leilani M.

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.

Ken D.

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.

Kuo L.

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.

Ailun H.

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).

Ivie L.

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.