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Phin Smith

4.7 (2.5k reviews)
ModerateCoffee & Tea
Closed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Updated 1 month ago

Phin Smith Photos

Business Info

PHIN SMITH ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Outdoor seating
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Phin Smith

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Dustino and Oahu Joe
Joleena A.

Phin Smith is one of my favorite coffee shops and one of the few places whose coffee I actually crave. On my very first visit, I ordered the Dustino and I've been getting it ever since. It's a Costa Rican-style mocha with a rich, bold flavor that's perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. The Oahu Joe is another great option if you prefer something sweeter. It's a Hawaiian-style latte that's smooth, flavorful, and definitely satisfies a sweet coffee craving. Despite how busy the shop can get, drinks come out surprisingly fast since they have several baristas working behind the counter. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable about their coffee, and happy to answer questions or make adjustments to customize your drink. One thing that's a little different is that you pick up your drinks at the counter first, then head to the register to pay for whatever you ordered. The café also has plenty of seating, whether you're stopping by to work, catch up with a friend, or meet with a larger group. There are individual tables, a large round table, a cozy couch area, and outside patio seating. It's conveniently located in the historic downtown area, with plenty of street and nearby lot parking, making it an easy spot to visit. Highly recommend if you're looking for quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere!

Menu as of 2/7/2026.
Sandra L.

I've written reviews for Phin Smith in the past and although I've mentioned that Coconut Coffee is one of my favorite items from here, I wanted to write an update about it. I've tried Coconut Coffee from Da Vien and Kei Coffee House and I much prefer the one from Phin Smith. The coconut milk they use just tastes better. Also, their espresso shots are strong and pairs well with the coconut milk. It is not overly sweet and just tastes better. I still love the fact that they don't charge extra for getting an extra shot of espresso in your drink! Service here is always great - baristas and cashiers are friendly and helpful. Love Phin Smith!

Iced Banana coffee
Matthew B.

Second time here. I had an iced banana coffee which is made with Vietnamese coffee instead of espresso (which i typically order). The drink was as good as I remembered and the ambiance here is nice for 3pm on a Friday. The barista was super friendly talking through drink options. I ended up ordering 50% sweet which was perfect and still seemed pretty sweet to me. I'll be back.

Banana
Brandon C.

Great drink, I love a balanced banana coffee. It felt like the banana was roasted and caramelized (not sure), but it left me with a great aroma in the coffee. I cannot wait to go try more flavors. I like half sweet drinks since I'm getting old, but there still is a lot of flavor when doing so (not feeling watered down). When you ask for less ice they do not fill it up all the way (boo), but ratios matter if they want a consistent drink. They are like Philz in that they will ask if you are good with the coffee and if there needs to be a modification.

outside
Amy Y.

I had a huge "yikes" moment when I tasted my drink, because I know they'll modify your drink if you don't like it... but my issue was that I didn't like the entire thing, so I didn't want to say anything. I thought the whole thing was gross. NorCal's Phin Cafe is way better, along with the other Vietnamese egg/ube/pandan/etc coffee places that have been hype on social media lately (Phin Smith does not have some of these flavors - they're behind!). - Coconut Coffee The marbling is kind of cute, but the flavor is not potent or good enough. We've had plenty of coconut coffees pop up in NorCal and Phin Smith's coffee was meh. It was just missing creaminess, sweetness, coconut flavor, wasn't too strong on the coffee, and had a little extra water/crushed ice dilution. If rating this itself, it'd be average to below average. We had to add their self-serve simple syrup to make it taste better. We usually don't need to add anything when ordering at various places in NorCal because they actually get it right. - Peach Breeze Disgusting, one of the worst beverages that I've ever consumed in my life. It literally just tasted like someone opened canned peaches and added water to it. I AM NOT EXAGGERATING. I also asked for half ice and a majority of the thing was still large ice cubes. I don't drink coffee, but I'm not sure if I would have liked their other drinks on the menu considering their best selling coffee was barely satisfactory. Other than the subpar drinks, the inside had some sticky spots and could use some cleaning with actual cleaning product. Lots of people seemed to be enjoying themselves on their laptop, and I saw a few people buy their coffee bags. I liked how there was a cute motorbike outside and on the logo. I'll also add an extra star for having reasonable prices, so I didn't feel scammed after drinking this horrible concoction.

Christopher T.

Still a great place for a fine catered to your liking coffee place. Hadn't been back here for awhile but was in the area and got to get some caffeine here. Same layout (except for the cashiers moved to another area. The menu are mostly the same with few additions or seasonal and few pastries. Parking is easy with front street parking or parking lots behind the shop or across the street. Spacious & clean with plenty of tables for in store enjoyment with friends or online works/homework. Still a popular place with line (most in the weekends or holidays). Friendly, nice, and detailed service. Drinks are considered and greatly make. Glad that I stopped by and enjoyed it with great memories here.

Menu January 2025
Pete A.

Every time we're in the area I have to come by here. We don't have anything like this place in Northern California. The menu is definitely expanded but the service and quality never disappoints. You walk in it's a fun vibe everyone's enjoying their coffee and conversation. I got the traditional iced Vietnamese coffee and that's great as usual. My wife got the Phin and tonic. I took a sip while she wasn't looking and it's great. Also got a bag of Matcha powder for our daughter as a Surprise

Javacado, Lavender Matcha Latte with Soy Milk, Coconut Coffee Blended (IG:@speakthefood)
Tina L.

Fast service and consistent quality. Go on farmers market Sunday weekend and you'll be able to enjoy your latte while enjoying artisanal goods. Tried the seasonal Korean corn Oatmilk latte - the corn milk was good. The cheese foam wasn't as cheesy as expected which I liked and more on the sweeter and creamier side. Great colors and presentation. I've been here before but it's been a hot second so interesting to see the changes to their lids.

Blueberry matcha blend
Arcadia W.

I was in the area and I saw that this was one of the highest rated tea shops that offers blended blueberry Matcha so I decided to see what the hype was all about. This has a different type of concept where you order your drink, but you don't pay for it at the time that you order it you order it and then you go to a separate counter once your drink is finished to pay for it. My drink came out to about seven dollars, and I thought it was a nice spin on a traditional classic, but the blueberry Matcha blend was a little overly sweetened for my taste. The blueberry doesn't taste like it's from a natural source, maybe from a syrup. I wouldn't mind returning to try their strawberry matcha blend, which I heard is also a very popular drink. If you go on a Sunday during their farmers market parking will be a little bit tricky, but you can walk the alley viewing some local merchants selling fresh produce, which is nice.

Oahu Joe
Sandy L.

Finally got to try Phin Smith! They have locations-Garden Grove and Torrance. The Oahu Joe was nutty, creamy and had a hint of coconut. Definitely worth trying if you like creamy sweet coffee. I love the fact that you can try your coffee and make sure the coffee is to your liking before paying. There is a line! So be prepared to wait a little. Tons of street parking.

phin smith style house coffee
Trinh T.

The Vietnamese coffee here is seriously strong in the best way. The flavor is bold and you can definitely feel the caffeine, but it is not overly sweet which I really liked. The coffee taste actually comes through instead of being covered up. They also let me try the drink before buying it to make sure I liked it, which I thought was a really nice touch. The ordering process is also a little different since you get your drink first and then line up to pay, but it worked out fine. The place itself is really cute with a nice vibe. There is seating both inside and outside, so it is a good spot to hang out for a bit.

Kat S.

I can't believe this coffee shop was so close by. I used to visit the Mexican restaurant next door often years ago. Nice to be back on Main Street again because these drinks were delicious. Love that you get to taste before buying, kinda like Philz Coffee but better. Banana coffee was so good that I didn't realize it was gone so fast. Blueberry matcha was good, different but still enjoyable. I was able to get my drinks with oat milk, which was nice. Paid around $12 and some change for both. It's pretty roomy inside for studying, working, etc., and there's enough seating on the patio as well. Friendly servers too.

Betz C.

My favorite egg coffee in OC! They call it Caphe Brulee here super creamy & the right consistency! Not overly sweet! If you are looking for good egg coffee, please make this your spot for one! The best.

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Phin Smith Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Phin Smith

Does Phin Smith have gift cards?

Do they still have the charcoal latte?

I was there last month and it wasn't on their menu anymore.

What kind of milk is used for the banana latte? Trying to find out if it's a specific brand of banana milk.

It's not a specific brand of banana milk, I've seen on their Instagram they purée the bananas. I heard it's blended with oat milk as well, but as it isn't written on their menu -- I'm not 100% sure. (:

Is it true that the Banana Coffee has a base of oatmilk? If yes, could this be changed to regular milk?

Banana coffee can only be made with oat milk

When does the taro affogato come back, it's already end of may?

It says it's back!

Does phin smith accept cash?

Yes, no big bills such as 100

Does Phin Smith sell gift cards?

Do they still have the taro affogato?

No only for summer

Ive been craving their drinks all year... when will they offer decaf 😖😖😖?

It seems like they don't have Charcoal Latte anymore. Is there any other latte that tastes similar to it?

They still have the charcoal latte it was just moved to the secret menu. You can still order it!!

What are their new hours? Do they still close at 8 pm Monday--Thursday?

Monday- Thursday 8am - 8 pm Friday- Sunday 8am - 4pm

Does the Javacado drink contain milk?

Yes they use whole milk for all their ice blended drinks

Hello due to allergy concerns does anyone know the ingredients in the charcoal latte? i don't see them listed anywhere.

Hi, you can ask any barista. They are very kind to answer all your concerns.

I am a diabetic any recommendations what to order, please?

Cold Brew with a little splash of the milk of your choice 💗💗

Anyone know Phin Smith open today?

Yes they are open. Just picked up my daily coffee

What kind of milk is used in their drinks since they do not accommodate for modifications? Asking for a lactose intolerant friend.

It depends on what particular drink you are asking about. I personally had their Vietnamese iced coffee and that is made with condensed milk which has a lot of lactose and s considered unsuitable for lactose intolerant.

Do they have gift card?

I don't think so, unless it's something new now :/

Do they really open at 8am? Or earlier?

They open at 8am

Is there an option for zero calorie sweetener or even stevia?

Vietnamese coffee is mainly made with sweetened condensed milk. But there's always the options to… 

How can i make rsvp online?

Last time I check they don't take orders online or by phone. You don't have to rsvp, just go in :)

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Airoma Cafe

Airoma Cafe

4.7
(2.3k reviews)
3.4 mi
$$
Free WiFi
Locally owned & operated

airoma has good matcha! for such a large cup (16 or 20 oz), the matcha einspanner has a strong…read morematcha flavor. it's not watered down or milky at all. it's $7.5 for a large cup size so i think it's worth it. started lining up outside just wrapping around the corner but the line moves fast and drinks come out really quickly too. probably waited no more than 10 minutes for our drink. the kei concept plaza is hard to find parking on the side in front of airoma so you have to drive around a bit. but would come back to try the double matcha einspanner and other drinks!

I ordered the Phoenix Oolong Milk Tea which I thought tasted great and was a good price for what…read moreyou get. When payment is made, the system does ask for a tip. The line to order moved quite slowly, but the speed of service after placing your order was quick. Since the menu lists the phoenix oolong MT drink as made with dairy free milk, I asked the cashier if this meant it would be using oat milk, which is what most of the other drinks are made with. The response I received was that it uses "non-dairy milk." I didn't think this was very informative and wish there could've been some better clarification. For the cafe itself, it was VERY HOT inside. Having no AC in this weather for a popular boba shop is quite sad and stingy. The workers were all glistening with sweat. I did visit the restroom, which was even hotter than the rest of the store.

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Airoma Cafe
Airoma Cafe
Menu 
March 09, 2026

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Menu March 09, 2026
Da Vien Coffee

Da Vien Coffee

4.5
(1.9k reviews)
2.3 mi
$$
Free parking
Free WiFi

Absolute treat, Da Vien's egg coffee! Now don't get me wrong they have great teas too, but if you…read morehaven't ever tried the egg coffee it is a must. This shop gets very busy and the wait is so worth it, I promise. There are several tables inside, however they also fill up fast, especially during the weekends. Da Vien offers many options with add ons and different sugar levels to fine tune to your taste buds and avoid disappointment. Now let's talk Vietnamese egg coffee! A thick, velvety layer of golden egg cream sits beautifully atop the iced coffee, lightly dusted with cocoa for the perfect finishing touch. The first sip hits you like a tiramisu or creme brulee, it's light and airy, sweet and rich. The whipped egg yolk layer blends nicely with the robust coffee. It completely balances the Vietnamese coffee flavor beneath to create quite the indulgent drink without being overwhelmingly sweet. If you want to experience egg coffee Vietnamese style this is the place to do it!

Apparently. The barista here will assume you will scammed them lmao…read more.... I got myself a drink while having my dogs with me and when getting inside the car the dogs caused me to spill the drink and I had to go back in to buy another one the barista gave a stank face assuming that I am lying and just wanted a free drink. Bitch I had my credit card on hand willing to pay for another drink at the register. Wtf is this service? Save ur money and Go to a different coffee shop... Shitty barista attitude

Photos
Strawberry Cream Oat Matcha Latte
Strawberry Cream Oat Matcha Latte
Matcha Latte
Matcha Latte
Einspanner Matcha Latte

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Einspanner Matcha Latte
Junbi

Junbi

4.3
(130 reviews)
0.5 mi
$$

Love the open space around Cottage Industries, making Junbi an easy stop whether you need a little…read moreplay area for the little ones or are chowing down on Smokequeen nearby. The matcha drinks at Junbi are solid but was pleasantly surprised with the soft‑serve matcha they offer. Rich, creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor without being overly sweet. It's the kind of thing you finish and immediately consider ordering again. The shop itself is bright, friendly, and casual with plenty of seating both inside and out. A simple, reliable spot that delivers exactly what you want, and I'd say the matcha soft‑serve alone is worth the visit!

While waiting for food at the smoke queen, I really needed a caffeinated drink so I came here…read morehoping to get something quick. There wasn't a line but they had two touchpad kiosks and I was able to order a iced latte, I was taping more than a couple screens and had to enter my phone number but was trying to go fast! After ordering I had a bit trouble paying, my card wasn't reading properly but I was able to get it to work after a few swipes. It took only a few minutes for my drink to be ready! Very quick and there were others who ordered so I was not alone. The latte was delicious, nice coffee flavor and very creamy. On a hot day, this hit the spot! A bit pricey than my usual price range but convenient when I'm also waiting on smoke queen.

Photos
Cold Strawberry Matcha Latte** 09.16.25
Cold Strawberry Matcha Latte** 09.16.25
Espresso Affogato
Espresso Affogato
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Yuzu DragonFruit Matcha Cold Brew

Phin Smith - coffee - Updated July 2026

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