Some of the staff and the owner are extremely arbitrary, irrational, and rude. Despite the alleged on-site roasting, the beans are not fresh or flavorful. Limited range of mediocre food. Very expensive. No restrooms, which of course is illegal. Owner discriminates against the disabled. read more

Cant wrap my head around why people think this place is good. The coffee is bad, and the service is worse. Gave this place two shots before my review. Thought the first time was a fluke, but nope. Maybe people think because of the atmosphere it is good??? Don't bother here, peetes has better/more friendly service and coffee. Man, Starbucks is better than this... A better gem was Aroma Di Roma, but I think a new place is opening up there. read more

This place has great fresh coffee. I roast my own coffee beans, and a cup from Polly's is good as it gets. Parking is a little tough in the area. But be patient, it's worth the wait. Nothing can compare to a freshly roasted batch of beans. Your everyday retail coffee shop (Starbucks, Coffee bean, etc...) can't even come close to the true taste of coffee. I take my coffee black....no cream or sugar....just straight coffee. read more

I stumbled upon Polly's by accident. The line at Starbucks was too long and they were taking forever to serve the customers. That's when I remembered there was another coffee shop a few doors down. I took off and ended up finding the best chai latte of my life. Seriously. There are quite a few places to get coffee on 2nd St. (Starbucks, The Coffee Bean, etc.) but Polly's is by far the best. Reasonably priced and high quality. read more

I wanted to like this place so much. Love the indie vibe and I love coffee, so it would seem this is a match made in heaven. They even roast their own. The problem? The coffee just isn't that good and the baristas don't seem to be able to pull a quality shot. I've been in a number of times over the years hoping that I just had bad luck, but it's consistently not that good. Please, please improve the skill level of the baristas and you'll become my coffee place of choice. read more

I love walking in the morning to pick up a latte, the bean aroma kind of gives you a wake up call. It's also really hard to resist their muffins and scones.. My favorites are the blueberry muffin, pumpkin muffin and orange cranberry scone. YUM. Make sure to ask for a frequent buyers card, buy ten get one drink free :) read more

I was prepared to have a bad experience based on every other time I've been to Polly's. I was going to stick it to them now that I have the Yelp mobile app. But today they had to go and be all friendly and fast. So I compromised on the 1 star rating I was going to give. I've generally had a poor experience the previous times (6 or so) that I've been in over the last year. I always try to support the independent neighborhood places and keep giving them chances despite the very unfriendly service. On each visit, today's notwithstanding, the staff has been completely indifferent to me as a customer, almost to the point of disdain, as if I was wearing a fur coat made from baby seals. I like the rustic look of the store and being able to see the roasting process adds to the flavor of the place. The large patio space is also a plus, when it's not been overrun by bikers (of the 10 speed riding-spandex wearing variety, not the Hell's Angels). What's problematic are the quality of the cold drinks. Their drip coffee and lattes are fine I guess, but their over ice drinks and blendeds are not good. I've tried their iced americanos, iced mochas, iced coffee, blended banana mocha, always something different than the previous visit in the hope that I find something worth ordering twice. Today's iced coffee (from the mix that is featured on the menu) was weak and watery. It tastes no better than the cartons of iced vanilla lattes you see at the grocery store. And I don't say that casually. It really is just not a good product. There are many places that I will go out of my way to patronize. This ain't one of them. read more

I think they have the best coffee in Belmont Shore. Yes the Italian shop all the way at the other end of the 2nd Street strip has killer espresso but Polly's beans, ground right there on site for all to see are hard to beat. The shop, while not a cool coffee house hang out, is very pleasant, clearly a locals' hangout. The outdoor patio is very relaxing and good for the energetic kids you bring with you because it's closed in and the doors are either inside to the shop or to the parking lot - not the street! It makes me all the more resentful, frankly, that we have THREE corporate franchises pushing their mediocre coffee on 2nd Street and TWO instances of the evil empire, Starbuck$$. I'm thankful Polly's super high quality is just a block from me so zipping over there can be done multiple times throughout the day! If you're a local in Belmont Shore, why would you pump more $ into the Bean, the Buck$, even Peets? If you're a tourist, why wouldn't you want to try the local flavor, rather than the same crap you can get from Seattle to So Cal to New Jersey to the Middle East? read more

Good, solid espresso. In-store roasted coffee, knowledgeable owner. Interesting menu of drinks. PROS: Quality, charm, menu, dog-friendly patio. CONS: Early closing hours, inconsistent customer service. read more

I live about a block away from Polly's so I like to pop in there from time to time to get some work done on my laptop. I love the cafe con panna (coffee with a big dollop of whipped cream) and the fresh pastries. I'm reluctant to go back after my last visit, though. A middle-aged man came in and used the free wi-fi to look at porn within full view of me -- and I was the only other customer in the cafe at the time. When I alerted one of the guys behind the counter about it, he (the staff member) just smiled and shrugged, as if looking at porn in public was an entirely unobjectionable thing to do. I try not to dismiss a business -- especially an independent, local business -- after one bad experience, so I'll probably go back at some point. But the truth of the matter is that Polly's seems to be a bozo magnet, and the best coffee in the world can't make up for having to listen to painfully stupid conversations -- or having to watch another customer get his porn on three feet away from me while the staff knowingly does nothing. read more

I know it's Polly's "GOURMET COFFEE", but I couldn't help ordering the chai latte. It's so frothy and amazing. The onion bagel, baked fresh daily from Blue Mountain Bagel, is the perfect compliment read more

Sheldrake Coffee Roasting - I know it's Polly's "GOURMET COFFEE", but this is the best chai latte ever! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

Unfriendly and cater to people they know while ignoring other customers . The owner was rude and grumpy looking . I smiled at her and she looked at me like I requested to kiss her . The place looks like a truck stop trying to look trendy . I am from San Francisco's so I'm use to unfriendly but there was a negative vibe here that felt very targeted toward certain people . Ps. No bathrooms read more

It was only in the last year that I truly began to appreciate Polly's, even thought it had been there as long as I can remember. I started making my own coffee in the morning instead of going out, and having fresh, locally roasted coffee at my disposal made things so much more interesting. I really can't believe I took it for granted for so long. Long Beach, you are lucky! A lot of cities don't have this luxury, of being able to walk into a roastery and get coffee that was roasted onsite within the last 24 hours. They have a chalk board that shows what was roasted that day, and all the coffee in the bins is labeled with the day it was roasted. They have a handy menu explaining what categories their coffees fall into; I ended up learning that I liked their medium roasts the best, and if I had a question, they'd always be able to explain the different kinds of beans and let me smell them. They have punch cards both for coffee that you drink there as well as coffee by the pound, so if you're a regular you can get some free coffee out of it. They also sell various coffee accessories (I'm still sporting a Polly's mug even though I've moved away), and they have pretty good baked goods. In a way, it's sort of charming that they aren't doing anything fancy here, like pour-over or syphon, but then again, if they did, it would be sort of rad, as that could be a big draw. Anyway, so much of Long Beach's local coffee scene has faded over the years, so it's good to be able to still support local coffee and local business. I miss you, Polly's! read more

Everything about Polly's makes me happy. The coffee beans are roasted on-site and make the best, fresh home brew. All of their coffee drinks are fantastic; the pastries and cookies are yummy too. Mike (the owner) and his crew are always super nice to my toddler and I. I love it when a true, local business is the best around!! I feel sorry for people who get their fix a block down at Sta**ucks. read more

Where can you find a coffee place that roasts its own beans on site? Scrumptuous, yummy, rich, fresh coffee beans . . . Just love this place! Truly neighborhood-- old Belmont Shore-style. Delish! read more

The coffee here is really good. And they roast it right there on the premises. They also roast and sell peanuts in the shell. Big patio to sit, sip and enjoy. Owners and staff are really nice. They support local artists here so let's support this great local coffee house! read more

In a world of $6 cups of drip coffee and $13 avocado toast, Polly's is a coffee roasting gem. The owner Mike Sheldrake, really knows and loves his coffee. Very high quality coffee, a great place to buy beans, and refreshingly unpretentious. So glad Polly's is still around after all this time! read more

Great coffee, great prices, and you can even know what day your coffee was roasted. So cool. Oh, and where was it roasted? RIGHT IN THE BACK OF THE SHOP. Take your Starbucks and shove it. I'm a Polly's girl. Hell yeah. read more

I've done my time on 2nd Street. I've been to the Coffee Bean, Peet's, and both Starbucks. I guess I was a bit intimidated by Polly's. I don't know why -- I would always see Polly's and think to myself that I am too much of a coffee ignoramus to patronize a place that touted itself as 'gourmet coffee.' Somehow, some way, I got over the hump and worked up the nerve to try it out. Put simply, this is the best coffee available on 2nd Street. In fact, it's the best coffee available within a 10 mile radius (probably more, but how the hell would I know? I usually don't get past 10 miles of my place without seriously jeeking my system with caffeine). Let me reiterate: Polly's coffee is Uh-May-Zeeeeeeeng. I could go on and tell you about how they have a coffee roaster on the premises and all that, but I really need to just drive the main point home on this one: Polly's coffee is hands down the absolute best coffee you can get on 2nd Street. If you're going somewhere else for your coffee, you are likely doing yourself a disservice. read more

Really liked this place. The aroma alone is enough to keep me coming back. More importantly, they have almond milk which froths up so perfectly in a cappuccino. Indulged in a biscotti too. read more

Thought to give the place a try since I was waiting for my food next door at Archibalds. As I walked through the door, I was hit by the aroma of FRESH roasted coffee. I did not realize they roast their own coffee. The customers seem to be chic, young and friendly. The cashier was nice and friendly too. Even though I only purchased their famous peanuts, I will be back to try their coffee to earn my fourth star :) Oh yes! The peanuts are ADDICTING! :) I will be back read more

Great coffee and a great place to sit and read/work. By FAR the best brew on the street! Haven't bought too many of their roasts (a little overwhelmed by all the choices) but looking forward to it! read more

This is my second time here and it has knocked all of my old favorite coffee shops out of the park! Has a very cozy feel and everyone is extremely friendly and fast paced. The music is nice and soft....The chai latte is phenomenal! Danielle makes great coffees and lattes! She's made mine everytime and I've yet to be disappointed! read more

Sheldrake Coffee Roasting - Friends loving their coffees and hot ciders! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

Every time I pass by this place I smell somthing like it's burning. Sort of like when you spill coffee on the burner and dont bother to clean it up. Its not the fresh roasting smell one would usually associate with good coffee, its a sour burning smell. The coffee is ok, but nothing special and the buring smell comming from the place is a real turn off. If you are on second street, Peat's Coffee would by my first choice. read more

Bad quality coffee and muffin was bad - full of sugar and butter. All end up in trash

Ordered Cafe mocha-delicious. Store vibe is oldie (i love it). They grind their beans in store which is cool.

The best coffee place I have ever been to. Old fasioned, the real deal, no Starbucks type hype, with a dedicated coffee roaster who knows his business. We are addicted to Polly's Blend for every day coffee and the luuxurious and insanely delicious La Minita when we feel like shelling out a few more bucks. Even so, it's a bargain. Mike Sheldrake is an amazing guy and smart entrepreneur, and all the specialty foods he brings in are terrific (especially the peanut butter!!). The counter help are personable and cheerful. You can even get a single pot brewed to order if you want to try before you buy a pound. Oh, and they show movies on Friday nights. I send my clients gift boxes of Polly's and they LOVE IT. THIS IS THE BEST!! read more

One of my favorite places on 2nd St! The coffee is delicious and they serve their coffee in earth friendly cups! You can usually see the owner (Mike Sheldrake) running around near the coffee roaster. Yes, you read that right, they roast their own beans! (And because of that it always smells amazing in there, I wish I could bottle it for a room spray.) They have interesting beverages, decent pastry selection, and an awesome array of coffee brewing devices and accessories. Oh ya, their tea selection is amazing too - all looseleaf. They have one called Gunpowder and I swear it has more caffeine than coffee. There is usually parking between Polly's and Archibald's or on the street out front. And tons of nice outdoor seating with big tables for all your "studying." Love this place, I hope it stays for a long, long time. :) (less expensive than starbucks but not cheap per se - appropriately priced for the quality and service) read more

Coffee is a food group to our family! With so many choices we find that Pollys' Gourment Coffee is consistenly our favorite. Why? Location: Excellant Morning Parking: Excellant Afternoon Parking: Sometimes a Challenge Service: Excellant (Bonus they remember you) Price: Excellant Value Seating: Indoor & Shaded protected outdoor WiFi: Available Customers: Friendly (says alot about the biz when you see the people that frequent the shop) Product: Passionate about quality of coffee & beans. Roasting right there on the premise. You can smell your way to the front door The owner Mike Sheldrake is an active member of the community and a hands on succesful buisness owner! Love this local business on 2nd Street!! read more

The environment is cozy, great customer service and I loved my latte. They roast their own coffee beans. The bathroom is located in the back near their office and they were very nice and pleasant when I asked to use the restroom. I will visit again when I am on the area. I prefer independent coffeehouses :) read more

Love this little joint. They roast their own beans which is my favorite thing about here. The smell as you walk in, is intoxicating. Good drinks too! read more

I've moved all the way across the country, but I'm getting ready to place my online order. I've not found any place with coffee as good. The Ethiopian Moka is a bean I've searched high and low for here on the east coast, but Polly's cant be topped. Delicious drinks, fun local color and the smell is always heavenly. Sometimes you might have to bring your own banana, though, for the chocolate banana coffee drink. read more

I had a sticky buns. It was outstanding. Very fresh, baked in-house. Flaky, tender pastry. Rich, sticky with roasty toasty nuts. Nice place. Outdoor seating where people bring their dogs. They roast their own coffee. read more

Big outdoor seating section. Coffee is not expensive and the pastries are cheap as well. Great coffee shop on 2ndst read more

Sheldrake Coffee Roasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

"Um I'll take "Ass Kicking Coffee" for $500 Alex"....I would also like to buy another star to throw on the ratings bar...[Oh I'm sorry, we don't do that on this game show].. Okay now down to business. It's a coffee shop, and it smells like a coffee shop GO FIGURE read more

Without a doubt the best coffee I ever had. They even roast their own beans! This is my #1 choice for coffee, thank god I live close read more

Sheldrake Coffee Roasting - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

See all

The lady who served us was very friendly, cheerful and kind! The lemon bread was very good and the cafe mocha was very sweet and strong. Pollys + the beautiful airport made our early morning enjoyable. :) read more

Sheldrake Coffee Roasting - Small cafe mocha & a foggy morning on our way out. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Long Beach, California

I just opened a bag of java roast, and brewed it up in an old Mr. Coffee at work. I can only say that it is a truly remarkable roast, besting any Starbuck's blends that have chanced upon my old, stained machine. Can't comment on the shop, as I've never been there. read more

Feels like a small mom and pop shop with a roaster in the store. Reasonable coffee prices with a bunch of locals who "hang out". I had a iced coffee (really good) and bought some green coffee beans since I roast at home. All in all, why not. read more

For the basic cup of coffee - and not your standard chain - Polly's satisfied. It tasted good and had a very nice body to it. The barista was nice and helpful with recommending a blend. I did enjoy the outside seating area, but it would be a little nicer to have a little bit nicer seating than standard patio furniture. read more