Portola Coffee Roasters

Pretty underwhelming. The hazelnut and vanilla lattes tasted the same, which makes me think that they don’t actually have hazelnut syrup. It was also overly sweet and artificial, like they don’t make their own syrups. It also came out to $7 per coffee which is insane. The only benefit is that there’s ample parking and seating.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 3

Doing 3 stars, mainly to draw attention to the changes and disappointments of what used to be a much more lovely coffee experience. I'm still surprised that they are giving so little attention to a hot tea order after years of doing it "just right"! An incorrect steep makes a huge difference in a couple of their teas in particular. At the very least, they could lower the price to reflect the lack of barista service on those teas.

We tried one of their fall coffees. We were surprised when they asked if we wanted the marshmallow cream on top, then were toldjit was extra. It is listed in the drink description with no extra charge noted. Very odd. Don't recall this being true last season. But also will say, while the cream was good, it didn't taste like last year's.

The other big change is that they stop ceramic service quite early. I understand them wanting to get dishes done, but other people are already using ceramics, and they are ignoring dirty items, so it seems silly to suddenly (and so early) stop this service. Unless they are collecting all dishes at a certain time, it doesn't matter what time you get the ceramics. Literally, a week ago today, we went in a shop in New Mexico. We were very aware of the closing time being less than 10 minutes away and asked them if it was ok to order. They happily said "of course," and then proceeded to be kind and helpful baristas. Someone else came in after us and they even gave him the "for here" glass requested. Wow! What a difference from the experience Portola now offers.

Also, felt bad for the one barista today who forgot about ceramic service stopping so gave it to us, then had to listen to the other barista later tell us we couldn't have a plate because (he said loud enough for the other barista to hear). "ceramic service has stopped." Yikes! Felt so bad for the other barista. AND, we needed a plate for the tea bag since they now use bags, and no longer steep the tea.

We'll be back but wish their customer service would return to what it was 5 plus years ago. No need to make the customer feel like such a bother.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 2

Cool little. Coffee joint in the OC Mix shops. Quality beans make good coffee drinks. They got it. Try them?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

best latte I've had in Orange County bar none.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Portola's menu is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of options to satisfy any taste. Whether you're a fan of classic espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes or prefer pour-over and cold brew selections, you'll find something you love. What distinguishes Portola is their commitment to sourcing premium beans from around the globe and roasting them in-house to perfection. Every cup reflects their dedication and expertise.

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Hambela is great

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Awesome coffee and workers!

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good coffee and pastries. This shopping area is so cute too!

Hipster coffee house with common and unique coffee blends brewed in a techno way that is so delicious SoCal’s best tasting coffee

Parking: Not directly in front of the shop doors but a short walk paved past a couple of other shops Pleasant outdoor seating area and also seating inside the shop

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Coffee Water and Pastry

Exceptional cold brew here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Seasonal banana cold brew was too sweet. Gave us a small discount to compensate for a long wait time which was kind

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Saw the dude with the ponytail in the restroom did not wash his hands. Was surprised to see him making my drink afterwards :/

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Just tied the espresso melon tonic and it was wonderful. So refreshing and just the right sweetness. Would recommend. I will have to go back and try the matcha version.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

The menu at Portola is a coffee lover's dream, featuring a wide range of options to suit every palate. From classic espresso drinks like cappuccinos and lattes to pour-over and cold brew selections, there's something for everyone. What sets Portola apart is their dedication to sourcing the highest quality beans from around the world and roasting them in-house to perfection. Each cup is a testament to their passion and expertise.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Gets busy but its worth it

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5