I visited this place for the first time. Wow, they really know coffee. I had a chai latte, it was prepared perfectly and served at the right temperature. My sister had a flaky custard pastry that was buttery, flaky, with a glazed sugar coating. It was delicious.Parking: Located in shopping mall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jenny
came here on a thrusday lunch hour !Place looked a little busy, not too bad !Did my order over to phone, which helps a lot if you're getting it to go fast !Had a pretty good selection of different breads that were delicious!Sadly, I didn't take a picture of those 2 scrumptious breads ?Ordered1 Tiger Latte 5.75 16oz 10/101 Hojicha Late $6 16oz 7/101 Smokin' Spaniard $5.75 16oz 8/10Cream Cheese Garlic Bread $6 10/10Bacon & Chive Crossants $6 10/10The only thing I have to say is that it's crazy how much ice they put in the drinks ! I order another Tiger Latte w/ no ice for my boss & wow, it's not even halfway on the cup. He loved the drink but didn't like how so little they give & I get it their business, but now I know for next.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marelin Marquez
First time trying this coffee shop! Got an Banana espresso 10/10!!!
Service: 5
Quincy Reyes
Root beer
J Jimenez
Today I experience the worse service since coming here. There have been others at this same location but today was the last straw.On this rainy day, I get down from my car with my 2yr old son and walk to the shop. The employee outside said they were closed because it was flooded. Ok. No problem, I walk back to my car. As I’m buckling my son, another person goes in.Before I take off, I see the person coming out with a drink and bread. Right after this, a second person goes in and he is being served. There are now 2 people that were serve right after I was told they were closed because of flooding. Both individuals were Asian. I am not. I don’t know if they didn’t serve me because I wasn’t Asian, however, it sure felt like it.I go back into the smoking tiger and ask if they are actually closed or not. The same person who told me they were closed now was ready to take my order.Prior this today’s incident, I’ve gone to this same location before after they’ve just open (after 8am) and when I ask for my order, they say they’ve sold out. Which didn’t make sense to me because they just opened and had no crowd or line. Experience with the same employee.And before that, when I went to order another instance, the employees seemed annoyed that I went to make an order when there were three of them doing nothing until I got was going to order.The drinks are good but the service of the employees are terrible. According to the receipt, the employee who I have had two terrible experiences with is named Ash.According to her Christine is the manager there. Which, at this point, I don’t even know if it’s true. If it is, I hope she does something about her employees terrible customer service skills.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Tree Na
Chill vibe and one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. It was also huge. It was labeled as guava marscapone but I’m sure there was also strawberry on top. Soooooo good. I tried their signature Tiger Latte - I didn’t expect it to be iced but I was not disappointed. This was perfect. The baristas were very nice and came over to show me around since it was my first time. Seems like a nice, quiet, and well lit spot to get some work done if you need.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ethan P.
My first taste of the Passion fruit kouign amann was incredible! The barista kindly suggested heating it, which really brought out the passion fruit's flavor alongside the satisfying crunch of the pastry. A good way to start off my quiet Friday morning!
Tri Na
Chill vibe and one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. It was also huge. It was labeled as guava marscapone but I’m sure there was also strawberry on top. Soooooo good. I tried their signature Tiger Latte - I didn’t expect it to be iced but I was not disappointed. This was perfect. The baristas were very nice and came over to show me around since it was my first time. Seems like a nice, quiet, and well lit spot to get some work done if you need.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan B.
Although I am a fan of STCB, having been to their other locations, this particular location has been pretty disappointing.Most of the times I have to this location has been at Open and my chief complaints are the service and quality of Pastries. For the most part, I've enjoyed the coffee/drinks I've ordered here. My favorites are the Espresso Tonic and Spanish Latte.I've had a few times where the coffee wasn't as delicious, but I wonder if my perception of the service has played a part in that. The baristas who made my drink weren't the friendliest- but perhaps they were having bad days or just aren't morning people? I think my biggest complaint is the Pastries. Having been here a few times at Open, I literally saw a barista take Pastries out of a box one day that looked like they were from the day before. I was optimistic that wasn't the case but was proven otherwise that day. So if you're hoping for freshly baked Pastries to go with your coffee, you might want to reconsider. Maybe they bring out fresher ones later on in the morning? I don't know, but I've learned my lesson and will be skipping Pastries here.Lots of parking. Lots of places to study. They so have outdoor seating to the side. No music the times I've been there. Place is usually clean. Typically looks to be the least busiest of the other locations the times I've been here.Overall, good coffee. Skip the Pastries.
Lily Qi
This is a cute coffee shop in a plaza with parking above and below ground. The staff is super friendly and there's plenty of seating on the inside with both small and large tables. It's a great spot to do some studying or some remote work.I ordered a chai latte with almond milk and the total was $6.75, which is fairly reasonable. I wanted to like the chai but for some reason, the chai and almond milk combination tastes exactly like the chai mix from Trader Joe's, which I've had many, many times. It's not bad for a chai mix but I expected a different and better taste from a coffee shop chai latte. To each their own as it seems some reviewers really enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. Overall had a good experience though so if I'm ever in the area again, I'd be down to grab another latte to try.
Smoking Tiger Coffee & Bread, Wheat be cute together5/5 | Ham and Cheese Croissant, Matcha Pistachio Croissant | $5, $6.5Food: At first look, he Matcha Pistachio Croissant was aesthetically pleasing to the eye with a glaze of matcha over a flaky croissant with tiny bits of pistachio sprinkled on top. At first bite, the flavor of the matcha fills your mouth with a tea-like aroma, which then is renewed by soft layers of bread. The flavors end with pistachio bits that bring out a nutty taste with each chew. It tasted wonderful, but I do wonder how it would taste if it was warmed up or fresh out of the oven. The Ham Cheese Croissant looked delicious but with first bite I found that it was a quite normal Ham and Cheese Croissant. Good taste, just nothing out of the ordinary.Service: The staff were friendly and greeted us as soon as we entered the shop. The bread trays weren't ready so we did have to wait for a bit until we chose our bread.Ambiance: Hipster coffee vibe with modern touches. The tables looked like classic style tables, but they had a nice carving of the moon and cloud in the ends as a nice finishing touch.
Lily Q.
This is a cute coffee shop in a plaza with parking above and below ground. The staff is super friendly and there's plenty of seating on the inside with both small and large tables. It's a great spot to do some studying or some remote work.I ordered a chai latte with almond milk and the total was $6.75, which is fairly reasonable. I wanted to like the chai but for some reason, the chai and almond milk combination tastes exactly like the chai mix from Trader Joe's, which I've had many, many times. It's not bad for a chai mix but I expected a different and better taste from a coffee shop chai latte. To each their own as it seems some reviewers really enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. Overall had a good experience though so if I'm ever in the area again, I'd be down to grab another latte to try.
Alice Mastrolia
I love this place they have the best drinks! And as a coffee snob it's one of the few places I go almost everyday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Harmonie T.
I'm already a fan of the Cerritos location of Smoking Tiger. While hanging out in Gardena, I suggested we swing by for some of that delicious Chai Latte. I like to order it with almond milk and the flavor always hits the spot. I don't know what it is about Smoking Tiger but they have become my favorite place to order Chai Lattes.Hubby ordered a Red Goblin (strawberry yuzu lemonade) which had bright, fruity flavors. I wish I had taken more sips before he gulped it down because it was delicious! I would not hesitate to order this again on a hot day.This location shares a private lot with other small businesses and it feels like it has smaller square footage than the Cerritos location. But the bakery section is smaller and the dining area is bigger with the tables more spaced out. There was only one other customer in the dining area when we arrived on a Saturday at 4:30pm. A few more customers popped in to order drinks as we sat there. This spot is significantly quieter than Cerritos but the friendliness of the staff is pretty consistent. Something new at this location that I haven't seen (yet) at the Cerritos location, purple lids for the hot drinks! My favorite color :)
Bean
The drinks are a bit different than your standard Starbucks which is nice. They also have tasty, yet pricey, breads and pastries.The girls who work there are hot, so that's nice.I recommend try the mugwort drink.
I visited this place for the first time. Wow, they really know coffee. I had a chai latte, it was prepared perfectly and served at the right temperature. My sister had a flaky custard pastry that was buttery, flaky, with a glazed sugar coating. It was delicious.Parking: Located in shopping mall
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
came here on a thrusday lunch hour !Place looked a little busy, not too bad !Did my order over to phone, which helps a lot if you're getting it to go fast !Had a pretty good selection of different breads that were delicious!Sadly, I didn't take a picture of those 2 scrumptious breads ?Ordered1 Tiger Latte 5.75 16oz 10/101 Hojicha Late $6 16oz 7/101 Smokin' Spaniard $5.75 16oz 8/10Cream Cheese Garlic Bread $6 10/10Bacon & Chive Crossants $6 10/10The only thing I have to say is that it's crazy how much ice they put in the drinks ! I order another Tiger Latte w/ no ice for my boss & wow, it's not even halfway on the cup. He loved the drink but didn't like how so little they give & I get it their business, but now I know for next.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time trying this coffee shop! Got an Banana espresso 10/10!!!
Service: 5
Root beer
Today I experience the worse service since coming here. There have been others at this same location but today was the last straw.On this rainy day, I get down from my car with my 2yr old son and walk to the shop. The employee outside said they were closed because it was flooded. Ok. No problem, I walk back to my car. As I’m buckling my son, another person goes in.Before I take off, I see the person coming out with a drink and bread. Right after this, a second person goes in and he is being served. There are now 2 people that were serve right after I was told they were closed because of flooding. Both individuals were Asian. I am not. I don’t know if they didn’t serve me because I wasn’t Asian, however, it sure felt like it.I go back into the smoking tiger and ask if they are actually closed or not. The same person who told me they were closed now was ready to take my order.Prior this today’s incident, I’ve gone to this same location before after they’ve just open (after 8am) and when I ask for my order, they say they’ve sold out. Which didn’t make sense to me because they just opened and had no crowd or line. Experience with the same employee.And before that, when I went to order another instance, the employees seemed annoyed that I went to make an order when there were three of them doing nothing until I got was going to order.The drinks are good but the service of the employees are terrible. According to the receipt, the employee who I have had two terrible experiences with is named Ash.According to her Christine is the manager there. Which, at this point, I don’t even know if it’s true. If it is, I hope she does something about her employees terrible customer service skills.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Chill vibe and one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. It was also huge. It was labeled as guava marscapone but I’m sure there was also strawberry on top. Soooooo good. I tried their signature Tiger Latte - I didn’t expect it to be iced but I was not disappointed. This was perfect. The baristas were very nice and came over to show me around since it was my first time. Seems like a nice, quiet, and well lit spot to get some work done if you need.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My first taste of the Passion fruit kouign amann was incredible! The barista kindly suggested heating it, which really brought out the passion fruit's flavor alongside the satisfying crunch of the pastry. A good way to start off my quiet Friday morning!
Chill vibe and one of the best croissants I’ve ever had. It was also huge. It was labeled as guava marscapone but I’m sure there was also strawberry on top. Soooooo good. I tried their signature Tiger Latte - I didn’t expect it to be iced but I was not disappointed. This was perfect. The baristas were very nice and came over to show me around since it was my first time. Seems like a nice, quiet, and well lit spot to get some work done if you need.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Although I am a fan of STCB, having been to their other locations, this particular location has been pretty disappointing.Most of the times I have to this location has been at Open and my chief complaints are the service and quality of Pastries. For the most part, I've enjoyed the coffee/drinks I've ordered here. My favorites are the Espresso Tonic and Spanish Latte.I've had a few times where the coffee wasn't as delicious, but I wonder if my perception of the service has played a part in that. The baristas who made my drink weren't the friendliest- but perhaps they were having bad days or just aren't morning people? I think my biggest complaint is the Pastries. Having been here a few times at Open, I literally saw a barista take Pastries out of a box one day that looked like they were from the day before. I was optimistic that wasn't the case but was proven otherwise that day. So if you're hoping for freshly baked Pastries to go with your coffee, you might want to reconsider. Maybe they bring out fresher ones later on in the morning? I don't know, but I've learned my lesson and will be skipping Pastries here.Lots of parking. Lots of places to study. They so have outdoor seating to the side. No music the times I've been there. Place is usually clean. Typically looks to be the least busiest of the other locations the times I've been here.Overall, good coffee. Skip the Pastries.
This is a cute coffee shop in a plaza with parking above and below ground. The staff is super friendly and there's plenty of seating on the inside with both small and large tables. It's a great spot to do some studying or some remote work.I ordered a chai latte with almond milk and the total was $6.75, which is fairly reasonable. I wanted to like the chai but for some reason, the chai and almond milk combination tastes exactly like the chai mix from Trader Joe's, which I've had many, many times. It's not bad for a chai mix but I expected a different and better taste from a coffee shop chai latte. To each their own as it seems some reviewers really enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. Overall had a good experience though so if I'm ever in the area again, I'd be down to grab another latte to try.
Restaurantji Recommends
Smoking Tiger Coffee & Bread, Wheat be cute together5/5 | Ham and Cheese Croissant, Matcha Pistachio Croissant | $5, $6.5Food: At first look, he Matcha Pistachio Croissant was aesthetically pleasing to the eye with a glaze of matcha over a flaky croissant with tiny bits of pistachio sprinkled on top. At first bite, the flavor of the matcha fills your mouth with a tea-like aroma, which then is renewed by soft layers of bread. The flavors end with pistachio bits that bring out a nutty taste with each chew. It tasted wonderful, but I do wonder how it would taste if it was warmed up or fresh out of the oven. The Ham Cheese Croissant looked delicious but with first bite I found that it was a quite normal Ham and Cheese Croissant. Good taste, just nothing out of the ordinary.Service: The staff were friendly and greeted us as soon as we entered the shop. The bread trays weren't ready so we did have to wait for a bit until we chose our bread.Ambiance: Hipster coffee vibe with modern touches. The tables looked like classic style tables, but they had a nice carving of the moon and cloud in the ends as a nice finishing touch.
This is a cute coffee shop in a plaza with parking above and below ground. The staff is super friendly and there's plenty of seating on the inside with both small and large tables. It's a great spot to do some studying or some remote work.I ordered a chai latte with almond milk and the total was $6.75, which is fairly reasonable. I wanted to like the chai but for some reason, the chai and almond milk combination tastes exactly like the chai mix from Trader Joe's, which I've had many, many times. It's not bad for a chai mix but I expected a different and better taste from a coffee shop chai latte. To each their own as it seems some reviewers really enjoy it, but it just wasn't for me. Overall had a good experience though so if I'm ever in the area again, I'd be down to grab another latte to try.
I love this place they have the best drinks! And as a coffee snob it's one of the few places I go almost everyday.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm already a fan of the Cerritos location of Smoking Tiger. While hanging out in Gardena, I suggested we swing by for some of that delicious Chai Latte. I like to order it with almond milk and the flavor always hits the spot. I don't know what it is about Smoking Tiger but they have become my favorite place to order Chai Lattes.Hubby ordered a Red Goblin (strawberry yuzu lemonade) which had bright, fruity flavors. I wish I had taken more sips before he gulped it down because it was delicious! I would not hesitate to order this again on a hot day.This location shares a private lot with other small businesses and it feels like it has smaller square footage than the Cerritos location. But the bakery section is smaller and the dining area is bigger with the tables more spaced out. There was only one other customer in the dining area when we arrived on a Saturday at 4:30pm. A few more customers popped in to order drinks as we sat there. This spot is significantly quieter than Cerritos but the friendliness of the staff is pretty consistent. Something new at this location that I haven't seen (yet) at the Cerritos location, purple lids for the hot drinks! My favorite color :)
The drinks are a bit different than your standard Starbucks which is nice. They also have tasty, yet pricey, breads and pastries.The girls who work there are hot, so that's nice.I recommend try the mugwort drink.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5