The only place I have found around here with a lavender milk tea. It's to die for if you love the flavor of lavender. Cold brew coffee was also roasty but smooth, delicious. Can't wait to go back!
Shelby Donald
Beautiful spot near CSULB campus! The owner Jay knows his coffee! Pour over, lattes and Korean BBQ. I'm in heaven.
Diana N.
I actually found this place randomly after searching for coffee on Yelp after finding out the Starbucks Drive-Thru line was incredibly long to the point it was not worth waiting in my car (during the COVID-19 shutdown). And I am so glad I was able to cross this place because the coffee here is on point! And it took less than five minutes for me to get my order. You could see the coffee being made and you can tell the owner knows his coffee and how to make it - he has skills. The coffee I ordered was an iced, vanilla latte. I fell in love after my first sip because not only did the coffee flavor overpower the sweetness of the vanilla (it's not as sugary as Starbucks drinks), but there was enough vanilla in the drink to give it the slight sweetness I needed to drink the coffee but kept the integrity of the coffee's flavor (I've tried drinking coffee black, and I am not there yet). I have actually come back every time I go out to travel during the social distancing order (which is once a week for essentials) to this very place to get my caffeine fix and will continue to do so.
Michael S.
The guy who made my coffee was great! Very kind and helpful. I told him what I was looking for, an iced latte that wasn't too sweet. He offered a vanilla latte with soy milk and half the sweetness. It was perfect! Place was very clean and had nice equipment. Solid place. I'll definitely be back to try the bulgogi sandwich.
Nina
I always go here to study and eat during my gaps between classes. The owner is super friendly and the food/drinks are delicious. I always order the bulgogi sandwich and the lavender milk tea. If you aren't sure what to get you can ask the owner for a recommendation. Drop by and support the business :)
Kimberly Hebert
Outstanding customer service with fast delivered orders. The flavors are interesting and tasty. Great, relaxing jazzy atmosphere.
Cindy A.
Nice, quiet, and laid back. Great place to study. Currently working on a group project with 2 others. Coffee is good but the sandwich is a bit dry. Add sauce and it makes all the difference.
Matt L.
I had tried their Korean BBQ sandwich and I must say, fresh vegetables and delicious sautéed Korean BBQ sauce really brings out the flavor of the sandwich. Moreover, french fries were cooks right when the order was placed, which is still bice was crispy. Finally, the pour over ice coffee is perfect. I had heard the beans were selected from "one of a kind beans", plus the owners have great history in the coffee business. Close to Cal State Long Beach, the brand "Barlog" is my new Go-to place for studying or simply to chill with friends and family.
Ren F.
Since I'm an avid boba lover and latte enthusiast, I found Balrog Coffee to be pretty on par with their drinks. Things I tried: - Chicken Rice Bowl: I really like it! I think it's a newer item on their menu but it's a good-sized lunch for a college student like me ;) -Latte: it was pretty good for me! I don't like my lattes too sweet so this was a good choice for me -- a little on the bitter side and good latte art! -Lavender Latte: I think this was the first drink I tried; wasn't the best thing on their menu and it didn't suit my tastebuds -Lavender Milk Tea: my FAVORITE MILK TEA DRINK currently!! It's so nice and refreshing! It has a very smooth texture, a little more on the sweet side, and has now become my boba substitute of the week! - Bulgogi Sandwich and Fries: it's pretty filling but because I don't like sandwiches in general, I will probably not order it again Location: it's unfortunately situated in a "shady spot" and that makes it a little more quiet, but it has a great cafe atmosphere and it's a good study spot with less crowds to bother you! Also it's probably my go-to cafe since it's near CSULB... Atmosphere: like I said, it has a pretty nice ambience but it can get pretty quiet at times due to location. Nice cafe music, and pretty solid WiFi. Also the owner is super friendly and welcoming to newcomers and regulars alike! As a newbie I would say to try the lavender milk tea and the fries would make a nice snack!!
Kim M.
My daughter gave us a bag of Colombia beans from Balrog for Christmas. This was my first cup of coffee that I enjoyed black! I usually add milk or cream to improve the flavor. Oh. My. This coffee was gorgeous, smooth and so flavorful! We finally dropped by Balrog when we were in the area. Jae, the owner, prepared me a cup of Ethiopian coffee, pour over style. You need to watch him do this! He poured in several stages and intensities. It was a lovely experience to watch. And what a taste! No acidity. Well-rounded flavor. Smoothest coffee I've ever had. No add-ins needed. The ambience was calm, with beautiful jazz playing in the background, great for college students wanting to focus. I love this place, though my college days are decades behind me! If Balrog were closer to me in San Diego, I would be a regular. (And I've never been a regular to any coffee shop.)
Balrog Coffee does have friendly and welcoming staffs. The wifi is fast, and there's plenty of seating inside. However, my drink orders were consistently bad both times I visited. I ordered iced latte with oat milk. And honestly, no matter how much i like the people that are working there and their hospitality, I can't forgive a bad cup of coffee. My drink tasted grainy and burnt and also watery. If possible, i think maybe you guys should consider using different kind of oat milk. (Oatly is a good choice). Much as i am disappointed, i would come back to try their food and other drinks.
Nicole L.
Cute interior, great customer service, good tea, alternate milk options, outlets. Great study spot.
Rob T.
Really enjoy this little spot. There's really no other good coffee shops nearby and the owner, Jay, does a great pour over (Guatemalen is my favorite atm). Great to have a friendly new mom & pop in the area and walkable from Long Beach State.
Lizz B.
Bulgogi sandwich is delicious. Stopped by after picking up a course packet next door. $8 for a delicious sandwich and fries.
The only place I have found around here with a lavender milk tea. It's to die for if you love the flavor of lavender. Cold brew coffee was also roasty but smooth, delicious. Can't wait to go back!
Beautiful spot near CSULB campus! The owner Jay knows his coffee! Pour over, lattes and Korean BBQ. I'm in heaven.
I actually found this place randomly after searching for coffee on Yelp after finding out the Starbucks Drive-Thru line was incredibly long to the point it was not worth waiting in my car (during the COVID-19 shutdown). And I am so glad I was able to cross this place because the coffee here is on point! And it took less than five minutes for me to get my order. You could see the coffee being made and you can tell the owner knows his coffee and how to make it - he has skills. The coffee I ordered was an iced, vanilla latte. I fell in love after my first sip because not only did the coffee flavor overpower the sweetness of the vanilla (it's not as sugary as Starbucks drinks), but there was enough vanilla in the drink to give it the slight sweetness I needed to drink the coffee but kept the integrity of the coffee's flavor (I've tried drinking coffee black, and I am not there yet). I have actually come back every time I go out to travel during the social distancing order (which is once a week for essentials) to this very place to get my caffeine fix and will continue to do so.
The guy who made my coffee was great! Very kind and helpful. I told him what I was looking for, an iced latte that wasn't too sweet. He offered a vanilla latte with soy milk and half the sweetness. It was perfect! Place was very clean and had nice equipment. Solid place. I'll definitely be back to try the bulgogi sandwich.
I always go here to study and eat during my gaps between classes. The owner is super friendly and the food/drinks are delicious. I always order the bulgogi sandwich and the lavender milk tea. If you aren't sure what to get you can ask the owner for a recommendation. Drop by and support the business :)
Outstanding customer service with fast delivered orders. The flavors are interesting and tasty. Great, relaxing jazzy atmosphere.
Nice, quiet, and laid back. Great place to study. Currently working on a group project with 2 others. Coffee is good but the sandwich is a bit dry. Add sauce and it makes all the difference.
I had tried their Korean BBQ sandwich and I must say, fresh vegetables and delicious sautéed Korean BBQ sauce really brings out the flavor of the sandwich. Moreover, french fries were cooks right when the order was placed, which is still bice was crispy. Finally, the pour over ice coffee is perfect. I had heard the beans were selected from "one of a kind beans", plus the owners have great history in the coffee business. Close to Cal State Long Beach, the brand "Barlog" is my new Go-to place for studying or simply to chill with friends and family.
Since I'm an avid boba lover and latte enthusiast, I found Balrog Coffee to be pretty on par with their drinks. Things I tried: - Chicken Rice Bowl: I really like it! I think it's a newer item on their menu but it's a good-sized lunch for a college student like me ;) -Latte: it was pretty good for me! I don't like my lattes too sweet so this was a good choice for me -- a little on the bitter side and good latte art! -Lavender Latte: I think this was the first drink I tried; wasn't the best thing on their menu and it didn't suit my tastebuds -Lavender Milk Tea: my FAVORITE MILK TEA DRINK currently!! It's so nice and refreshing! It has a very smooth texture, a little more on the sweet side, and has now become my boba substitute of the week! - Bulgogi Sandwich and Fries: it's pretty filling but because I don't like sandwiches in general, I will probably not order it again Location: it's unfortunately situated in a "shady spot" and that makes it a little more quiet, but it has a great cafe atmosphere and it's a good study spot with less crowds to bother you! Also it's probably my go-to cafe since it's near CSULB... Atmosphere: like I said, it has a pretty nice ambience but it can get pretty quiet at times due to location. Nice cafe music, and pretty solid WiFi. Also the owner is super friendly and welcoming to newcomers and regulars alike! As a newbie I would say to try the lavender milk tea and the fries would make a nice snack!!
My daughter gave us a bag of Colombia beans from Balrog for Christmas. This was my first cup of coffee that I enjoyed black! I usually add milk or cream to improve the flavor. Oh. My. This coffee was gorgeous, smooth and so flavorful! We finally dropped by Balrog when we were in the area. Jae, the owner, prepared me a cup of Ethiopian coffee, pour over style. You need to watch him do this! He poured in several stages and intensities. It was a lovely experience to watch. And what a taste! No acidity. Well-rounded flavor. Smoothest coffee I've ever had. No add-ins needed. The ambience was calm, with beautiful jazz playing in the background, great for college students wanting to focus. I love this place, though my college days are decades behind me! If Balrog were closer to me in San Diego, I would be a regular. (And I've never been a regular to any coffee shop.)
Restaurantji Recommends
Balrog Coffee does have friendly and welcoming staffs. The wifi is fast, and there's plenty of seating inside. However, my drink orders were consistently bad both times I visited. I ordered iced latte with oat milk. And honestly, no matter how much i like the people that are working there and their hospitality, I can't forgive a bad cup of coffee. My drink tasted grainy and burnt and also watery. If possible, i think maybe you guys should consider using different kind of oat milk. (Oatly is a good choice). Much as i am disappointed, i would come back to try their food and other drinks.
Cute interior, great customer service, good tea, alternate milk options, outlets. Great study spot.
Really enjoy this little spot. There's really no other good coffee shops nearby and the owner, Jay, does a great pour over (Guatemalen is my favorite atm). Great to have a friendly new mom & pop in the area and walkable from Long Beach State.
Bulgogi sandwich is delicious. Stopped by after picking up a course packet next door. $8 for a delicious sandwich and fries.
Good food, good coffee, good vibes