You know a coffee place is good when I don’t drink coffee and I love coming here. I came on opening day and enjoyed visiting with a bunch of friends — who ARE coffee drinkers — and we sampled a bunch of different coffees — well I did, from my friends’ cups. They had the real deal!

I’m a tea drinker and on that first visit, I had their Berry Tisane iced tea which was a pink drink with a slight tartness. This has since become one of my favorite cold beverages especially on a hot summer’s day! I can actually down about 3 cups of these no problemo!

Then I got addicted to the Moroccan Mint iced tea. Oh dear, this one is so refreshing I gulp it when I always intend to take little sips. I always empty my cup before I made my way out the door and there are no free refills — *sad face*

The store is a wonderful white and green and reflects its sterile and eco-friendly philosophy. The staff wear lab coats reminiscent of scientists and why shouldn’t they? They prepare each cup of coffee you order with the precision of a scientist.

Each cup is brewed individually, by the barrista, and you’ll have to wait a few minutes for your order. This isn’t a place where they’ll just press a button and something flows out. No siree! These hand-crafted cups of coffee take time and the loving care of the person making it. And when they are done, a pretty design is created by drizzling the milk/soy/foam a certain way.

I couldn’t possibly drink anything hot when the weather is scorching like it has been so if you’re looking for something cool, the iced coffee is a good alternative.

Although the OC Mart Mix has some seating in the main area, Portola has very limited seating even though the place looks rather spacious. I hope they add more to the mix soon.

Between 11am and 3pm Portola Coffee also serves sandwiches by Wicked Wiches. Check them out when you get the chance!

Portola Coffee Lab
3313 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 949-713-7318