Portola Coffee Lab

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	2493 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782, USA
Phone:	+1 949-284-0596
Site:	portolacoffeelab.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–10PM 7AM–8PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Brian Ernst

First: WIFI IS TERRIBLE. Dont come here if you have anything important to do, the WiFI is virtually unusable. It took forever to download small files, web pages struggled to load, and Skype choked so badly I couldnt use it. People next to me couldnt even access any web pages. Coffee is amazing. Workers try to be helpful, and are very friendly. Place isnt ran too efficiently. I usually just buy a bag of coffee (or get a cold brew which takes 15 seconds to get a cup, get ice, and pour), but Im waiting in a line for 10 minutes because only one person is making coffee for everyone else waiting in front of me. You should ring people up first, then make their coffee. Not make people wait in line to get rung up after the coffee is made. Yes, as a consumer I dont like that; but as someone who doesnt always buy a fancy espresso drink, I would appreciate it. I give this location 3/5. Other Portola Locations get a 5/5 from me.

Sarah Graves

I was so excited for Portola to open a location closer to my home. Justifying driving to Costa Mesa for coffee could be difficult at times. The staff as always is super friendly and helpful. I really like the new layout of ordering first then paying after. I think the layout of the counter works really well. The wall adds great ambience to the space. It stands out but in the best way possible. Theres a large window that opens by the counter. In the morning, it adds a great view into the empty parking lot of the District. They have tables all over to sit at both inside and outside. Its easily accessible from both sides of the district and very accessible if youre on your way to the Metrolink. Ive stopped here a couple times to grab an iced latte to take on the train. If you love good coffee definitely consider checking it out.

Brad Torrey

You gotta appreciate a place that takes the time to spend like 5 minutes to individually brew a single cup of coffee. I generally order something basic, but my friend is a coffee nerd and likes to get crazy and order their different cold brews or whatever he orders. These guys know their coffee. You order coffee from different regions like you would order wine. Prices arent really crazy expensive either. Maybe 50 cents more than star bucks and the coffee is leaps and bounds better. The service is excellent, friendly, prompt.... And theyre surprisingly quick for the amount of artistry that goes into the product.. Dont get me wrong though. If you have any 5 minutes to get to a meeting, this is not the place to go get your caffeine fix. Meet a friend, savor the experience, or hit them up for an evening coffee.

Alex Luu

Say no to casual coffee. Pros: 1) $5 Mocha- hands down the best every time (you can catch me enjoying this cup here every Friday night with either a client or a best friend). 2) Mathematical- Consistency is crucial when it comes to selling a perfect product. Watch as your barista measures out your coffee grounds with complete accuracy! Cons: 1) Black coffee- As sad as this sounds- I was quite excited to introduce my caffeine induced old man to come try out this place. Sadly- he didnt his straight black- HOWEVER we exchanged the coffee with a different grind and he was quite satisfied the second time around. 2) Expensive- like I said earlier- youll run about $5 for a cup of Mocha (which I highly recommend trying) I wish they had a points card or something.

Jonathan Zabala

This Portola is jsut as good as the one in the OC Mix. They make some of the best coffee in the OC and its in a good location. Theres plenty of parking, but the inside is a bit small. The best part is theyre next to my work, so it makes it a whole lot easier for me to enjoy their brews. To be specific, this Portola Coffee Lab is in the Union Market right next to the Kroft. Ive never had a line in front of me, so thats always a major plus in my book.

Juan Gallardo

The actual coffee is good because they have done a good job with their research and development. But this location is not staffed by good baristas, Portola in general has very high turnover. This location seems to hire based on looks as opposed to skill and care taken when preparing drinks. Very disappointed with this location compared to Orange and Costa Mesa. Management seems to not care about customer feedback either.

Erica Ortiz

I would not make it through the day without their version of a Starbucks chai tea latte! I always stop here on the way to work in the morning because its the closest coffee shop, but now Im addicted and love it more. I wish they had one on every corner. I definitely recommend it. Very friendly staff too!

RD Chaves

PCL. Great Coffee, full flavored, and full of crack-cocaine. Just kidding, the drinks are well made, and very rarely do I find a place where the coffee doesnt need sugar (bitterness is cut with the way they brew) and its delicious!

Jai Rangi

Horrible service, paid $10 for two coffees. Lady served cold coffee, then refused to warm up. The lady was so rude that we left to coffee and money on the counter. This happened on aug 28 at 5:30.

Tiana Valdespino

Housed inside the Union Market, giving you a chance to browse around the other shops. Some seating, but pretty limited. Really good quality coffee, and you will pay a higher price for it.

James C

Its Portola, what can I say except they are always on point. Best coffee around in my opinion. Wish their was more seating, it can get a little noisy as it seems to be the main entrance.

Paul Murray

Theyve put in the new Steampunk coffee system that can infuse coffee quickly for a very flavorful yet smooth extraction. The location is pretty cool. Nice indoor and outdoor seating.

FW Lou Dog

Coffee is always good. Somewhat offsets the bad. Service slow and not very friendly Always feel like customer is doing them a favor. Process takes more time than it should.

Adam Winokur

Coffee and espresso is above average but not phenomenal, and for the price they charge, I would expect phenomenal. Should either lower prices or improve quality.

Patrick Kim

Hot coffee is excellent. No bitter aftertaste and some fruity notes. I refrigerated some of it and tried sipping it cold. Surprisingly delicious cold as well!

Joel Letro

Nice cafe that wasnt too busy on a Saturday afternoon. Coffee tastes great and it was easy to find a table. The internet was so slow as to not be very useful.

Greg Moore

Wow! Tried Finca La Milagrosa Geisha...Smoothest best cup of coffee I ever tasted...Paired with Vegan Banana Bread. $7 a cup and worth every penny.

Matthew Stafford

Had the vanilla latte and mocha. Much better than Starbucks. Almost comparable to the coffee I make at home fresh ground and French pressed.

Michael Francois

The best espresso in Orange County. The Costa Mesa location is special, but the Tustin location has stepped up their artistry.

Bill Ng

Horrible service. Thanks for the expensive coffee with a side of entitled millennial attitude. Never coming back.

Yeah Nah

For the short time i lived in Irvine, i started every morning with an amazing iced mocha from these guys

Heather Plett

Great service. Awesome chai. Amazing coffee. Not your corporate coffee shop. Well worth the trip!