Best Coffee & Tea Spots in the SGV!
by Erica Lu
When people ask me what my hobby is, I'll always say I like discovering different coffee and tea (boba) shops. Some people may not consider that as a hobby, but I'm the type to dress up and drive 30 minutes one way just to grab coffee. As for me, I like to drink my calories, I could easily not eat for the whole day, but I'll have to drink some sort of caffeine. So I think I've got my drink spots down well, so here are some of my favorite spots in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV).
Alhambra
- Formosa Aroma
560 W Main St B, Alhambra, CA 91801
Starting off in Alhambra, this is the place if you're looking for a spot where the tea is stronger or if you're looking to customize your drink. There are 12 different teas to choose from (yes, not just your regular jasmine, or black) and extensive toppings.
My favorite: Rose Tea Foam Black Tea
Arcadia
- CC Cake
1031 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
A cake and dessert spot is probably not what you think of when you're craving a drink. But they surprisingly carry out quite the menu. From coffee to teas, to smoothies -- and of course, lots of cakes and desserts.
My favorite: Puff Cream Osmanthus/White Peach Oolong Milk Tea w/ Tea Jelly
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- Cha Redefine
400 S Baldwin Ave #2120, Arcadia, CA 91007
They have multiple locations, but this one is located in the Santa Anita mall. Who doesn't want to shop and drink boba at the same time? They also offer soft-serve on their menu, along with merchandise, tea bags, tea leaves, gift sets...
My favorite: Refreshing Peach Chappuccino
Monterey Park
- The tea
221 N Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754
I get a drink from this place at least once a week (one reason because it's fairly close to my house). Very rarely do bubble tea shops offer Vietnamese coffee. Funny enough, I'm drinking it right now.
My favorite: Seasalt Cream OG, Golden Mellow Milk Tea, Toasted Oreo Milk...
Pasadena
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- Mandarin Coffee Stand.
80 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101
Located in Burlington Arcade, where you think you're transported to Europe, hides this little coffee shop. Inspired by Asian flavors, and accompanied by long lines. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I discovered this place when there were no lines. And now every time I go, I'm waiting in line for 20 minutes. But I'll say it's definitely worth the wait, the only downside is, that the cup is a bit smaller than the usu, so the happy juice finishes quicker.
My favorite: Vienna Latte, Gui Hua Latte, Pineapple Espresso Tonic... honorable mention: Kimchi Spam Musubi Croissant (🥐 yeah you heard that right)
San Gabriel
- CiTeaDrinks
529 E Valley Blvd. Ste 138A. San Gabriel, CA 91776
Look at this Instagram-worthy drink, with dry ice vapor fuming through the teapots. They recently changed the designs of their cups, but these dry ice teapots are still available! They also have multiple locations. They definitely offer a more unique drink menu than other places.
My favorite: Four Seasons Milk Tea, Jasmine Milk Tea...
- Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab
927 E Las Tunas Dr G, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Korean coffee shop that is not in K-town?!! I love K-town coffee shops, but driving all the way there and trying to find parking is not for me. They also have multiple locations, and some carry out a more extensive bread menu.
My favorite: Banana Milk Latte, Sweet Corn Latte, Espresso Tonic...
Picture Credit
Hi Erica! This is such a comprehensive review of different shops all over! I'm a big coffee drinker, but don't really branch out from my staples. This is definitely inspiring me to try some new flavors and shops. I like how your favorites vary depending on the place, and I think you give a great description of each place allowing us to choose our vibe!
ReplyDeleteHi Erica! Thank you for your guide! I really liked how you took the time to analyze your experience at each shop. I am frequently in the San Gabriel Valley, and I may have to check out CC Cake. I am a sucker for a good dessert!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the recommendations! As a boba lover myself, I definitely want to check some of these out when I am in the area. I recommend checking out Creek Tea - its in ktown. I always get the strawberry green tea.
ReplyDeleteSo I will be printing this out on my next trip to SGV! I've never heard about most of these shops, so thank you for the recommendations. The dry ice tea pot will be my first target.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is an avid bubble tea lover, I LOVED this post!!! Too bad I don't have a car as some of these places are pretty far from USC :( However, based on your random post, I feel like I would like Formosa Aroma the most. I like the tea in my bubble tea strong!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendations!! If I ever go to SGV I will stop by one of these coffee and tea spots. The drinks look delicious!!
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