Whether it’s a classic espresso for a quick pick-me-up, a creamy caramel macchiato for a touch of sweetness or a savory buttery croissant, students are always on the hunt for the perfect spot to satisfy their craving.
Located at the corner of Vanowen Street and Balboa Boulevard, Lee’s Coffee House is the perfect place to stop by before or after school. The cafe is open typically from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This cozy cafe is decorated in an array of pink furniture and decor, making it the perfect place to catch up with friends or to study for hours on end. Soft music plays in the background and the gentle hum of conversation creates a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a wide variety of artisanal coffees and pastries that are a delight to the senses.
During a visit to the cafe on Tuesday March 18, a lavender cappuccino ($6.05), strawberry matcha ($6), everything bagel ($4.12) and cheese danish ($5.10) were purchased. Here’s our review…
The lavender cappuccino carried a nice stronger coffee flavor. The blend wasn’t overly sweet in comparison to a latte but the lavender added an earthy tone to the coffee, creating an unexpectedly good combination.
Even so, the strawberry matcha carried a good blend between the earthy flavors of the matcha and the rich sweet flavors of the strawberry puree. It creates a good balance between both the flavors without making one more overbearing than the other. A favorite among matcha lovers, this popular drink often sells out by the end of the day, thanks to its perfectly crafted flavor harmony.
The pastries were nothing short of delicious. The everything bagel was perfectly coated in a variety of different seeds, toasted to perfection. It wasn’t stale nor overly chewy. Along that same note, the cheese strudel carried the same taste as a cheesecake. The cheese filling was very rich and the outer crust was very flakey and gave a nice crunch to the pastry.
Shortly after indulging in my baked goods and sipping away at my drinks, the barista came over to my table and gave me a free iced lavender Americano, only further reflecting the kindness of the staff. She explained that it was something she was testing out and wanted to hear my feedback. Honestly, I hated it. But the intention was there. The coffee was very strong and not to my liking no matter how many sugar packets I added. The lavender flavor didn’t mix in well with the coffee flavor creating a weird mesh of flavors.
Even so, I genuinely enjoyed the cafe overall. The variety of drink combinations is almost endless, making each visit an opportunity to explore new flavors. They offer customizable options for every drink, including different syrups and cold foam flavors. The free Wi-Fi is a great bonus for anyone wanting to spend extra time studying. For those looking for a new coffee house to visit, Lee’s Coffee House is a great place to stop by.
