Local Nods – Portola Coffee Lab

All photos taken by Miranda North. A special thanks to Portola Coffee Lab for letting us share their coffee experience.

If you follow me on Instagram, it’s no secret that Portola Coffee Lab is one of my most favorite places to work. There’s a unique vibe that fills the air, that’s unexplainable yet magnetizing. I feel drawn to this local space and often find myself inspired when I work there. It might be the combination of low toned banter you can hear, thriving conversations and laughter happening around you, evidence of business meetings stirring up new ideas and strategies or maybe it’s the smell of their freshly brewed coffee that draws me in and calls my name.

Portola Coffee Lab offers a unique twist to the average coffee beverage with their scientific blends and creamy organic milk from Strauss family creamery. The founder, Jeff Duggan, has put an emphasis on finding beans that are sourced from Central America, South America, Africa and Indonesia, grown by local farmers who have perfect the art of growing the perfect bean. That taste travels from around the world, here to Southern California where locals can enjoy it daily.

From the laid back, friendly baristas who hold more talent in one beautifully created mocha than I could possibly imagine, to the detail poured into every cup, this is more than just a hipster coffee spot. It’s a place where you come to be inspired, to be surrounded by other creatives and to enjoy the best cup of coffee you’ll ever taste.

During our time spent with the amazing baristas at Portola, we learned some secrets to what helps to make their latte taste so delicious. Portola only uses organic milk form the Strauss Family Creamery. They produce minimally processed organic dairy products, so you’re getting the freshest taste in every sip. Strauss Family Creamery is located in Petaluma, California, giving Portola the opportunity to support a local farm and business. They aren’t kidding when they say the combination of the brewed beans and the milk with hook you from the first sip. Don’t just take my word for it, if you’re local, you’re going to want to make this a weekly stop.

| Alissa’s dress  – Anthropologie // Accessories – Stella and dot |

all photography by Miranda North

Portola Coffee Lab is located at the

OC Mix Mart
3313 Hyland Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

If you are local or traveling to Southern California this is a must stop on your list! I promise you will not be sorry and the rich smell of their delicious coffee with live with you throughout the rest of your day. It makes me smile just thinking about it. Guess where you’ll find me tomorrow?

xo, Alissa