Mandarin Coffee Stand

Mandarin Coffee Stand is a small espresso counter tucked inside Pasadena's Burlington Arcade, under European flags, wrought iron chandeliers and a red phone booth, with a few tables along the arcade and very little room indoors. Its house Mandarin blend uses fair trade beans from Yunnan and Guatemala, and the stand works with several smaller roasters rather than a single source.

The menu leans on Chinese and wider Asian flavors, most notably Gui Hua, a latte built on osmanthus, a coffee milk tea called Toasty, and a pineapple espresso tonic made with housemade pineapple jam. A small corner sells beans, loose leaf tea and goods from local makers. Free wifi is offered, dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, and the stand opens daily from eight in the morning to three in the afternoon.