Blk Dot Coffee

I have tried many coffee shops throughout Long Beach and this is now by far my favorite. Excellent Vietnamese coffee and kind staff - cannot recommend the Hot Spicy Honey Oat Milk Latte enough. Will now have to make a weekly visit after my grocery runs to Trader Joe’s next door!

Don't let the modern decor fool you. This local OC chain is serving up some authentic Vietnamese Coffee aka VTM.

ITEM'S ORDERED:

VTM (Original Vietnamese Coffee)
VTMatcha (Vietnamese Coffee + Matcha)

TASTE:

The VTM here is well made & what I expect from a good Vietnamese coffee. Strong dark roast coffee flavor balanced out (not overtaken) by the sweetness of condensed milk. Coffee strength is quite present so I could see this maybe being too strong for some people. I do see they also offer a lighter version as well. Towards the middle/end it did get somewhat too sweet & creamy for me, but I am a big strong coffee fan.

VTMatcha is exactly what the name implies. For the matcha fans, the ratio of matcha to coffee is on the matcha side. & On the plus side the earthy matcha flavor is not lost. So it comes together with the Viet coffee to make a tasty drink.

SERVICE, LOCATION, & PARKING:

Service was very good right when we walked in. Cashier was friendly & the girl who gave the drinks to me was kind as well. Just FYI, they don't accept cash.

It's a pretty small interior with no inside seating. Pretty sure it's not just a covid thing since I don't see where they'd even put inside tables/seats. Looks like there were 3 tables outside. Interior is a simple, clean look which is still inviting. I like how the ceilings are high to make the small place seem larger.

This BLKdot is located Marketplace Long Beach (corner of PCH & 2nd Street) with several other businesses (Trader Joe's, Veggie Grill, etc). There's ample amount of parking & I found a spot right in front on an early Saturday afternoon.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Little bit pricey here since you are buying from a newer/modern coffee shop in a nicer area. The VTM was basically $6 while the VTMatcha was basically $7.

BLKdot is under the same "umbrella" as the popular 7 Leaves, if you've ever been. I would say this coffee here is stronger (but similar flavor) than the house coffee at 7 Leaves. Which makes sense since the VTM does not have the sea foam to subdue/counter balance the coffee strength.

It they used crushed ice I'd be even happier. Just makes it that much better to me. Pretty sure most of my 7 Leaves drinks have had crushed ice. They need to bring that here!

They use bamboo straws which hold up much better than paper & are more eco friendly than plastic. I like this.

Could you find a similar (maybe better?) Vietnamese coffee at a more "mom & pop" location for lower cost? Yes

Could you serve the VTM to your Vietnam born auntie & they'd give it the stamp of approval? Yes

Would your Vietnam born auntie approve of this price? No

Would I come here again? Yes

This coffee place is SO good! My husband and I are coffee addicts. We get Starbucks everyday and Philz on the weekend, but this is our new favorite place. The drinks are so yummy and flavorful. We love the iced Carmel Macchiato and iced Honey Bee Latte. You will not be disappointed!!

Over-roasted. I got a dry cap and it tastes burnt, despite the claim that the espresso is a “medium roast.” This is Starbucks at third-wave prices. No comment on the vtm coffee I didn’t try it. Baristas we’re nice though.

I've never been to a place that is so stingy and weird with putting less ice in the coffee. If you want light ice, they make such a big deal about it. This happened both times I came here. They said they can do light ice but there will be room on the top. I said ok. I was still handed a coffee with 3/4 of the cup filled with ice cubes? Sorry but people don't want their $7 coffee to be gone after 4 sips. The coffee is overpriced. The workers aren't friendly. It's just not worth it and I won't be coming back.

AMAZING Vietnamese coffee. That being said - $7 for a coffee that’s over 50% ice kinda stinks. Wish they’d change that. Shrinkflation is real.

Tried the VTM and it was good, a little too strong for my liking but thankfully I also got the Dulce VTM? Something like that? That one was a little softer and sweeter so I enjoyed it. I think it’s a cool spot with lots to choose from, I’ll be coming back for more.

Ive heard great things about this place and wanted to try it out. Couldn’t even order because this establishment doesn’t accept cash. Very inconvenient.

I order my drinks online so they are ready when I pick k up. Excellent coffee and Chai tea.

I love you place but today I noticed your employee violating some health code violations. Eating, touching hair, touching clothes and all without washing their hands while making my drink. I was a trainer in a restaurant before my current job so I thought is let you know before anyone that matters notices.