Twelve Coffee Shops in Orange County You Must Try
There is something about the culture of coffee shops, and my obsession with coffee has quickly become a way of life. Whether visiting for the perfect latte, meeting friend for conversation, or enjoying a book for the afternoon, here are twelve of my favorite local coffee shops (in no particular order) around coastal Orange County.
Kit Coffee | @kitcoffee
Located right next door to the new Cafe Gratitude location in Newport Beach, this coffee shop has a cool interior space, with a small shop on the side. On the weekends, a florist sells beautiful arrangements for purchase. Whenever I am there at the right time, I always be sure to pick up a bouquet. Not only is the atmosphere worth talking about, but the meaning behind KIT (Keep In Touch) is a small glimpse of what coffee shops represent. Their almond milk matcha latte is my favorite on the menu.
To Visit:
1617 Westcliff Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Day Dream Surf Shop | @daydreamsurfshop
It's true, you don't have to daydream about it. This surf shop / coffee shop is an all-in-one curated heaven. Located in the coolest warehouse just a ways off 17th Street, this space is everything you could imagine. Proudly serving Sightglass coffee beans, you can drink your coffee (your favorite way) while browsing gorgeous surfboards, curated vintage, handmade ceramics, natural beauty, and independent designers. If that isn't enough for you, they also have a wall of selected books for purchase, or reading. Come say hi, bring your dog and give lots of love to the shop pup, Penelope.
To Visit:
1588 Monrovia Ave
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Neat Coffee | @neat.coffee
Neat coffee has got to be one of the loveliest little coffee shops in front of FLDWRK, located in Costa Mesa. Every time you walk into the coffee shop, you are greeted warmly like an old friend. I typically take my coffee black, or as an almond milk latte, but my favorite part of Neat is the amazing handmade syrups created every month. For example.. the month of June is toasted coconut. I mean... come on? They also source local handmade almond milk and amazing coffee beans, so you know you're getting the freshest cup of coffee. They also have local kombucha on tap!
To Visit:
270 Baker St Unit 200
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hidden House Coffee | @hiddenhousecoffee
Home of the best vegan chocolate chip cookie you will ever have. If you know me personally, you know how much I love chocolate chip cookies so when I tried theirs for the first time, I knew I had to tell my local cookie loving community. Not only are their homemade pastries delicious, but their coffee is a solid ten. I typically go with an almond milk latte or an iced chai here.
To Visit:
511 E Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Aussie Bean | @theaussiebean
Aussie Bean is located in the corner of Old Towne Orange. As I was going through my taxes from last year, I could close my eyes and scroll through my expenses and, guarantee, I'd most likely land on an Aussie Bean statement. That's how many times I went in 2016. Aussie Bean does a latte like no other. There is something about their beans and the way they make it... sometimes I think they are actually magicians. I either have become a creature of habit, or they just know my order as soon as I walk through the door. Their lattes (or flat whites) get me every time. Dark, smooth, just the right amount of crisp warmth. Just how I like my men. Wait, did I say that out loud?
To Visit:
112 E Maple Ave
Orange, CA 92866
Vacancy Coffee | @vacancy_coffee
Coffee isn't the only thing this coffee bar is doing right. If you haven't seen them on Instagram yet, go check them out. You will soon realize how perfect their branding is. Going to school in the Arts, I take appreciation for well-executed branding and minimal design. You know, minimalism isn't as easy as it looks sometimes. How do you make your company stand out from the rest when you are taking a simplistic approach to design? Vacancy Coffee Bar will show you.
To Visit:
6480 W Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Portola Coffee | @portolacoffee
A cool little coffee shop vibe located at SoCo. With lots of table space, this coffee shop is ideal if you want to spend an all day-er. With other restaurants and local venders within the collection, you can get a nice cup of coffee and answer emails, then meet friends for lunch or dinner. And you can also do some shopping and peek into the men's store around the corner, which is beautifully curated as well.
To Visit:
3313 Hyland Ave Unit B2
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hopper & Burr | @hopperandburr
Another coffee shop located in downtown Santa Ana is one you cannot miss. Located on the corner of a busy side street, as soon as you walk through the door you feel at peace. With floor windows and a bright white space, this spot is a minimalist's dream.
To Visit:
202 W. 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Bad Coffee | @bad.coffee
It's not what you think. The coffee isn't bad, but the vibes are. *insert cool sunglass emoji here* Was that a bad joke? But truthfully, the vibes and the coffee are equally as approving. Get down with your bad self. Alright I'll stop.
To Visit:
1534 Adams Ave Ste A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Common Room Roasters | @commonroomroasters
The coffee is great and the vibes are even cooler. Something about those Aussies.. they really know how to brew a killer cup of coffee. Chatting up with the owner made it easy to realize how down-to-earth and cool people can really be.
To Visit:
882 Production Pl
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Honor Coffee | @honorcoffee
A little coffee shop located in the new Lido Marina, this is the perfect stop for a morning coffee after a beach run. With big windows and a marble interior, table shots with coffee and a donut become instantly Instagram-ready.
To Visit:
3400 Via Lido Unit B
Newport Beach, CA 92663
Milk & Honey | @milkandhoneycoffeee
It is as cute as it sounds. Milk & Honey is an indoor/outdoor coffee shop, with a quaint backyard feel. Surrounded by foliage and chairs, feel free to sip your coffee, eat your breakfast or order macaroons with friends over good conversation. They are open late, and one evening I went with some close friends (and made new friends) while playing a game of Jenga and sipping on some hot coffee. Another favorite? Their iced almond milk matcha latte.