By Allison Mitchell By Allison Mitchell | November 21, 2023 | Food & Drink, Feature, Drink, Features, Featured, Food & Drink Feature, Food & Drink, Guide, Guides,
Whether you're looking for a local roaster, specially curated blend or even a coffee cocktail, here are the 13 best coffee shops in Orange County.
Founded by Jeff Clinard in 2014, Bear Coast Coffee has grown from a pop-up to a beloved brew house with locations in Dana Point, Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Grab a cup of coffee at its waterfront shop in San Clemente and head across the street to walk the pier while sipping a warm beverage accented by its in-house sauces and flavorings, from lavender-infused caramel to nutmeg-accented vanilla.
With four locations in Irvine, one in Laguna Beach and another in Orange, Blk Dot’s cult following is spread across Orange County thanks to its slow-dripped Vietnamese craft coffee.
Jeni and Oscar Castro—the entrepreneurs behind the Bronzed Bunny tanning, sugaring and body contouring empire—are giving their fans a caffeine kick “one anti-bitch serum at a time.” The cheeky shop in Costa Mesa features RX lattes in Instagram-worthy cups—from The Keto Queen with sugar-free hazelnut syrup to The Goldie with organic turmeric, cinnamon, vanilla bean syrup, oat milk and espresso. There's also the drive-thru Micro Dose on Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa for grab-and-go sips, and a brand-new coffee catering truck servicing the Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Inland Empire areas.
A surf shop meets coffee shop, Daydream is the brainchild of Becca Mantei and Kyle Kennelly. Opened in 2016, this Newport Beach spot on West 16th Street slings drinks while offering breakfast fare and access to its curated collection of surfboards and retail goods.
The brainchild of founder Rabih Sater, Dripp opened in downtown Fullerton in 2011. Expect hot pours highlighted by individually ground, locally roasted beans (of your choice) that are dripped one drop at a time.
As its name suggests, this charming shop near the San Juan Capistrano train tracks is a hidden gem that has served roughly 5 million cups of coffee in its 11-year tenure. Globally sourced beans ensure your cup is top-notch from start to finish, whether you visit the San Juan location or its flagship in Santa Ana.
The baristas at Hopper & Burr in Downtown Santa Ana are ready to make you anything you like with coffee sourced from around the world. From its classic pumpkin spiced latte—featuring a recipe that's remained untouched since 2016—to its Campfire Cappucino that's been garnering a following since 2012, Hopper & Burr takes an almost mad scientist approach to its artfully curated beverages. (P.S. the Hopper & Burr team just opened a cocktail pop-up we're equally excited about in Costa Mesa.)
The line out the door at this coffeehouse's locations in Newport Beach and Tustin should tell you it’s a popular place to be from morning until the late afternoon. Its single-origin coffees from myriad coffee growing regions rotate seasonally, and its organic loose-leaf hot and iced teas, matcha beverages and turmeric lattes are equally enticing.
This neighborhood outpost with locations in Newport Beach and Irvine is a local favorite thanks to its best-selling lattes and cold brew. Try one its myriad avocado toast combinations or a stuffed breakfast burrito to start your morning off right. Check out its rotating pop-ups and plants for sale while you’re at it.
With a no-frills flagship in Costa Mesa and additional shops in Laguna Beach and Garden Grove, MoonGoat is shining its light upon coffee lovers throughout Orange County. Since 2018, the dedicated MoonGoat team—led by president David Yardley and founders David Longridge and Mark Evans—has been sourcing its beans from a network of more than 15 countries. You can even book coffee education classes to learn espresso basics, latte art and more.
We know—you line up early for the insanely delicious doughnuts—but before the sugar rush, take a sip of Sidecar’s equally satisfying coffees, including its very own vintage blend. We’re also sweet on its caramel latte, Vietnamese iced coffee and black onyx mocha. As for the decadent confections, order a variety box and grab classics, like Saigon cinnamon crumb, and seasonal flavors, like huckleberry.
Quaint yet charming, Vacancy Coffee is the perfect pre-beach stop. Explore its tasty menu featuring beans from Partners Coffee Roasters that are roasted in Brooklyn, N.Y. and served fresh in Newport. Newport Beach, vacancycoffee.com
Since 2011, this family-owned coffee shop and cafe in San Clemente has kept locals coming back for more with its full-service coffee bar plus breakfast, brunch and lunch. Its coffee provides a taste true to ZebraHouse—the owner’s family small-batch roastery provides every organic bean. Pair your sip with a gluten-free or vegan muffin—baked fresh daily, of course.
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