22 Best Orange County Coffee Shops to Get Your Caffeine Fix

Looking for the best Orange County coffee shops? Here’s 22 places to get the best coffee in OC, whether you’re looking for the best coffee roasters, aesthetic cafes, or anything in between!

“Coffee, coffee, coffee.” As a girl whose day doesn’t officially start without her morning cup of coffee (and a Gilmore Girls fan), this is my life motto – I’m completely useless without it!

In recent years, there are tons of amazing coffee shops that have popped up all around Orange County. That’s great news for me and all other coffee lovers, because there’s plenty of places to get our caffeine fix!

There’s a coffee shop for everyone around here, whether you’re a coffee connoisseur looking for the best Orange County coffee roasters, an Instagram enthusiast looking for the most aesthetically pleasing cafes, or anything in between.

I’ve spent a lot of time looking for the best coffee in town, so I’ve rounded up 22 of the best Orange County coffee shops for you! Whether you’re looking for that perfect shot of espresso, most unique specialty drinks, or just a cozy local cafe to hang out in, read on to find out where you can go to find it…

Best Orange County Coffee Shops

Best Orange County Coffee Roasters

Portola Coffee Roasters

Portola is one of the OG third wave coffee roasters in Orange County. They’ve won many awards for their coffee since they opened in 2011. And over the years, many of their baristas have gone on to open their own specialty coffee shops, many of which are considered to be among the best in OC.

Founder Jeff Duggan was a chemist, and used science to create the perfect cup of coffee. You’ll find meticulously crafted drinks at Portola, made using the finest beans that are carefully roasted to bring out its unique flavors. Each drink is then meticulously crafted to create the perfect cup of coffee.

It’s the kind of place where coffee connoisseurs will love, but the casual coffee drinker can also enjoy as well.

I usually order a plain latte here, but they’ve also got a number of specialty drinks (I’ve ordered the iced rose + cardamom latte and enjoyed it!) and pour overs as well.

Location: 3313 Hyland Ave STE B2, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (inside SoCo and the OC Mix)

Sur Coffee

Sur Coffee travels and sources their beans from exotic locations around the world, while developing relationships with farmers and perfecting their roasting technique to create some of the best coffee in Orange County. 

Their mission is “Doing good … farm to cup,” which is painted on the wall in their flagship cafe in San Clemente. This means helping the coffee farmers they work with provide a better life for their families and communities. They also donate a portion of their proceeds to nonprofits.

So, you can feel good about enjoying the coffee here! The drinks highlight the high-quality beans they use here. You can also add one of their syrups, or add a cold foam (try the salted maple!) for a special touch.

The vibe of the cafes reflect the surfer chic vibe of the beach communities that they are located in. I especially love the whimsy surfer mural in their San Clemente location!

Locations: 
118 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
214 5th St #102, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

LAMILL Coffee

Lamill Coffee is an award-winning specialty coffee roaster who is serious about their coffee, likening it to fine wine. They are in a constant pursuit in offering coffees with unique flavor profiles, each roasted to bring out its distinctive properties. 

It’s definitely perfect for the coffee connoisseurs, but still feels accessible and not at all pretentious. Coffee snobs can get a brewed coffee or espresso shot so they can taste the quality of the beans. Or, you can get a latte with one of their house-made syrups (the salted caramel is my favorite here!).

The cafe is modern and elegant, with plenty of space to hang out in.

They no longer serve hot food, but they do have a selection of pastries in their case.

Location: 2420 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

Bear Coast Coffee

Bear Coast Coffee is one of the best specialty coffee roasters in South Orange County. They use top quality coffee beans, directly sourced from farmers who grow their crops responsibly. They also have a focus on using top-quality ingredients as well.

All the flavorings and syrups are made in-house and are absolutely delicious. You’ll find offerings such as lavender-infused caramel, nutmeg-accented vanilla, and dark chocolate ganache to add to your lattes. The horchata latte here is a favorite of mine!

In addition, they make their own almond milk daily, using only 3 ingredients – almonds, water, and dates.

They’ve expanded to have 4 cafes, but I love the San Clemente location because it is right across from the pier and you can enjoy your coffee with a view!

Locations:

618 1/2 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
34052 La Plaza #103, Dana Point, CA 92629
34201 Street of the Amber Lantern Unit B, Dana Point, CA 92629
1391 S Coast Hwy Unit A, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Stereoscope Coffee

Stereoscope Coffee is a Los Angeles-based specialty roaster, with two locations in OC (Newport Beach and Buena Park). Their mission is the “pursuit of depth and simplicity in coffee, in culture, in life.”

It’s got a hip, modern vibe. At the Newport beach location, if you look up, you’ll see what looks like a hologram up on the ceiling. This is rather a Renaissance painting that you can see with 3D glasses.

The focus is definitely on the coffee here, so I’d suggest ordering one of their standard espresso drinks or a pour-over. In fact, they use a NASA-designed pour-over system that factors human error into its consistency, to create the perfect cup of coffee while minimizing waits.

They do have a few specialty drinks, like a salted caramel latte and Spanish latte. There’s also a few matcha drinks here, which I’ve heard great things about.

Locations:

100 Bayview Cir Suite 1200, Newport Beach, CA 92660
4542 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621

Mameya Coffee Roasters

It’s all about the coffee beans at Mameya Coffee Roasters. They are one of the most unique Orange County coffee shops in the sense that they are a true coffee roaster. The focus is on the beans – you won’t find any specialty drinks here. The drink menu only consists of drip coffee, pour over, cold brew, and cafe au lait. 

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve gotta check this place out and buy a bag of beans! You’ll find barrels of different beans, along with signs that point out the flavor notes in each bean. They will then roast them for you on the spot, according to your preferences.

I love getting my beans here, because the service is so friendly and personalized. You can be sure that they are perfectly suited to your tastes, not only in the flavor, but also the roasting level. 

Location: 27931 La Paz Rd E, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters

Lion & Lamb’s motto is “change the world, start with coffee” and when you grab coffee here, you’ll be doing good. The company donates its profits to a number of charities, which support a variety of causes including feeding the needy, providing clean water access, and planting trees to restore the earth.

In addition, they source some of the best coffee beans on the planet, and work to ensure that the farmers are paid a living wage.

I love the specialty drinks here! They have a rotating menu with seasonally inspired drinks, but I keep coming back to the salted coffee latte (which is available year-round). 

There’s plenty of seating, and I love the fun murals both on the outside and inside. I also enjoy checking out the merch for sale – they sell some plants here too!

Location: 3186 Pullman St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

MoonGoat Coffee

MoonGoat Coffee‘s values that drive what they do are “People, Product, Place” and you can see the emphasis on all three here. This is what has led them to be continually named as one of the best coffee roasters in Orange County.

They source the finest beans from over 15 countries, and meticulously roast them to bring out the best of them. The menu is full of meticulously crafted drinks, including the famous churro latte, which I highly recommend!

The space is cozy and inviting, with giant couches, spacious seating areas, and a large outdoor patio. MoonGoat also embraces its OC roots and its community, providing top-notch, friendly service. They also support creatives and students as well. 

There’s also an emphasis on sustainability, through both its coffee growers and distribution practices.

Locations:
5171 California Ave unit 100, Irvine, CA 92617
1985 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
980 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Succulent Coffee Roasters

Succulent Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company with 2 locations around OC, both located near the beach. Their mission is to help people drink coffee that they can feel good about.

You’ll find a menu with espresso drinks, including some delicious seasonal drinks. They also serve a rotating selection of single origin coffees and blends. You’ll also find some delicious breakfast items, along with pastries here. 

Coffee connoisseurs can also sign up for their subscription service to try the different blends. For every bag purchased, $2 is donated to a non-profit that helps foster development in coffee growing regions.

I love the branding and merch here! They have some fun items for sale with the cute succulent logo. I picked up a tank top here, and I wear it all the time.

Locations:
17196 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
272 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cute Coffee Shops in Orange County

Coffee Dose

The trendy Coffee Dose bills itself as “not your grandma’s coffee shop,” which sums it up perfectly. It’s constantly pushing boundaries with cheeky branding and a bit of an attitude. Their cafes are also super aesthetic, and definitely some of the cutest coffee shops in Orange County!

They refer to their coffees as “anti-bitch serum,” and their baristas are called “vibe dealers.” Where they shine is in their specialty drinks. You’re not going here for your perfectly crafted single-origin coffee drink – you’re coming here for their fancy lattes infused with Vital Protein collagen, organic turmeric, house-made syrups, or even CBD or MCT oil.

My go-to is the Basic Bitch, which is a vanilla latte that comes topped with their house-made sweet cream which is to die for!

Coffee Dose has a number of locations around Orange County, but my favorite is the flagship location in Costa Mesa. Not only is it highly Instagrammable (definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in OC), they’ve also got an expanded food menu, as well as wine and cocktails (you’ve gotta try the espresso martini!). 

On the menu is a variety of breakfast dishes (eggs, waffles, chilaquiles, and more), as well as salads and sandwiches. I am also *obsessed* with their honeycomb ricotta toast – sooo good!

Locations:
Flagship (2675 Irvine Ave, Suite E, Costa Mesa, CA 92627)
MicroDose Drive-Thru (1914 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627)
Clubhouse (23382 Mill Creek Drive, Laguna Hills, 92653)
Dose in a Box (7 Corporate Park, Irvine, CA 92606)

Oslo Coffee Co.

This is my neighborhood coffee shop! Oslo Coffee Co. is located in Ladera Ranch, which is deep in the suburbs and not necessarily where you’d expect to find a cute, trendy, specialty coffee shop.

So, I was super excited when Oslo opened up, and even more excited that it turned out to be one of the best coffee shops in Orange County!

Oslo is women-owned by a mother and daughter duo, and draws inspiration from their Norwegian heritage. You’ll find this reflected in their specialty drinks, food menu, and decor (which is super cute and Instagram-worthy!).

The specialty drinks are so unique here, especially the seasonal offerings. However, I find myself always coming back to the Scandinavian, which is on the main menu, which comes infused with cardamom, Icelandic lava salt, and comes topped with star anise. It’s got cozy vibes for those chilly days, but I also really enjoy the iced version on a hot day as well!

One awesome thing about Oslo: they don’t upcharge for alternative milks.

They have some incredible food offerings, including some Scandinavian items such as lefse and a Norwegian salmon focaccia sandwich. On the weekends, they have a selection of Scandinavian pastries as well, including cardamom buns.  I was super excited about this since I’d been hunting down since I became obsessed with them after a trip to Stockholm!

Location: 25642 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite E1, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

Neat Coffee

Neat Coffee is a bit of a hidden gem, a bit tucked away that you might miss it if you don’t know where to look. 

It’s a bit small and cozy, but you’ll still find people hanging out, studying, or working on their laptops. It’s cute and modern, with plenty of natural light.

The coffee here is awesome, especially their peanut butter cookie latte, which is a house specialty. They’ve also got a rotating menu of monthly specials, as well as your standard espresso drinks, matcha, and more. 

There’s an emphasis on community here, and they host a number of events, including a movie night, popups, and even a run club.

It can be a bit hard to find, and parking is limited (we parked a few blocks away), but you’re in for a treat!

Location: 1922 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Vacancy Coffee

Located across from River Jetties, a popular local surf break, Vacancy Coffee is owned by two Aussie transplants who were craving a post-surf coffee spot. When they found a vacancy on PCH, well, Vacancy Coffee was born. 

The storefront is rather unassuming, and just driving by it, you wouldn’t know that it houses one of the best coffee shops in OC. The inside is pretty small, but inviting, with plenty of light, wood accents, and plants. There’s a curated selection of local surf-inspired merchandise as well.

There’s a lovely patio outside, accented with a whimsy mural by Ty Williams, the perfect backdrop for your coffee pics.

The drinks here are excellent. My boyfriend, who’s go-to is a Flat White, often complains that other places make a mediocre version of it, but the one here was excellent. I ordered an iced lavender latte, which was perfect for enjoying on a sunny day.

They have a selection of pastries, and breakfast items here – the breakfast burrito here is supposed to be legendary!

Location: 6480 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Morning Lavender

Morning Lavender is best known as a clothing brand and boutique, but has a cafe in the back of their flagship location in Tustin. Both the shop and cafe are super cute, with feminine details that reflect the style of the clothes they carry.

The coffee is awesome as well! Try one of their signature lavender drinks (it’s in the name after all!), crafted with their house-made syrup. I highly recommend the iced lavender latte, which comes with salted cold foam on top – yum!

They’ve also got a selection of yummy pastries, and have an afternoon tea service as well. It’s very popular, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance! If you prefer, they also have to-go tea boxes, which are perfect for your own gatherings (we got them for our friend’s bridal shower and they were perfect), or you can consume them on site. Just make sure you order them in advance.

Location: 330 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92780

Hidden House Coffee

Nestled under a canopy of trees, Hidden House Coffee is located in an adorable yellow. It’s located in the heart of the historic Los Rios District in San Juan Capistrano, which has quaint small town vibes, like something you’d find in Stars Hollow.

It’s got a cozy, inviting atmosphere, perfect for meeting friends or hanging out. I enjoyed my drink on the large outdoor patio, soaking up the beautiful weather and watching the world go by.

You’ll find your espresso drinks, some seasonal drinks, and a selection of delicious house-made syrups (try the maple bourbon!). You can also get drip coffee, tea, cold brews, pastries, and more.

It’s located right near the train station, and the perfect place to stop for a cup of coffee on your way to explore the Mission, or other San Juan Capistrano attractions.

Location: 31791 Los Rios St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Unique Coffee Shops in OC

Play Coffee

Play Coffee has two locations, both of which are some of the most unique Orange County coffee shops. 

The first location is in Old Towne Orange, and is housed in an old Wells Fargo bank building. You can still see some of the teller windows, and it’s got high ceilings, tall windows, and some beautiful chandeliers. The grand bank building makes such a cool contrast against the whimsy, playful, and colorful branding!

There’s lots of open space and ample seating, so it’s one of the best coffee shops in Orange County to spend a few hours hanging out in.

The second location is in downtown Fullerton, and has a seating area that’s housed in an old shipping container. This location is smaller than the one in Orange, but also has an outdoor seating area.

They brew beans from a curated selection of roasters, and are known for their espresso tonics and the volcano latte, which is sweetened with Demerara brown sugar and topped with smoked sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty combination. I also really enjoy their cardamom latte!

You can also order your standard espresso drinks, pour overs, and teas. They even have a whole matcha menu, where you can select from several varieties and get it neat, as a latte, or a tonic.

Locations:
100 N Orange St Orange, CA 92866
128 W Commonwealth Ave Fullerton, CA 92832

Dripp 

As you walk into Dripp, you’ll find that it has such an inviting ambiance that is perfect for hanging out in.The decor is cozy yet modern, with a beautiful tiled floor, exposed brick, high wood ceilings, cool light fixtures, and even a cool book wall.

It’s the perfect space to meet a friend for coffee, to study or get some work done, or even get lost in a good book.

The drinks are excellent as well. They are known for their specialty lattes, specifically the Spanish latte. Another popular choice is the Bru La La, which is essentially a creme brulee latte with a bruleed top! And, if tea is more your thing, they’re known for their lavender matcha latte as well.

If you’re looking for a unique drink, try the Platonic Fizz, which is an espresso tonic infused with yuzu. I wasn’t so sure about the combo when I first saw it, but I *had* to try it because I love anything and everything yuzu. And guess what? Somehow the combination just works – the tartness of the yuzu balances out the bitterness of the espresso perfectly.

They also serve some delicious pastries, and have ice cream sandwiches as well. You’ll also find breakfast sandwiches on the menu as well, if you’re looking for something more substantial.

If you’re looking to buy some coffee beans, they also have a 3 for $39 deal, so you can try out different varieties for a great price. They are packaged in some well-designed boxes, and make excellent gifts as well (especially during the holidays)!

Location: 500 N Harbor Blvd suite b, Fullerton, CA 92832

Thank You Coffee

Thank You Coffee has such unique specialty drinks, which all have an Asian influence. Everything on the menu was inspired by the owners’ Chinese/Cantonese American background and upbringing in the San Gabriel valley.

Some of the drinks on the menu include a Five Spice latte, a Hojicha latte (SO good), and a Pandan blue milk latte (which you can also add to one of their other drinks, which makes a delicious combo).

I first found out about Thank You Coffee on Instagram and saw that they had an okonomiyaki inspired toast (the OK savory toast) and I *had* to check it out! I am glad to report that it did not disappoint, and it’s definitely one of the best coffee shops in Orange County.

They have a number of other Asian-inspired toasts on the menu, including a yuzu ricotta and Kaya jam toast.

The decor is sleek and minimalistic, with wraparound wood benches that make an inviting atmosphere. They’ve also got the cutest cartoon cat logo!

Location: 255 N Anaheim Blvd Unit D, Anaheim, CA 92805

Little Ox Coffee

Similarly to Thank You Coffee, listed above, Little Ox Coffee offers delicious drinks with an Asian influence. Some of their signature drinks include a Pandan Latte Latte,made with house-made syrups; Mango Yuja Fizz, with mango and yuzu; and Genji Matcha, which uses ceremonial grade matcha.

Whatever you do, get your drink topped with their house-made salted cream, which adds an extra layer of yumminess. Their most popular drink actually is the Salted Cream Vanilla Latte, but you can add the cream to any beverage. I added it to my Brown Sugar Hojicha latte and it was such a perfect combination!

The space is airy and minimalistic, with greenery and wood details that were inspired by traditional Chinese tea houses. There’s plenty of seating, and they even have a glass study room which is perfect for when you are trying to get work done.

They also have a ton of yummy pastries, but get there early because they often sell out!

Location: 217 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832

Contra Coffee and Tea

Old Towne Orange is home to some of the best OC coffee shops, and Contra Coffee and Tea is one of the most unique. 

Contra refers to themselves as a “coffee and tea taproom,” taking the best of a craft brewery and combining it with the elements of a good coffee shop. 

You won’t find any espresso drinks here. Their specialty are their nitro cold brews, some of which are served directly from a tap (others are shaken). One of the owners has a food science background, which she uses to craft perfect “beverage formulas.”

You’ll find a variety of creative concoctions, including a Dirty Horchata (espresso roast with horchata), Lovebirds (coffee oolong milk tea), Kuya Latte (with ube), and Strawberry Fields (a strawberry matcha latte), all made with oat milk. If you want to try a few, you can even order a flight!

The space is light, airy, and laid-back, perfect for catching up with friends or working on some creative endeavors. They also display art from local creatives, and even have a vintage shop in the back.

Location: 115 N Orange St, Orange, CA 92866

Hopper & Burr

Located in downtown Santa Ana (fun fact: it’s located in OC’s first skyscraper), Hopper & Burr has a minimalistic storefront and a simple menu so that it can focus on one thing: making good coffee.

It’s consistently ranked as having some of the best coffee in OC, specifically the espresso drinks. The baristas here really know what they’re doing, so you’ll get the perfect cup every single time.

They also have specialty teas and serve beer and wine as well! There’s also a few food options and pastries too.

Hopper and Burr is pretty tiny, so it’s not the kind of place where you hang out for a while, but it’s definitely worth stopping in for an awesome cup of coffee! 

Location: 202 W 4th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Mayfield

While Mayfield is technically more of a restaurant rather than a coffee shop, I had to include it here as they have some of the best coffee in Orange County. It’s also consistently ranked on many best OC restaurants lists!

During daytime hours from Wednesday-Sunday, you can stop in to enjoy their coffee program. They’ve got excellent espresso drinks, as well as some unique specialty lattes. I really enjoyed the cardamom rose latte here.

They also serve brunch and lunch during these hours, and their menu features Californian cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Mayfield also has some excellent cocktails, including a delicious espresso martini!

I love the beautiful space here – it’s light, airy, and modern, with large windows and high ceilings. 

They’ve also got a marketplace which sells a curated selection of specialty foods, natural wines, home goods, cookbooks, and more.

Location: 31761 Camino Capistrano Suite 5-6, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

What are some of your favorite OC coffee shops?

More Orange County content you may enjoy:
The Ultimate Orange County Bucket List
Best Orange County Photo Spots
Fun Things to Do in San Juan Capistrano
Best Things to Do in San Clemente

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