Saturday, September 23, 2023

My Favorite Coffee Shops in Orange County

Orange County, California, is a place where endless beaches, vibrant communities, and a laid-back lifestyle come together to create an atmosphere that's nothing short of captivating. And for those who share a deep passion for the rich, aromatic elixir known as coffee, Orange County is also a hidden haven waiting to be explored. Whether you're a dedicated caffeine connoisseur or simply someone seeking a cozy spot to unwind and finish some assignments, this sunny slice of Southern California has something exceptional in store for you.


In the quest for the perfect blend of good vibes, good coffee, and yummy food, OC's coffee culture offers a delightful blend of specialty brews, unique settings, and a community of coffee enthusiasts who take their love for the science seriously. From the bustling streets of Costa Mesa to the serene vibes of Laguna Beach and the quaint corners of Anaheim, the coffee scene here is as diverse as the county itself.


Join me on a journey as we delve deep into the heart of OC, uncovering the hidden gems and local favorites that make this region a true coffee lover's paradise. Whether you're a local looking for your daily caffeine fix or a visitor seeking a taste of the SoCal coffee scene, this guide will help you navigate the best coffee shops Orange County has to offer. Prepare to be enchanted by the aromas, flavors, and stories brewing in this delightful corner of California, where every cup tells a tale and every sip is a sensory adventure.


Hola Adios

The first shop on the roster is Hola Adios. This spot has two different locations, one in Costa Mesa and another in Old Town Tustin. 

Hola Adios is known for their delicious coffee and fun food menu. Each location has a different food menu; Costa Mesa is known for their breakfast burritos and pacos (pancake tacos) and the Tustin location has a mix of biscuit sandwiches and toasts. 

Food: 9/10 - A bit pricey

Drinks: 10/10 - I have NEVER had a bad latte here!

Study-ability: 5/10 - They have Wi-Fi, but it's always so crowded that it can be difficult to get work done. 



Coffee Dose 

Another popular shop is Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa. Coffee Dose has a few other locations, but I feel like this is the best one to talk about because it's their flagship location. AKA full food menu, cocktails, and ample seating. 

This coffee shop is known for their silly sayings on cups and their specialty RX lattes. The inside is a stunning pink and green retro vibe and the music is always fun. It's a perfect Instagrammable location to get the group together and hit up. Fair warning, the line can get crazy long so be prepared to wait a little bit!

Food: 10/10 - The food is amazing and I think it's reasonably priced for what you get!

Drinks: 10/10 - Their roast is a dark chocolate and fruity exotic blend. They also have almond milk, raw almond milk, and oat milk as milk substitutes! 

Study-ability: 0/10 - NO Wi-Fi here and it can get super loud!



NUDAE Coffee 

NUDAE is a relatively new coffee shop as they only opened up earlier this year in 2023. However, their seasonal lattes are amazing and I think they quality for the BEST breakfast burrito in Orange County. The have the BEST staff and the cutest minimalist interior. I highly recommend the coconut caramel latte. 

Food: 8/10 - I have only tried a few of their pastries and their breakfast burrito, but I stand by the breakfast burrito being my favorite one in town.

Drinks: 7/10 - The seasonal lattes are delicious but their vanilla latte is fantastic.

Study-ability: 10/10 - They have Wi-Fi, perfect round tables for homework and textbooks, and a peaceful environment. 






5 comments:

  1. Ok, I'm definitely adding these to my list! I know it's a cliche to study at a coffee shop but there's something about getting out of the house or library to help with focus. For me, its the ambient noise of people talking, keyboard clicking and other common coffee shop noises.

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  2. I absolutely love Coffee Dose! I work right down the street and always have to make a stop there when I need a sweet treat before my shift. I just recently started ordering their drink called the "Quickie" and it is so good. As for study-ability, it is definitely not the most peaceful place to get work done. I cannot wait to try your other recommendations.

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  3. I don’t get to spend too much time in the OC area as I commute but absolutely love coffee! I love it too much it’s a problem. I keep my own little list of pins on Google Maps for my favorite coffee shops in the LA area. Hopefully I can get around to trying these out as well. Thanks for the reccomendations!

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  4. Thank you so much for this list!! I usually just stay close to campus for coffee shops but I need to go to Coffee Dose!

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  5. I just recently started drinking coffee again, so I’ll definitely visit these sometime soon. I really like how you included the rating on the food and drinks because I always get something to go with my coffee. I also really like the interior of some of these places, so I wouldn't mind stopping by.

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