I decided to make a Tik Tok Series where I visited different coffee shops in Orange County, and here are my thoughts.
Let me add a disclaimer that my opinion on coffee might not be the best, because I only really like iced sweet coffee options. BUT I did want to take into account the atmosphere, menu options, etc. When I went to each of these places, I asked for a recommendation from the workers and ended up with this.
Blk Dot Coffee | IRVINE, CA | – Iced VTMatcha
This was the first of the series and I love the Vietnamese inspired coffee options here. They have 4 locations in Irvine and 1 in Laguna Beach. There was so much flavor in this drink. I love how convenient this location was. I went to the newest location (VKCC Irvine). It’s located by business buildings and it was the perfect grab and go location. They also have a decent number of food options too. I ordered the Sausage and Egg toast and it was super good and filling.
Coffee Dose Cafe | COSTA MESA, CA | – Thicky Thicc
Coffee Dose has been on my list for so long. This by far is the most Instagrammable coffee shop I’ve been to. From the menu, the cups, the signs, the merch, the food items, everything was tasteful and amazing. I ended up getting the thicky thicc and I wish I had tried something else. I should’ve known better because I’m not a true coffee drinker so the americano was a little too strong for my liking but I’m sure true coffee drinkers would love it! It’s located in Costa Mesa and it shares a space with a hair salon so it’s pretty small. Parking can be difficult to find depending on when you go. But do it for the gram!!
Dripp Coffee | COSTA MESA, CA | – Spanish Latte
Super super impressed with Dripp Coffee! I went to the one located in South Coast Plaza and the workers were SO nice. When I went, the indoor seating wasn’t open due to covid but i’d love to go back when it is! It’s so bright and pretty inside. I got the Spanish Latte which was sooo yummy and not too sweet and I also got the ham and brie croissant which was SO good. They warm it up for you and it’s a little small but so delish. They’re opening back up their Fullerton location soon also so you have both options.
Morning Lavender | ORANGE, CA | – Lavender Latte
This goes out to all my fellow lavender lovers out there. Morning Lavender is in Old town Orange and it’s SO pretty. There is a clothing boutique that is connected with the cutest clothes and they even sell a couple items from different vendors in the coffee shop section. They have a good sized outdoor seating section and when it’s not covid, this place is hustling and bustling with cute brunch dates. I had to get the lavender latte and I tried the cinnamon pull apart bread that was really good too
Stereoscope Coffee Co | NEWPORT BEACH, CA | – Madagascar Vanilla Latte
I was pretty blown away with Stereoscope just because of the inside. They project a beautiful European esque background on the high ceilings and it’s just a whole vibe and more. It’s located by some business buildings in Newport and there’s a few outdoor tables and a couple inside that were closed when I went. The menu seemed to be very asian inspired and I’d love to try the strawberry milk which is supposedly a cult favorite here. They have another location in Buena Park as well. Not sure if the decor is the same, but this one transported me to a European museum.
The Lost Bean | TUSTIN, CA | – Caramel Macchiato
This is located in the newly built “Mess Hall” at the FLIGHT in Tustin. I went on a weekday when I was grabbing food from another restaurant in the building and a follower of mine recommended this place so I thought I’d give it a try. I asked the worker what she recommended since I like sweet and coffee drinks. She recommended this and it was really good! Less caramel than a Starbucks caramel macchiato and it had a hint of hazelnut flavor to it. They had a lot of menu items I wanted to try and even some seasonal options.
Able Coffee Roasters | HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA | – Sensory Latte
This coffee shop wins in my book. It’s basically a coffee shop that was founded to create paying jobs for those with disabilities. I love what they stand for and the drink was SO good. They have tons of food options and plenty of outdoor seats while the indoor is currently closed. They sell different Parking can be a little tough depending on when you go. Please support this business if you can!
Hopper & Burr | SANTA ANA, CA | – Iced Latte
I had a lot of people recommend this place. The inside is very minimalistic and pretty. The menu is pretty small but has all you need. One really cool thing about this place is that they make their own almond milk and with the leftover, they make their own ricotta that they put on toast. There’s plenty of indoor/outdoor seating here and located in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.
Play Coffee | FULLERTON, CA | – Volcano Latte
First off, I just have to start out by saying that the owner here is so nice! It was my first time here and Leon was so helpful and helped me understand the menu. This place is actually made out of shipping containers that his dad built. Leon spent years perfecting different recipes and Play Coffee opened about a year ago. I overhead a ton of people ordering the Volcano Latte so I had to check it out for myself. It was SO yummy. It had a slight woody taste to it but the perfect amount of sweetness paired with the amazing coffee taste. I highly recommend!
Philz | COSTA MESA, CA | – Mint Mojito
I know Philz isn’t only in Orange County, but I had to give this an honorable mention because I know this is a staple for so many people. The mint mojito was one of the only coffee drinks I liked *prior to this series. The mint pairs so well with the coffee and sweet and creamy is the way to go. They have a couple locations in Orange County and each one of them has a ton of seating and outlets. Great for studying!
Moongoat Coffee | COSTA MESA, CA | – The Churro
This was definitely one of my favorites that I went to. Someone recommended I get The Churro (which is a drink) and said that their pastries were really good. I got a chocolate chip cookie and it paired SO well with the drink. The inside is pretty spacious and there’s plenty of outdoor seating as well. I went on a weekday and it was super busy. This place is pretty popular but for a good reason. They also sell different items here like plants, coffee makers, and little trinkets. Will definitely be back soon.
Frame Coffee | FULLERTON, CA | – Strawberry Latte
Frame Coffee was one of my favorites as well. It gave me small town coffee shop vibes and everyone was super friendly. They have a few outdoor tables available and I could tell that this was a lot of people’s go to coffee shops. The inside is so pretty and looks like a house but in the best way. There were a lot of plants and greenery. They even sold dried flower arrangements that were so pretty. I got the Strawberry Latte and was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think that strawberry and coffee would go well but it really worked out. I’ll be back soon!
OCTOURGUIDE 