Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
I haven’t always been a coffee connoisseur. I used to run on what I call pure Lauren energy, but growing up and entering the world of the 9-to-5 will leave you craving caffeine—so why not enjoy it? While we’ve added a Breville espresso machine to our at-home morning lineup, there’s nothing quite like having a craft espresso drink made for you. And living in Orange County, I’ve come to realize its coffee scene is every bit as wonderful and diverse as its coastal (and inland) towns.
From a classic drip to a more elaborate latte, I’ve buzzed my way through quite a few OC coffee shops. Some have landed a spot on this list of what I claim to be the best coffee shops in Orange County, and I’m always discovering more, so think of this as a curated list that will continue to grow with each new find worthy of the title “best.”
Brot Coffee Co. – Orange
Opened on Main in 2016, Brot Coffee Co. quickly became my go-to during my later college years spent in Orange. My college roommates and I discovered it in 2017, when it was just a short drive from the house we lived in at the time. It instantly became part of our coffee and study routine. Brot is the German word for “bread” (pronounced “b-roht”—think “boat,” but with an r), and it couldn’t be more fitting. It’s minimal yet inviting, a spot that feels both local and worldly all at once.
Aside from its delicious coffees and teas, and true to its name, Brot is known for its Brot & Toppings menu — a lineup of deliciously made toasts made from a selection of fresh-baked breads. You can choose from options like Brioche, Olive & Thyme, Garlic & Rosemary, Campagne, and more, each with spreads or toppings that range from savory to sweet. My personal favorite pairing is the Squaw bread with Irish Butter — simple, but delicious. And depending on what’s available, it’s always worth purchasing (or pre-ordering) a full- or half-loaf to take home with you.
For drinks, I love their Italian Cappuccino or a White Mocha when I want something cozy and sweet. Whether you come for the coffee or the bread (or both), Brot has a way of making even working or studying more enjoyable!
Daydream Surf Shop – Newport Beach
When I interned for Urban Decay Cosmetics during the summer of 2018, I was lucky to have Daydream Surf Shop just down the parking lot. The shop, which opened in December 2016, is pure Orange County magic. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere stood out — more than your average surf shop or café. It felt like a thoughtfully curated space where California surf culture, specialty coffee, and home-goods design collided in the best possible way.
They have since moved, in November 2022, to a new location just down the street from the old one, and it is about twice the size, but still with the same laid-back magic as before! Inside, you’ll find the easy-going California beach vibe, but with a twist of art-gallery minimalism and a fabulous coffee bar. Whether you’re browsing the surfboard rack, apparel, or grabbing a freshly pulled espresso, Daydream makes it clear: this is a spot to stay awhile. My favorite orders here are simple: a Cappuccino or Maple Latte! If I’m treating myself to something unique, I’ll go for the Rose Cardamom Latte or one of their fun seasonal drink options.
If you’re in the Newport/Costa Mesa area and looking for a café with real character (not just your standard stop), Daydream Surf Shop is a beautiful blend of surf, design, and…caffeine!
Hidden House Coffee Roasters – San Juan Capistrano
Having settled further south in Orange County since our move back in 2022, we’ve found ourselves in San Juan Capistrano (SJC) more and more. One of our favorite coffee finds has been Hidden House Coffee Roasters, tucked just around the bend from the charming Los Rios Historic District and its iconic tree-lined street. The café takes full advantage of the historic surroundings: housed in a cozy 1890s cottage, shaded by trees, and the sound of the nearby train station adds just the right amount of noise.
Hidden House has grown beyond its original roots in SJC, now with a smaller café and roastery in Santa Ana. The founder is a second-generation Marine who opened up the Los Rios spot when he returned from deployment back in 2010, at only 21 years old. It started as Hidden House Coffee, but added “Roasters” to its name in 2013 when it acquired a coffee roaster and began roasting its own beans. While I haven’t visited that location yet, it’s high on my list—especially since they roast the beans there. I love that they’ve kept their heart in San Juan Cap while expanding their footprint, creating spaces that still feel intimate, intentional, and community-driven.
They have since continued to expand in Orange County, opening up their third location at the Plaza Pacifica Shopping Center in San Clemente during the summer of 2025.
Juliette’s Café & Coffee Culture – Newport Beach
While I will never say no to popping in for a takeaway coffee, Juliette’s Café & Coffee Culture is a sit-down coffee and breakfast experience, in my opinion. Nestled in Newport Beach on Westcliff Drive since late 2022, the space opens relatively early (7:30 a.m.) and runs through brunch hours (2:30 p.m.)—ideal for a long, slow weekend morning or afternoon.
What we love going for is not just the coffee (though honestly, I might claim their cappuccino as my favorite in all of Newport — maybe even all of OC). The real treat is ordering our drinks and sharing their incredible stack of blueberry pancakes (fluffy pancakes topped with blueberry compote and whipped cream) and pairing it with a side of eggs and extra-crispy bacon, naturally. The menu has plenty of brunch-perfect options (like tartines, French toast, or shakshuka), but every time we come, the pancakes + eggs-and-bacon combo wins. If you’re aiming for a relaxed brunch that still feels special, this is your spot.
Laguna Coffee Company – Laguna Beach
When our feline co-pilot, Todd, had a vet appointment in Laguna Beach, we stumbled upon Laguna Coffee Company and immediately bookmarked it for many, many future coffee stops. Nestled just off South Coast Highway, the shop is one of those hidden gems where the vibe feels inviting and relaxed rather than rushed. The owners roast on-site and emphasize local, fair-trade beans — it’s a coffee lover’s spot that still feels part of that laid-back Orange County coastal vibe of Laguna Beach.
What makes it a go-to for us is the breakfast and brunch touch that pairs perfectly with our coffee ritual. My favorite: one of their Honey Cinnamon Latte accompanied by something from their breakfast/lunch selection—maybe a baked good, or pastries from local friends. The fact that they support local bakers, florists, and artists makes each visit feel special, not just caffeine-fuelled. Alongside this, you’ll spot refrigerators stocked with raw milk, butter, and cheese, jars of tallow, and other local, nutrient-dense finds that cater to OC’s health-conscious crowd.
MoonGoat Coffee Roasters – Costa Mesa
If you ever happen to spot a bag of beans from MoonGoat, know it’s our go-to for the at-home espresso ritual with our Breville machine. MoonGoat first planted its roots in Costa Mesa as a specialty roaster and café, but since then, it’s grown and expanded to several locations. There’s even a smaller drive-through spot in Laguna Beach that we adore for its convenience and little splash of surf-town charm! Their MoonGoat Greenhouse location is quite possibly the coolest, though!
What I love most about MoonGoat is that whether you’re there for a quick pick-up or lounging with a craft bevvy, the drinks you enjoy and the beans you take home feel elevated and worth the ritual. Their flagship in Costa Mesa has that open-warehouse meets modern café aesthetic. Then there’s the Laguna Beach drive-through: perfect for a weekend morning when you’re skipping the line and want to grab something deliberate before heading to the beach or back home.
If I were recommending orders, I’d go with their single-origin pour-over if you’re in the mood to taste the beans. For something more every day, their cappuccino or flat-white is consistently tasty. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, go for an iced Churro Latte, and add banana cold foam if they have it! It’s like bananas foster in a cup! And if you’re stocking up for home, their bagged beans are consistently solid.
NEAT Coffee – Costa Mesa
There’s something about NEAT Coffee in Costa Mesa that instantly feels familiar. Tucked along Pomona Avenue, this light-filled café embodies the kind of California comfort that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. They describe themselves as “your friendly, neighborhood spot to enjoy some coffee & toast, chat with kind & knowledgeable baristas, and catch up with some of the city’s finest folks,” and that’s exactly the vibe.
They’re a multi-roaster shop, carrying beans from some of the most thoughtful and sustainable roasters around. My go-to here is a drip coffee (they rotate roasters, so it’s fun to see what they have), and if you’re in the mood for something cold and refreshing, their Jasmine Lime Iced Tea is super unique! Everything about NEAT feels intentional — peaceful, easygoing, and designed to offer a little retreat!
And just when you think you’ve experienced NEAT in full, it transforms. From 4:30–10:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, the café becomes Third Place, a cozy wine bar that feels like a natural extension of its daytime warmth. You can stop in for a casual glass, make a reservation for a wine night, or join one of their creative events — think Wine & Watercolor, Write & Wine Poetry Workshops, and more. It’s the kind of spot that encourages connection, creativity, and conversation — whether your cup (or glass) is filled with coffee or cabernet. But truly, the people of both NEAT and Third Place are what make both experiences in this building so special! They are so kind and welcoming.
White Sparrow Coffee – Tustin
If you’re thinking of heading into an underrated side of Orange County, this one might make driving into Old Town Tustin feel totally worth it: White Sparrow Coffee is tucked just around the corner from the main street and delivers on both vibe and flavor. What started as a coffee pop-up just before the pandemic in 2020 turned into a brick-and-mortar coffee shop in 2022. What I appreciate is how it turns a walkable downtown moment—side streets, boutiques and book shops, easy parking—into a destination for coffee lovers. It’s small in scale but big on character, making it one of those spots you’ll want to linger at itself, or take it as you walk and wander the old town, rather than just grab and get on to your next destination.
My go-to is their Vanilla Latte (they use real vanilla beans!) or the Spanish Latte when I’m feeling something different—both hit that sweet-meets-balanced spot. The pastry case has some solid gems, too! Croissant? Yes, please. The ambiance is minimalist but inviting, and because Tustin doesn’t always get the same coffee-buzz as some beach cities, it feels refreshingly relaxed. If you find yourself near Old Town Tustin with a free morning, this is a stop to make.
Orange County’s coffee scene is always changing — and that’s part of the fun. While the spots above are my current go-tos, there are still a few cafés high on my list to try:
- Bird Dog Coffee – Laguna Hills
- NUDAE Coffee – Costa Mesa
- Salty Horse – Costa Mesa
- Vacancy Coffee – Newport Beach
I have a feeling at least one of them (or others I still have yet to try) might earn a permanent place on this list of “the best” in OC.
As I keep sipping my way through OC, this guide will continue to evolve — because there’s always another hidden gem waiting around the corner (or tucked inside a strip mall, if you know, you know). If you’re local or have a favorite I haven’t tried yet, leave a comment below! I’d love to hear your recommendations and keep this list growing.