Five OC Coffee Shops You MUST Visit

MILK & HONEY OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF DRINKS INCLUDING AN ICED VANILLA CHAI LATTE.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILLIAN FERNANDEZ

 

By Jillian Fernandez

 

(An editorial review)

 

There’s more to life than a tall Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. Although we all know how the PSL is and forever will be a fan favorite, there is a world of coffee shops out there that have much more to offer. If you ever want to leave that green straw behind and add a little pizazz to your daily cup of Joe, here are five establishments that will be sure to change the way you experience your coffee. Ranging from eclectic to tranquil, these coffee shops may make you never want to return to your current go-to coffee place again. Check these unique places out for some good vibes and good coffee.

 

 

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JUNIOR HOLLY HOVNANIAN SITS AND ENJOYS HER BEVERAGE IN MILK & HONEY'S OUTDOOR SEATING AREA.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILLIAN FERNANDEZ

1. Milk & Honey

http://www.milkandhoneycostamesa.com/

2981 Bristol St.

Ste.  B6

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

 

Best Perks: outdoor seating area, free wifi, natural lighting

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

 

Milk & Honey is found within the CAMP, a unique green gathering spot filled with options for healthy and local dining in Costa Mesa. As you pull up into the parking spaces, note the phrases such as “Say hello to others” and “don’t worry exercise” painted onto each of the spots. Upon walking into the establishment, the first thing that will catch your eye is the natural lighting and artsy atmosphere.  It may be seen to some as a stereotypical “hipster coffee shop”, but Milk & Honey provides guests with a place just to relax. With indoor and outdoor seating, it is a great place to unwind after a long week on a lazy Saturday morning.

    The menu is quite impressive with options from shaken iced teas to organic coffee to delicious looking shaved ice. Junior communications studies major Holly Hovnanian opted for an iced vanilla chai latte.

    “I loved my drink. It was the perfect balance of spice and sweet. I also love how they offered almond milk in place of dairy. The place is truly lovely and I think I could sit here enjoying the natural sunlight all day. I highly recommend checking it out,” said junior communication studies major Holly Hovnanian.  

    Not only are the drinks a good option, they also offer sandwiches, quiches, and sweets like gluten free pumpkin bread. Delicious and nutritious! This place really promotes clean eating.  If you’re feeling adventurous try the “Milk & Honey special” shaved ice, which consists of strawberry ice with strawberries, bananas, kiwi and mochi, topped with red azuki bean.

    So if you’re looking for a place to take in the sunlight and take a break from those long days and nights of studying, look no further. Milk & Honey is the spot to take you away from reality even just for a couple hours. Note: parking may be limited during busy periods of the day.

 

2. The Koffee Klatch

1440 S. Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Best Perks: location (close to beach), delicious desserts, wide variety of drinks

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Friday-Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Located in the beautiful coastal city of Laguna, the Koffee Klatch is a great place to escape from reality. With its unconventional atmosphere, the Klatch offers guests a wide variety of drinks ranging from the familiar chai latte to a Mayan mocha. It’s a wonderful place to wander to in the afternoon when you can enjoy the sea breeze and breathe in the fresh air.

“I think it’s just a great place to get away from it all with some quality coffee.  I usually get the Mayan Mocha. It rocks my world. It’s this creamy coffee with just the perfect amount of cinnamon and sugar.  It’s my favorite drink and many of my friends agree that it’s the best thing there,” said junior health science major Ivana Kalika.

    This wonderful little sanctuary has both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoors, you’ll find the décor and ambiance especially lovely with its colorful lights. The best perk about this gem is definitely the location. If you’re ever in the area doing some boutique shopping or hitting up the beach, the Koffee Klatch is a must.  

 

3. Blue Frog Bakery  

http://www.cafelucca.com/

135 S. Glassell St.

Orange, CA 92866

Best perks: close to campus, plenty of seating, bakery treats

Hours: Sunday-Monday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

    Just about a five to ten minute walk from campus, just a block south of the circle, the Blue Frog Bakery offers a wide variety of sweet treats and coffee while also serving breakfast and lunch. Upon walking into the café, you’ll be greeted by a bright glass case full of sweets galore—brownies, cakes, pastries, and cookies.  There’s plenty of seating. Outside you’ll find mosaic tables and umbrellas, perfect for an outdoor lunch. Inside, the café is very spacious. With a loft that offers couches and more comfortable seating, there are many places to sit and enjoy snack or lunch.  

    Appropriate with its name and theme, you’ll spot many frogs in this abode. A perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and take a break from studying, this cute place will capture your heart. Equipped with that Old Towne Orange charm, you’ll want to keep coming back here.


 

4.  Veronese Gallery and Café

http://www.419cv.com/

419 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Fullerton, CA 92832

 

Best perks: friendly staff, homey atmosphere, art gallery

Hours: Monday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

    The Veronese Gallery and Café is unlike any coffee shop you’ve ever experienced. The café is a Korean style café, situated in a cute, lavish house with a full-blown art gallery and garden in its backyard. It’s an amazing concept to transform a house into an art gallery and café. While the drinks are a little steep in prices, it is the experience that you are paying for.

    Not only is it a great place to study, it is also a place where you can go on a casual date with its romantic ambiance and tranquil vibes. In the backyard, you’ll find the décor very homey and comfy. Complete with blankets, colorful lights, and coffee house music, you’ll most likely feel like you’re entranced by this place. The mood is warm and inviting. At one of the outdoor tables, you’ll find that encased under the glass table, there are notes written from previous guests.

 One of the notes reads “If you feel like the world is falling down on you and that nothing else matters, just remember that you matter and your mistakes do not define who you are. You are important.”

There’s plenty of seating and you’ll find that different zones outdoors have a different vibe to them. Being that the art gallery consists of art created by various local artists, it is as if you are transported to a different world. It’s a great place to wander.  Don’t let the menu scare you though since you may be alarmed by the fact that this place serves both ramen and spaghetti. There are a wide variety of iced and hot coffees, Asian health teas, fresh juices, and even shaved ice.

So if you’re ever in need of an art fix and the desire for a unique experience, this little refuge is the place to go. It’s just a short drive over to downtown Fullerton.  

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THE VERONESE GALLERY AND CAFE HOUSES CLEAR GLASS TOP TABLES WHERE VISITORS PUT HANDWRITTEN NOTES, TICKET STUBS AND INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES UNDER FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILLIAN FERNANDEZ

 

5. The Night Owl

http://www.thenightowlfullerton.com/

200 N. Harbor Blvd.

Fullerton, CA 92832

 

Best Perks: excellent customer service/friendly baristas, late hours

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m.

 

    Named “The Night Owl” for good reason, this little gem is located in the very vibrant and Historic Downtown Fullerton. Established in 2011 and seen as a Bohemian Coffee Experience to many, The Night Owl provides guests with a very eclectic space where one can come to relax and unwind, chat with friends on the comfy seating arrangements, or even study. Not only is this place very original in its décor, local art exhibits, and live music, there are even midnight movie screenings that take place outside where guests can enjoy films such as “the Big Lebowski”. While they provide a wide array of fair-trade coffees and teas, it was the blueberry latte that was highly recommended.

    “The reason I work here is because of this beverage. I used to work at Starbucks, and a co-worker had me try the blueberry latte and now I’m here. It’s an excellent choice,” said the Night Owl barista Lloyd.

    Imagine a warm, blueberry muffin fresh out of the oven and put it into beverage form. That is exactly what this delicious and sweet concoction tastes like. You won’t get anything like this unique blend of ambrosia, blueberry, and milk anywhere else.

    “That’s what’s great about here. Every drink tastes differently depending on who makes it for you. Each barista has his own twist on a beverage. If you steam the milk at a different angle or press the espresso for a different amount of time, it will affect how your drink turns out. There’s so much more freedom and I love that. At Starbucks, you’re never going to get that since there drinks are always consistent,” says barista Peter.

    So if you’re ever suffering from insomnia or just need a place to relax at 3 a.m., check out this Bohemian coffee house.

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COMPLETE WITH OWL DECOR, THE NIGHT OWL OFFERS AN ECLECTIC, BOHEMIAN VIBE TO ITS VISITORS.

PHOTO CREDIT: JILLIAN FERNANDEZ

 
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