You may be familiar with the struggles of starting your own enterprise–or perhaps you like supporting the #ShopSmall movement–or maybe your business model includes giving back to your community. These are all good reasons for skipping Starbucks the next time you have a meeting on the agenda. Why not suggest a local business instead? Whether you’re an entrepreneur without a permanent space or a full-time jobber with a side hustle, there is coffee shop in Orange County to fit your needs. In no particular order, here is a short list for your consideration.
Coffee Nature (Costa Mesa) @occoffeenature
WiFi: Yes. .
Seating: Indoor and outdoor tables are great for casual meetups.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.Aesthetic: Comfy with a lovely staff.
Comments: Hidden gem with selfie-worthy cups, avocado toast, and house-made syrups. Close to South Coast Plaza and three freeways.
Kit Coffee (Newport Beach) @kitcoffee
WiFi: Limited to one hour.
Seating: Stools, benches, and two-tops.
Power outlets: Very few.
Aesthetic: Scandinavian-chic, and just a little “too cool” for us all.
Comments: Good for Power Suit Monday or Casual Friday. Sometimes the music can echo a bit loudly.
Common Room Roasters (Newport Beach) @commonroomroasters
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Space, seats, multiple rooms, indoor, outdoor, stools, tables, galore.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: Muted tones, plants, glass, and steel.
Comments: One of the most important roasters in Orange County—but sometimes they have a (very talented) DJ performing, which could interfere with conversation.
Rosetta Coffee Brewing Co. (Laguna Niguel) @rosetta_cbc
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Plenty of four-tops. Vintage armchair. Industrial high-top.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: Equal parts rustic and comfy.
Comments: Consistently delicious menu, inventive drinks, and even board games—if it’s that kind of meeting!
Hopper & Burr (Santa Ana) @hopperandburr
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: More open space than seating. Some two-tops and stool seating.
Power outlets: Just a few.
Aesthetic: Minimalism, natural light, and the occasional magic show.
Comments: Access to Downtown and Civic Center. For serious coffee drinkers only.
Bardot Bars & Coffee (Tustin) @bardotbarsandcoffee
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Enough. Comfortable.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: Open spaces, coffee bean sacks, and neon signs. More than one wall deserving of a pre-meeting selfie–including an epic mural outside.
Comments: Central location, close to several city limits and freeways.
The Coffee Tale (Huntington Beach) @thecoffeetale
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Quirky, yes, but a nice ice breaker.
Power outlets: Just a few.
Aesthetic: Eclectic and exotic. Has authentic Turkish coffee.
Comments: Just off the freeway. In the Old World Village.
Steelhead Coffee (Laguna Hills) @steelheadcoffee
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Lovely patio, stools facing the outside, three two-tops.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Comments: Close to Irvine and both freeways. Surprisingly elevated (but limited) food menu. Knowledgeable baristas brewing several local roasters.
Ellie’s Table (San Juan Capistrano) @elliestable
WiFi: No.
Seating: Indoor and outdoor. Many more tables than their North Beach S.C. location.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: In a historic house! Chic details.
Comments: You’ll be able to take your time here. Incredible selection of food and drinks.
Tru Bru Organic Coffee (Orange) @trubrucoffee
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Two- and four-tops, communal high-top, bar seating, and even couches in front of a fireplace!
Power outlets: Abundant.
Aesthetic: Warm and homey. Staff is so kind.
Comments: They roast their own coffee and have a great food menu, too. Beware of students from the nearby college taking up the seats for extended periods of time.
The Aussie Bean (Old Town Orange) @theaussiebean
Wifi: No.
Seating: Everything from a leather couch to communal high tops to regular ol’ tables.
Power outlets: Satisfactory.
Aesthetic: Open and airy with a view of the kitchen.
Comments: Simple menu. Central location. Okay to stay a while.
Intentional Coffee (Fullerton) @intentional.coffee
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Plenty, indoor and out.
Power outlets: Satisfactory. Might need to look up!
Aesthetic: Comfortable. The walls feature quotes, greenery, and art.
Comments: Right off the 5 and 91 freeways. Lots of pastries and milk substitute options.
KRISP Fresh Living (Irvine) @krispfreshliving
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Lots of twotops, communal tables, and a chic couch.
Power outlets: Often sharing a power strip.
Aesthetic: Succulents, mixed materials, and clean lines.
Comments: They sell everything from rose lattes to acai bowls to small batch chocolates to fresh juices to made-daily sandwiches. Beware: parking can be difficult midday.
Crew Coffee (Newport Beach) @crewcoffeeandcremerie
WiFi: Hotel’s.
Seating: Two-tops, indoor and out.
Power outlets: Not many.
Aesthetic: Big, light, and bright. Upscale, nautical chic. Plus: ice cream!
Comments: Located in the Lido House Hotel. Plenty of lawn seating and adjacent to the restaurant, if your meeting goes into overtime.
Rapport Coffee (San Clemente) @rapportcoffee_by_cafesmith
WiFi: Yes.
Seating: Two-tops and bench seating.
Power outlets: A few.
Aesthetic: Minimalist with handmade details.
Comments: Right off the freeway in an unassuming shopping center, which has ample parking unlike the other coffee shops in the area.
Portola Coffee Roasters (@portolacoffee) and Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders (@bodhileafcoffee) both have multiple locations around O.C.–but the coffee quality is still there. Plus, every location has more than enough seating for your office hours or a meeting.
Honorable Mentions:
The Cellar in San Clemente (@sccellar) is a brilliant place to have a business lunch (Tuesday through Friday) because it’s not too busy, until you hit “Ecstatic Hour.” Although not technically a coffee shop, they have a dedicated coffee bar and pastry case. Settle into one of four high-backed armchairs with a lavender caramel latte, glass of Frozé, craft beer—or a charcuterie plate, curated by their expert cheese-monger.
FLDWRK (pronounced “fieldwork”) in Costa Mesa is an amazing co-working space with affordable rates on hourly, weekly, monthly, conference rooms, and even private offices. The exceptional Neat Coffee used to take up rent in their lobby, but as of July 2018 it will be operating in various pop-ups around the county. Follow @neat.coffee on Instagram for updates on when their permanent space will be open.
Antipodal Coffee—coming to the Kraemer Building in Anaheim, Fall 2018! @antipodalcoffee
Thanks to Marielle Wakim of Los Angeles Magazine for the format inspiration. Check out her list of “The Best L.A. Shops to Do Work In” here.