A Guide to Orange Coffee Shops

Contra Coffee & Tea

Near and dear to the heart of Old Towne, Contra is one of the most aesthetically gifted coffee shops in Orange, given its warm earthy tones set against minimalistic white walls, touches of greenery, chic furnishings, earnestly stocked bookshelves, and flavorful coffee and tea flights served in wooden crates. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this adorable abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, and solo study sessions.

Brot Coffee

Located across the street from CHOC, Brot serves soul-stirring lattes, artisan toasts, and fresh baked goods amidst warmly familiar digs underscored by wooden furnishings, well-nourished plants, and art-adorned walls. Snag a window seat and flip through the pages of your favorite novel as the world passes on by, grab a pick-me-up before arriving at work, or peacefully study amidst the homey comforts of a reliable neighborhood gathering place.

Blk Dot Coffee

Situated on the breezy corner of Chapman and Olive, Blk Dot offers guests a well-manicured environment featuring wooden tabletops, exposed brick walls, a white tile-wrapped front counter, and a lovely umbrella-dappled sidewalk patio. The picturesque decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious Vietnamese coffee, scrumptious pastries, and gram-worthy brunch fare including avocado toast, bagel sandwiches, and hearty bowls.

Play Coffee

Breathing new life into the historic First National Bank building, Play Coffee is a masterpiece with stunning art-deco elements, grande light fixtures, great big windows that let the sunshine pour on through, ample seating arrangements, and amenities for a productive day. When it comes to java, the friendly folks behind the counter here are proud to showcase a diverse spectrum of carefully selected roasters from around the world!

Tru Bru Organic Coffee

Tucked away in a shopping center around the corner from scenic Irvine Regional Park, Tru Bru has a wholesome countryside feel, coffee that’s been diligently micro-batch roasted on-site, remote work accommodations, and tasty eats such as bomb breakfast burritos, open-faced bagels, and artisan sandwiches. Should you meander on in at the tail-end of an exhaustive day, feel free to take a load off with a glass of fine wine.

Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders

If you truly love and appreciate the art of java, search no further than Bodhi Leaf, which has been a center for coffee culture in Southern California for over a decade and is passionate about intentionally roasting the world’s finest beans on-site. Furthermore, they have a spacious lounge area complete with an abundance of crafty wooden chairs and tabletops, speedy WiFi, and garage door windows that open up and allow a pleasant breeze to sweep through the building.

Rekindle Coffee

What this cute little cafe conveniently situated just off the 55 freeway may lack in size, it more than makes up for with wholesome hospitality, photogenic appeal, a petite common area where visitors can try some fantastic baked goods, and last but certainly not least, delectable specialty beverages.

Urth Caffé

As another dreamy cotton candy sunset gives way to the starry night sky, you’ll know you’ve arrived at Urth Caffe upon sighting the sidewalk terrace packed with friends mingling and fitted with lights and heaters exuding a certain warm alluring glow that you can’t help but gravitate toward.

Urth Caffé began as Jilla and Shallom Berkman’s aspiration over 30 years ago. In 1989, they met a passionate Peruvian coffee farmer named Jorge who produced organic, heirloom coffee, which is derived from heirloom coffee trees – a plant species that has never been genetically modified. Since opening their first caffe together, the Berkman’s have prioritized serving fresh, responsibly grown coffee amidst an inclusive and charming upscale setting.

Bluestone Lane

This gorgeous addition to the ever-budding index of Orange coffee shops can be found nestled near the heart of Old Towne, in the old corrugated iron tin building. Complemented by an extensive outdoor patio, Bluestone Lane’s dreamy interior boasts the structure’s original high vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams, signature handmade fireclay tiles, soothing ocean colors, and Australian beach imagery.

Notable dishes include Gluten Free Banana Bread topped with whipped ricotta, toasted pecans, fresh banana & berries, Avocado Smash paired with heirloom tomatoes, feta, and a delicately poached egg, and a house-made granola w/ fresh berries and citrus curd. That’s not to mention, the award-winning premium coffee, wellness drinks, signature cold-pressed juices, and organic teas.

Philz Coffee

Let’s rewind our figurative clock to the year 1978 – when Phil Jaber purchased a convenience store in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. During his off-hours, the young man blended and tested brews, attempting to formulate the perfect cup of coffee. After 25 years of experimenting, he finally decided to move his very own kitchen table into the convenience store, and thus, Philz Coffee was born.

While Phil’s humble java empire now spans all of California, with locations in Chicago and the Washington D.C. metro area, since the moment he operated his first storefront, he’s consistently stuck to a single fruitful principle: better the days of everyone who walks in.

If you enjoyed this guide to the best Orange coffee shops, check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Anaheim!

I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page, Google account, website, or Instagram account.