Coffee, coffee, coffee! Buzz, buzz, buzz! We can’t seem to get enough of fine beans and perfect-temp water. There’s no shortage of caffeinated joints to choose from in OC, but here’s a handful to explore the next time you need a fix.
Basilur Tea & Coffee – Buena Park
Coffee and tea options are all but expected at most malls, but in the concrete jungle known as the Source OC, there’s more than one spot. However, you’ll find us on the street level, gazing into the navy-and-marble interior of Basilur. It provides so much more than caffeine: tiramisu, soufflé pancakes, ube ice cream specials, even royal milk teas—don’t be surprised if you can’t make up your mind. For your friend who doesn’t do any of that, there are tea cocktails with no alcohol, caffeine or powder. 6920 Beach Blvd., K129, (949) 838-7330; www.basilurusa.com.
Morning Lavender – Tustin
Coffee and retail therapy is a match made in heaven. Throw in an afternoon tea and an Instagrammable wall, and everybody’s flocking to this super-cute Old Town Tustin shop. If time isn’t on your side, pick up the lavender latte, a subtly sweet compliment to the everyday version. 330 El Camino Real, (714) 486-1429; www.morninglavender.com.
Tierra Mia Coffee – La Habra
Celebrating 10 years in business, this successful brand ventured into OC for the first time in March. Eschew the convenient drive-thru window, as the interior is even more inviting. Give in to the horchata frappe, but save room for a churro muffin. Await the impending sugar rush—and crash. Bonus: Tierra Mia’s hours of operation are better than most. 1315 W. Whittier Blvd., www.tierramiacoffee.com.
Bakery Habana – Irvine
If Cuban-inspired everything is your jam, then here’s your second home. Beyond the dining room and endless patios of the Spectrum’s hot spot lies a quick-service counter to fulfill your cravings. There are take-away lunch items, but you’ll want to hover over the pastry case and fill a pretty pink box with one of everything. Savor the temporary escape provided by a café con leche or cortadito Cubano with a guava cream cheese danish. 708 Spectrum Center Dr., (949) 419-0100; www.bakeryhabana.com.
Coffee Dose – Costa Mesa
Tucked inside a hair salon, Coffee Dose’s go-to description of its goods is better known as “Anti-Bitch Serum.” Grab and go, or stay Eastside and head over to a patio for some “me time.” Common Room Roasters handles the beans, and a specialty is the Mary Jane, featuring CBD oil and a killer stencil. Also noteworthy: Nut milks and vegan doughnuts are available. 116 E. 18th St.; www.coffeedosecm.com.
Pilgrim’s Coffee House – Fullerton
Coffee time in downtown Fullerton can be difficult to navigate. Yet recently opened Pilgrim’s takes an unfussy approach. Grab your laptop and head to this industrial-chic space for a cafe au lait. Cool down with your choice of a nitro or a house cold brew. Or go on a complete tangent and order a 100 percent crushed-fruit smoothie. 124 W. Wilshire Ave., (714) 738-7338.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.