Anaheim & Beyond: Hidden Coffee Shops Worth the Drive
Cafés have always been a little ritual woven into my days where I could pause, reflect, and sip something comforting.
Interestingly, my baby has become quite the coffee shop enthusiast himself. I often take my baby with me for his longest nap of the day, carrying him snugly in my Wildbird structured carrier. He loves the cozy bustle of people, watching the world go by, and even has a few barista friends who greet him with warm smiles.
Anaheim might be known for its theme parks, but beyond the hustle and bustle, you'll find hidden coffee gems.
Here are my favorite spots, complete with honest reviews, star ratings, and personal notes from my own experiences.
✧ 115 N Orange St Orange, CA 92866 ✧
Must-Try Drinks:
Kuya Latte (Ube Oat Milk Coffee Latte)—if you love Ube and Coffee, you will LOVE this.
Dirty Horchata (Espresso with Horchata on Tap)—this drink always gets me in the best work flow ~
The Best Friend (Brown Sugar Matcha Latte)—a Matcha Latte with a twist in flavor.
Cartoons and Cereal (Caffeine-Free Horchata)—So good if you are still looking to indulge in a drink without the spike!
Seasonal Specials—their staff creates seasonal drinks every Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall… I get so excited to see what they have since they come up with great drinks fitting for the season.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 for Drinks)
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 for Work Vibes)
Why You'll Love It:
Their draft coffee and seasonal drinks are bold and are mostly asian-inspired.
Unique combo: A coffee shop that feels like a brewery with draft-style brews and houses 2 shops; Resident Vinyl (vinyl shop) and M.Lovewell (stationary store).
Things to Consider:
Drinks can be a little too sweet depending on your taste.
Workspace Comfort: Great ambiance with good music, but seating fills up fast (thanks to Chapman students next door). Limited outlets and bathrooms can be hit-or-miss on cleanliness.
Visit their Official Yelp HERE.
✧ 12901 Harbor Blvd Ste A-5, Garden Grove, CA 92840 ✧
Must-Try Drinks:
Mirakuru Cloud Coffee with Matcha Foam—a decadent, strong Vietnamese coffee with a kick of matcha sweetness.
Kurimi Mirakuru—this specialty tea and cream drink is probably my favorite drink ever!!!
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 for Drinks)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 for Work Vibes)
Why You'll Love It:
Top-tier tea quality with teapresso machines that make every sip taste fresh.
Stamp card perks for regulars!
Things to Consider:
Quiet vibes, perfect for focus sessions.
Usually not crowded, plus there are plenty of outlets and a clean restroom.
Visit their Official Website HERE.
✧ 12921 Main Street Garden Grove, CA 92840 ✧
Must-Try Drinks:
Coconut Coffee—their best-selling blended coffee with creamy coconut, perfectly balanced and popular for a reason!
Hot Matcha Latte—a smooth, earthy matcha latte made with high-quality matcha, customizable with regular or oat milk.
Strawberry Blended Matcha—a sweet, refreshing blend of matcha and strawberries, creating the perfect mix of earthy and fruity flavors.
Charcoal Latte (not on the menu)—one of my partner’s favorites, a unique, detoxifying latte with activated charcoal that is velvety smooth.
Vanilla Cold Brew—a smooth cold brew infused with vanilla for a touch of natural sweetness.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 for Drinks)
⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 for Work Vibes)
Why You'll Love It:
The recipes and flavors of every drink are well-balanced and consistent.
If one shot of espresso isn’t enough, you can add more for free!
Things to Consider:
Super busy on weekends (expect noise and limited seats).
Minimal outlets, and it can get messy during peak hours, but they do have a restroom.
✧ They just opened Phin Smith Express just a couple doors down with more work space, acai, banh mi, and more food options! I personally loved it! ✧
Visit their Official Website HERE.
✧ 255 N Anaheim Blvd Unit D Anaheim, CA 92805 ✧
Must-Try Drinks:
Iced Hojicha Latte—a strong and deep non-caffeinated tea that almost tastes like coffee.
Hot Jasmine Buckwheat Latte—my partner’s favorite drink, it is a good balance between floral and nuttiness, especially when hot.
Sweet Latte (75% sweet)—a reliable latte you can have hot or iced.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 for Drinks)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 for Work Vibes)
Why You'll Love It:
Lots of outlets and movable tables/seats you can customize for your needs and party.
Clean bathrooms (shared with the apartment complex, so they’re always well-kept).
The only cafe on my list with a menu for food items like Pandan Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds and Okonomiyaki Savory Toast.
Personal Note: When I need to breastfeed, I step into the lounge area connected to the shop—quiet, perfect for breaks or business calls, but not totally private.
Things to Consider:
Seats don’t have a back rest.
The parking lot is connected to the apartment complex and shared with nearby vendors, so it can be limited on busy days.
Visit their Official Website HERE.
Final Thoughts
These spots are my personal go-to’s in Anaheim. I know there are much more I have to go and check out, so if you have any recommendations, leave them down below!
Save this guide for your next coffee adventure in Anaheim!
