My Favorite Coffee Shops In The OC

You already know that I'm a huge caffeine lover if I'm sipping on Milkbox's signature Crack Iced Coffee as I type this blog post, haha. Not only do I love the taste of coffee (that is, if you add creamer or sugar LOL), but coffee shops are also one of my favorite places to get work done. With calm music, a spacious room, and professionally brewed lattes, it's nice to get away from the comfort of home once in a while to surround yourself around a brand new environment. After all, it's good to change the scenery of your work space every once in a while, as more often than not, it leads to an increased level of productivity as you catch a breath of fresh air. But, you also have to make sure that your new working environment fosters the necessary "factors" to get work done. The similarities that these coffee shops all share include an aesthetic and roomy work space, plentiful outlet availability, quality beverages, and great customer service. Thus, I've compiled a list of my favorite coffee shops in Orange County and I hope that you can all check them out too!

1. Coffee For Two (Huntington Beach)

My Favorites: Avocado Toast, Curry Chicken Sandwich, Spanish Latte
*Check-in on the Yelp mobile app for 10% off your first drink purchase.

If you ever visit Coffee For Two in Huntington Beach, there's a 60-80% chance that you'll find me there. Whenever I need a break from my office space (aka my Ikea desk and chair setup at home), I drive 35 minutes away just to go to this coffee shop. To me, driving a far distance is a worthy investment if it means getting shit done. As soon as I arrive at this minimalistic and clean coffee shop, I pick my favorite seat located at the back of the coffee shop and then order my usual - an Avocado Toast and Spanish Latte. The staff always makes my order within a timely manner and my stomach couldn't thank them enough. For sweettooth and caffeine lovers, the Spanish Latte is a sweet drink made with condensed milk that I highly recommend. As for the Avocado Toast, this dish tastes literally out of this world and it is one of the best avocado toasts I've ever had at a coffee shop. I love the combination of mashed avocado, pepper, spinach leaves, and baby tomatoes on a piece of toasted sourdough bread. Bon appetit!

2. Bardot Bars and Coffee (Tustin)

My Favorites: Iced Caramel Macchiato, French Kiss Soft Serve

Bardot Bars and Coffee is a Korean-based coffee shop with the kindest of customer service and highest quality of caffeinated beverages. Their Iced Caramel Macchiato tasted delicious and authentic, unlike the syrupy taste you get from your local Starbucks. As for their signature French Kiss Soft Serve, it is a rich and creamy dessert that I would not pass up on and you are more than welcome to ask for a sample at the counter. While browsing the menu, the owner kindly explained how their customizable latte machine worked. By downloading their mobile app, you can now design the latte of your dreams at this coffee shop with the click of a button, all thanks to Bardot Bars And Coffee. So what better idea to order than two Pusheen lattes, am I right?! #PizzaPusheen #BreadHeadPusheen

3. Milkbox Bar (Mission Viejo, Tustin, Westminster)

My Favorites: Crack Iced Coffee, Black Organic Milk Tea w/ Mini Boba
*The Milkbox Bar Westminster location opened recently with a drive-thru option!

If you closely watch my Instastories, you probably already know that I'm at Milkbox anywhere between 1-3 times per week - just call me crazy boba lady. Not only do I live less than 10 minutes from a Milkbox location, but sometimes I grab a quick Milkbox fix and work at the Union Market Mission Viejo plaza (where Milkbox is located) if I don't feel like driving too far from home. The Union Market plaza is a fun and spacious place to relax with your significant other, friends, or kids, as you can grab a quick bite or drink at this casual plaza. Literally, Milkbox was one of the first boba shops I've visited before my move to Southern California last year and it's been a favorite since then. I always go for the Crack Iced Coffee on a caffeine-needed day, or the Black Organic Milk Tea with Mini Boba if I just wanted to treat myself to a delicious beverage. One positive comment I have for Milkbox includes the fact that the employees are always SO sweet and accommodating whenever I order. Every time I receive my drink, they always tell me to please let them know if there's anything I'd like to change about my drink if I'm dissatisfied with its flavor. And I can tell that their words are completely genuine by the way they speak to me. Talk about five star customer service!

4. Hidden Coffee House (Santa Ana)

My Favorite: Caramel Latte

I ended up going to Hidden Coffee House on a day where I didn't feel like going to my usual coffee shops. And I have to say, this was one gorgeous coffee shop! With red brick walls and bright green succulents displayed against the wall, I got a pretty hipster vibe from this coffee shop. I loved the ambiance and how everybody was doing their own thing, as there were a lot of tables isolated from each other for those who needed to get work done. The setup of this coffee shop resembles an island, with the tables and chairs acting like the sea and the barista station as the isolated piece of land. Additionally, for those who want to catch a breath of fresh air as they sip on their caffeinated beverage, Hidden Coffee House features outdoor seating as well! The only unfortunate part about this coffee shop is the parking situation, as you have to move your car if you plan to stay here for a while since they only have 2-hour max parking spots nearby.

So, that about sums up my favorite Orange County coffee shops in one post! If you have any recommended coffee shops that you'd like to add to the list or think I should try, please leave your suggestions in the comment box below! I'd love to hear your suggestions :)