Most mornings in Newport Beach begin misty and gray, with what’s called a ‘marine layer.’ We love these overcast mornings by the coast, because they extend the window of time we like to call Coffee O’Clock. Coffee O’Clock takes place until about noon, where the cloudy conditions call for a cozy sweatshirt and a walk along the shoreline with a cup of specialty coffee in hand. Look no further for an excellent cup of joe than these 5 local coffee shops located all around Newport Beach.
For the Coffee House Aficionado, Try Alta Coffee & Restaurant
Photo Credit: @altacoffee on instagram.com
This family-run coffee shop is as much a local landmark as it is a beloved coffee pit stop. Pick your mug from a bookshelf of options, order anything from the menu (it’s all delicious) and either sit outside on their large patio or get cozy in their dark, bohemian interior. They even have live music and performances throughout the week if you want to get your beatnik on.
Home of the Maple Latte, Huskins Coffee is the Ideal Outing
Photo Credit: @huskins.coffee on instagram.com
This bright and airy coffee shop is located on the idyllic Balboa Island, making it the perfect morning excursion. The owners hail from Canada and give a nod to this with their signature maple latte (which you got to try!). We love Huskins’ selection of locally-made gifts and merchandise, the photogenic interior, and most of all, their delicious selection of drinks.
For Gen Z’s Favorite Caffeine Pit Stop, Try Vacancy Coffee
Photo Credit: @vacancy_coffee on instagram.com
Stay in Newport for any stretch of time and you’ll see Vacancy Coffee cups in the hands of pretty much every 20-something-year-old. And boy, do these Gen Z-ers know their coffee. Vacancy might have laid-back surf shack vibes, but it’s all business when it comes to their coffee. It’s just right. Located right on PCH, Vacancy is easy to access from most everywhere on the peninsula, which is one more reason we love this place.
For a Swanky Spot for Sipping Your Brew, Kit Coffee is the Place
Photo Credit: @kitcoffee on instagram.com
If you don’t mind leaving the peninsula for good coffee, we highly recommend venturing to Kit Coffee. With its modern, minimalist design and delicious specialty drinks, Kit Coffee is the perfect spot to treat yourself to a fancy cup of joe. They also carry a great breakfast and lunch menu as well as fresh baked goods. In other words, this place has it all.
For Strong, Tasty Coffee, Kean Coffee Will Forever Be our Pick
Photo Credit: @keancoffee on instagram.com
Kean brews a mean cup of coffee that has yet to be rivaled by the other coffee shops in town. While you do have to leave the peninsula to grab a cup, the 5-10 minute drive will be worth it. The interior is no nonsense, but is comfortable enough for a coffee date. The coffee drinks, however, are spectacular. We can’t go wrong with anything from the menu. This place is the real deal and will keep you caffeinated all day long.
Honorable Mentions That Are Still Worth A Sip
Photo Credit: @cestsibonnb on instagram.com
Bluebottle Coffee – While utterly delicious, we didn’t mention Bluebottle because it is, after all, a chain, and we’re only here to share the best of our local shops. However, if you’ve never had a cup of bluebottle coffee, we highly recommend you do!
Newport Coffee Company – This spot is a Newport staple! Located right at the Newport Pier, you can’t beat Newport Coffee Company’s central locale. They serve a solid cup of coffee and the staff is always very friendly, which is why we are always happy to give them our money.
Crew Coffee – This place, while a bit corporate-feeling, serves some fabulous coffee. It’s hardly ever crowded (which is great when you’re pinched for time) and is centrally located on the peninsula.
C’est Si Bon – Part bakery, part sandwich shop, part cafe, C’est Si Bon is a longtime local favorite. Run by a French couple, C’est Si Bon knows how to do espresso and don’t get us started on the pastry! While typically crowded, we love coming here to snag a hot drink, and of course, a hot baguette, fresh out of the oven.
So there you have it, our top picks for the best coffee shops in Newport Beach. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out one of these fantastic spots for a delicious cup of coffee and a chance to relax and unwind.
