If you’ve ever been to Southern California, chances are you’ve experienced the state’s booming coffee culture. A cup of regular old Joe is different from what you’ve tasted before. The matcha tastes like eight ounces of magic. Don’t get started on the amazing chai, that alone is its own conversation.
SoCal Coffee Culture
When it comes down to it, SoCal coffee is so good because the coffee culture there is out of this world. The city is a blend of diverse and rich cultures, providing opportunities for refreshing clashes of flavor, variety, and history. This goes for its coffee as well! You can grab an espresso and learn the history of a small family-owned business, or stop by one of the city’s hotspots where they source their coffee beans from around the world.
Specialty Drinks and Local Gems
We think it’s safe to say that we’re all suckers for a good specialty drink. Whether that is a cloud foam latte that tastes like a unicorn in a cup, or a lavender London fog that gives you just the right amount of energy for the day, SoCal has such a mind-boggling range of specialty drinks. The more local the place, the more twists you’ll see on your favorite coffee as well! Each coffee shop seems to have diverse brewing methods, ethically sourced beans, and seriously delicious syrups and foams.
Coffee Isn’t Just a Drink, It’s an Experience
While we’re on the go, sometimes we just grab our coffee and forget to immerse ourselves in the moment. The thing about SoCal is that coffee isn’t just a drink, but it’s an experience for each and every person that steps into a coffee shop. The flavor and brew of your latte, matcha, or chai are just as important as the environment in which you’re placing your order.
Is the vibe calm and welcoming? Maybe there’s lo-fi jazz playing in the background, or the barista is uber-friendly and ready to give recommendations. Perhaps the wall art catches your attention, or a five-minute walk to the shop turns into a productive work session at one of the booths. Whatever it is you’re looking for, SoCal is home to coffee places with so many different atmospheres, making your choice in drink a versatile experience!
Hot Spots To Check Out
Now that you’ve learned a bit about what makes SoCal such a special place for coffee, check out some of these local gems! They surely won’t disappoint.
Huskins Coffee
Located in Newport Beach and Santa Ana, Huskins Coffee is a Canadian-owned coffee roaster. Their Newport Beach location features fully checkered floors, a laid-back atmosphere, and their uber-delicious strawberry matcha! Give their menu a look-over for other yummy drinks.
S3 Coffee Bar
This. Coffee. Bar.
S3 Coffee Bar has locations in both San Diego and Escondido, and is a must-visit if you’re in SoCal! From iced milk teas, specialty lattes, and cold brews, there’s really not much to say other than check out their bar ASAP.
Awakening Coffee
Inglewood’s Awakening Coffee Bar is out of this world in terms of its vibe and its drinks. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. If you want to taste a unicorn in a cup, order their Hibiscus Cloud Lavender Haze Latte. They also have such a cute backroom where customers can play chess, work remotely, and admire the bar’s special decorations!
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