While grabbing a cup of coffee at Heritage or Common Grounds is perfect for a study session or in between classes, the coffee scene in southern California should not be ignored. Check out these local and chain coffee shops for an alternative to Starbucks or Panera.
PHILZ COFFEE
Tried and true, Philz Coffee is chain-based in San Francisco but popular all around Southern California. The shop offers many different kinds of roasts, pour overs and specialized drinks. It is a favorite for a reason—it has something for everyone.
ENCHANTED
Enchanted serves objectively the best matcha in close proximity to Biola. Make sure to try out their lavender matcha latte—it features lavender syrup on top of their signature matcha. They also have a fantastic hibiscus lemonade for those hot, fall days.
STEREOSCOPE
Excellent roasting coupled with a perfect interior make for one of the best coffeeshops in the area. For newbies, Stereoscope’s madagascar vanilla latte is fantastic. It is smooth and nutty with the perfect amount of sweetness. Opt for an iced version especially if you are sitting outdoors.
MOONGOAT
With a fruitier blend and an energizing setting, junior elementary education major Sarah Nevins shared that MoonGoat, located in Costa Mesa, is one of her favorites. Not only does this place bring laughs with its logo of a goat in an astronaut suit, but it also provides high quality coffee for anyone.
PLAY COFFEE
Located in downtown Fullerton, Play Coffee adds vibrant life to the town. Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, this coffee shop offers good drinks and a remarkable experience. After a few visits the baristas may even recognize you, which adds a sense of familiarity to the visit. With a simple menu but well-defined drinks, it is a must for people to visit in Fullerton.
BLUE BOTTLE COFFEE
Although located in downtown Los Angeles, this popular coffee chain is a favorite of native Californians. Though the coffee shops themselves are perfect for a study session, customers can actually subscribe to get Blue Bottle Coffee beans shipped directly to their front doors. Assortments vary from single origin to espresso assortment, and buyers can choose from lots of different sizes of bags of coffee.
National Coffee day or not, there are lots of places in Los Angeles to grab a cup of coffee. Do not just take our word for it—go find out for yourself.
