Java Time

By Vicki Hogue-Davies | December 03, 2010 11:27 AM

---

Coffee is great any time of year, but there is something extra special about enjoying a warm beverage during the winter season. The perfect cup of joe warms us up on cool days and keeps us going for holiday shopping and get-togethers. For the best coffee locally, check out some of Laguna Beach’s great one-of-a-kind cafes and coffee houses.

Café Heidelberg
Hang out with friends, check e-mail and enjoy an Illy-brand espresso or a White Mocha Royal, which “people really love,” according to server Hannah Yi.

“Our drip coffee is Vienna roast,” Hannah says. “And we do everything here—cappuccinos, lattes—everything.” Café Heidelberg offers pastries and serves breakfast and lunch. An outdoor patio is perfect for soaking up the winter sun. (1100 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-497-4594)

Coffee Pub Café
The signature drink at Coffee Pub Café is the chai latte, says manager Sun Park. The local Diedrich-brand coffees are popular too, and the café serves up regular, medium and dark roasts, decaf coffee and espresso drinks at its 10 tables and outdoor patio. “The patio is really nice,” Sun says. “You can order at the counter and we bring your order out to you.” When placing your coffee or tea order, consider adding a pastry, breakfast dish or sandwich to enhance the experience. (384 Forest Ave.; 949-494-5334)

Café Vienna
Relax and sip the house coffee or bold espresso with your best friend at your side at Café Vienna. This dog-friendly café serves up European flavor with its coffees and doggy treats to its four-legged visitors. Sweeter coffee drinks are also available. Try the namesake Café Vienna—a mocha latte with whipped cream and chocolate chips—for a warm taste of holiday heaven. Breakfast and lunch is also served here. (31542 Pacific Coast Hwy.; 949-499-3015; cafevienna.info)

Coffee and then some at Cafe Vienna. | Photo by Phil Blair

Goko Café
An extensive food menu with health-conscious selections attracts many of Goko Cafes customers. And the specialty coffees served at this casual surf-themed spot help to keep them coming back. Blended coffee, espresso drinks and American coffee selections are available here, and vanilla spiced chai and healthful smoothies are also popular. On the food menu are such delectable and good-for-you offerings as spinach pie, lentil soup and a variety of veggie and vegan sandwiches. (907 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-494-4880; gokocafe.net)

Java to Go
At Java to Go, “the possibilities are absolutely endless,” says barista Sarah Hendry. “We can do white chocolate mocha. We have 14 different flavors of Torani syrup. We have thick Ghirardelli flavors.”

The coffee house also serves up five different blends of drip coffee including organic, house, French roast, Hawaiian hazelnut and decaf. “We don’t have a signature drink,” she says. “Everybody prefers our drip coffees, which are ready in the morning and easy to take.” Breakfast burritos and wraps, English muffin sandwiches, croissants, muffins, scones, bear claws and more can also be enjoyed along with your coffee. (980 N. Coast Hwy.; 949-497-3999)
Jean Paul’s Goodies
Jean Paul’s Goodies features great coffee to savor with a variety of freshly-made gourmet pastries. Don’t ask for a latte here, however. When in this French bakery, the proper term is “café au lait.” Enjoy your drink with a truly French tradition—a buttery and flaky croissant. (656 N. Coast Hwy.; 949-494-7832)

Koffee Klatch
According to barista Alex Koein, the Koffee Klatch is “one of the only coffee shops in town that feels like a ‘mom and pop’ business. It is very homey,” he says. “I’ve been coming here for almost 11 years, since I was a kid.”

Koffee Klatch channels iconic coffee-house ambience. | Photo by Phil Blair

The Koffee Klatch serves four different drip coffees—the house; the more robust Black Velvet, a combination of 75-percent French beans and 25 percent Columbian; vanilla and decaf. They also serve coffee drinks and “have an excellent tea collection,” Alex says. “We serve over 50 different teas.” A signature food favorite is the “love bagel,” a bagel with cream cheese, lemon pepper and tomatoes that are cut into heart shapes when the store isn’t too busy. (1440 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-376-6867)

Laguna Coffee Company
Established in 1991, award-winning Laguna Coffee Company is a coffee lover’s dream. All beans are roasted in-house using European roasting processes and delivered fresh to your cup. The signature selection, Laguna Blend, is one of 30 coffees available for purchase. On Saturdays, patrons can enjoy their coffee along with live jazz. If you can’t make it to the coffee house, pick up a pound at the Laguna Farmer’s Market, or join the coffee club and have 2-pounds delivered right to your door each month. Check out the Laguna Coffee Company website for coffee brewing advice and other java-centric tidbits. (1050 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-494-6901; lagunacoffeeco.com)

Scandia Bakery and Coffee Shop
Gaviña Gourmet Coffee is the typical brand served at Scandia Bakery and Coffee Shop, according to server Madi Nokes. The shop offers a medium blend—which is its most popular—a Sumatra dark, and flavored coffees such as chocolate, raspberry, ice cream and vanilla nut. Tempting the taste buds with the smell wafting from the kitchen are the pastries that are all made fresh. Chocolate cookies, tiramisu, fruit tarts and other sweet edibles can also be had. Bring your work and tap into the Wi-Fi. “We have tons of local customers who come in regularly,” Madi says. (248 Forest Ave.; 949-497-1495)