Hidden Coffee Gems: LA to OC Locals’ Favorites Part 1

BrandsWalk Creative |
Los Angeles and Orange County have no shortage of cafés—but every so often, you stumble upon places that feel different. The coffee shops we visited today, quietly earn loyal visitors through sincerity, atmosphere, and really good coffee. Here are four that left a lasting impression on us.

Mandarin Coffee – Pasadena

Tucked inside a narrow hallway in Pasadena, Mandarin Coffee is easy to miss—but once you find it, you’ll remember it. The café operates as a small counter with no official seating, so customers naturally gather along the corridor benches, turning the space into a charming alleyway café.
Mandarine Coffee Instagram

What stands out is how the coffee reflects the owner’s Chinese heritage. Each cup leans toward aromatic, tea-like, and fruit-forward notes—delicate but full of character.

It’s a place where you pause between errands, sip something thoughtful, and watch a steady stream of regulars come and go. Even without chairs, Mandarin Coffee somehow makes everyone feel at home.

Location: 380 S Lake Ave #111, Pasadena, CA 91101

Handles Coffee – LA

At Handles Coffee, warmth comes before caffeine. The owner, Josh, often greets visitors at the door with a friendly nod or a short chat, setting the café’s welcoming tone.

Handles Coffee Instagram

Inside, sunlight filters through tall windows, tracing soft patterns on the concrete floor. Outside, a green-painted wall with benches offers shade and quiet spots to unwind.

It’s a place designed for comfort—not through fancy interiors, but through connection. You’ll notice people staying longer than they planned, talking, reading, or just sitting in the calm. Handles Coffee feels like a small reminder that cafés can still be about people first.

Address: 4459 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Maru Coffee – Arts District, Los Angeles

Maru Coffee has grown into a familiar name in LA’s coffee landscape, but stepping into their Arts District location still feels special. The space is open and airy, with white walls, wood textures, and sunlight that fills every corner. It’s minimal, yet full of quiet rhythm.

Maru Coffee Instagram

The name Maru comes from the Korean word “산마루” (San Ma Ru), meaning “mountaintop.” It symbolizes their pursuit of quality at its highest point—an idea rooted in high-altitude coffee cultivation and everyday craftsmanship.

We tried the yuzu sparkling drink—bright, balanced, and citrusy in the best way. It captured everything Maru stands for: clarity, simplicity, and intention. With new locations now reaching New York, Maru remains a cornerstone of LA’s thoughtful coffee culture.

Location: 1019 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Moongoat Coffee – Orange County

Down in Orange County, Moongoat Coffee has quietly built a reputation for being both creative and approachable. With three locations across the area, each café feels open, modern, and full of energy.

Moongoat Coffee Instagram

You’ll find students, freelancers, and friends spending hours working, reading, or catching up over brunch.

Their menu goes beyond coffee—like the Cucumber Tartar Toast, a refreshing and unexpected combination that tastes like summer on a plate.

The staff greets you genuinely, the space is clean and organized, and the vibe is effortlessly easygoing. Moongoat feels like that reliable friend who always makes time for you, no matter how busy life gets.

Location: 1985 Placentia Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Final Sip

From Pasadena’s intimate Mandarin Coffee to OC’s creative Moongoat, each café offers its own version of hospitality—rooted in care, design, and local charm. None of them shout for attention, but that’s exactly why they stand out.

If you ever find yourself wandering through LA or OC, skip the familiar chains and let curiosity guide you—you might just find your new favorite corner to sit, sip, and stay awhile.

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