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    Contra Coffee & Tea

    4.6 (947 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea
    Open 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Contra Coffee & Tea Photos

    Business Info

    CONTRA COFFEE & TEA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Contra Coffee & Tea

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    Lorena G.

    I liked the matcha but I don't think it's the best one in town. It's open late so if I needed a place to go to..I'd make a stop here. Nothing special in the drinks or in flavor. It's a cute little coffee place. The service was good.

    Coffee on tap
    Brittany T.

    How have I been missing out on Contra Coffee for so long? Stopped by on a Monday morning before some thrifting in Downtown Orange and this place is so cool. They have a bunch of coffees on tap in addition to a diverse selection of craft speciality coffees. They also do flights if you want to try more than one! I asked the staff for his recommendation and as soon as he said the words "oolong coffee" I was sold. It's like milk tea meets espresso latte. It was so good and so creamy! There's so much seating inside here, I just wish there were a few more outdoor seating options. There's also a few shops in the back (not open when we stopped by), including a record store. This place has a great vibe for sure. I'll definitely be back!

    The Liftoff
    Yvette S.

    My favorite thing about Contra is that they offer a coffee and/or tea flight. I wish more places did this because you're able to get a small taste of their offerings. I was surprised at how affordable it was. I'm not sure why I was expecting it to be more expensive, but the Liftoff is currently priced at $12. You're able to add four of the coffee or teas on their tap list. I went with the Dirty Horchata, Gold Rush, Prince Palmer, and Princess Daisy. The Dirty Horchata really is THAT girl. This was my favorite of the bunch. My least favorite was the Prince Palmer. It was an iced early grey tea with lemonade. I didn't like the bergamot with lemonade combo. It wasn't for me. They used crushed ice and the order came out within seconds. Contra was busy today. It had a mix of students and people strolling through the Orange Circle. There are quite a few tables and chairs. We didn't have an issue snagging a spot to sit, but I did see some people waiting around for people to leave their seats. Overall, it was a cool spot, and I'm definitely coming back to try the Hazelnut Milktini. It sounds divine!

    Kuya Latte
    Ilmaa H.

    I didn't realize how many coffee shops in Old Towne there were! I chose this one since it had a record store and stationery store in the back (but came too early so both were closed anyways lol). Also I saw someones Kuya latte and decided I #needed a purple drink. I got exactly that, a Kuya Latte with oatmilk. It wasn't $10 so I consider that a win. I don't think they use espresso because they don't have a machine, but I could be wrong. The drink was made incredibly fast and I enjoyed it! My friend got the Dirty Horchata and loved it. I tried a sip and I am definitely getting this next time I come. I took 1 star off because even though I had fine service, my friend had some complaints. There were some miscommunications and due to the vibe she got from the workers, she didn't feel comfortable conversing with them further. She asked for her drink hot but was given iced. If she would have told me that before we left the store, I would've asked for her, but I know not everyone has that opportunity.

    Melo 2.0 and kuya latte
    Julie H.

    My s/o and I order the kuya latte and melo 2.0. My favorite was the kuya latte ( more on the sweeter side, yum) both were very delicious. Very spacious, great for studying. People are nice, chill vibe. I would come back again. I forgot to mention. They have record and a cute supplies they sale in the back. Something to check out while you wait for your drink.

    Inside
    Jessica N.

    Was looking for a place to get matcha in Orange and stumbled upon Contra. Parking was easy to find on a Friday morning. I went in and did not have to wait long to order and to get my order. The Strawberry Fields was great you can taste the strawberry which gave the matcha a sweet taste without drowning out both the strawberry and matcha. The drink also wasn't too sweet! The vibes inside is spacious and I wish I had more time to explore around but I'll definitely be coming back when I come down to Orange again

    The liftoff.
    Vanessa M.

    We got the liftoff and chose to try the love bird, trailblazer, gold rush, and dirty horchata. Service was alright, cashier was not very friendly or helpful. Seemed like she didn't really wanna. Our favorite was the dirty horchata, quite actually the only one we enjoyed. Trailblazer literally tasted and smelled like compost. Gold rush (Vietnamese coffee)- "is the Vietnamese coffee in the room with us?" It was bland and watered down, with a strange sweetness. Love birds was decent, also watered down. Has a boba taste. The caffeine did its job but i'd be interested to try the specials because these were disappointing flavor wise considering the overall rating of the shop.

    Exterior
    Nance R.

    Been back four times now, so that should tell you something. Tried the January special Gonna Be Golden -- Vietnamese coffee with custard, cream, and cinnamon. Smooth, bold, and perfectly balanced. Contra Coffee is a solid go-to in Orange. Consistent, creative, and worth coming back to.

    Menu as of 12/28/25
    Jess C.

    Came back over the holiday weekend since I missed it so much! Quick and friendly service as usual :)

    Donna L.

    This is easily one of the coolest and trendiest spaces I've stumbled upon in the area. I found it by accident while searching for a coffee shop where I could grab tea and use the restroom--and I'm so glad I did. There's a stationery vendor in the back, though it was closed when I visited. On my way to the restroom, I passed by the vinyl record area, which looked incredibly cool. The walls are lined with unique art and reading materials that really add to the vibe of the space. I also loved the menu, especially the creative drink names. I ordered the Lucky Cat tea and asked for it lightly sweetened--it came out perfect. The tea quality was great, and overall, the experience exceeded my expectations.

    M Lovewell Stationary Store
    Vegas C.

    Just outside the Orange Circle sits Contra Coffee & Tea, a creative, community-driven spot that's so much more than a café -- it's a whole vibe. The spot is spacious, clean, and effortlessly cool, with people studying, chilling, listening to music, and just settling into their own little worlds. One thing I love about Contra is that it feels like a micro-community hub. Wander toward the back and you'll find a charming stationery shop stocked with pens, journals, and gifts, plus a vinyl section curated by Resident Vinyl where you can browse records and maybe discover your next favorite album. The décor ties everything together with an artsy, eclectic flair -- the kind of place where you instantly feel creative energy buzzing. Service was top-notch, thanks to Jocelyn and John, who were friendly, informative, and more than willing to walk us through the menu. I asked about their growlers -- such a smart idea for anyone who comes often since you get discounted refills -- but they were sold out. Definitely would've taken one home if they had them in stock! Now the drinks... Contra does not play. We tried the winter seasonal Sleigh Ride (a peppermint-mocha dream with vanilla bean foam and a cozy cocoa dusting) and That's My Jam, a sweetened matcha latte that hit every note just right. Then, honoring my Filipino roots, I had to go for the Kuya and Ate Lattes -- ube Vietnamese coffee and ube Thai tea. Rich, vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully colored -- the type of drinks that make people stop and ask, "Where'd you get that?" Just keep in mind everything comes in one size, so choose wisely! Between the drinks, the atmosphere, and the unique little shops inside, Contra is absolutely worth putting into your Old Towne Orange rotation. It's the kind of place you come for a latte and end up staying for the experience. Renew your brew, renew your mood -- Contra delivers every time.

    ATE Latte and Kuta Latte
    Ciera T.

    The circle is definitely saturated with so many coffee shops but this place is a must! The flavor of these drinks was amazing. We have never finished a coffee faster. Fair pricing and super quick service but I do feel like the drink to ice volume is a little low. While you're there you can browse local art, a record store, and stationary store. Tons of indoor seating. Also the place appears dog and family friendly.

    Cookie Hojicha and "Gonna be Golden" (viet egg custard coffee with hint of cinnamon)
    Kelly N.

    Great spot for fun, cool (and only iced) coffee drinks, complete with vinyl records on sale and a stationery shop in back. Finally drove out here to meet a friend early on Sat. There is a nearby lot just opposite and further down orange that is free (labeled with a "Public Parking" orange sign). Note: the inner shops open late morning. Thirty minutes after opening, only one couple was studying at the high tops. There were several tables for two, side seating, and a consistent stream of customers as it neared late morning. Loved the Gonna Be Golden (vietnamese egg custard coffee with a touch of cinnamon), which as the cashier said indeed was "fire." I liked that is was not overly sweet, similar to a 25-50% level at Da Vien, and the coffee was shining through nicely. Heh heh. My friend enjoyed her cookie hojicha latte and said she could taste the hojicha well. I love that all drinks are made with oat milk (though I still confirmed that there was ofc lactose in mine with the custard cap). I wish they had a couple of hot drink options, but even in SoCal winters, we all love our iced drinks (so it is understadable). I plan to bring back my family here to check out the vinyl and fun iced drinks in the future.

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    Contra Coffee & Tea Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Contra Coffee & Tea

    Are we talkin' only awesome drinks, but no food items at all?

    They tend to have a small selection of baked goods such as donuts, ham/cheese croissants, etc. However, they usually run out in the morning wheras they are open all day.

    Do you allow dogs inside?

    I don't work there but they haven't had an issue so far with my 90 lb Goldendoodle. They did ask me to not put his cone on the tables but other than that they have been totally welcoming with him. The staff have even come from behind the counter… Read more

    Is it hard to find parking here? i heard the nearby street parking is permit-only & the parking lot across gets crowded fast.

    There is 2 hour street parking and a parking lot across the way. If you do a pass by once or twice, you're bound to find a spot.

    This place is listed as having outdoor seating. Is that still available?

    The only outdoor seating are the two small tables with 2 chairs each.

    Can you try the flight but do it to go?

    No, flights are only in-store.

    How much does a flight cost?

    A flight of four drinks is $10!

    Are any of the coffees unsweetened?

    Yes! They have a few purely cold brew options with no add-ins.

    Are the books on the shelves available for purchase?

    Yes, they are

    Are they dog friendly 🐶?

    Do you offer decaf options?

    Yes! There was one coffee decaf and one tea decaf on the menu.

    Are there outlets to plug in to around the outdoor seating area?

    there are a few! it's mostly alongside the walls, & those seats get filled up fast if you come on a busy day.

    Anyone know if Simplicitea is back on tap?

    It's on their menu this week. They regularly post their taplist on their Instagram.

    Will you be open 3/16 and that entire week? Just checking, since I know some places are closed for a bit due to Covid-19.

    Unfortunately they will be closed until further notice. :/ I had an event that was supposed to happen there this past weekend and it got cancelled and was informed they'd be shutdown until things calm down with COVID-19.

    How is the WiFi here? How would you rate this place for individual study or study groups?

    WiFi is good at first but throughout the day when it gets busier it starts to get choppy. Individually in the morning and then groups usually form later in the day.

    Do they have any muffins or other pastries?

    Just recently they started carrying vegan donuts from Caffeinated Kitchen.

    Can you sample the drinks?

    Yes. They limit 3 per person.

    Do they have almond milk?

    All of their "milk" bases are made with Rice milk. No dairy milk is used.

    Can I use the Konami Code for a discount?

    I wish! Haha :P

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    Play Coffee - Iced genou matcha latte

    Play Coffee

    3.9(273 reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    First time in Orange County Downtown. Pretty cool place. We…read moreactually stumbled with this place walking and thought it was super original a Coffee Bar inside an old bank building. Lots of space to sit, love the ambiance feel like you were in an old train station. Service was great, I had questions about some of the coffees and they took their time explaining it to me. For food they only had pastries but for coffee and matcha lots of interesting options. They have beans from various parts of the World, but mainly Norway!!! We got really excited about this. We ordered a Volcano Latte and a regular latte. The Volcano latte had an explosion of flavors topped with a smoked salted foam out of this world. My new favorite. I will keep on coming to try more things while in town.

    Prices: The price of their drinks have gone up over time. Lattes cost between $6-8, their espresso…read moretonic is $7 and yuzu tonic is $9. There are definitely more affordable options in the area for just as good quality. Service: My biggest gripe was the service, despite a sizeable line there is no priority to get patrons checked out with their drinks. I noticed 3 baristas all talking and taking it slow while orders were piling up. It took my one drink 15 minutes to make. There wasn't even much small talk at the register, so I'm confused why it took so long to get people's orders. Parking: parking is no longer free at the circle. Which personally, makes me less likely to choose play coffee in the future. They used to have a dedicated parking area for quick pick up orders for this cafe, but now it is $4 per hour. If my drink is nearly $10 I'm not paying an extra $4 just to order take out. OC has no shortage in cafes, similar menus can be found at Hola Adios in Tustin, and Kei coffee house in FV is a great option as well; all with free parking.

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    Ducks playoff merchandise area 2026

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    Decor

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    Philz Coffee - Messed up my order twice (got a turkey sandwich and green verde burrito instead of the sausage and egg)

    Philz Coffee

    4.3(233 reviews)
    0.2 mi
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    Philz coffee is my favorite coffee spot in OC! I can't rave enough about it. Their coffees always…read moreget me wired and locked in. The coffee is delicious when served sweet and creamy and the staff is always nice to adjust your drink if you don't like it. I typically order the Iced Mint Mojito as its fresh, sweet, delicious and comes with fresh mint! This time I opted for the new seasonal Cashew Cocoa. This drink was also delicious, but a little too sweet for me, and if you don't like cashew milk I would opt for a different beverage. The pastries are on the sweeter side, so keep that in mind if you order the almond croissant or cinnamon roll, but the flavor is there. The blueberry muffin was probably my favorite as it was so moist and paired well with my coffee. This Orange establishment is nice and offers games (like most Philz') so you and your friends/family can play, while enjoying a coffee or pastry. The company even offers used coffee ground to take home for your garden - a full recycle moment! The staff is always pleasant and friendly, and each barista usually has a name tag in front of their station. If the place is busy (and it can be busy) you can also order online for a quick grab and go! The coffee, staff, and atmosphere keep me visiting the delicious Philz Coffee. Thank you!

    I've given Philz Coffee multiple chances, but at this point it's just frustrating and…read moredisappointing. The biggest issue is the customer service. Every time I come in, there are 5 to 6 employees behind the counter, but more than half of them are just standing around talking and laughing. It creates a distracting environment for the few people who are actually trying to work, and it shows in how slow and disorganized everything feels. What really pushed me to write this review is how often the app is completely inaccurate. I'll get a notification saying my drink is ready, only to show up and find that it hasn't even been started yet. Meanwhile, the person who is supposed to be making drinks is busy chatting with coworkers instead of focusing on orders. This isn't a one-time thing either. It's become a pattern, and nothing seems to improve. Long waits, lack of urgency, and poor communication make the whole experience frustrating, especially when you're paying premium prices for coffee. I used to enjoy coming here, but the repeated lack of professionalism and attention to customers has really turned me off. Hopefully management steps in and addresses this, because right now it feels like customers are not a priority at all.

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    Philz Coffee - Mint mojito

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    Philz Coffee - Iced and warm Mocha Tesora + a (very tiny) burrito

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    The Lost Bean Roastery

    The Lost Bean Roastery

    4.2(98 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    I remember trying to go here a while back ago when it blew up on TikTok but ended up not sticking…read morearound because it was so crowded (and also because I got harassed by a neighbor outside who, in his own words, was trying to make people feel not welcome here because he was angry about people coming in and parking in the neighborhood... weird). Still, I decided to give this place a second chance (no angry neighbor this time), and I was glad I did! PARKING: There's street parking around the neighborhood - I parked on Almond Ave so I wasn't in front of a house. The spots right outside the shop were 30 minute only. If you can't find parking there's probably tons as you go east if you're willing to walk. WHAT I ORDERED: Pistachio cream cold brew THE DRINK: Amazing. I've had my share of acidic or bitter cold brews, and this was not one of them. The cream was perfectly sweetened and flavored . SERVICE: Exceeded my expectations. The baristas when I came in were very bubbly and answered my questions and gave me suggestions, and were funny too! I wish I got their names, but they were working on Monday early afternoon - I hope they get some recognition. We also got some samples of the food items (which may have swayed me to get the turkey panini next time I come in). Even with the experience I had above a while back ago, I remember going in to let the baristas know and they were very understanding and apologetic, which I really appreciated. VIBES: Probably one of the top coffee shops to get work done in OC. Here's my work-from-coffee-shop checklist: * OUTLETS: So many. Not at the tables downstairs but in the private rooms and at a lot of the seating upstairs. * WIFI/INTERNET: Yes, good speed * BATHROOMS: Yes, clean * WATER: You can ask for free water * VOLUME: Music was a little bit loud but not terrible * SEATING AVAILABILITY: Lotsssss of seats when I came on a Monday late morning-afternoon. Very cool that there were private rooms (which can be reserved two hours in advance if you call them), tables, bar-style seating upstairs, and most importantly, comfy couches!! * LAPTOP FRIENDLINESS: No restrictions BOTTOM LINE: I can't believe I almost missed out on this gem. I'll be back soon!

    Food/Drinks: matcha…read morelatte - not the richest matcha taste or quality and when i got it with oat milk, the oat milk flavor ended up overpowering the matcha a bit. although, it wasn't bad it was still decent to sip on while working! iced caramel macchiato - on the sweeter end of drinks and if you get oat milk it will overpower the taste a bit but still a decent drink banana cream matcha latte - has the creamy texture from the banana cream and surprisingly the banana didn't have a strong artificial banana taste. to me, that's a little rare and in a good way. the matcha isn't a strong matcha taste but still present avocado toast with egg - it was plated and presented nicely which i was kinda surprised about. it tasted decent. the bread is on the softer/soggier end rather than the crispy and toasted end. the sauce and radish overpowers the taste. i got a runny sunny side egg and it was a nice addition for me. service: this spot has one of the nicest helpful service. i was here for a few hours working and despite shift changes, each new staff who was working were so nice and helpful! ambiance: it's such a bright and spacious spot with a few study rooms and many seating. it's bright and has a cozy wooden feel. i love that there are many outlets and it's not overcrowded or too loud. it was the perfect spot to work at!

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    The Lost Bean Roastery - Dining area

    Dining area

    The Lost Bean Roastery - Carmel Blended

    Carmel Blended

    The Lost Bean Roastery - So much private or public work space for meeting and studying.

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    So much private or public work space for meeting and studying.

    Ayer Coffee - Spanish phin

    Ayer Coffee

    4.7(530 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $$

    Stopped by on a weekday morning around 10:30 am and the experience was smoother than expected for a…read morepopular spot. There were about 3 people ahead of me in line and a few waiting for drinks, but I was able to order and get my drink in around 10 minutes. Staff was very friendly and checked in with us while waiting in line! I ordered the Matcha Two, which comes as a matcha latte topped with salted matcha vanilla cream foam. The foam was velvety and creamy. The matcha had a smooth, earthy flavor with subtle sweetness. Oatmilk was the default choice, and while I usually think oatmilk can overpower matcha, it worked well in this drink. It is a little pricey for 1 drink, but that also seems to be the norm these days for specialty drinks. This is more of a grab-and-go spot than a place to hang out. There's no seating, just a bench inside, and everyone waited outside since the interior is on the smaller side. Parking was easy when I went. Overall, a pleasant experience for a yummy matcha drink, and I'd definitely come back to try more of their matcha menu!

    Always a line outside this cafe and totally deserved. I usually opt to get their matcha one but…read morethis time tried their coconut water matcha cream top and loved how refreshing it was! I'm not the biggest fan of matcha cream tops as they tend to be overly sweet but this one had a perfect balance. Also pro tip if you buy one of their matcha tins you get a free drink with the order!

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    Ayer Coffee - Matcha two, and banana matcha

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    Contra Coffee & Tea - coffee - Updated May 2026

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