Okay...The Coffee Queen has lost count of how many new coffee shops she has visited...However, this…read moreone located across from the beach in San Clemente was fabulous! I ordered an Oat Milk Latte, extra hot with an extra shot. It was smooth and delicious! The entire staff here were very friendly and helpful. They also have food but this girl just wanted her coffee:) It's not very big inside but they have a few tables and several out front. The view is lovely over here! Will be back the next time I am in the area. *Street parking is metered ~ and that's all I have to say about that...

Bear West Coast Coffee House is one of two independent coffee shops along the beach area…read more It's cute with merchandise, the service is nice, and they carry an "Orange Blossom" seasonal flavor that reminded me of an orange popsicle. Overall, I liked the ambiance, but the coffee wasn't strong enough for me--especially the cold brew. I should had added a shot. The menu option is also limited.

High Tide is my weekly, if not daily staple. The coffee for me is excellent, and the service is…read moreexceptional. I usually have the maple/cinnamon almond latte. The gals and guys(Zach, new guy) that work here are top notch! Ruby, Cass, Leah... We moved to San Clemente two years ago from Laguna and High Tide has been a true blessing. I love their grated avocado toast and their assortment of delicious pastries. Only things I would change is that they could possibly open a little earlier for us morning people? 6:30? I just wonder too, if they make their syrups in house? My husband is a health nut and worries about my seed oil and sugar intake. I think he's trying to squash the joyful relationship I have with coffee. I love High Tide!

500 stars, if I could. High Tide Coffee officially became…read morepart of my PhD defense victory saga. The night before my dissertation defense, I ordered a 96 oz coffee (joe-to-go) to go with a note saying I was defending my PhD (preemptively apologizing if I looked like a frazzled raccoon and worried anyone on accident while picking up). When I walked in at 7:45 AM (15 min earlier than my pick up time, bc anxiety), the staff immediately complimented my defense outfit -- instant confidence boost -- and when I said I was the person picking up "lots of coffee," they led me to the coffee, already packed and ready :') They all wished me good luck with the warmest, most dazzling smiles. They even included a note that said, "You got this~!" which I kept in front of me during my defense. (see photo) And I passed!!! Also, they gave me half-and-half and oat milk?? In this economy?? Oat milk is basically liquid gold. I felt so loved. So caffeinated. So non-dairy option supported. Usually after defenses, there is leftover coffee that people are trying to give away. But me and High Tide Coffee? No sir. No leftovers. One of my committee members had about 4-5 cups, and I am not exaggerating., (Even in a field that basically runs on coffee, academics are running on caffeine.... and wine, so a room of 12 people, not all drinking coffee, and still finishing 96 oz of coffee is a record.) Thank you, High Tide, for the excellent coffee, the kindness, the emotional support, and the very necessary academic bean juice. I am officially glad I chose you to help caffeinate the most important morning of my PhD. and thank you again for supporting me emotionally and caffeine-induced confidence :)

I ordered an iced almond milk maple matcha, and it was a great way to start my morning! The matcha…read moreitself was flavorful and smooth. My only complaint is the price. My total was over $10, which felt pretty steep, especially since the drink was a few ounces smaller than what I typically get elsewhere. There are several nearby coffee shops that offer matcha of similar quality for less, so it left me feeling like I didn't quite get the value I expected. That said, the matcha was genuinely delicious--so at least they got that part right!

Happy Coffee Club is one of my favorite spots! The vibe is so cute, and the back patio is the…read moreperfect place to relax. I love going early in the morning with my pups, grabbing a coffee or an iced matcha, and just hanging out for a bit. The coffee is always good, and the matcha is one of my favorites. I know they also serve wine and beer, which sounds perfect for an afternoon or evening visit. I haven't made it there for the late-night vibe yet, but it's definitely on my list!

The food was soooo good!! The ciabatta bread was the freshest bread I've ever had served, and the…read moreburrito was the softest wrap my boyfriend said! I also came here seeking out my first latte art experience, the first latte I ordered was in a to go cup, so I asked about a mug, they kindly informed me they were out however, to my suprise the kindest worker went out of his way to create latte art in my to go cup for me! Just want everyone to know, these people are great at what they do

We really needed a caffeine fix! I had bookmarked Zebra to try and we headed to it after the park…read more I was getting sleepy on the drive! Friendly greeting when I entered. The young woman told me to be careful because she just mopped. Looked over the menu, and decided on the Mexican latte. Jonesy just wanted a regular latte. I also bought some beans which she happily ground for me. She brought them out to the patio, which is a good size. The interior is spacious too! Both coffees hit the spot! One of the best things about this location is the parking! They have a small lot in front. They also have a drive-thru window. This is really a great place to come to! They also offer pup cups! Cako Approves!

Expresso forward... here it's about the bean. Small menu…read morebut a good one Super nice staff who know and care about their coffee... and knowledgeable No fru fru drinks- simple and delicious. Appreciate the extra attention to creating a pretty latte art. Indoor and outdoor seating

As a home espresso enthusiast, I was excited to try the coffee here. The menu was simple, the…read moreperson behind the counter explained to me that they have one size, a cortado (equal parts espresso and milk), with different milk options. I could not believe what I saw after ordering. One, the drink I was given was absolutely not a cortado, several times more milk than espresso. Two, I watched the barista pull the shot. The shot took about 5-10 seconds, came out completely thin and watery. I figured, oh he just had a bad shot, he'll dial it in and re-do it. Nope, he proceeded to hand the shot to the person steaming the milk, who filled up the cup (again, not cortado sized) with milk, and called my name. In hindsight, I should have said something, but gave him the benefit of the doubt. The drink tasted like straight hot oat milk. To make it worse, this drink was being sold for $7.50. Sorry to say it, but I do not recommend this place.

I stopped by Better Buzz Coffee on what was a weirdly hot February afternoon…read more Like... sir??? It's supposed to be coastal-no-thick-sweater weather. Instead, I was out here questioning climate patterns with my dog on the patio. First things first: no iced coffee. None. But. The cold brew? Mild. Non-offensive. Surprisingly nutty (in a good way, *wink wink*). It didn't punch me in the throat with acidity, which I appreciate as someone who wants caffeine, not hostile combat. It's the kind of cold brew that says, "I'm stable. I've been to therapy. I am no longer bitter." Service was friendly and easygoing. No weird vibes. No barista existential dread projected onto me. Just solid, pleasant human interaction. 10/10 for that. Now. The patio. Love that it's dog-friendly. My pup was living her best life, greeting kind patrons. I, however, was trying to pretend I was a productive academic gremlin (with *aesthics*), and the WiFi was... aspirational. Let's just say it builds character. Great for touching grass. Not great for uploading Zoom sessions. (this was on the patio tho, indoors, it might slap harder than.. a correctly timed bass drop) Overall: great little spot. A few things to improve (please give me iced coffee and slightly stronger patio WiFi), but it doesn't detract from the experience or the coffee itself. I'd go back -- especially with my pup -- just maybe not expecting to run a Zoom seminar from the patio. 4 out of 5 caffeinated imposter adults.

This is one of my local favorite places to get a matcha latte. The staff really takes time to learn…read moreyour favorites and preferences. I usually get matchas, yogurt bowls and the ham & cheese croissant are family faves as well. The staff, drinks and food are great. Lately it's been harder for me to order at the drive-thru unless someone is physically outside to take orders. There have been two incidents now where I've sat at the drive thru with no response. I've tried to say hello to see if there's a response and there is none. I think maybe the sensors are in need of maintenance. Please fix it because I've just driven off when this happens. Update: I went back 3/3/26 and sat at the drive thru waiting. Nobody answered so I figured the drive thru is closed. I go inside to order and I asked if the drive thru is closed. The baristas say it's open and "we saw you but we weren't sure if you were waiting to order from us or Hendels (next door ice cream shop)" but then why would I be waiting at better buzz to order from next door?!! then I hear them taking a drive thru order while I'm ordering at the counter. it's confirmed it's not the sensors that aren't picking up my car at the drive thru, I'm just being ignored. Cool. I won't be coming back.

Love this restaurant on the beach! Great food, iced coffee and other types drinks. They even give…read moreyour dog a free biscuit if you ask or if they see you have a pup. It's my go-to on T-street.

freshly made and very delicious. 2 kids size açaí bowls and 2 vegetarian arepas came to $54…read more nice to have this cafe on the beach. approximately 54 steps (i'm a counter). no pics because i was getting food for my friend and i while she was having an endoscopy and everything timed perfectly. the staff is so very friendly and cheerful! definitely have a meal here when you're in SC at T street!

The BEST mocha decaff!! I'm super picky about my coffee,…read morebut this one was PERFECT from start to finish!! Thank you Khristy--this is my new favorite HH place !!

Good coffee and great staff. Place has a nice vibe, relaxing and perfect to connect with friends or…read moreget some work done. Would be a 5 star, but they're still living in the shadow of Hermosa Cafe, the previous coffee shop that was there for years and served some pretty good eats. But, great place, get a coffee and enjoy!