Best Coffee Shops in Long Beach (From a Coffee Snob)
Welcome to Long Beach, California, where the sun-kissed streets and vibrant atmosphere are complemented by the aromatic delights of its coffee scene. It was cloudy when we visited but you can tell it has that California flare
Whether you're a local resident looking for your daily caffeine fix, you are here on vacation, or a digital nomad and you are seeking a cozy spot to unwind, or a place to set up your laptop and work, Long Beach has a plethora of coffee shops to satisfy your cravings. I mean there is almost literally one on every corner.
Join the Smileys as we check a few of them out and let you know our take on the different spots and the quality of the coffee.
We wrote this post not to rank the coffee shops from best to worst, but to inspire you to try different small coffee businesses while you're in Long Beach.
Have suggestions? Let us know! We want this to be the best family travel blog out there – can't do that without your help. <3
Humblemaker Coffee Co.
HumbleMaker Coffee Co. is more than just a coffee shop; it's a community hub where creativity flourishes and connections are made over expertly crafted brews.
A great place to come and sit and work. nice atmosphere and friendly staff. They have inside and outside comfortable seating which is a plus if you are coming here to work for a few hours. We are true coffee lovers and coffee snobs.
Headed south? Check out our Best Coffee Shops in San Diego
The espresso here is ok. It is not the best or the worst. We rate coffee by its flavor and strength. We both tend to like our coffee a bit on the stronger side. Not bitter or acidic but flavorful. The coffee here is smooth but not as strong as we would like it.
This means it does not have a lot of strong notes of anything. No citrusy flavors or notes of chocolate. It isn't nutty or anything really. We were really bummed because we do love the atmosphere.
The location we visited is right across the street from The Coffee Bean ,and is located on the corner of Main and the PCH. across from the Pavilions.
Our Opinion: While Humblemaker Coffee Co. serves up a decent cup of joe, its true charm lies in its inviting ambiance, making it an ideal spot to sip and stay awhile. Whether you're catching up on work or simply enjoying a moment of tranquility, HumbleMaker has you covered.
Website: https://humblemaker.coffee/
Location: 350 Main St Unit A, Seal Beach
CA 90740
LUV Collective
LUV Collective is a coffee shop and collaborative physical space dedicated to fostering an environment that is safe and inclusive for all people.
Luv Collective website
LUV Collective is not your average coffee shop; it's a social enterprise dedicated to empowering the community and spreading love through every cup of coffee.
A great idea and a decent cup of coffee. We enjoyed looking around at all of the paraphernalia they have on display. The coffee was not stellar, remember we are coffee snobs, but still worth a stop to take in the atmosphere and see their decor.
Our Opinion: While we admire LUV Collective's mission and dedication to social impact, we found the coffee to be decent but not exceptional. Nevertheless, the welcoming atmosphere and commitment to positive change make it worth a visit.
website: https://www.luvcollective.org/
Location: 16182 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Tim Makes Great Coffee
Tim Makes Great Coffee sets the bar high in the local coffee scene. With its new permanent location, customers can now enjoy the same exceptional quality and friendly service in a cozy setting. (I believe he used to be mobile and operated out of a coffee truck)
TIM IS MAKING GREAT COFFEE IS #10 ON YELP'S ALL TIME 100 GREATEST COFFEE SHOPS IN AMERICA
Tims WEbsite
Great coffee, amazing atmosphere and decent seating. We did not test out the Wifi and the seating was not as comfortable as at Humble but the coffee is amazing.
We will be going back the next time we are in Long Beach. Highly recommend stopping here and trying your favorite drink made just the way you want it.
From the rich aroma of freshly roasted beans to the skillfully crafted beverages, Tim Makes Great Coffee remains a standout destination for coffee enthusiasts seeking a truly memorable experience.
website: https://timismakinggreatcoffee.com/
Location: 31431 Rancho Viejo Rd,
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee is a beloved institution known for its personalized pour-over coffee experience, where each cup is meticulously crafted to perfection.
We love Philz Coffee. When we lived in AZ we would wake up on a Saturday or Tuesday morning and drive 6 hours to La Jolla to have Philz Coffee.
Philz is a standout here because the rest of the locations on our list we tried espresso drinks and Philiz serves pour overs. We love espresso and usually rate it higher than any other form of coffee.
That being said, Philz is a tie for first place on our list of coffee shops we visited on this trip to Long Beach.
Our Opinion: Philz Coffee stands out as a top contender for the best coffee in Long Beach. The attention to detail and dedication to quality shine through in every sip, making it a must-visit for coffee aficionados.
They have several locations in Southern California, visit their website and find one near you.
Location: 4801 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803
Aroma Di Roma
Aroma di Roma offers a taste of Italy right in the heart of Long Beach, serving up rich and flavorful espresso that transports you to the bustling cafes of Rome.
Our Opinion: Aroma di Roma impresses with its authentic espresso and cozy ambiance, making it a close contender for the top spot. This is our solid number 2 in terms of taste for espresso. We loved the coffee here.
However, its location in an affluent neighborhood and the somewhat unwelcoming atmosphere detracted from the overall experience.
While not ideal for working due to the crowded environment, it's a perfect spot to mingle and enjoy a cup of espresso among the vibrant energy of the city.
Location: 4708 2nd St,
Long Beach, CA 90803
Coffee Shops in Long Beach
Our journey of exploring coffee spots in Long Beach and San Juan Capistrano has come to an end for this trip, we've found some great places to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Each place has its own special vibe and reasons to visit, like the chill atmosphere at Humblemaker Coffee Co., the mission-driven vibe at LUV Collective, the personalized coffee experience at Philz Coffee, and the amazing flavor at Tim Makes Great Coffee.
First place for us is a toss up between Philz our go to in southern Cali, and Tim Makes Great Coffee, both places have great tasting coffee and a place to work for digital nomads.
Second place is Aroma di Roma, where the rich flavor of their espresso took us on a journey to Italy.
The crowded atmosphere was more suited for socializing than working.
Despite encountering some less-than-friendly faces, the allure of their authentic espresso makes Aroma di Roma a worthy contender in Long Beach's coffee scene.
There are plenty of awesome coffee spots in Southern California just waiting for you to check them out. The next time you are in the area get ready for a fun adventure exploring these and the surrounding coffee shops. You never know what tasty drinks you might discover!
