Coffee shops are my home away from home. Since I am self-employed, my favorite place to “work” is the coffee shop. These are my favorites of the ones i knew of and frequented in 2009. (if you have any suggestions of other cool coffee shops in SoCal, email me at jackiefrancois@gmail.com)

Best Atmosphere – Coffee Shops in “Houses”

Pannikin Coffee & Tea, Encinitas (San Diego), CA Pannikin’s Website

Cafe Veronese, Fullerton (Orange County), CA Cafe Veronese’s Website

Aroma Cafe, Studio City (Los Angeles), CA Aroma Cafe’s Website

Living Room Cafe, Old Town (San Diego), CA Living Room Cafe’s Website

Best Espresso

Kaffa Coffee, Orange (Orange County), CA Pannikin’s Website
the only coffee shop i’ve found in SoCal that does “coffee art” when you get a latte…so good!

Zanzibar Cafe, Pacific Beach (San Diego), CA Zanzibar Cafe’s Website

Best Food

Breakfast: Rialto Cafe, Fullerton (Orange County), CA Rialto Cafe’s Website
try their quiche. it’s different daily and always amazing

Lunch: Zanzibar Cafe, Pacific Beach (San Diego), CA Zanzibar Cafe’s Website
try the black bean & chicken quesadilla. delicious!

Dinner: Aroma Cafe, Studio City (Los Angeles), CA Aroma Cafe’s Website
try one of their amazing burgers. or desserts. or anything else that looks delectable.

Best View…The Beach

Full of Beans, Ventura (Ventura County), CA Full of Bean’s Website

Newbreak Coffee, Ocean Beach (San Diego), CA Newbreak Coffee’s Website

Goldfish Point Cafe, La Jolla (San Diego), CA Goldfish Point Cafe’s Website

Best Interior Design

Monkey Business Cafe, Fullerton (Orange County), CA Monkey Business Cafe’s Website

Gypsy Den, Santa Ana (Orange County), CA Gypsy Den’s Website

Cafe Veronese, Fullerton (Orange County), CA Cafe Veronese’s Website