Neat Coffee: While they’re in the midst of finishing the DREAMIEST new space, we’ll write a few good words about our friends at Neat. They’re our favorite coffee shop (hands down), the people behind the counter are some of the best people you’ll ever meet, and their love for coffee and community runs deep. They’re slated to open their new space in February 2019, and they have a lot of exciting drinks and menu changes up their sleeves. We’re counting down the days. (@neat.coffee)
Daydream Coffee: The California vibes are strong in this coffee, surf, and giftables shop. It’s Instagrammable AF, and chances are you’ll be tempted to buy one of everything in their perfectly curated store! (@daydreamsurfshop)
Common Room Roasters: We love Common Room for their tasty coffee and chill work vibes. It’s a great shop to bring your laptop and get some work done, and maybe make a friend or two! (@commonroomroasters)
Kit Coffee: This hip coffee shop has only been around for a year, but it feels like it’s been a Costa Mesa staple forever! We love their coffee but we really love their breakfast burrito. It’s a great spot to work, hang out, and people watch! (@kitcoffee)
Breakfast
Eat Chow: Great coffee, an extensive breakfast menu, and seasonal specials that continue to knock our socks off - Eat Chow is a favorite of ours! Don’t let the line at the door deter you, it’s well worth the wait. (@eatchow)
Bobby’s pick: Breakfast sandwich
Alli’s pick: Breakfast BLTA
Rooster Cafe: If you love a good hearty, affordable, no-frills breakfast, you’ll love Rooster. Their menu is small, but the portion size is not - you’ll be full all day! (@rooster_cafe)
Bobby’s pick: Early riser
Alli’s pick: Breakfast tacos
Outpost Kitchen: We love this little Aussie-run establishment for their coffee and their locally-sourced, seasonal, and organic menu. And the fact that they serve breakfast all day - yes please! (@outpostkitchen)
Bobby’s pick: Powerwich
Alli’s pick: Brekky Sandwich
Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee: Perfectly hand-crafted donuts served fresh out of the oven that will have you crying for joy. They’re that good. The donut flavors change monthly, but the “Butter & Salt” flavor is (almost) always available. And it’s our absolute favorite. (@sidecardoughnuts)
Lunch/Dinner
The Crack Shack: Top Chef’s Richard Blais is the mastermind behind this fried chicken joint, and it’s everything we could want and more. A tasty and creative menu, full bar, fun environment, and EXTREMELY dog friendly. Come hungry!! (@getcrackshacked)
Bobby’s pick: Senor Croque
Alli’s pick: Anti-Salad Power Bowl (with a side of fries)
2145: Their pizza is the pizza we compare all pizzas to. (Get that?) The handmade, Japanese style dough, the fresh, locally sourced toppings… it’s a specialty pizza experience that we have yet to top! (@2145pizza)
Bobby’s pick: Spicy Salami
Alli’s pick: Margherita
Seabirds Kitchen: It has to say something that Bobby recommended this restaurant, considering it is vegan (he’s not). If you’re in the same boat, start with the grilled cheese and tomato soup on a cold night… it’s mind-blowing that it’s vegan (cashew cheese). After you’re hooked, try the stuffed shells, the avocado street taco, or the jackfruit sliders. (@seabirdskitchen)
Bobby’s pick: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Alli’s pick: Beer battered avocado tacos
Wine Tasting at HiTime Wine: Our favorite neighborhood liquor store (sounds weird- but hear us out) rotates some amazing wine varietals in their cozy little tasting room. It’s a serve-yourself kind of situation, with organized tastings a few days a week! (@mrhitime)
VACA: Innovative craft cocktails (and an amazing tapas-style menu!), VACA is definitely one of the best places in Costa Mesa for a drink (or two). The VACA Tonic is the adult slushie we never knew we needed. (@vaca_costamesa)
Bobby’s pick: Runner-Up
Alli’s pick: The VACA Tonic
There are basic accommodations, but nothing too exciting. Refer to our Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach guides for other hotels in the area.
Shop at South Coast Plaza: SCP is the largest shopping mall on the West Coast, and it generates the highest sales of any mall in the US! It’s worth a visit just to window shop the designer stores, and check out what’s new in Zara. If you have kids, they’ll love the carousel! (@southcoastplaza)
Beach It Up: You can’t go to Costa Mesa without going to the beach. 56th street (in Newport) is one of our favorite spots to catch some rays or have a beach picnic! Parking is crazy in the summer, but it’s relatively mellow during the off season.
See a Musical at Segerstrom: Broadway shows, symphony performances, ballet, and more! The Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa is an incredible performing arts center that has something for everyone. We love going at Christmas and seeing A Christmas Carol. (@segerstromarts)
Yes! We wouldn’t live here if it wasn’t - haha! We love taking Sally to the Costa Mesa Bark Park where she can “stretch her paws”, most restaurants have dog friendly patios, and she has a blast going to dinner with us at The Crack Shack (where she can sit inside)!
