Local cafes that are perfect for your next study session

Hidden House Coffee’s bacon bagel bomb and vanilla matcha. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
As the school semester begins, many students start searching for the perfect places to get their work done and enjoy a nice treat. While Saddleback’s campus is absolutely lovely, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up and find a cozier spot off campus — such as a local coffee shop.
For college students, coffee and treats can be the perfect fuel for a long study session. And sometimes, all it takes to get motivated is a change of scenery. Luckily for students at Saddleback, there are plenty of spots off campus.

The inside of Americano’s Coffee. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
Just across the street from Saddleback College is Americano’s Coffee, a premium quality cafe. From the moment you walk through the doors, it’s clear that Americano’s is different from your average coffee shop. Marbled floors and tables paired with velvet seating creates an atmosphere that feels both comfortable and elegant. Simply spending time here feels like a treat.
Americano’s offers a wide variety of coffee creations, but its ceremonial-grade matcha is what stands out about this cafe. While most coffee shops have matcha these days, very few actually have ceremonial grade matcha, and Americano’s has your back on that. Consider trying one of their unique matcha lattes if you’re wanting to change up a usual latte order.

Concrete Coffee inside of the Kaleidoscope’s Union Market. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
The Kaleidoscope, a once-popular shopping center in Mission Viejo, has gained a new attraction in its vastly empty shopping district. Concrete Coffee is quickly picking up the attention of individuals and becoming a new favorite spot for many.
Concrete Coffee features unique coffee creations that aren’t commonly found at other coffee shops. Some of these drinks include their raspberry white mocha, dulce de leche and honey lavender latte. On top of that, limited-time drinks are constantly coming and going, giving customers another reason to return and see what’s new.

The inside of Kape Roasters. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
Kape Roasters is a cozy and inviting coffee shop located in Laguna Niguel, right between Golden Lantern and Crown Valley. The shop strives to be a family-friendly place that brings the local community together. From the atmosphere alone, Kape Roasters succeeds in drawing customers in with its warm and welcoming environment.
With classic coffees and unique creations, you’re bound to find a drink you enjoy. If you’re craving something spiced and familiar, their chai is sure to satisfy. If you’re willing to branch out and try something new, their unique ube latte could become a new favorite.

The inside of High Ground Coffee House. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
Located in Mission Viejo near the Mission Viejo Library, High Ground Coffee House is a cozy spot that offers plenty of space for studying. The interior is spacious enough for individuals to find a comfortable place to settle in, while vinyl records from another local small business, Moldy Toes Records, decorate the walls and add a unique touch to the atmosphere.
The coffee house offers a wide variety of classic coffees as well as sweeter drinks made with its large selection of syrups. Customers can choose to have their drinks iced or blended, giving them plenty of options to customize their order.
High Ground Coffee House truly has just about anything to satisfy whatever coffee craving you may have.

The exterior of Hidden House Coffee. Simon Miliauskas | Lariat
As its name suggests, Hidden House Coffee is tucked away on a small street in San Juan Capistrano. It is a cozy area where the surrounding greenery gives the coffee shop a whimsical, almost fairy tale-like atmosphere.
The menu features classic drinks along with more unique house-made creations, but their stars lie among their seasonal drinks.
Among its current seasonal offerings is a strawberry matcha made with house-made strawberry syrup, strawberry cold foam and freeze-dried strawberries. Another seasonal option is the pistachio latte, which features house-made pistachio syrup, pistachio cold foam and a pistachio topping.
With so many coffee shops surrounding Saddleback, students don’t have to look far to find a favorite coffee shop. Each location offers its own atmosphere, specialty drinks and unique experience, making it worth exploring beyond campus.
Your next study session might just lead you to your new favorite coffee shop.

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