If you’re looking for your morning mug of coffee or an afternoon cup of tea, Irvine has plenty of fun and delicious coffee and tea shops to choose from. The best part is that many of these stores offer something a little bit different from the average mega-coffee chain and some even feature aesthetic interiors ideal for snapping that perfect Instagram shot.

Cha for Tea (Photo by Audrey Fong)

Cha for Tea

Cha for Tea is one of the original boba shops in Irvine and continues to be a favorite among UC Irvine students. One of the reasons why Cha for Tea has survived all these years despite the competition is because of its delicious drinks and super soft honey boba. If you haven’t been before, try either the honey green milk tea or the mango green tea – two of their most popular drinks.

4740 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine.

4187 Campus Drive, Irvine. 

Cherubic Tea

Formerly known as Spiritea, Cherubic Tea is the American sister to a popular Canadian tea chain. Known for its high-quality teas, this spot makes each drink fresh using a teaspresso machine specifically made for their store and imported glacier water. This store’s pretty, pastel pink interior is a favorite among bloggers for outfit and food photos.

13238 Jamboree Road, Irvine.

Coffee Tomo

Coffee Tomo is a family-owned store that specializes in luxurious coffee. What makes them an ideal spot for a family or group of friends is their large menu that features both teas and non-caffeinated drinks in addition to their coffee drinks. They even recently added boba to the menu. Their sweet potato latte is one of the more unique beverages available.

15333 Culver Drive #450, Irvine. 

Cloudy Co Tea (Photo by Audrey Fong)

Cloudy Co Tea

Cloudy Co Tea is one of the newest boba shops in Irvine. The menu is made up of a selection of milk teas, fruit teas, coffees and slushies. What makes this spot stand out is that they use fresh fruit in all their drinks and real milk resulting in clean-tasting beverages. Their largely wooden paneled interior, reminiscent of East Asian tea shops, makes for an ideal backdrop for an Instagram outfit shot.

14370 Culver Drive, Suite D, Irvine.

KRISP (Photo by Audrey Fong)

Krisp Fresh Living

Krisp Fresh Living may have the friendliest service in town. Located in TRADE Irvine, this spot is a unique coffee shop that also serves up toasts, acai bowls, teas and pre-made foods perfect for lunch. The must-try drinks here are the Nutella Madeleine Latte and the Blueberry Matcha Latte.

2272 Michelson Drive, #100, Irvine.

Orobae (Photo by Audrey Fong)

Orobae

You know a spot is going to be amazing when the line is long – and Orobae always has a line. Don’t let the line discourage you as it moves quickly. The reason why Orobae has so many die-hard fans is because of the high-quality tea leaves used for each drink and because of the attentive owners, Felix and Ken, who are ready to answer your questions. If you’re a tea lover, this spot is the best store in town for drinks that put the emphasis on the tea leaves’ natural flavor.

14250 Culver Drive, Suite E, Irvine.

Redstraw (Photo by Audrey Fong)

Redstraw

Fresh fruits, a wide selection of tea leaves, fun combos and alternative milk options – these are just a few of the reasons why Redstraw is one of the best spots in Irvine for both coffee and tea. Everything is made fresh to order and many of the drinks will be brewed right before your eyes, so you can rest assured knowing each drink is made with care and attention. If you go, be sure to check out their Grasshopper tea, a refreshing blend of cucumber juice and black tea.

14031 Jeffrey Road, Irvine. 

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