Contra Coffee & Tea

Reviews

• Hayley H.

  star star star star star 6 June 2026

  Contra has taken my love for coffee to a whole new level!
  
  Contra Coffee & Tea is set up similarly to a brewery with taps on the wall filled with uniquely caffeinated concoctions. The cafe's mantra is "renew your brew," which they've 100% achieved with stand out beverages like 'pumpkin spiced Thai', or the 'bottom of your cereal.'
  
  While the coffee shop can get a bit packed, the baristas are incredibly welcoming and allow you to taste test each option until you find the right fit.
  
  Since it was a warm day I ended up ordering the Strawberry Swing Tea - strawberry, aloe, and green tea. This beverage was light and refreshing, and the perfect accessory to explore the Orange Circle with.
  
  Inside there is a variety of table top seating to fulfill all your studying needs. Along the walls you'll find local artwork for sale, and a variety of books from the second tenant, the 1888 Center bookstore.
  
  This coffee spot is also open to all, accessible to all, and environmentally friendly! High fives all around!

• Marlena A.

  star star star star star_border 2 June 2026

  Very cute coffee shop / art gallery????
  
  They have a feature wall dedicated to books by genre and there's also local artist painting/drawings for sale as you walk towards the bathroom. I'm not sure if this is occasional or always there.
  
  The drinks were phenomenal! I got the Spooky Cleo(?) it was a pumpkin Thai coffee, a little on the sweeter side but flavor was definitely amazing.
  
  Only down side to this place would be the lack of tables + the lunch time student rush. Being so close to Chapman University, I can see how it's would be a great place to study or meet friends between classes.
  
  I recommend just coming early to get some work done, have a drink, enjoy the art, then bail when the crowd comes.

• Hani J.

  star star star star star_border 26 May 2026

  I really enjoyed the afternoon I spent working in Contra Coffee & Tea last week. I was recommended this place by a friend and had to come by after hearing & reading only good things. I don't normally go in on sweetened coffee/tea beverages (so that presents a challenge in this place) - but I got a sample of the dirty horchata and the peppermint mocha coffees - both delicious!
  
  I ended up settling on the espresso style cold brew, though, as it was extremely smooth (and no sugar!). Highly recommend trying it out. Brought a growler to one of my friends, too.
  
  Downsides: No sweet coffee options that don't use actual sugar, only 1-2 seats in the whole place with access to power plugs, and the WiFi is pretty weak when there is any decent amount of people in the place. Could probably fix this with a bit more bandwidth, a better router, or both.

• Abigail D.

  star star star star star 25 May 2026

  Came here for the first time this morning and enjoyed my Iced Lychee Black Tea! Staff was really nice and let my try out the many unique flavors they had available. Such a cute spot and seems like a popular place to study/get work done. I will definitely be back! Highly recommend anyone to come and check this place out!

• Dianna D.

  star star star star star_border 18 May 2026

  Coffee and tea on tap!  
  
  I came here to get in some study time and they have ample space but no outlets (unless you sit by the door).  That's fine because it allows table turnaround and prevents people from sitting here all day.  
  
  I've tried their Gold Rush (Vietnamese style iced coffee) and Buko kappa (coconut panda latte).  Both were good and strong and somewhat true to the flavor they're trying to reflect.  I definitely want to try there teas next time.  A table next to me got a growler of tea and it smelled so sweet and refreshing, I regret not asking what flavor it was.  They have a flight option as well allowing you to try four for about 8 bucks.
  
  My only complaint is the music is a bit loud.  Parking on the street or if you can snag a 3 hour spot in one of the free lots in the area.  Located on the corner of Chapman and Orange.