Hood Coffee — Restaurant in Orange

Update 08/2025 (2) - This place is really amping up their space... Now they have a/c!! Went again for tamales... They were out of the chicken mole (so good - not too sweet!!!) but they still had rajas ... They didn't use a melty cheese like other places, it's more firm like a panela? Not sure what they're using, but they also added tomatoes to them this time - love this (chile, cheese, tomato)!! My family used to experiment and add things to our tamales with every batch, so I love that they change things up! Oh and their masa is perfect - not greasy but fluffy and not dry!!! I'm hoping they'll sell by the dozen for the upcoming holiday season! Don't forget to pick up an horchata Viet to wash down the tamales!!

Side note - What's with the odd poor reviews that look like personal attacks?? Not sure what's going on there. Update 08/2025 - Been here a couple more times... tried the green chilaquiles and they're just as good as the red but with a little more kick! And I can never leave without tamales!! They're so big... one is a meal and they have a perfect meat/masa ratio! The music is still way too loud, especially for such a small space... they can't hear orders at the register and it's just uncomfortable, not welcoming. But I will keep coming back for the coffee and food!!! I stop by EVERY time I'm in Orange (or nearby lol)! Don't miss out!! Wasn't sure if I should try red or green chilaquiles (can't get both - Christmas)... guy at the register recommended the red. He was right!! It's fire!!! And with just a little kick (so if you don't like ANY spice at all - watch it)! I didn't add any meat, just the included egg (over easy). They packed them into a Chinese food type box... it's a GENEROUS portion!! But because of that, I hope they change to the shorter rectangular boxes - the existing boxes mush up the bottom portion of the food, especially since it's served hot & fresh and packed in tight! Music was a little too loud - they were having difficulty hearing orders - but nice mix! Horchata was good and so was the pan dulce (which I was told they make on site)!!! Our entire order was ready in about 10-15min - quick considering I ordered multiple items, staffing seemed minimal at the time, and the place kept getting busier as I waited!

Only issue was the couple of health violations I witnessed while waiting for my order (the reason I couldn't give 5 stars). One of the ladies in the back was eating while preparing food - which is prohibited!! Also, she kept rubbing/wiping her face with her bare hands while preparing food with those same bare hands (no gloves, hairnet, etc). I'm hoping they see this and bring it to her attention, so Enviro Health was not contacted this time.

There's plenty of parking and they're right on a corner - makes it easy to pop in!! (Unsure of the veg options, as I don't know if they use manteca in any their food items.) Happy to support this small business and I will be back to try the green chilaquiles and the horchata...

Stopped in today based on a friend’s recommendation. I’ve been to their other location off Grand, which was a great experience, but this one was very different. There was no greeting when I walked in, and I had some concerns about food handling. My drink was accidentally given to someone else, and I saw that person put a straw in it. About 15 minutes later, a team member asked what I ordered and realized the mistake. He asked the other guest if they had drunk from it, and after they said no, he took the drink to the back and brought it right back to me.

The burrito was okay, but definitely not worth the $15. I’d recommend double-checking your order if you visit. The place has potential, but it really needs improvement in customer service, food handling, and...

letting the coffee speak for itself... absolutely loved it here!

wish i got her name, but whoever was working the counter was so helpful and recommended some great flavors. got a cookie butter latte with their cold foam, and it was so deliciously rich, with real cookie butter lining the cup - what a treat it was 😋 shared a strawberry croissant with my dieting mom who couldn't resist the jelly-like filling 🍓 friendly service, fun flavors, quality coffee - all the reason to come...