Hidden House Coffee — Restaurant in Santa Ana

There are better coffee shops around. This particular shop lacks in a few areas. There is so much potential here though! First, you have to park on the street. Second, there is a huge patio but too much concrete. Trees and bushes have been planted which offsets how much concrete there is on the patio but that means more bugs, unfortunately. I had to kill several ants while trying to eat, I lost count on how many I saw/killed that was crawling on the table I was trying to eat and do work on. Also, the patio needs more seating/tables... I would recommend bigger tables for more work space and large umbrellas to provide more shade. I also would recommend gaining pest control for the patio as well. Also with the patio (and this also has to do with customer service...), my drink took about 6-7 minutes to make (maybe even longer). The reason I’m bringing this up is I don’t want to stand around waiting for my drink especially when my food is ready within a couple minutes. I want to immediately find a table and sit while waiting, and had intentions of sitting on the patio. It doesn’t appear to have a mic outside to inform customers that their drinks are ready to be picked up at the counter, so an employee came out to tell me my drink was ready. So I had to get back up to go get my drink from inside... if you are going to have an employee come out to tell me this, please just be productive and bring my drink to me. I saw someone walk around the patio a few times to pick up empty cups and plates, so you guys are allowed to come out to the patio... just found it really odd my drink wasn’t just handed to me outside if I told the cashier that my order was for here and not to-go. Other coffee shops do this. Third, their food options are only okay. I did try an egg and cheese croissant which was okay. Also, no soy milk option and your only coffee flavoring is vanilla? WHAT??? What about hazelnut? What about caramel (my favorite)? This is a coffee shop that doesn't even have caramel?? I'm so confused. Lastly, the price point for everything is too expensive for the average quality, especially compared to other shops in the area. The average price I should pay for my same order, no matter where I go, should be $11-$12 before tipping... my order here came to almost $16. I did add an extra star because it does have a slight speakeasy feel from the outside and has a great look on the inside... just lacks, like I already mentioned. Again, lots of potential to be good, but to not have caramel at a coffee shop and to pay more than average for just average coffee and is crazy and is instantly a ‘no-go’ for me. I actually considered turning around and leaving to go to my other coffee shop, but stayed to give this...

Welcome to the not-so hidden house of coffee! It’s a very popular spot in Santa Ana. They roast their coffee beans and bake their pastries in house. As I try each new item I’ll update this review, so keep checking for any updates. All in all, it’s a great place to stop by and get some work done. Stop here to enjoy the enticing ambience of chirping birds in the outdoor seating.

The staff is very approachable and super friendly. The three times I’ve been, I’ve gotten my coffee quickly! I tried their pistachio latte and right away I could taste that the beans were smooth and less acidic than I’m accustomed to, not a bad thing! I liked that it was milky but not too sweet, the pistachio and coffee balanced well together.

I look forward to trying their other coffees and pastries so I can give better recommendations.

Update 1. The chamomile tea that they use is great! But the water is too hot for the tea. There’s a perfect temp just before boiling that makes tea, delicious. Any proud tea snobs will know what I’m talking about.

Update 2. The cold Maple Brown Sugar Latte is great for your average casual coffee drinker! It’s not too sweet and pretty light in coffee flavor. Due to how gentle it was on the coffee, I found it lacking in caffeine strength boldness. Still great! Totally recommend, and I can see why it’s so popular. The foam...

The pros: The ambiance is great. They play good tunes, and the outdoor patio is beautiful on a spring or summer day. The wifi is free, strong, and speedy. They have a few outlets strategically placed between every 4 seats or so. The coffee itself is actually quite good - they roast in-house and tend to keep their roast profiles from light to mid, so their cold brews are delicious. Pastries are also baked on site, and are fresh. I know they only sell what they make that day. It's also nestled in the heart of Santa Ana, so it definitely keeps a local shop feel.

The cons: The customer service/hospitality is not great. I used to come here every single weekend and talk it up to everyone I knew. Despite being here often and spending hours, not once did the baristas make any sign of recognition or take the time to know my name. I've regularly seen randoms wander behind the bar, but I would have to assume they're other employees off the clock - who are greeted with far more enthusiasm than I have ever seen them greet patrons. Also, if you order pastries, make sure you get a receipt. They have forgotten to give me my cookie more than once, and I've had to end up asking for it.

All in all, if you care about good coffee, good pastries, and somewhere to meet a friend, but want nothing to do with the baristas, this is the...