This is an aesthetically trendy coffee cafe located in an industrial area. The inside decor has a minimalist but modern feel to it. Definitely a lot of thought was put into creating their interior design. Plenty of parking in the area. However, it may not be the most quiet place - airplanes fly over it ever so often. The staff was very patient and provided good recommendations. Ordered the following: - Hojicha Latte (hot) + vanilla syrup - Cream Top Matcha Latte - Spanish Latte (hot) - Ham and Cheese Croissant The hojicha late with the vanilla syrup was a perfect balance of sweetness and roastiness. I would recommend it! The matcha balanced well with the cream top. The spanish latte had a good balance and not over powering cinnamon flavor. Overall, I really liked this place and would like to come back to try their other drinks and pour overs! read more

See all

Located in the Sky Park area, one would not assume a nice little coffee joint would be tucked away there, but lo and behold, Common Cafe pops up with its own lineup of coffee and offerings for the community. Although parking may look limited, there's actually a pretty good amount spread around the area, so it's never too far of a walk away. I usually go on weekends, and there's often a line then, so make sure you're prepared to wait just a bit (get those shades and hats ready!) The interior is super chill and minimal, giving a pretty relaxed atmosphere. There are enough seats and wi-fi for you to work if needed or just to catch up with some good friends after a long time (maybe you could even admire the car lined up in the back). Though it can get pretty packed, so if you're planning on chilling, it might be a bit of a wait (and patience) I'll admit that I'm not a huge coffee expert or connoisseur, but I do enjoy trying new drinks and tasting what I like in my coffee. Regardless, the workers at Commons Cafe are experts and pretty friendly, and they're open to explaining the types of coffee available on the menu. It seems they're known for their pour-over and specialty coffee. I went with a few friends and personally got their matcha tonic while they got the Madagascar vanilla latte. Both were about $8-9, including tax, which I considered standard for this type of place. Their pourovers do have the beans available to smell as well if you're interested in it (they are MP cost, though, to keep that in mind) We managed to get a spot inside, and so the baristas were nice enough to bring out our drinks as well! The matcha tonic was probably my favorite, and I was so glad to get it as an option. You could taste the matcha profile well, along with the bubbly taste of the tonic and a hint of sweetness. I had a chance to try my friend's Madagascar vanilla latte, and it was light but fragrant enough to deliver a smooth, creamy taste. Might have to try that one again next time I stop by. I heard their seasonal fruit tea was good and that their pastries pair well with the drinks. Definitely enjoyed my time there and hope to return soon! read more

Commons Cafe is the new hot cafe spot in Irvine. I visited it recently with my friend, as we wanted to try out a new matcha spot. I have seen a lot of buzz around the cafe, as well as the fact that they have actually cup for dine in is a must visit for me. I got the cream top matcha latte, which is really good. Their matcha is def high quality with a heavy earthy taste. If you don't like strong earthy matcha, this might not be for you, but I personally love it. They use the same matcha as my fav cafe in LA, Archive of Us. Def will try their coffee option next time. Their aesthetic gives sleek black modern vibe with wooden element and metallic furnitures. They actually a lot seatings for studying and chatting. Service is super friendly! The barista was so attentive in answering questions and recommending their drinks. read more

See all

Love how this place opens early. Perfect place to get my matcha latte before going to work. Literally 5 minutes away from my office! I love how clean and minimalistic the place is. I got the matcha latte which is about $8.50 total. They give zero sugar so you have to add on syrup or agave if you want it sweetened. Otherwise, place is quiet and perfect place for hangout or coffee date. Matcha also is very good and almost on par with LA matcha. They use the same matcha as from Archive of Us! So delicious and rich. If they did a matcha einspanner then that would be game changer read more

See all

LOVE the interior and theme of the cafe! I noticed that they have KEF speakers instead of the usual Sonos or Marshall. Nothing crazy for anyone to point out, just an appreciation I had for their taste! I ordered their Hojicha latte and Matcha latte which were a good standard. At peak freshness, the matcha is super umami and has a semi-rich density to it. It's not too thin and I do think they highlight the matcha well. The barista mentioned that their matchas come unsweetened which was a delight, however I do reccomend it with some agave. They don't put too much either so it was perfect for someone that doesn't prefer too sweet. I wouldn't say anything crazy, it does seem like they specialize in single origin coffee than matchas. I haven't tried their coffee yet but I'll be coming back again to have a taste so my friends can give better feedback too (they're more experienced with coffee than I am). I look forward to coming back to study. read more

See all

The newest hip coffee shop in Irvine!! I heard mixed reviews before coming, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The interior is super cute, very minimal aesthetic with korean coffee shop vibes! Located in the business area by john wayne airport so it's a bit tucked away but there's plenty of parking & ample indoor seating. Not super work friendly as they mainly have high chairs but I saw a few people with laptops out. We came on a Sunday around 2 pm and there was no line with a few tables open. We ordered a regular matcha latte and cream top matcha with vanilla sweetener (FYI - their drinks come unsweetened by default). Honestly, their matcha was just ok...not sure if it's just the umami taste but it was pretty earthy and light. Overall, just tasted like something we could make at home. I ended up asking for extra syrup on the side to help with the bitterness but after sipping for awhile, it became a little too sweet for me instead. They supposedly source from Archives of Us although I personally can't compare as I haven't been yet. Our drinks came out to be $9-10 each after sweetener & alternative milk, which made it feel underwhelming for the price. I heard their hojicha & coffee is better so I'd still come back to try. Hopefully will have a better experience next time! read more

See all

Commons is the newest cafe to hit OC. It's been all over my fyp so I knew I had to check it out. It's located in Irvine's airport business plaza; specifically near the cul-de-sac where the ghost kitchens are and I've never had any issues parking in the area. What caught my eye was its brutalist minimal interior design and aesthetic. There is free WiFi so def a place you could study or get some work done if you're able to grab a big enough table. I did not see any outlets so come with a fully charged laptop. The owner was there was kind, welcoming and knowledgeable. He explained the menu very well and seemed very passionate about his craft. They take great pride in their single origin beans. The pour overs are def on the pricey side ($12-27) but it was one of the best cups of coffee I've tried. The Colombia risaralda smelled so sweet and fruity; perfectly matching the description of the menu. So worth the splurge to try! Dine in cups are served in a pretty glass and tray and also comes with a card to describe the beans and notes. I also got a Madagascar vanilla latte which was quite good to average as well. Not mind blowing but a solid classic drink. Def will be back to try their other specialty drinks. read more

Commons Cafe - Madagascar vanilla latte and Columbia risaralda (iced pour over) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

Location is small amidst a street full of studios but definitely attracts a lot of customers. Interesting interior with the chrome silver and black as the main colors. Lots of people in there studying or hanging out so there were no seats available when we went. The flavor profiles of the coffee beans all sounded good but we didn't get coffee (which I kind of regret). We ordered the cream top hojicha latte, which was pretty good, but I've had better and it was suggested that I add vanilla to it because it was not sweet enough for folks. I agreed not knowing it was an extra charge so my drink came out to almost $9. I wouldn't have done that had I known. read more

See all

Early a.m. Saturday Drove around the circle until I located the cafe Menu visible- ordered a hojicha half sweet agave almond milk (plus tip) Equated to ~9$ sip I liked my drink, no unnecessary fluff Like I could be a pre-work "regular" type stuff I appreciated the option to order for here and cute coaster touch Cement slab seating, not sure I've ever seen of this length, coming in clutch The silver tables have the foot bar Parked inside, there is a classic car I assume it's classic, but what do I know Read the sign, an option though I would love to come back to try the matcha and coffee Treats on display, financier and salt bread I did see The music has a steady beat But, it's not so overwhelming that you retreat Distract thy busy mind Study the shop, features find Overall, I'd recommend a stop in Commons, a cafe vibe win xoxo -Op read more

See all

Told myself I'll try matcha and got another coffee el oh el. This time got the Costa Rica which had notes of white flower / pomelo / pear 5/5 again Seriously next time matcha read more

See all

Super impressed by this new cafe! It's in the secluded corporate part of Irvine, but it's well worth the drive. Definitely the best interior decor and vibe out of all the coffee shops in the city, and believe me I've been to all of them. You can just tell a lot of care and attention to detail was put into this space. Came to do some work and there were a couple seats with outlets available, could definitely see it being hard to find a seat in the future when more people know about this place. Barista was super helpful and friendly! Their menu is all the classic drinks you can imagine, and I look forward to seeing if they start doing seasonal specials or something like that once they've been open for a bit longer! The people are waiting...They use Archives of Us matcha and hojicha here which is amazing because I love going there for matcha whenever I'm in LA. Tried the hojicha here and it was great, next time I'd want to try it with a little bit of sweetener though as the default is unsweetened. Would definitely recommend making a visit here asap while it's still relatively unknown. Wishing this new business the best! read more

See all

I got the matcha latte with oatmilk and less sweetness. It was pretty good! It had a dark matcha flavor and tasted smooth. The interior of the cafe is super minimalistic and monochromatic. Would come back, the only downside is that it's a tad bit on the pricier side. My drink came out to be $8.08. Would come back to try something different. read more

Commons Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Wow! I was super impressed by this place! I got a pour over over ice! It was the Colombia Risaralda, the flavor was a Mango Hi Chew, Dole Whip and Lychee! It was extremely good and the presentation is cute!!! I can't wait to go back and try the other pour overs they offer! Customer service was also great! Everyone was super friendly! read more

Commons Cafe - Pour over and Cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

First Visit To Commons Cafe!! New Coffee Place Located In Industrial Business Complex, Irvine!! Relaxed Atmosphere, Cool Vibes & Trendy Interior Decor!! Friendly Staff & Service!! Menu Offers Coffee Drinks, Specialty Lattes, Matcha, Cream Tops, Loose Leaves Teas & Pastries!! Ordered The Guava Danish Paired With Cream Top Matcha Latte!! Good First Matcha Drink, Creamy & Not Too Sweet!! Line & Service Was Helpful & Courteous!! Will Return Again!! ThankU read more

See all

The cafe has a cool, minimalist vibe. The coffee was great, the staff were friendly, and overall I was very satisfied. read more

See all

I had been waiting for this place to open for a few months after hearing about it, especially after seeing that they had collaborated with a coffee roastery in Japan before launching. After several visits, I can confidently say this shop exceeded my expectations. The first thing I tried was their single-origin pour over. They keep a single-origin menu on the counter along with sample tubes of each bean so you can smell them before ordering. During opening weekend, the pour overs ranged from $12-27. If you go the pour over route, I recommend smelling the beans and choosing based on the notes you like the most (and what you're comfortable spending). I went with the Ethiopia Yirgachiffe, and it was delicious. It was my first time trying jasmine washed coffee, and it changed my perspective on what coffee can taste like. I also got the chance to speak with the owner about it; he was really chill and happy to talk about his experience and knowledge of coffee, even while listening to my amateur coffee takes (sorry about that lol). If the over prices are too steep, you can also order an americano and upgrade to a single-origin espresso for an additional $1 (you can also request single-origin on any espresso-based drink). They rotate the single-origin espresso beans frequently, every week it seems like, but so far every one I've tried has been great. It's a good alternative if you want variety without the pour over price (or if you want something different from their standard espresso). Some other drinks I've tried so far: Daidai Latte: My favorite besides the pour overs. Inspired by the Japanese bitter orange, it has a nice bitterness that cuts through the milk, balanced by a bright orange sweetness. I hear they use the same syrup for the tonic, which I definitely want to try next. Mocha: Basically a dessert latte. They use chocolate ganache, so it's sweet, rich and indulgent. I downed this one pretty quick. If you order it iced, you'll also get some tiny chocolate bits with each sip, which adds a nice texture. Hojicha Latte: Very smooth and balanced with a nutty taste. I personally prefer a toastier hojicha, but the quality is still excellent. All in all, this might honestly be the best coffee shop in Orange County in my opinion. The level of care they put into sourcing and making the coffee, as well as the consistency across visits hard to match. I'm really looking forward to seeing where this place goes from here. read more

Commons Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Heard about this new coffee cafe through the grapevine & decided to give it a try! The reviews made it look promising, but now I feel tricked! My bf & I got a Madagascar Vanilla Latte & a Spanish Latte - our go-tos for every coffee place we visit. Unfortunately, both were just not good...and we have tried quite a few vanilla and spanish lattes. We didn't taste a difference between the two, and the only way we knew which was which was because of the cinnamon on top of the Spanish latte. They both lacked flavor/depth + just tasted like water with a splash of coffee (not even espresso), lowkey tasted like we just ordered from Starbucks. I also noticed a Stereoscope logo inside - not sure if they use their beans or are affiliated, but kind of makes sense bc imo, Stereoscope isn't the best. I think they're known for their pour overs (which we didn't try & don't know much about), but if you're gonna put things on the menu, you should make it a mission to make everything on it taste good. I know they just opened and perhaps it could have been an off day, but I just don't see the hype. It was very cool and vibey inside though, I'll give it that - was giving chrome hearts vibes & had good, chill music playing. However, if you're looking for a good latte, there are plenty of other places around to try! All in all, I feel like opening a coffee shop in the OC is like opening a boba shop in the 626... very hard to compete & stand out. Commons Cafe did not stand out to me and was just that...common. read more

Tried Commons Cafe with a friend and overall had a nice experience. Parking was easy to find, which is always a plus. We ordered the Madagascar Vanilla Latte and the Daidai Latte. The cashier was honestly one of the sweetest people ever. She was welcoming and it really made the experience feel warm. As for the drinks, we enjoyed trying them, but the Daidai Latte had a tangy flavor that wasn't really our favorite. The Madagascar Vanilla Latte was good, but a little too sweet for me personally. Next time I'd probably adjust the sweetness level or try one of their matcha drinks. The aesthetic of the place was vibey. Cute space, good atmosphere, and definitely a spot you'd want to hang out in for a bit. The seating area was cute, although not the comfiest for a long stay. Still, we'd definitely come back again! read more

the squid ink salt bread was soft and chewy and had great butter flavor :) black sesame pound cake was yummy and not too sweet! the white chocolate topping added some light sweetness. my matcha latte drink was great! not too sweet either and had decent matcha flavor (but not the strongest ive had) i got it sweetened with agave instead of vanilla bc i prefer a matcha forward drink. though i do wish it wasnt a $0.50 surcharge for agave vs vanilla :( the hojicha was pretty good and had some nutty chocolatey flavors. the coffee beans at the register smell super good and are definitely reflective of the descriptions listed! id love to try the pour-overs one day service was so great! the worker was so friendly and sweet. she gave me helpful recommendations when i was deciding between two drink options :) this place is doing well! there was a decent amount of people when i visited on a late sunday morning. i heard they just opened recently. hope business flourishes!! read more

Commons Cafe - matcha latte, hojicha cream top latte, squid ink salt bread, black sesame pound cake with white chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Heard the buzz around Commons Cafe and decided to give it a try -- who knew it would become one of my new go-to coffee shops in OC. The shop itself is huge with plenty of seating. They have a really cool lounge/living room vibe in the back where they rotate different cars, which is a nice touch. It seems like a lot of people come here to study or work too, so it's a good place to hang out for a while. I've tried a few drinks here already and honestly enjoyed all of them. Their Matcha Latte comes unsweetened, so I added vanilla syrup and it ended up being the perfect amount of sweetness for me. Definitely comparable to some of the better matcha lattes I've had in OC and even LA. The cream top hojicha latte was actually my first time trying hojicha and it was surprisingly delicious. Appreciate Commons for putting me onto something new. The most underrated drink in my opinion though has to be the espresso tonic. I never thought I'd enjoy espresso mixed with tonic water, but the carbonation with their espresso blend somehow just works. It's refreshing and honestly the perfect drink to start the day. Big bonus that this place is dog friendly. Saw a few cute dogs around, so I ended up bringing my own one day. Also conveniently close to SNA airport, which makes it an easy stop before traveling. You can hear and see all the planes landing from outside the shop, which can be loud but pretty cool to see. All in all, i'd highly recommend Commons Cafe for anyone who is looking for a new coffee shop to check out, study at, or enjoy a nice vibe with amazing drinks! read more

See all

Great vibes and great coffee! It's rare to find a place like this in OC where the vibes are really good and the coffee is quality. Not only do they allow us to smell the beans but all the employees also seem knowledgeable about the coffee. We sat at a table that allowed us to watch the barista make the pourover and we could tell he was experienced and committed to making it good. Excited for this spot! read more

See all

First time visiting and ordered an oat cap and hojicha latte. The Hojicha latte was very watered down like other reviews mentioned -- it tasted like I was drinking tea that I make at home but with foam and barely any milk. The cappuccino was under extracted and had too much acidity, so it was pretty sour. Service was very friendly and plenty of seating on a weekend morning. Parking is ample but fills up quickly. read more

Commons Cafe - Hojicha latte and Cappucino - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Visited this cafe on a whim after seeing it on social media and it didn't disappoint! Me and my friend ordered the hojicha latte and daidai latte and both were fantastic. The drinks are not on the sweeter side, but the actual taste of the coffee and hojicha were great. The hojicha had a great nutty and umami flavor, while the daidai latte had just the right amount of sweetness with the orange flavoring (this is probably my new favorite go to drink). The interior was clearly designed with intention and I can see why a lot of people appreciate it so much. Customer service was also great, front staff did not mind taking the time to go through the menu clearly and ask any questions we had. Lots of seating and great spots to sit and study/work! Will be coming back! read more

See all

If you are looking for a coffee shop that focuses on delivering flavor through high quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, this is the place for you! The matcha tonic and espresso tonic are both so yummy and refreshing. As a lactose intolerant girly, I appreciate the variety of drinks that are dairy free. I also like that there are coffee beans that you can smell, paired with descriptions of origin and taste to help you decide on which coffee to order. Theres also an assortment of baked goods to choose from. The financier and egg tart were delicious. My drinks were made quickly despite the cafe being quite busy on a Saturday afternoon. The interior is sleek and modern with plenty of seating. I will definitely return to try the coffee pourovers in store. read more

See all

Just checked out one of Irvine's newest coffee spots and I'm seriously impressed. They offer an incredible selection of beans sourced from Japan, Taiwan, and local specialty roasters, and the team really knows their stuff they took the time to walk me through the flavor notes of their single-origin options, which made the experience even better. The space itself has a clean, brutalist design that gives it a modern, minimalist vibe perfect for enjoying a great cup of coffee. Everything from the atmosphere to the quality of the coffee was on point. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to explore more of their beans! read more

See all

Checked out this new coffee spot and it's kinda hip for Irvine. Asethteic isn't bad. Hojicha latte was good.

Great spot with an amazing vibe and aesthetic. The decor and atmosphere were super well done and made it a really fun place to hang out. Service was solid and the overall experience was enjoyable. The only downside was that the drinks were a little underwhelming compared to how great the place looked. They weren't bad, just expected a bit more flavor and quality. Still definitely worth visiting for the ambiance alone. read more

See all

The coffee here is really good! The seating is mildly uncomfortable but it's okay for a while. Gets very crowded throughout the time from large groups though. read more

Commons Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

My new favorite cafe! The staff was so welcoming and friendly! The drinks and food was good and I love the ambiance of this cafe. The owner would walk around asking people if they needed anything which I thought was very thoughtful! I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to try this cafe! read more

Commons Cafe - matcha latte and squid ink salt bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

First, the aesthetic is very nice, very upscale. Its screaming Ginza Japan ambiance. Got the Daidai and Madagascar latte. It was ok. The Madagascar was not strong and coffee tastes water down. The Daidai latte was not bad. I love the aroma of the orange but the coffee was not strong in terms of the taste. The service was ok, the person taking the order was not enthusiastic but maybe that was the vibe for the place. I will come back again though to try the matcha. And because I love their interior. Whoever did their interior did a great job. read more

Commons Cafe - Daidai Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

See all

this is probably the only cafe review you need and commons truly cares about the quality of their drinks! to be honest, i wasn't really a coffee person until i started coming here. commons made me appreciate how different beans can completely change the flavor and experience of a drink. the owner and staff are so knowledgeable, and you can tell they genuinely care about every step - from smelling the different bean notes at the front to making each drink behind the bar. my fav specialty latte is the dai dai, which is their take on an orange creamsicle latte made with house-made okinawan brown sugar. i love that so many of their ingredients are made fresh in-house. the espresso tonic is also great and refreshing! i'm also a fan of their matcha, but it comes unsweetened - they do offer vanilla or agave as add ons, and honestly, i think the sweetener helps bring out the flavors even more--so don't skip it! and the pour overs... i never realized how much artistry goes into them or how different flavor notes can be extracted from beans until trying them here. my favorite was the glitch yirgacheffe bc the jasmine notes were SO prominent! another great one was the walnut risaralda, which tasted tropical and refreshing. one thing to note: kuum bakery pastries are only available on weekends. i had the chance to try their salt breads and pound cake, and both were amazing!! as for the ambiance, seating fills up pretty quickly and outlets are limited if you're planning to work there. but the aesthetic is sleek, and it's the perfect spot to catch up with a friend over really good coffee. read more

See all

Matcha latte is pretty good and I'm a matcha addict lol. Very umami and creamy flavor profile. Lots of parking in front but small tables and chairs inside. Came at around 4 pm on a Tuesday and there was no line but also no seating. Trendy and a little expensive but overall would recommend to give a try! read more

Commons Cafe - Iced matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

The hojicha has a nice deep color, but it's watered down. My friend got a cortado and asked for Colombian beans but got Ethiopian beans instead. read more

Commons Cafe - Hojicha with oat milk and agave syrup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Quick service, friendly service, good coffee. And a clean E30 in the back lounge! Solid spot! read more

Commons Cafe - E30 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Came here with my coworkers and was immediately blown away by the intentionality of the interior design and the overall vibe of the café. Such a unique space and also plenty of seating! Both the coffee and matcha were amazing - I need to come back ASAP to try more of their menu! read more

Commons Cafe - Decor - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

I came to Commons with two goals: to get a good cup of coffee, and to get a bunch of work done, and I did both! What I enjoyed about the selection process was that they have the beans available for you to sample their different aromas, which helped me choose the Colombia Risaralda. The pour over is definitely a splurge, so I treated myself and was very happy with the end result. The presentation is very nice and they instructed me to wait a few minutes before drinking it to get the full flavor. Their environment is great for catching up with a friend, working, or just relaxing and hanging out. It is a really cool environment (I forgot my AirPods, but it was okay because I really enjoyed the café's playlist!) with plenty of easy parking, both big pluses for me. Will be back the next time I have to get work done! read more

Best coffee in OC bar none! They have such great roasts from around the world and a really great vibe. Their staff and owners are super knowledgeable and friendly. Def get their Madagascar pour over and dai dai latte. read more

Coffee and matcha (ordered daidai - apparently dried orange forgotten and the matcha einspanner) taste like anywhere else with an added price for the aesthetic. Baked goods taste old.. The seating is nice but like whatever for the amount of ice in my drink. Cream is unsweetened rip and so is the drink. read more

Commons Cafe - Daidai latte, matcha einspanner, canele (matcha and earl gray) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California

Super cool space; you can clearly tell there was a lot of thought and effort behind the design and aesthetic choices of the cafe. Came here because i heard they had good matcha but i actually liked the hojicha even better. Service was excellent; i ordered a cream top matcha for dine-in but they didn't have enough glass cups, which was not a huge deal, but they offered a hojicha on the house which was so nice and definitely not expected. Default drink is unsweetened and agave is 0.50 extra so that's something to keep in mind. The environment is okay for studying; some of the tables are quite low and there aren't too many outlets (probably around 3-4 around the entire space?) but there's wi-fi provided and chill music / good ambiance. read more

See all

Get the Daidai latte. Their coffee is so so good and they're super friendly! I also tried their Madagascar vanilla latte and that was also amazing. Can't wait to try other drinks! read more

Commons Cafe - Daidai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Irvine, California