5 Cozy Coffee Shops and Must-Read Books for Fall
Nothing beats some quiet time in a coffee shop. While it’s second nature to whip out your laptop and get started on your to-do list, we’re slowing things down with a list of our favorite cafes and a few must-read books. Here are our favorite places to cozy up, sip on a latte and enjoy some peaceful reading time in Newport Beach.
Must-Read Book: “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
Tucked along Marine Avenue in the quaint community of Balboa Island, Huskins Coffee is a family-owned and operated coffee bar with just the right amount of charm and minimalism. Grab a table and order their shaken espresso with organic Canadian maple, saigon cinnamon and oat milk for a creamy and slightly sweet treat. As you sip your beverage, flip to the first page of “Tom Lake” by beloved novelist Ann Patchett. This recently written book will teach you to appreciate the little things—you know, like quiet time in a cozy coffee shop.
Rendez Vous French Bakery & Cafe
Must-Read Book: “Wildfire” by Hannah Grace
Sunday mornings are best spent at Rendez Vous French Bakery & Cafe in Corona del Mar. This pretty-in-pink restaurant and bakery will transport you to the stunning streets of Paris with the sweet smell of freshly baked butter croissants and crêpes. Snag a table and indulge in a love story as you wait for your brunch. “Wildfire” by Hannah Grace is heartfelt, funny and charming—a must-read for anyone who loves a little romance!
Must-Read Book: “The Fraud” by Zadie Smith
With a farm-fresh breakfast and lunch menu, locally roasted Kéan Coffee, premium loose-leaf teas and an open-air patio that overlooks the historic Balboa Village, it’s easy to see why locals love Balboa Lily’s. This cafe sits on the always-buzzing Balboa Peninsula and whips up tasty beverages like honey lavender lattes, peanut butter cup mochas, breakfast burritos, waffles and more. Soak in the sea breeze from the patio and get lost in “The Fraud” by Zadie Smith—a historic masterpiece based on a lauded 19th-century criminal trial.
Must-Read Book: “Pineapple Street” by Jenny Jackson
The airy and light-filled interior of Herst Coffee Roasters makes it one of our favorite pit stops in Lido Marina Village. After a little shopping, grab a table on the streetside patio and enjoy some reading time. We recommend “Pineapple Street” by Jenny Jackson for a hilariously delightful and keenly observant novel that explores aspects of family, affluence and love. Pair this read with a classic cortado and turkey and Swiss croissant for an afternoon pick-me-up!
Must-Read Book: “Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim
A Corona del Mar staple, Zinc Cafe & Market sits just blocks from the bluffs of Corona del Mar State Beach, making it a perfect post-beach lunch spot. The rustic vine-covered exterior invites passersby in for a bite, and the menu is as farm-fresh as it gets. Indulge in a Belgian waffle, pesto burrata pizza or seasonal quiche, and pair your pick with a salted rosemary latte! In terms of good reads, you can’t go wrong with “Happiness Falls” by Angie Kim—a mystery that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
