CONTRA COFFEE and TEA

Located in the heart of Orange, CA at the iconic Traffic Circle, CONTRA COFFEE and TEA redefines the coffee shop experience with its innovative iced and on-tap beverage offering. More than just a neighborhood stop for your caffeine fix, CONTRA COFFEE and TEA has cultivated a vibrant, hip atmosphere that seamlessly blends great drinks, art, music, and community interaction.

What sets CONTRA apart is its unique approach to coffee and tea—every drink is iced and served on tap, ensuring a refreshingly smooth, consistent pour every time. Signature blends like the Lucid Dream house blend and the bold Stay Woke Espresso house blend provide a rich depth of flavor that appeals to both casual coffee drinkers and connoisseurs. Fans of international flavors will be delighted by specials like the Dirty Horchata—a heavenly mix of traditional house-made horchata with dark coffee—and the Gold Rush, a robust Vietnamese-style iced coffee that one customer described as “strong and delicious.” For those seeking something beyond coffee, the tea flights offer a tasteful exploration with varieties like Simplicitea Jasmine Green Tea and the aromatic Pattygonia Pumpkin Spice Thai Tea.

The social and sensory experience here is just as compelling as the menu. The spacious, stylish interior features eye-catching artwork and a curated vinyl record listening and buying area, creating a vibe that's as much about culture and community as it is about the perfect pour. It almost feels like stepping into a trendy LA coffee bar but with the warm, welcoming feel of a local hangout. This blend of casual cool and inviting comfort is echoed in the friendly, attentive staff—Julia, Blue, and Marvin come highly praised for their warm hospitality and efficient service.

What really makes CONTRA stand out is how it fosters community engagement through regular events, including themed coffee tastings for occasions like Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day, and small market popups that bring local artisans and neighbors together. One frequent visitor called it a “hub for the community” and highlighted the drink flights and sampler platters as a perfect way to delve into their extensive, thoughtfully curated beverage lineup.

Whether you’re craving the caramel-tinged sweetness of the Spooky Cleo Thai iced coffee with its pumped-up spice, or the tropical refreshment of the Strawberry Swing, every visit promises a sensory adventure. For those who love variety, the Coffee and Tea Flights and Drinks Sampler Platter allow a delightful exploration of CONTRA’s innovative menu.

While the food menu is succinct, featuring snacks such as the savory Patatas Bravas, it’s clear the focus here is on the drinks and the community vibe. Customers appreciate the spacious seating and reliable WiFi, making it a perfect spot for work, casual catch-ups, or simply soaking in the energetic ambiance.

In sum, CONTRA COFFEE and TEA is not your typical coffee shop—it’s a destination injecting fresh, creative energy into Orange’s coffee scene. It’s where you come for more than a drink; you come for a memorable experience, to connect, and to savor bold, thoughtfully crafted iced beverages that invigorate both palate and spirit.