When the scent of freshly pulled espresso drifts down Pacific Coast Highway, it’s not the salty sea breeze—it’s the new Better Buzz Coffee location that’s left a mark in the heart of Laguna Beach. Just weeks after its opening, this gleaming café has already become the town’s favorite hangout spot, pulling in surfers fresh from the waves, students seeking study fuel, and locals who’ve swapped their morning routines for a golden latte and an ocean view.

Stepping inside feels like catching the morning sun itself. The space hums with an easy rhythm: the steady whir of blenders, the hiss of milk steamers, the murmur of laughter fills the air, echoing off the white tile and warm wood. The walls are lined with beachy minimalism—pale oak, sleek black fixtures, and hints of gold that glint in the sunlight spilling through wide windows. Outside, the patio buzzes (literally) with laughter and the clinking of iced drinks, all against the soundtrack of seagulls and soft indie beats.

“It’s already the new spot,” said senior Haruka Yanagisawa. “It’s not just about their coffee—it’s kinda always been about the people who come here.  You smell the aromas before you even walk in, and the taste? It’s like sunshine in a cup.” She laughs, holding up her drink, ice cubes glinting in the sunlight. “I come here after school with friends, and somehow we end up staying for hours.”

Since opening weekend, the café has been constantly full—yet somehow never feels crowded. The layout encourages lingering: long community tables invite laptop sessions, while cozy window seats overlook a steady flow of beachgoers and locals walking their dogs. The smell of roasted beans mingles with the ocean breeze drifting through the open doors, a perfect blend of salt and sweetness that makes every sip feel like Laguna distilled into a drink.

The staff, all smiles and surfer charm, move with practiced ease. The rhythm of the espresso machine syncs with the low beat of music, creating an oddly soothing cadence. The air feels alive, caffeine-fueled but peaceful—a space that buzzes without ever overwhelming.

“I truly love Better Buzz because it is a great study spot and I feel immersed in the surroundings when I enter the space,” said sophomore Marina Strombom.

Better Buzz always prioritizes the allowance of all walks to step foot and engage with their store. You’ve got surfers coming in barefoot, tourists snapping photos of their drinks, and locals who’ve already made this their morning ritual.

Local junior Kylie Osburn absolutely adores a good Caramel Buzz! “Its smooth caramel taste has just enough sweetness to make it addictive,” said Osburn. “It’s like dessert in a cup—but better somehow”.

As the afternoon light softens, the café transforms. Golden sunlight filters through the plastic cups, warming the tabletops and bringing out the scent of baked goods—a mix of buttery croissants, gooey chocolate chip walnut cookies, and the faint spice of chai. The pastry case gleams with temptation, and the sound of laughter swells as groups settle in after a beach day.

For junior Alena Ovechkina, a local artist whose studio sits just a block away, Better Buzz has become her creative refuge. “I come here every afternoon to complete my homework,” said Ovechkina, sitting beside her half-finished iced Matcha Latte. “The sound of the espresso machine, the chatter, the smell of coffee—it’s like sensory inspiration. Even the color of the drinks, that warm caramel swirl, makes me want to paint.”

She gestures toward the crowd around her: a pair of high school students typing furiously, a dad sharing a cheese danish with his toddler, a group of teens snapping photos of their perfectly crafted Iced Best Drink Ever’s. “It’s such a mix of people,” she adds. “But everyone’s here for the same thing—to have good drinks, food, and a good time.”

Outside, the Better Buzz logo glows in the twilight: a bright neon reminder that Laguna Beach has found its new ritual. It’s more than coffee—it’s community, comfort, and connection, all served in a sleek black cup with golden lettering.

As night settles in and the last surfers rinse sand off their feet, the café doors finally close, but the buzz lingers. The smell of steamed milk remains in the air, the faint taste of vanilla on the tongue, and the promise of tomorrow’s first sip.

Better Buzz hasn’t just opened in Laguna Beach. It’s settled into the town’s rhythm, one perfectly brewed cup at a time.