Yü Wu
Google
I've only been to Hopper & Burr twice, both experiences were great and in considerably different ways, sending the shop straight to the list of my favorite coffee shops in OC.
When I first visited Hopper & Burr, I was impressed by its bright, slick, and simple space. Lots of light and air between the big windows, high ceilings, and white walls, and just a couple of details so that the place doesn't look sterile. The coffee counter, which has only the bare minimum of equipments, extends to the sitting area as a bar with wide counter space. I had a Litmus, a tasing flight that is beautifully presented and tastes excellent. I also enjoyed the avocado toast, the sourdough was extra crunchy and the pancetta made it extra tasty.
I had thought Hopper & Burr is a minimalist coffee shop that pours a good cappuccino, then I discovered their understated seasonal menu during my second visit. Nothing about the menu screams I'm special!, not even the prices, but I immediately knew when I got the Cavendish. Instead of a generic flavored latte that I had expected, the banana milk espresso drink is a meticulously garnished mocktail with a creamy, slightly foamy, almost sparkly texture. I've never had something like that.
Later I had a Horchata Slushie for a second round. This time the name is self-explanatory but it led me to another discovery. Different drinks at Hopper & Burr are served in different vessels: collins, rocks, sundae glasses, even something that looks like an Easter Island head sculpture. The amount of creativity and attention to details in these drinks contrast starkly with the modest way they are introduced and the shop's casual atmosphere. In a market where special drinks are often gimmicks, copy cats, or not so special at all, Hopper & Burr's unassuming creations are the real deal.
Two visits in two months obviously don't make me a regular, but the small and stable team already looks familiar to me. Everyone behind the bar looks happy and proud of what they serve, yet never overly so. I can't wait for the next visit.