Work In Progress

Work in Progress in Costa Mesa is my go-to spot for a consistently great flat white. They use Stereoscope Coffee, but in my opinion, their baristas are even better trained than Stereoscope itself. The roast is a light to medium profile, smooth and balanced. There’s always a line out the door, which says a lot, but it moves quickly. The one downside is that they don’t use organic milk (like Juliette’s and Endless Quest do), but aside from that, I love it! Their pastries are good, but they sell out fast—so if you miss out, you can always grab one next door at Blackmarket Bakery. I stop by about once a week, and it’s always worth it. The vibe has a subtle European feel, almost like a café in Spain. Highly recommend!

Cute coffee shop that is dog friendly and has an outdoor patio! Staff were friendly as well as the other customers. Which honestly is always a bonus. People are a-holes 😂 I tried their winter special hazelnut toffee latte and got it iced to try the hazelnut cream top. No regrets. Their almond croissant was also delicious and not chalky/rough (??) as some other places usually are. Would come again if I need a place to do some work. Seating is decent 🤔 Decent amount of seating. Parking wasn't difficult either and I went around 9/10 AM.

Vibes here are really great. Bright but cozy. A mix of old world and modern. Great place to study. The cold brew with the pistachio cream top is amazing. Love this place.

Total Score: 8.625 Ambiance: 4.25/5 Very cutesy modern and clean. Tho to be honest could use some more color Food: 4.5/5 Cold brew had faint notes of sweetness so was good balance between bitter and sweet. The AM burrito had good flavors, literally usually some burritos have like a weird after taste from the bread but this one didn’t. However the textures were jarring. The lettuce was put on one side while the egg+hash+beans were put on the other side so it was like eating two things at once I wished it was mixed better. Only minor nitpick. Wow: 0.5/1 Very very cutesy Total Score = 3.5*AM + 6*FOOD + 0.5*WOW

We heard this was the best coffee place in the area from a friend so we made a special trip to check it out. It definitely has a cool vibe but the coffee and the matcha that we got were average at best. The coffee was bitter and a major disappointment. It may have been a bad day or an inexperienced barista pulling shots or some other anomaly however this was my experience so it’s the only thing I have to go on.

Best brekky evaaaaa. Very yummy, worth every dollar! I like a triple shot latte, but if you want something fun matcha and mocha so good

The best espresso I had in town so far, this place makes it into my top espresso places. The espresso was very smooth with a hint of sweetness and a good amount of crema, no bitterness whatsoever. It was served with a glass of sparkling water with an ice cube in it. Visually attractive and a pleasure for the tastebuds. The cafe has a cool relaxed vibe and a bit of outdoor seating.

I very much enjoyed both the coffee and staff at this place. The customer service was wonderful, I could tell that people genuinely enjoyed interacting with their guests. This is a fun spot and has ample parking, especially during the morning hours. The coffee was good, I enjoyed (2) cups of their drip coffee. I’m very interested in going back later in the day to try their food and the natural wine that they offer.

Came here a couple of times and there is ALWAYS a line out the door. Not a coffee person, but I go for their matcha and hojicha latte. Both are so good! Havent found good hojicha out here in the OC until I came to Work in Progress. I'm sure their coffees are just as great! They also serve food here, small menu, but offers what I crave from pastries to breakfast burritos. Parking isn't great as it's located in a small lot with other businesses. There's street parking though! Even then, it can be difficult to find parking.

Service was nice and there's a few tables available on a Saturday morning because most people got their orders to go. Dog friendly patio as well. There was a line out the door but it took only 10 minutes and then about 15 minutes for our sandwich and drink orders. It's pretty loud inside so not a study cafe. Parking is terrible since it's at the CAMP even in the morning. Hojicha latte is bad. Don't waste your money. It's mostly milk with barely any hojicha and whatever hojicha they used tastes like something you get from Ralph's in the Asian section. It's also unsweetened so you're drinking milk dirt. Their sandwiches were really good though. I'd suggest skipping their drinks and just getting the food. The breakfast burrito was a little too mushy and you really needed more hot sauce but the breakfast sando was great. Crispy bread and great seasoning. I wouldn't come here just for Work in Progress but if you're in the area and have 30 min to spare to pick up a sandwich, I recommend them.

Great breakfast burrito with an interesting crunchy fermented kick from the curtido (a cabbage slaw) that goes surprisingly well the eggs and meat, plus it has beans which are often left out of breakfast burritos, making it all around a tasty twist on the California breakfast staple. It's not the size of a baby like some burritos are, but it's enough to fill you up without entering food coma territory, so you can still get some studying done. On the downside, this place has become too popular for its own good. Finding parking is already a Herculean task here, and then, every time I've come lately the line has been out the door. I like the food and drinks here, but not enough to wait that long when there's other options in the area.

It was my first time here and I can't believe I've been missing out on this place! The fresh sando was so delicious and really fresh ingredients with a toasty soft bread. The hojicha latte and maple Einspenner were also solid drinks, and it wasn't too sweet either. The service was quick and efficient, and the cashier helped with great recommendations. The ambiance is minimalistic and small, with few people working or socializing.

Food: 4/5 Definitely get the classic sando! We got the one with turkey and it tasted amazing! Bread was the perfect texture, golden and with the slight crunch and the sando was fresh. I also got the maple einspanner which was perfect for someone who likes their caffeine a little sweet. The burrito was also good but it felt like it was missing a little something flavor/texture wise. Service: 4.5/5 Line moves fast. Food can take some time but drinks are quick. Ambiance: 4.5/5 Love the music choice and the interior is very cute and minimal. Good amount of seating too. Only downside really is how hard it is to get parking :((

I really expected this place to be better! We visited on a Saturday afternoon and it was packed - waited 15 minutes to order. Parking is really tough if you just want go to this cafe and not around the lab. The shop itself is super cute and clean, but I wouldn't recommend for quiet work. They have their wifi posted around the shop. We ordered the matcha lattes with honey and oat milk and they were not good. Didn't even taste the matcha, too much honey and it wasn't mixed well so there were clumps of honey at the bottom, and the oat milk was overpowering. I would not visit again for their matcha!

What I really love is the interior space. The space is bright and welcoming, with natural light pouring in from the skylight and patio doors. It has a lively atmosphere, so expect a fair amount of chatter and noise. Everyone working there is quick to jump in-- you never have to wait around when you need something. Added perks include speedy WiFi that reaches the outdoor patio and clean restrooms. The matcha needs work 2/5 - both classic and pistachio lattes lack the rich green color you'd expect. Maybe I'll try the cold brew next time, because I wouldn't want to skip the pistachio cream topping. That was excellenttt--perfectly balanced sweetness with a rich, pistachio flavor that needs no adjustment. I also tried the breakfast burrito 5/5, which felt a bit pricey at $16 considering its size. However, the taste might just make it worth it. The pastrami pairs so well with the eggy, potato-filled wrap. It's served with a crispy crust and comes with side salsas for extra flavor. Highly recommend! The biggest downside is the parking situation. It's limited, so you'll need some luck to snag a spot in the plaza.

The cutest little cafe on the border of The Camp in Irvine. Their menu is simple but unique, offering seasonal items. Their seating area is small but moves fairly often so if you're patient you'll find a seat sooner than later. And if you can find yourself a spot outside on their little patio, on a nice warm day, such a vibe!

10/10 BREAKFAST BURRITO!! The burrito was crunchy, soft, and delicious! It came with two sauces and picked onion which added the perfect touch. I got a hojicha latte for my drink but it was too sweet for my liking. I added brown sugar for my sweetener but next time I think I will pass on it and get it unsweetened. Come early if you want a spot with an outlet bc there's only two outlets!

This spot gives major coffee vibes over wine vibes for me. Quick disclaimer--I only tried the affogato, so I can't comment on the food. The ambiance is a whole mood: urban zen meets Tulum. It's got that young millennial crowd energy, plenty of seating, and a cute front patio to hang out on. The service? Super polite and welcoming--loved that part. The affogato was pretty fire. Flavorful, good quality, but here's the twist: it came with a cold espresso shot instead of hot. I didn't specify, so that might be on me, but still kinda unexpected. Okay, now for the not-so-great part: the cleanliness. Yikes. I'm super picky about this, and the dust situation here was wild. The AC vent and ledge were crusty, and the lower cabinets/walls near the floor were pretty gross--like inconsistent mopping vibes. It honestly killed my appetite, so I skipped ordering food and just stuck with the affogato. I really wanted to love this place because it's got such a cute local, mom-and-pop feel, but the lack of cleanliness threw me. Not saying I wouldn't come back, but they def need to step it up. Just my two cents!

Stopped by after brunch to grab some coffee. One of my friends mentioned they enjoy their rosemary brown sugar latte. The flavor combo of rosemary and brown sugar in coffee sounded unique so I decided to try it. The coffee was solid. When we arrived the placed with packed. There is plenty of seating. There were people socializing and other people studying. There is a large window off to one side of the coffee shop which gave the shop great natural lighting. If I'm in the area I would like to try some of their other coffee and food offerings. I would recommend this spot for anyone looking for a solid cup of coffee, a place to study, or a place to catch up with friends.

Got their breakfast sandwich for lunch to go along with their iced coffee. Sandwich was decent. Coffee was whatever. Place was packed at 2pm. People sitting doing work and taking up space. Yay.

Ambiance: 5/5 super cute inside and nice area for studying or hanging out with friends. They also play movies on a projector! Service: 5/5 staff was friendly and did our drinks as requested Food/drinks : 4/5 the breakfast burrito was super yummy with the sides and not heavy feeling at all. The coffee was good but couldn't taste the rosemary in the drink at all Other: 3/5 smaller space, hard to find parking during day, not many outlets and gets very crowded

So I didn't see my friend Tim here waiting for his oil to be changed. Bummed did not even come close to describing how I was feeling. Luckily their morning bun was just crunchy, soft and cinnamony enough to give that pep in the step one needs from a devastating let down like this. But the rest of the sandwiches were good, fresh, warm, I did find them lacking something. Something to tie everything together. Whether it's more scrambled eggs or thin slices of Granny Smith. Something was missing. But everything is made fresh to order. And an enticing pastry case on the side staring at racks of kewl apparel.

What I ordered: - Rosemary brown sugar latte - Mint matcha latte - AM burrito with bacon Work in Progress (WIP) is located right next to The Camp in Costa Mesa, which is one of the more unique coffee shops you will find in Orange County. Ranging from the crowd favorite rosemary latte to their shakerato and espresso tonic, the menu truly has something for everyone! The rosemary brown sugar latte was my favorite drink of the day. It had a smooth/creamy taste. The salted cream top provided slight saltiness in contrast to the brown sugar, while the rosemary added hint of pine-like flavor, wanted a bit more actually. Mint included in the mint matcha latte was more pronounced than expected, paired very well with the matcha. The matcha powder itself was high-quality and mixed thoroughly, did not have a "fishy" taste. Tortilla wrap of the AM burrito was thin and perfectly crisped, it was also loaded generously. The pickled red onions provided acidity and freshness to the fatty bacon, really wished they gave more!

I think everyone knows that this is a spot in Orange County that everyone goes to for Matcha and coffee. This is such an IT spot because they do their drink so well and ambience is crazy good. I tried their seasonal Matcha latte.... My world was blown haha. They switched up their seasonal menu from time to time so make sure you try the drinks from that menu!!! Seating is plenty inside and outside with lots of natural lighting. I would take a book or a friend to yap. Great spot for a coffee date on the weekend :) I love this place!

Rosemary late 5/5! I prefer this drink warm versus cold, I think the rosemary late carries more flavor. Service is always amazing and the coffee shop is the cutest in oc! It is pretty busy but I can always find a seat to do work.

Work in Progress Cafe in Costa Mesa is a total gem! The vibe is super chill, perfect for hanging out or getting some work done. Their coffee is on point, and they've got a great selection of tasty pastries and snacks. The staff is really friendly and makes you feel right at home. Whether you're catching up with friends or tackling some projects, this place is a must-visit. Definitely recommend their Pistachio Cream Matcha Latte, very nice morning drink to have and walk around the area.

I'm obsessed with this shop! My fav drink whenever I go is the iced rosemary latte with salted cream on top. SO GOOD I dream about it!!! cute ambiance and theme too. Super nice staff

Parking here is really hard. They have indoor and outdoor seating available, but hard to find a seat as well. I ordered the Rosemary Brown Sugar Latte and it was pretty good! I tasted a hint of the rosemary, but mostly brown sugar/coffee flavor. Recommendation(s): - Rosemary Brown Sugar Latte Service: 5/5 Tip(s): - Restroom available - Accept Apple Pay - Parking is tough

Very popular spot with plenty of parking. I came by here while in town for breakfast and hot coffee. It was packed on a Friday morning so I sat outside which was very cold. Liked my breakfast sandwich and ate the second half for lunch. Got a little bit of work done too using their WiFi. Nice spot to meet with friends but be prepared to have to hunt down a table.

My fiancée loves the matcha here and says it is her #1 spot! The atmosphere is very chill and they are always playing good music or showing movies on the projector. They also always have collaborations with local small business and this brings cool food and items to the store whenever we visit

I came here on a Wednesday to do some work and catch up with a friend. It was very busy so I had to sit outside for a bit, but people came and went pretty frequently. There is also a lot of space to sit inside. There are 4 outlets (2 on each wall) and I thought this would stress me out, but again, people come and go frequently, so if you are there for a while and don't urgently need the outlet, you will be able to access it eventually. The wifi was pretty good too but it did go out for a couple of minutes, but that happens. I ordered the pistachio cold foam cold brew. The foam itself was not sweet and had more of an umami/meaty pistachio taste, as opposed to something artificial or with a bunch of sugar. The cold brew was very fruity and sweet(?), which isn't my preferred taste of cold brew. I did like the drink, but it wasn't anything special. It was pretty affordable though which I appreciated (~$6). My friend got the strawberry matcha and forgot to ask for less sugar, so her drink was pretty sweet. I had a sip and it tasted a bit like nesquick lol. Around lunch time, we split a sandwich. It was the only vegetarian sandwich on the menu, but it was very delicious. I would love if it had tofu or some protein, but over all it was a delicious sandwich. I would recommend this over the drinks to be honest. Ample street parking, don't even try to park in that "parking lot", just park on the street.

The vibes here are immaculate as it's very laid back and trendy. Everyone from the workers to the customers have a cool/hip vibe that fits well in the camp area. Got the spicy sandwich which had layers of flavor on what I think is focaccia bread. The bread was a little hard compared to the other sando I got but it still worked as a modernized Italian sandwich. The breakfast sando was fluffy all around with the eggs and soft bread with the smokiness of the ham. I think both would be better with a creamier sauce they both kind of just tasted like olive oil which got soaked in the bread. Both were still good though and would recommend. The strawberry vanilla matcha latte was super good as well. The matcha quality was smooth and definitely one of the better ones out there. Service for the drinks were super fast and the workers are nice too. Sandos took around 20 mins but it was pretty crowded since it was a Sunday. There's an average amount of seating but it still may be hard to find a spot.

Obsessed with this coffee shop. I've only tried their matcha latte, but it's so so good! I loved adding the pistachio cream top with toasted coconut syrup. It made the drink unique from other spots. For milk substitutes, they offer almond and oat milk. There's both indoor and outdoor seating. Drinks came out super fast and staff was super helpful with first time recommendations and suggestions. Looking forward to trying coffee and their food options.

went on a saturday around 4 pm and parking is still atrocious omg. really wanted to stop by wip and got their matcha latte hot and matchacano w/ hazelnut foam. honestly both were very average i enjoy the hazelnut foam but the matchacano itself is pretty bland. i find the menu to be a little lackluster considering so many cafes in oc have a specialty drink selection. gorgeous interior tho and drinks come out fast! nice to visit to check off your cafe list

This tomato bisque was SO GOOD. Seriously is one of the top ones I've ever had. Just wish they gave more than 1 piece of bread! Perfect snack for a gloomy coffee shop study day.

I love that the staff is friendly & that the space is beautiful. I was lucky enough to get my matcha presented in such a cute way because they found out it was my birthday! However, I do wish they added more matcha so that the taste was stronger; it was over milked unfortunately. Also, the mint taste is strong, which would usually be really good but it tasted very artificial like bubble gum instead of that natural & fresh mint taste. Cute but not sure I would go out of my way to come back

Most the points are for the creativity and experimentation. Americano was bad. Matcha was okay. Tea espresso tonic was great.

Gets busy and crowded, i see a lot of people studying and chatting here. Drinks took a while to get but worth the wait. Their matcha latte is delicious and one of my to go spots. I like to flavor it with their brown maple syrup, theres a lot of house flavors to choose from. Scrumptious brunch menu - i recommend the tuna sandwich!!

The coffee is sooo rich and delicious! I got a the maple brown sugar latte and it might just be my favorite one yet; which is CRAZY because it's my favorite beverage at my usual coffee spot. The syrups are house made! The ambiance is so nice with natural lighting and beautiful decor and plants. The barista was so nice too.

One of our favorite coffee shops now, Work in Progress really impressed my bf and I. Love the aesthetics and the coffee was of excellent quality. I think I tried the pistachio cream top cold brew and it was so wonderful. My bf got their latte and really enjoyed it. The place was packed with a ton of people either hanging out or doing work- which had a really nice vibe. It was a beautiful day and what a great area to walk around in. Highly recommend and definitely will stop by again next time we're in the area.

So chic! I loved every part of this cafe-from the vibe to the seating and the service! I will 100% come back to visit next time I'm in the area. The only drawback was having to find parking. We ordered a spicy sando and I'm STILL thinking about it... the crispy focaccia, the baby pickles, the arugula and the salami?! Match made in heaven. I think this was my first time having a sandwich on focaccia and it makes me wonder why nobody else offers this kind of bread??It was HEAVENLY! 6/5 stars We also had a pistachio cream top cold brew. I'm not usually a coffee drinker, but it was perfect. 5/5.

Loved the vibes of this cafe - very busy & loud on a Sunday morning but it was worth it! Loved the iced maple latte and pistachio cream cold brew. Staff were very patient as we asked so many questions about the menu. Lots to do in the area as well which is always a plus.

This is a nice little spot in Costa Mesa serving some quality coffee and a nice selection of pastries/sandos. The coffee is super good and I've gotten lattes that were seasonal and also their vanilla lattes. They all do really taste very good and high quality. The food here is pretty good too with the kitchen serving soups and sandwiches that are pretty gourmet. The interior is super big with both indoor and outdoor seating. It can get a really busy during rush hours. It's a good place to catch up with friends or to do some work on your computer. Overall great location and amazing coffee.

Been coming here since i found out about this spot. Although it can get pretty busy, it's a really great spot to grab a coffee and food. I had their iced vanilla latte with vanilla cream top and it's my go-to. Also really recommend their classic sando, it tastes great and very fresh. The vibes of this place is always on point, they play great music and love the decor here. It's a perfect place to stop by with friends as you can explore The Camp after grabbing your drink. They have plenty of seating as well as an outdoor patio but it does get packed. Love love love.

I was in Costa Mesa for an appointment and needed lunch so decided to check this place out. I loved their sandwiches! Loved it so much I wrote down the ingredients to recreate it at home when I make focaccia. Also enjoyed their espresso tonic and the general atmosphere.

Super cute and cozy cafe in Costa Mesa! I tried the Matcha Tonic, Spicy Sando, Classic Sando, Breakfast Sando! I can drink a gallon/+ of their matcha tonic, so refreshing and sweet. I enjoyed all the sandos, but personally really liked the breakfast sando! I recommend all of them. My matcha tonic ppl, y'all must try. Free parking right outside.

The iced matcha latte colour was pretty decent, other than that the taste of the matcha was too subtle to even noticed definitely would say it's a work in progress.

PARKING 5/5 - lots of parking around general area SERVICE 5/5 - friendly and quick! DRINK 4/5 - sweet corn latte (sub oat milk, half sweet): 4/5. Flavors were subtle. Could have something to do with us getting half sweet. GENERAL ENVIRONMENT - Temperature: perfect. Lots of natural breeze - Outdoor seating: available - Lighting: perfect. Lots of use of natural light from windows - Decor: awesome. Feels whole and put together - Crowd: good flux of people coming in. The place never seemed to get too stuffy. Review based on Saturday morning @8am

I stumbled upon this little gem on my way to pottery class. I needed caffeine to wake me up in the evening and saw they had a list of Summer Seasonal drinks. I was intrigued by the Sweet Corn Latte and Toasted Coconut Latte - went with the iced Sweet Corn Latte and it was simply delicious! It tasted exactly how I imagined it to be! A little sweet and light. Overall, it was a refreshing drink. The staff there are very helpful and nice. I'd definitely recommend checking out this gem if you're by The Camp in Costa Mesa. It's walking distance and you won't regret it! Bathroom is also available if that's something important to you since there's limited availability near The Camp.

Went here with friend for brunch! I loved eating the Sando here ^o^! Not much space to dine in and park due to popularity, but taking Togo would be a great option! Also, I prefer the classic sando vs the spicy, but both tasted great!

- good service - restroom is available and is clean, little dim inside though - parking might be tough, it is located at the Camp in Costa Mesa so allocate time for that - very cute coffee shop, small/medium sized, outdoor and indoor seating available - very busy at the time we came (Tuesday at 11am) 1. Matcha Mint latte (3.8/5) - I got mine with oat milk which is an extra charge - this was recommended because it's a popular item but I am not a fan of the mint with matcha (just personal preference) - mildly sweet 2. Spicy Sando (5/5) - pretty pricey in my opinion but it was good - loved the salami - sandwich bread was nice and buttery, slightly toasted loved this too - paired well with arugula and tomato which was well seasoned

I got the hojicha latte and my friend got the cappuccino. The hojicha latte surprised me as it was better than what I expected! I also ordered the spicy sando and that was pretty refreshing and good and had a slight kick to it. The environment is pretty cozy but the space is pretty small and there is a very limited amount of chairs and tables to sit at. The parking is also pretty difficult as it is mostly street parking so just heads up on that. Other than that, it was still a good visit!

The Ube matcha 8/10 Am Burrito with no Beans 8.5/10 Price 7/10 Ambiance 9/10 The interior of this place is cute - it's just quite small. The service was great though and everyone is super nice - parking can be limited i went in a weekday and it was still pretty busy!

Love the Espresso Einspanner! Drinks came out fast, despite it being packed on the weekend. It's pretty hard to get a seat here, so it's probably best to take it togo. I love that it's located next to lots of shops nearby.

1. The lattes were made well, and they tasted delicious! The orange creamsicle latte was my favorite! 2. The spot has fun casual vibes with a cool decor! 3. There are indoor and outdoor seatings available! 4. The staff were friendly and timely with our drinks! 5. Parking lot is small, but there is street parking available! Note: There is a single customer restroom available! Photo: Orange Creamsicle and Ube Latte

Cool vibe and all, but this is the 3rd time they put whole milk in my latte and not almond milk like I ordered (rip my stomach). As someone who's dairy intolerant coming here and getting anything with milk is a risk.

Work In Progress is a quirky little coffee shop located by The Camp. We stopped in on a Friday for a quick bite and coffee. It was definitely poppin and full of people and pups. We got the breakfast burrito and a classic sando with pastrami. Both were pretty good but on the small side for the price. The ingredients were good quality tho and it was tasty. The rosemary latte and strawberry matcha milk were really good as well and quite flavorful. I'd definitely stop by for a drink again but probably not the food.