When Corona’s winter chill nips at your nose, nothing beats a steaming mug or a cheeky iced latte (hey, no judgment). Skip the corporate chains and dive into these local spots where the coffee’s hot, the vibes are hotter, and the baristas know your name by the third visit.
Crave Coffee & Tea: Build Your Own Caffeine Adventure
175 East Ontario Avenue, Corona
Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crave is where creativity meets caffeine. Think of it as the LEGO set of coffee shops: Mix and match flavors like vanilla lavender lattes, rose vanilla lattes, or a pumpkin spice that doesn’t scream “basic.” Their Build-A-Bagel menu lets you stack eggs, bacon, avocado, or cream cheese on a chewy canvas—because winter survival requires carbs.
Prefer your coffee iced? Try the Almond Milk Dirty Chai, a fan favorite even when temps drop. The space feels like your friend’s cozy living room if your friend has industrial-chic decor and a serious espresso machine.
Canvas Coffee: Where Coffee Meets Playtime
2331 Kellogg Ave, Corona
Hours: Sun (7am-2pm), Mon (7am-5pm), Tues-Thurs (7am-7pm), Fri (7am-5pm), Sat (7am-2pm)
Canvas Coffee is the anti-snooze button. Their cold brew flights let you taste-test four mini cups of joy—salted caramel, mocha, horchata, or plain—for those who can’t commit to one flavor. Not a coffee person? The strawberry macchiato or blueberry matcha latte will make you forget pumpkin ever existed. Snag a turkey sandwich or a chocolate chip waffle stick while you’re at it.
The space combines a study hall and Instagram backdrop, with enough outlets to power your laptop and your existential crisis. Pro tip: Their outdoor patio is prime for people-watching while wrapped in a scarf.
Mimi’s Cafe: Coffee With a Side of Comfort Food
2230 Griffin Way, Corona
Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Mimi’s is where you go when you want coffee and a pancake stack at 7 pm. This French-inspired spot serves breakfast all day, but their coffee game is strong: Try the Café Au Lait for a creamy kick or the Mocha Latte if you need dessert in a cup. Pair it with a Quiche Lorraine or French onion soup for maximum hygge vibes.
The lighting is warm, the booths are spacious, and the crowd is a mix of retirees and millennials pretending to work. Open late, it’s your refuge when winter nights feel endless.
Creme de la Creme Cafe: For When Coffee Needs a Wingman
2795 Cabot Dr, Ste 101, Corona
Mon-Thu (9:30 AM-8 PM), Fri-Sat (9:30 AM-9 PM), Sun (8 AM-8 PM)
This place is less “coffee shop” and more “dessert wonderland with a caffeine problem.” Sip a caramel macchiato while eyeing glass cases of gelato, macarons, and cheesecake. Their signature coffee drinks—like the raspberry mocha or hazelnut latte—are sweet enough to make winter blues vanish. Grab a turkey pesto panini or a bacon croissant if you’re feeling savory.
The vibe? Think Parisian café meets suburban chill, with jazzy tunes and friendly staff who won’t rush you. Just don’t blame us when you become addicted to their white chocolate raspberry espresso.
From sunrise brews to late-night sips, these Corona coffee havens prove that winter is just another excuse to explore, connect, and caffeinate.
Sources: icravecoffee.com, canvascoffee.anchor.bio, mimiscafe.com, order.toasttab.com
Header Image Source: Tom Chen on Unsplash
