If you’re looking for a new California coffee bar, don’t sleep on the Inland Empire. While Los Angeles boasts a rich and diverse coffee culture, the Inland Empire is full of hidden gems that are less crowded and just as vibrant. You’ll find amazing coffee and the perfect atmosphere for studying, working, or simply hanging out.
Whether you’re looking for a new spot to hunker down with your laptop or simply craving delectable coffee roasted to perfection, the Inland Empire’s coffee shops are well worth a visit. From Riverside to Claremont, the coffee scene in the IE is a colorful tapestry of passion, creativity, and community.
We asked our drivers, passengers, and family and friends to recommend their favorite California coffee bars. In no particular order, here’s the best coffee in the Inland Empire:
1. Chai Coffee Co. (Yucaipa)
Looking for a spot to enjoy a cup o’ joe with your four-legged bestie? Chai Coffee Co. in Yucaipa’s Historic Uptown district is an adorable coffee shop that caters equally to coffee connoisseurs and dog-lovers alike!
This quaint coffee cafe offers a large variety of hot and cold drinks, breakfast and lunch items, and even a dog-friendly menu. Named after the owners’ adorable pug, Chai, this venue is bursting with pug-themed decor. Visit on the right day and you just might run into a pug meetup!
Pro Tip: Try their California St. Breakfast Bagel with one of their fall seasonal roasts or a pumpkin spice latte.
2. Klatch Coffee (Multiple Locations)
Klatch Coffee is a SoCal institution that’s been open since 1993, with locations throughout the Inland Empire including Chino Hills, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, and San Dimas. It’s a family-owned and operated California coffee bar that also roasts their own beans. In fact, their coffee roasts have won multiple national awards.
Fun Fact: The Rancho Cucamonga location is situated in the Thomas Winery Plaza, which is the 2nd oldest winery in the United States!
Pro Tip: If you’re ever near one of their locations, the Blended Creme Brulee is extremely popular and pairs well with The Showoff breakfast sandwich!
3. Back to the Grind (Riverside)
Back to the Grind is a Riverside landmark located in an early 1900’s historic building. This living, breathing, eclectic time capsule isn’t just a coffee shop with unique decor and a cozy vibe. It’s also a community hub that serves as a venue for fundraisers, events, and even concerts!
Perfect for students and creatives, this cafe is like a cool friend’s living room, if they served delicious coffee, hosted open mic nights, and held poetry readings.
Pro Tip: Pick up one of their brewed “coffees of the day” and pair it with a stuffed croissant. Their expansive menu also has fruit smoothies and craft beers, like the Ritual Honey Buzz Blonde.
4. Crave Coffee & Tea (Multiple Locations)
Crave Coffee & Tea has multiple locations across the Inland Empire, including Temecula, Corona, Riverside, and Norco. They’ve been serving up high-quality, handcrafted drinks in a family-friendly atmosphere for over 25 years.
Crave’s diverse and playful menu offers all manner of caffeinated beverages and breakfast bites, including their famous house-made bagels.
Pro Tip: Their signature drink, the blended Funky Monkey, is a must-try for anyone looking for something unique and sweet.
5. Mundial Coffee (Riverside)
Mundial Coffee is a unique, Latino-owned cafe tucked into the heart of Riverside that puts a huge emphasis on sustainability and community.
Bursting at the seams with greenery and artisanal charm, this ethical coffee shop collaborates with for-profit companies that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental change, and also considers how their business decisions impact their employees and community over shareholder profit.
Pro Tip: When you drop in make sure to try their house special Dirty Horchata and pair it with a chipotle chicken sandwich.
6. Slow Bloom Coffee Co-op (Redlands)
Slow Bloom Coffee Co-op started as a collective of coffee workers unjustly fired from another business. Together, they organized to create their own cooperative that honors their community and serves robust, vibrant coffee.
Inside the retro-style 888-square-foot building that houses the coffeeshop, you’ll discover the cutest and quaintest hipster coffee shop in the IE. Known for having the friendliest staff, you’ll never feel rushed to leave. While the lines for the coffee and treats can get long, you never wait very long.
As a bonus, alternative non-dairy milks (oat milk and almond milk) are available at no extra charge!
Pro Tip: Try their seasonal pistachio matcha or their FOMO drink (frothed cold brew with fig, cardamom, and walnut), or sample the Vegan Masala Spiced or Sweet Chai from their “Not Coffee” menu.
7. Canvas Coffee (Corona)
Canvas Coffee is a bright and spacious California coffee bar with a sleek, modern design and handcrafted drinks. They also offer free WiFi, which makes Canvas a popular spot for students, writers, or anyone looking for a temporary office.
Located on Kellogg Avenue next to Santana Park in Corona, Canvas also has a dog-friendly outside seating area so your furbabies don’t have to be left at home. Open 7 days a week, try Canvas for their high-quality coffees, join them for after-hours trivia, or have a little retail therapy at one of their outdoor marketplaces.
Pro Tip: The Blueberry Matcha is one of their most popular drinks, and you can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches or gluten-free products.
8. Iron & Kin (Claremont)
With one of the highest Yelp ratings for coffee shops in the IE, Iron & Kin receives high praise for its unique drinks and inviting atmosphere.
Tucked away inside the historic Claremont Packing House, fans describe Iron & Kin as a vibrant community hub with ample seating to work or study. Its lofty interior offers high ceilings and plenty of spread-out seating to avoid a crowded feel.
Pro Tip: Try one of their Affirmation Lattes and pair it with one of their Birria Burritos.
9. Nook Coffee Bar (Rancho Cucamonga)
Locals love Nook Coffee Bar for its warm, inviting neighborhood vibe and impeccably roasted espresso. With its minimalist design and cozy seating, it’s a spot that feels both modern and approachable, making it a favorite for casual coffee dates and solo study sessions.
Beyond the coffee, Nook is known for creative seasonal specials and a rotating selection of pastries that keep regulars coming back for more. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, often remembering guests’ go-to orders and offering recommendations for something new.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss their signature Lavender Latte, and grab a fresh-baked croissant to make it the perfect mid-morning stop.
10. Mestiza Coffeehouse (Ontario)
Rounding out the list is the Latino-European-styled coffee house, Mestiza Coffeehouse in Ontario. Although the coffee is amazing, this woman-owned business is also renowned for its Mexican-inspired baked goods. Mestiza offers delectable pastries and cakes made fresh, daily, by an in-house pastry chef.
Their large, naturally sunlit venue is also available for private events, and if you like their food, they also have catering for all occasions.
Pro Tip: Their signature drink is the Spanish Latte, which goes well with any of their baked goods like the Crunchy Churro, Jalapeno Brioche, or their Alfajor cookies.
Visit a California Coffee Bar with Xpress Shuttles
When you’re traveling through the Inland Empire and the mood strikes to caffeinate and grab a pastry, don’t let the commute drive down your mood!
Let us pick you up and drop you off without the stress and hassle of traffic and parking. Book your travel with Xpress Shuttles and we’ll get you there comfortably.
Call 866-381-4514 to book your ride with us or make reservations online. Whether you’re traveling solo or need a ride for a group, our family-owned fleet of vehicles has you covered.