Nestled within the historic heart of Orange at 101 E Chapman Ave, Play Coffee Orange offers more than just your average caffeine fix — it’s a compelling blend of heritage and high-caliber coffee craft. Set inside what used to be an old bank, this spacious and architecturally unique coffee shop charms visitors with its vintage ambiance, complete with authentic bulletproof glass where tellers once stood, and beautifully preserved art deco ceiling tiles that transport you to another era.
Play Coffee Orange caters to serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike, with a thoughtfully curated menu that goes well beyond the standard espresso offerings. Coffee enthusiasts will delight in signature beverages such as the bright and effervescent Espresso Tonic, the refreshingly smooth Volcano Iced Coffee, and the luxuriously creamy Latte with Foam. For those seeking something truly special, the Gesha Pullover stands out as a refined single-origin experience, expertly brewed to highlight delicate floral and citrus notes.
The baristas at Play Coffee are true artisans, acknowledged by visitors like Josh Beaumont as “highly trained” and among the best in Orange County. Their skill is especially evident in the precision and care taken with pourovers and single-origin espresso selections. The specialty menu doesn’t stop at coffee; tea lovers are equally spoiled with options such as Genmaicha Green Tea, Golden Lily Oolong, and an impressive range of matchas like Shouraku and Uji Matcha, reflecting the shop’s dedication to quality and variety.
The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, striking a perfect balance between a vibrant community hub and a tranquil workspace. Customers frequently mention the ample seating that feels far less cramped than other local options, making it a favored destination for college students, remote workers, or anyone needing a peaceful spot to focus. The ambience is carefully curated — music and chatter stay pleasantly low, allowing concentration without the sterile quiet of a library.
Visitors like Nikki A appreciate the originality of the space, remarking on the spaciousness and historical elements that make Play Coffee a cool and memorable destination. Bailey McCann sums it up well, calling it an “adorable coffee spot” with friendly staff who make each visit feel special. Whether you’re here to savor a standout cold brew, enjoy a cozy date, or simply soak in the ambiance of a beautifully preserved historic gem, Play Coffee Orange delivers an experience that feels personal, refined, and utterly enjoyable.
This place was cool . Walked in for the first time today .. it used to be an old bank so I loved how It looked obviously very spacious ! Plenty of seating. You can still see where the tellers would sit behind the bulletproof glass lol . The coffee spot itself looks cool . Tried the volcano iced . It’s a little pricey 7 dollars for the drink and it wasn’t bad but it didn’t taste 7 dollars worth . Coffee isn’t strong . A little milky . Didn’t really get the Smokey and salty notes as much . It grew on me after drinking it a bit but still nothing wow
Great coffee selection! Really cute set-up. The music and noise aren't super loud, so it is a nice place to get some work done. A lot of college students go here to study. Free wifi. Random item of note: the non-handicapped stall in the women's restroom is quite small, so if you have a backpack or anything else with you it is an extremely tight fit.
Adorable coffee spot thats a must see. Very unique enviroment that i havent seen in another coffee place. Staff are incredibly friendly and the drinks are memorable. Great spot to burn some time, go on a cute date, or get some work done. Solid amount of seating but is much less cramped then other spots nearby
The highest level coffee shop in all of orange county full stop. They have specialty single origin menu choices for both pour-over and espresso. Highly trained baristas that should all be in competitions. Their iced pour-overs are the move btw. Those do cost a bit more than your typical latte, and they take a moment longer, so I suggest you enjoy the vintage bank space and slow your pace a bit. Really enjoyable place to be.
Laid back coffee hangout inside a historic building at the Orange Circle within walking distance of the water fountain, the Orange Library, and city hall. The menu is straightforward and it's pretty cool to see the staff working on the drinks in an open square. Also, check out the art deco ceiling tiles, a timeless wonder still intact.
Had the shaken maple latte and it was really good! Had to wait a little for a seat to be available (you seat yourself), but there are a good amount of chairs! There’s Wi-Fi available with the password posted on a placard on the wall. The café was really unique as it was located in what was previously a bank. Will definitely revisit next time I’m in town.
I was hesitant to have another coffee shop in the Plaza, but safe to say they are a great addition and staple of the downtown. The staff are great and for someone like myself that’s not into the background or logistics of coffee roasting. I can tell they put a lot of care and work into the coffee they serve. The staff are great and very knowledgeable in what they’re making for you and the owners are very nice and you can tell they want to be a part of the community.
The interior of this place was once a bank, and in fact, it was one of the first banks in the Orange circle. Enough to make me smile. The wifi here is free and strong. I've used the wifi in this place to browse on social media. The atmosphere is calming, and it's not too bad. People come and go to do a lot of things, and this place is pet friendly. They even have the most interesting menu options, such as yuzu espresso shots. I think that's what it's called? As someone who is part-East Asian, I can promise you that it's unique to see an East Asian fruit turned into espresso shots.