Get Your Caffeine Fix at One of These Coffee Shops

By Jim Walker Signal Staff Writer

Let’s face it, coffee is an acquired taste. Most of us need to add things like cream or sugar to make it enjoyable. Even so, for many of us, coffee has become a necessity, whether to get started in the morning or for pick-me-ups later in the day. It has also become the focus of social and business gatherings: “Let’s meet for coffee.” But, with or without friends, a hot cup of coffee, done “your” way, is both a relaxing, and yet energizing, interlude in a busy, or even lazy, day. And, if you are really hooked on the flavor, you might even crave the taste and experience so much you can drink decaf without missing the buzz.

How one likes their coffee is hugely influenced by what they are used to and the atmosphere and service influence where they like to get it. So, if you asked 10 people to name their number one place to get coffee, you could easily get 10 different answers.

The place next door might become your favorite by default. The same could hold for that chain store on every corner in every city. So here, completely debatable and limited by space, are our top four coffee houses in the SCV.

Coffee Kiosk

26833 Bouquet Canyon Rd., Santa Clarita 91350

23716 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321

Coffee Kiosk ranks high because it offers both drive-through convenience and quality. But you probably won’t do your meetups there.

Owner Eugene A. said, “During the 27 years we’ve been around, we’ve steadily improved our product offerings in terms of quality, service and value. For example, whereas most coffee frappé offerings on the market now use instant coffee or cold brew, we went the other direction and roast our own coffee/espresso beans.

“We still grind, pull and brew every coffee drink we sell … (and) our pastries are baked and picked up daily. Every item we have on our menu — from our food, coffee, matcha, chai, cold brew, chicory to the iced teas — we believe is of exceptional quality.

Honu Coffee

22722 Lyons Ave., Newhall 91321

Honu Coffee is dedicated to being a true “coffee house,” comfortable, cozy and welcoming. Lizzy Caputo, coffee ambassador, said, “I think our mission statement says it all: ‘Providing high quality drinks made with high quality ingredients served with excellent customer service!’ That’s what sets us apart. Our team members love coming into work to be able to provide a high-quality product and they truly serve it with excellent customer service.”

Peet’s Coffee

27047 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355

A Peet’s spokesman said, “Peet’s Coffee is for people who love coffee. Our guests know that we go the extra mile to deliver premium products for everyone (many beverages and menu items are already plant-based or can be modified to meet dietary needs) that are 100% responsibly-sourced.

“Being able to provide a great cup of coffee, that also serves as a force for good, matters to our guests, and we will continue providing that while evolving to meet future needs.”

Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders

22913 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91350

26910 Sierra Highway, Unit D-2, Newhall 91321

Owner Stephanie Inmon said, “Bodhi Leaf Coffee is a place we all like to call home, no matter what we are doing — dropping in for coffee with friends, studying, getting some work done or actually working here. We, as employees, love seeing our regular smiling customers who have become friends, as well as our new first-time customers.

“We have lots of seating both inside and outside and we have wifi. We are an importer, roaster and storefront. You can try one of our weekly pourovers or a specialty latte. Lavender is very popular, but we have many other fun flavors to choose from. For those that don’t drink coffee, we have chai tea and matcha tea.” 