Coachella's Best Kept Secrets: Coffee Shops You Need to Know

Hey everyone! So, Coachella. It's a whirlwind of music, fashion, and, let's be honest, a whole lotta sun. And after hours of dancing under the desert sky, what's a festival-goer's best friend? Good coffee, of course! This year, I was determined to find the best caffeine fixes Coachella had to offer, beyond the usual festival fare. And let me tell you, I did some serious exploring (and some serious caffeinating).

The Vibe: Coffee-Shop Hopping at Coachella

I know what you're thinking – Coachella? Coffee shops? Sounds kinda…off. But trust me, there are some hidden gems that go far beyond the usual festival energy drinks. Think less neon lights and more quirky, laid-back spots serving seriously delicious brews. Some spots even had live music on certain days! I stumbled upon these cuties almost by accident – because thats how the best stuff usually happens, right?.

My Top Picks: Coachella's Coffee Connoisseur's Guide

• The Perk Up: This adorable little spot, tucked away near the entrance, had the cutest patio area! Their cold brew was a lifesaver during those scorching afternoon sets. Seriously, their Iced Vanilla Latte was one of the best I had all weekend. Plus, the staff was super friendly and their wifi is super fast! I even got a little bit of work done while people watching between sets.
• The Daily Grind: If you're looking for a more traditional coffee shop experience, The Daily Grind is your place. They've got everything from espresso drinks to pour-overs, plus some tasty pastries to go with it. It's a little bit further out from the main festival grounds, but well worth the short Uber ride. One time I got super chatty with a barista who was a huge fan of independent music. What a coincidence!
• The Buzz Stop: This place was a happy accident! I was wandering around looking for shade and stumbled across this place that served incredible organic coffee. They have a focus on sustainability, which I loved. They even had unique syrups made with locally sourced ingredients. You know how they say some places just feel good? This is one of them! I think they might have been playing a bit of chill-wave music, which is awesome!

This isn't an exhaustive list, of course! But it gives you a great starting point for your own Coachella coffee adventure. Remember to check their hours of operation to make sure you can actually get your caffeine fix, and maybe check out their social media to see what their current vibe is.

Beyond the Bean: More Than Just Coffee

So many cafes in Coachella offer more than just a great cup of coffee! Many places are also serving delicious food, from pastries to full-on meals! I tried the Avocado toast at The Perk Up – it was life changing. That place also offers some cool merchandise, including Coachella-themed mugs and t-shirts. The Daily Grind has this amazing vegan chocolate cake that I absolutely devoured. I'm still dreaming about that deliciousness! You can really make the most of your downtime when you explore the local coffee shop scene.

Pro-Tip: Beat the Rush

Coachella is crowded, and the coffee shops are no exception. If you want to avoid long lines, try visiting during off-peak hours. Or even better? Grab your coffee to-go and enjoy it while you people-watch and soak up the festival atmosphere!

Final Thoughts: Fuel Your Coachella Experience

Finding these amazing coffee shops was one of my highlights of Coachella. It was a chance to slow down, recharge, and connect with the local community amidst all the excitement. Remember to stay hydrated (very important!), and make sure you leave yourself time to relax and recharge throughout your Coachella experience. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to dream of that avocado toast and cold brew. Happy Coachella-ing, everyone!