In the wake of the recent Starbucks announcement that they will be closing around 600 under performing company operated locations (this does not include locations inside grocery stores or book stores), many Orange County residents may be wondering how they will survive. Where will we go to get our Venti non fat soy 4 pump vanilla half double decaffeinated half-caf, with a twist of lemon?
Luckily for us, in addition to the 1300 Starbucks the that will remain open, there are many local coffee shops that may have been overlooked since Starbucks started popping up on every corner. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Kéan Coffee: Kéan Coffee is the brainchild of Coffeehouse pioneer Martin Diedrich (yes, the Diedrich’s Coffee Diedrich) and his wife Karen. The Diedrich Family has been involved with coffee for many decades and it shows. Not only do they roast their own coffee, in a roaster built by another of the Diedrich clan, but they believe in the whole coffee ritual, and it shows. The popularity of the location is growing. In addition to coffee and tea, one can get a variety of baked goods to go with their beverage. Kéan is becoming a popular location to meet up and chat, stop during a walk, or just grab a cup and go. Another thing that impresses me is the “community values” and environmental awareness Kéan sticks to, even before it became popular to do so.
  -Location and Hours: Kéan Coffee 2043 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach, is open from 6 AM to 9 PM Sunday through Thursday and 6 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.

• Alta Coffee Warehouse: Hidden of 31st street in the Cannery district of Newport Beach, Alta coffee is another hidden jewel in orange county. Located in an old warehouse, Alta provides fresh coffee, tea, and food as well as atmosphere. Just inside the door to the right is the shelves of mugs that the “regulars” keep for their daily brew. Adorning the walls is an ever changing collection of art, showcasing a theme or particular artist for the length of the current engagement. Whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner, on can get a variety of beverages and atmosphere. Alta also has an tranquil outside patio that K-9’s and their owners can use to enjoy together, or one can keep an eye on their bike while reading the paper, etc… Alta also provides Acoustic, open mike, and folk nighttime entertainment.
  -Location and Hours: Alta Coffee Warehouse & Roasting Co. 506 31st St., Newport Beach, CA, 92659 (949) 675-0233 Mon-Thurs 6am-11pm Fri-Sat 6am-midnight Sun 7am-11pm.

• The Gypsy Den: One of the original tenants of The L.A.B. in Costa Mesa, The Gypsy Den is best described by Zagat’s Restaurant Survey as “If your aging hippie aunt opened her sitting room to strangers, it would resemble these two hangouts in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, offbeat venues complete with early attic decor and arty habitues; the homespun soups, salads and sandwiches have a healthy bent, going way beyond the tofu-bean sprouts archetype.” I could not describe it better. The Gypsy Den has great, healty food, a warm environment, and excellent coffee and tea.
  -Location and Hours: The Gypsy Den Cafe @ the L.A.B. 2930 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 549-7012 Monday - Thursday 7:30 am to 11 pm Friday 7:30 am to Midnight Saturday 8:00 am to Midnight Sunday 8:00 am to 11 pm

These are just the local shops that I have frequented. I would love to hear your reviews and recommendations for Coffee shops in your neighborhoods. If by some smiting of the powers that be, your local Starbucks is closed down, be strong. Together we will survive the tragedy that Starbucks has handed to us to be caffeinated another day.