Coffee &

Across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, LA and New York City, the coffee chain % Arabica has become internationally known for its prominent % branding – a symbol used across its packaging, signage, and in some cases even cafe layouts. So it’s not surprising that Buena Park’s Coffee & is building its brand around another character: the ampersand. Just like % Arabica, you’ll see the thick boldface “&” on cups, signs, and bags of coffee, a mark that’s as easily spotted from the street as inside. And a similarly curated menu of drinks and sweet treats awaits at its counter, though without the same artisanal focus on either coffee beans or aesthetic curation as % Arabica.

Seven “signature” drinks span matcha, espresso, and milk drinks with and without cream tops ($6-$8.30), while black coffees ($4.00-$6.80) and milked espressos ($5 to $7) sit side-by-side with tea lattes ($5.50-$7) and sparkling soda “ades” ($6 each). Basic teas are served hot or cold for $4.50 each, and seasonal specials including chestnut, pumpkin spice, and maple cinnamon lattes are offered along with banana pudding-topped matchas, side cups of pudding and tiramisu, and pastries ranging from cookies to croissants and slices of sweet coffee/banana or pistachio bread.

Served surprisingly quickly after we completed our order, Coffee &’s drinks were the highlight of our experience – a yuzu ade ($6) ideally balanced the distinctively delicate citrus flavor of the Japanese fruit with effervescent soda water and non-cloying sweetness, while the banana pudding matcha ($8) combined a large dollop of nut-garnished dessert with a strong but nicely sweetened cup of green tea. We wouldn’t have changed a thing about either.