Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922

The Hornet

The Hornet

Serving the Fullerton Community Since 1922

The Hornet

Munchie Monday Food Review: McClains Coffeeshop

Looking for a late night coffee shop to cram for midterms? McClain’s Coffeehouse in downtown Fullerton has its doors open till 3 a.m. Monday-Sunday. The local coffee shop offers low priced food and drink options from coffee and smoothies to burritos and sandwiches.

The coffeehouse is located at 817 N Harbor Blvd.

McClain’s is an original stand out in the Fullerton community. The coffeeshop was built inside out from the still standing 1920’s home. This helped create the artsy and historic feel. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating with free wifi, plugs and extension cords available upon request.

For a quick breakfast to the late night munchies, McClain’s covers all the bases without getting too trendy and fancy. The coffeeshop is very simple and has a homemade feel to their food and presentation.

Though their coffee is fresh and food is tasty, McClain’s coffeehouse is not the most Instagram worthy coffee shop around.

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Plain bagel toasted with avocado and tomato at McClains Coffeehouse Photo credit: Photo Credit: Beth Stover

Avocado bagels are quite the trend in Orange County, so customers will be sure to find it on McClain’s menu. The bagel is not homemade, as the cafe uses store brand products. There were also limited options on breads and bagel types; this day plain was the only choice.

However, the avocado tastes fresh from the farm, as do the ripe tomatoes that come on top. This is an excellent and filling food option that will give anyone energy as they study or socialize.

For being a coffeehouse, the shop’s brew is decently bold. The coffee is always made fresh to order. McClain’s also offers flavored coffees, hot and cold, and well as lattes, espresso, teas and smoothies. The coffee was more on the watery side, but had a good and smooth taste overall .

Black tea is the only iced tea available, however there are plenty of tea bags with a variety of flavors made hot. The hot teas are not made in house, only the tea bags are available.

Like most cafes today, the coffeeshop also offers dairy-free milk alternatives such as soy and almond milks.

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Warmed chocolate chip cookie from McClain's coffeehouse pair well with coffee. Photo credit: Bethany Stover

For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to try a homemade chocolate chip cookie before leaving. Upon request, an employee can heat it up which makes the experience even better. The cookies are large in size and are great to share or indulge for one. The cookie has a perfect chip to dough ratio. McClain’s sweet treats are a top choice for customers.

Currently there is a for sale sign on McClain’s door, so be sure to check this unique coffee shop out before it’s too late.