La La Land Is Coming to 17th Street- Is It Worth the Hype?

La La Land Is Coming to 17th Street

If you've spent any time on 17th Street in Costa Mesa lately, you already know it doesn't take much to draw a crowd. Between Milligram, Sidecar Donuts, and the constant rotation of new restaurants, this stretch of the Westside-to-Newport Harbor corridor has become one of the busiest few blocks in Orange County. Now, La La Land — the colorful, mission-driven coffee brand that already has locals lining up at its Lido Marina Village location — is bringing a new spot to 17th Street.

As someone who's watched this street evolve for years (and who drives it more often than I'd like to admit), I wanted to give my honest take: is this one worth the hype, or is it just another case of Instagram doing the marketing for us?

What Is La La Land?

La La Land built its name on more than just coffee. The brand is known for its bright yellow branding, colorful lattes, and a mission rooted in kindness — the company hires and mentors foster youth as part of its business model. It's a genuinely good story, and it's part of why the brand has developed such a loyal following since expanding into Southern California.

That story, paired with a photogenic menu, is exactly the kind of thing that turns a coffee shop into a destination rather than just a stop on your morning commute.

Overhyped? Here's My Honest Take

Let's be real: 17th Street doesn't need help getting busier. This corridor is already one of the most trafficked retail and restaurant strips in Costa Mesa, and parking can be a genuine struggle even before a new "it" spot opens its doors.

A few things I expect once La La Land opens on 17th Street:

• Lines out the door, at least for the first several months. The Lido Marina Village location built a reputation for wait times, and 17th Street's foot traffic will likely amplify that.
• A parking situation that gets worse before it gets better. This is already a pain point on 17th Street, and a high-traffic new tenant won't help.
• A lot of social media buzz that may set expectations higher than the in-store experience can consistently deliver, especially during that initial rush.

None of this means the coffee isn't good, or that the brand's mission isn't worth supporting — it genuinely is. But if you're expecting a quiet, quick coffee run in the first few months, 17th Street's newest addition probably isn't going to give you that.

Why This Still Matters for the Neighborhood

Overhyped or not, a new location for a brand with this kind of following is a good sign for the 17th Street corridor and the surrounding neighborhoods. Popular retail and restaurant openings tend to reinforce foot traffic, support nearby property values, and add to the overall desirability of living within walking distance of this stretch — something I hear about often from buyers looking in the Eastside Costa Mesa and Newport Heights areas.

If you're considering a home near 17th Street, growth like this is worth factoring into your decision, both for lifestyle and long-term value.

FAQ

Is La La Land opening a new location on 17th Street in Costa Mesa? Yes, a new location is coming to 17th Street in Costa Mesa, in addition to the brand's existing Lido Marina Village location in Newport Beach.

Why is 17th Street in Costa Mesa so busy? 17th Street connects Westside Costa Mesa to Newport Harbor and has become a dense corridor of popular restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and fitness studios, drawing steady foot traffic throughout the day.

Is parking difficult near 17th Street? Parking can be limited during peak hours, especially near popular restaurants and cafes. Plan for extra time if you're visiting during busy periods.

Does new retail activity affect home values near 17th Street? Popular, high-traffic businesses can contribute to a neighborhood's desirability, which is one factor (among many) that buyers and agents consider when evaluating homes near a commercial corridor.

Thinking about buying or selling a home near 17th Street, Eastside Costa Mesa, or Newport Heights? Reach out to Harrison White for local insight on the neighborhoods behind the headlines.