People really love their dogs. But the folks at Bird Dog Coffee in Orange County, CA have taken things a step further, naming their whole coffee company after Scout, their beloved pooch, whose charming visage is even featured on a t-shirt. Read on for a delightful video of Scout indulging in a pup cup, and make sure to check these guys out the next time you’re in the OC.
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
As told to Sprudge by Kaitlyn Forster.
For those who aren’t familiar, will you tell us about your company?
Bird Dog Coffee was born out of a love for coffee, community, and curiosity. Just like Scout—the bird dog who inspired our name—we’re always eager to explore, learn, and share what we discover.
We believe coffee is more than a drink. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with people, and enjoy something crafted with care. Our shop is built around hospitality, education, and the joy of trying something new.
When you stop by, we hope you feel at home, welcomed, and maybe inspired to keep exploring.
View this post on Instagram
Can you tell us a bit about the new space?
Bird Dog Coffee started as an empty space and a clear idea: create a neighborhood coffee shop that feels intentional, calm, and built around quality at every level.
From the beginning, I knew I didn’t want it to be a one-note coffee shop. As a multi-roaster, Bird Dog is built around the idea that great coffee doesn’t come from one source; it comes from curating roasters whose work we truly believe in and letting those coffees speak for themselves in a simple, honest way.
The buildout was where that vision had to become real. Every decision—layout, workflow, equipment placement, materials—had to serve the craft. There were constant adjustments along the way, but each challenge helped refine the space into something more functional and more true to how we wanted to work behind the bar.
Design-wise, we kept things minimal and warm: clean lines, warm woods, white matte quartz, and subtle green accents. The goal wasn’t to over-design the space, but to create something that feels good to exist in, whether you’re working behind the bar or sitting with a cup.
What’s your approach to coffee?
Bird Dog Coffee is a multi-roaster coffee shop dedicated to showcasing exceptional coffees from a variety of respected roasters. Rather than focusing on a single roasting partner, we curate a rotating selection that highlight different origins, processing methods, and roasting styles. Our goal is to create a space for exploration, education, and community, allowing customers to experience some of the best coffees around the world. Some of the roasters we’re using right now are Sweet Bloom, Heart, Touchy, and La Cabra.
View this post on Instagram
Any machines, coffees, special equipment lined up?
Other than the always loyal La Marzocco Linea PB, a couple cool machines that you don’t see at a lot of coffee shops that we use are the Poursteady, an automated pour-over system, allowing us to brew consistent cups as well as a Kyoto-style cold brew tower, which uses a slow drip process to create a smooth, complex cold brew with lots of clarity. Both pieces of equipment reflect our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and showcasing coffee in a variety of brewing styles.
How is your project considering sustainability?
As a multi-roaster cafe, we prioritize working with roasters who emphasize responsible sourcing and thoughtful production practices, allowing us to support sustainability throughout the coffee supply chain.
View this post on Instagram
What’s your hopeful target opening date/month?
We opened on May 22, 2026
Thank you!
The 2026 Build-outs of Coffee is presented by DONA, Pacific Barista Series, and La Marzocco.
