With The Shoppes being just next door to Ayala and becoming an overrated spot that students are getting bored of, it can feel like Chino Hills is just boring entirely. But that is simply not the case. From cozy hangout spots to delightful dessert cafes and restaurants, Chino Hills offers many wonderful places to enjoy your weekend or reward yourself with fresh treats. To get you started, here are a few great spots to explore.
1. Cat Cafe Rescue
Being the purr-fect hangout spot with family and friends, Cat Cafe Rescue is located at 14850 Pipeline Ave, just eight minutes away from Ayala High School.
Snuggling and petting these feline friends is sure to relieve stress from the hectic school life. This cozy cat cafe collaborates with a dedicated non-profit rescue organization and takes in rescued or surrendered cats. Of the surrendered cats is Keanu, a four-year-old American shorthair whose previous owner, having moved from Taiwan, was unable to bring him along.
Stories like Keaunu’s are not uncommon here as the majority of the cats are surrendered. Despite that, all of the cats are truly friendly and sociable. The store offers services aside from the companies of the feline friends.
“High schoolers get discounts, and you get complimentary snacks, coffee, and soda waters,” staff member Lance said. “There are also tables available to use for laptops or to do homework or whatever.”
If you happen to fall in love with these cute animal friends, you can give them a forever home by adopting. Every visit helps care for these animals in need. Cat Cafe Rescue welcomes both walk-ins and online appointments through their website, with a $20 fee granting you 45 minutes of cat cuddles and cafe comfort.
2. Snowy Village
Low-fi music in the background, cozy decorations, and shaved ice—it’s the best combination to get through the summer days. This gem of a cafe is located next to Pokimania. Known for their soft and crisp Taiyaki, Snowy Village offers options to mix and match fillings such as Nutella, mochi, and peanut butter & jelly in these delicious little treats.
In addition to their Taiyaki, they offer a variety of drinks and shaved ice. Try the Strawberry Bingsu with whole milk, whipped cream, honey, and fresh strawberries, or the Green Tea Bingsu with green tea powder, sweet red bean, Korean rice cake, green tea ice cream, and almonds. Whole milk, condensed milk, and honey complete the experience.
“The shaved ice is really yummy with all of the different types of fruits,” said Emily Kang (12). “It’s very refreshing on a hot day like right now since it’s like literally 100 degrees.”
It’s a great get-together spot under the harsh summer heat. The store is usually packed with customers, so get your pick quick!
3. Oke Poke
Scoops of fresh salmon cubes and spicy grabs, eel sauces, seaweeds garnishes, and rice on the sides to bring out the colors—it’s the poke bowl.
Located next to Albertsons, this shop received the Certification of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly for their delicious meals in 2023. With a combination of base, protein, sauce, and garnishes, this bowl is freshly made to deliver the most filling and satisfactory sensory experience.
“We have some of the best sauces in the city because we make them by hand, and we get some of our sauces imported from Hawaii,” Oke Poke staff member Gabriel said. “I would recommend [new customers] getting as many toppings as they can and trying all our sauces.”
4. 7 Leaves
Have a test or quiz coming up? If you want a change of scenery, this cafe should be at the top of your list. With an online reward app system, charging booths at every other seat, long dining tables with regular-height counters, and nearby restaurants, this cafe provides a calm environment perfect for study nights.
“There’s a lot of people studying here, some of our employees study here, and a lot of the customers study here. I think people like how it’s small, it’s not too big, and doesn’t get too crowded,” the staff member Manuel said.
Aside from their summer must-haves like the Sea Cream Tea Jasmine, an award-winning blend of jasmine petals and frothy whipped cream seafoam, and the Sunset Passion, made with hand-squeezed passion fruit high in carotene and vitamins, they offer a variety of coffee and tea options.
“I would recommend [customers] getting the Oolong Milk Tea with boba and sea cream. It’s like a hint of little floral taste from the oolong and with the boba, I think it goes really well as a nice little dessert drink,” Manuel said.
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Despite the suburban monotony that Chino Hills is, there are still many places yet to be explored. If you’re looking for something new to try within the area, give these spots a try.
