Our Local Crushes: Ralph’s Coffee at Fashion Island, Newport Beach

There’s something about discovering a place that feels instantly familiar — like it was always meant to be there. A scent, a space, a ritual that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.

This Valentine’s season, we’re introducing a new series we’re calling Our Local Crushes — a love letter to the local places that bring us inspiration, comfort, and a sense of beauty to everyday life. First up is a crush that feels especially close to home here in Newport Beach.

Ralph’s Coffee Has Arrived in Newport Beach

On January 20, 2026, Ralph’s Coffee opened its doors at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and the response was immediate. On opening day, people waited three hours for a cup of coffee — which, honestly, feels very Ralph. Effortless, elevated, and entirely on brand.

But this crush runs deeper than a great chai latte… Danielle’s favorite morning vice.

A Full-Circle Moment

Long before backhouse existed, one of our founders, Danielle, spent five formative years in her twenties working for Ralph Lauren, at the very first Double RL store. Those years were shaped by lessons in craftsmanship, storytelling, and timeless design — learning how a brand can hold soul, heritage, and intention in every detail.

Ralph Lauren has always represented something deeper than fashion. It’s a feeling. A lifestyle. A reverence for ritual and quality. Seeing that same philosophy translated into a coffee shop — now part of the Newport Beach landscape — feels incredibly right.

Where Style, Nostalgia & Coffee Collide

The Fashion Island location captures everything we love about Ralph’s Coffee. Classic yet relaxed, refined but welcoming — perfectly suited for coastal days in Newport Beach. It’s the kind of space where design whispers instead of shouts, inviting you to linger, to notice, to be present.

The menu follows suit with signature organic coffee blends, thoughtfully crafted espresso drinks, and nostalgic treats that feel comforting and familiar. It’s not just about caffeine — it’s about experience.

Bringing the Crush Home

As candle makers based in Newport Beach, scent is how we tell stories — and this moment felt worth capturing. Inspired by Ralph Lauren’s iconic heritage, we created custom Ralph-inspired mini candles that nod to the brand’s timeless aesthetic and craftsmanship.

Housed in classic tins and finished with a subtle plaid detail, these minis are our way of translating that Ralph feeling — warmth, nostalgia, quiet confidence — into fragrance. They’re meant to be lit slowly, enjoyed intentionally, and kept close long after the coffee cup is empty.

Because some crushes don’t end when you leave the café.

Why It’s Our Local Crush

At backhouse, we’re endlessly inspired by brands and places that honor craftsmanship, storytelling, and emotional connection. Ralph’s Coffee does exactly that — turning an everyday ritual into something meaningful here in Newport Beach.

When style, memory, and really good coffee collide, people will happily wait. And we’re right there with them.

This is just the beginning of Our Local Crushes, and we can’t wait to share more of the places that inspire us — from neighborhood gems to our favorites that make Newport Beach feel like home.

💌 Have a local crush you think we should feature? Let us know.