25 Best Coffee Shops in California (2025 Guide)

Urth Caffé offers an inviting atmosphere with thoughtfully prepared dishes and beverages. Despite sometimes finding the line for food lengthy, the quality of the food speaks volumes about the care put into every meal. The variety in salads, sandwiches, and desserts ensures there's something to please everyone, especially vegetarians who find clearly labeled vegetarian offerings. For coffee lovers, the specialty lattes and other drinks are as enjoyable as their savory selections.

Tierra Mia Coffee Drive Thru is where the aroma of authentic Central American coffee takes over with each sip. Despite sometimes long lines for their signature drinks and pastries, the consistent quality makes it worth waiting in line. The friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere despite occasional menu issues that could be updated online.

Urth Caffe Pasadena boasts an inviting atmosphere with its stylish design and ample seating both indoors and outdoors. The food and drinks are universally praised for their quality and variety, making it suitable for any meal type. Despite sometimes long wait times due to high popularity, the coffee stands out as a standout offering, appreciated for its unique earthy taste alongside friendly service. Parking options include free street parking along with paid parking lots conveniently nearby.

Dutch Bros Coffee offers a blend of great customer service and sometimes frustrating experiences depending on the location. Known for its wide range of drinks including non-coffee options, it caters to both coffee enthusiasts and those looking for quick caffeine fixes. Despite occasional bottlenecks in line and tricky order processes, many patrons appreciate the convenience and variety available. However, inconsistent product quality and poor customer service have led some customers to seek out alternative locations.

Rad Coffee - Upland offers a unique punk-themed coffee shop with creative drinks and teas. Despite occasional customer service issues noted by some visitors, its interior design is praised for being cool and engaging. The atmosphere tends to be friendly during daytime visits, though there are reports of less welcoming service when the place gets busier or later in the evening. Customers appreciate the vibrant community feel but sometimes find it lacking in restroom facilities.

Urth Caffe Santa Monica offers a welcoming atmosphere with a variety of food and pastry options. The place seems to have decent pricing compared to nearby cafes yet the service could be better; customers often wait for their drinks. Despite occasional issues, it retains an appealing vibe and ambiance that draws patrons, though some still find room for improvement in efficiency.

Philz Coffee offers consistently high-quality coffee and pastries across its various locations, with notable favorites including the Jacobs Wonderbar blend. Patrons appreciate friendly service and ample seating options, though some may find it noisy inside, especially during peak hours. The café's consistent excellence in both taste and atmosphere makes it a staple for those seeking reliable coffee experiences. However, there are other Philz branches that stand out with even better cup offerings, making this one a particular highlight despite its imperfections.

Sightglass Coffee offers an inviting ambiance with spacious and modern interiors, perfect for those looking to enjoy coffee or work in a pleasant environment. The coffee itself is commendably good, featuring unique flavors that delight the palate, while also providing various options like different latte creations and pastries. Despite some instances of overpriced drinks and less-than-ideal service at times, the overall experience often surpasses expectations, making it worth revisiting for coffee enthusiasts.

Red Rock Coffee offers a modern yet inviting space for both work and relaxation. Its high-end coffee roasts are well-received, complemented by artsy wall displays lining the walls. Located on the second floor with plenty of room to spread out, it’s perfect for those who like a bit of artistic flair in their coffee experience. The community feel extends from its tech-savvy patrons to folk singers and artists, creating a diverse yet harmonious atmosphere.

Jantz Café & Bakery is always bustling with activity due to its fantastic food and excellent service. From generous portions of dishes like the seasonal turkey melt and macaroni salad to the accommodating gluten allergy measures, it offers delightful experiences. Enjoying free pies on Wednesdays or choosing from an array of beautiful pie options can make any visit memorable. Kid-friendly settings and kids menus along with crayons further enhance the overall experience for families.

Four Barrel Coffee offers a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere with an open space perfect for catching up or enjoying some quiet time. Known for its extensive selection of beans and coffee ware, the place also showcases artful photographs and music played from vinyl records. Professional baristas engage patrons in detailed discussions about different bean varieties while offering latte art that adds to the overall experience. Dog-friendly too, Four Barrel Coffee is a buzzing spot favored by coffee aficionados who appreciate both its artistic ambiance and lively vibe.

Urth Caffé Melrose offers an inviting and stylish atmosphere with ample outdoor seating that provides scenic views and a relaxed ambiance for enjoying coffee and light meals. Known for its diverse menu and delicious food options, it often sees patrons waiting in line, especially on weekends. The service is generally swift despite the place's popularity and can be somewhat crowded, but this only adds to the lively, trendy vibe of the establishment.

Pappelocco offers an enviable dining experience with its warm and inviting atmosphere that blends coziness with a lively vibe. The food is consistently delicious, especially the croissants which are highly regarded among the best in downtown. Service can sometimes involve slight adjustments but overall remains friendly. The café stands out for its impressive menu items like their little nutella cookies and creamy coffees, making it a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

Red Apple Cafe is a consistently excellent spot where patrons enjoy hearty meals served with top-notch service and food quality that never fails to meet expectations. Patrons appreciate the cozy atmosphere and occasionally lengthy wait times due to high demand; however, it doesn’t detract from their experience, which often results in multiple visits and raving reviews. Whether for breakfast or brunch, the menu offers a delightful range of dishes like Hot Link Benedict and Ham and Cheese omelettes, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Blue Bottle Coffee offers an inviting atmosphere with ample indoor and outdoor seating in historic settings. Known for its premium coffee beans, expertly brewed beverages, and vibrant energy, customers appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and quality of their offerings. Despite sometimes long queues, patrons often find satisfaction in the rich flavors and excellent service, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. Notably, they also provide an assortment of treats such as affogato and liege waffles, enhancing their culinary experience.

TNT's Café offers great portions and delicious food at reasonable prices. The service is exemplary, with staff being helpful and friendly. It carries a country feel, perfect for enjoying various dishes in their skillet breakfast option. Despite its popularity, it seems to be warmly welcomed by customers looking for a cozy environment and satisfying meals without needing long waits.

Tierra Mia Coffee offers an inviting atmosphere with comfortable seating and focuses on clean surroundings. Known for its Mexican-flavored coffee and pastries, customers appreciate the variety in menu options catering to different dietary needs. The customer service is praised for ensuring good experiences, though limited parking space sometimes requires finding alternative spots nearby. Popular items include strawberry tree leches muffin, horchata lattes, and banana nut muffins.

Voyager Craft Coffee presents an inviting space with ample indoor and outdoor seating. Known for its aesthetically pleasing coffee, the shop offers a selection of high-quality beans recently roasted within a week. Despite being somewhat busy and having limited seating, it excels in providing excellent service and features delicious pastries along with standout espresso drinks like the pourover.

Temple Coffee Roasters stands out with its airy yet warm ambiance, boasting penny-floored interiors and industrial charm. High ceilings offer plenty of space to work, while the selection of pastries and decaf options caters to diverse tastes. Friendly service greets patrons, making visits both enjoyable and convenient. Its prime location near popular spots like the Sacramento Farmers Market ensures consistent foot traffic and popularity among locals and visitors alike.

Alcove offers a serene dining experience in the heart of Los Feliz with its spacious and nature-inspired setting. The food is consistently delicious, from the delectable baked goods to hearty breakfast plates. Guests appreciate friendly staff who make every effort for attention and quick service even on busy mornings. Outdoor dining is especially cozy, adding to the inviting ambiance where pets are welcome too.

Cafe de Casa offers a welcoming and intimate dining experience with spacious yet cozy interiors. Guests appreciate the variety of pastries and crepes, along with fresh coffee drinks that cater to any time of day. Its Portuguese-speaking staff add to the inviting atmosphere, making it a standout choice for breakfast or casual dining in Fisherman's Wharf.

Verve Coffee Roasters stands out with its unique ambiance, blending a lively atmosphere and vibrant decor to create an inviting space in downtown. The coffee is praised for its quality, particularly the oat milk latte which had a subtle yet enjoyable flavor. Despite not trying all options, customers enjoyed the wide variety of beverages offered and expressed interest in returning. Kid-friendly items are available, making it a great choice for families looking for a relaxed dining experience around breakfast time.

Urth Caffé Orange offers an array of gourmet options including vegetarian and vegan dishes. With its healthy offerings, the cafe is appreciated for its diverse menu featuring salads, smoothies, sandwiches, drinks, cakes, and pastries. Despite sometimes long wait times due to its popularity, the food consistently tasted great, making it a place locals and travelers highly recommend despite any minor drawbacks.

Nestled in the heart of downtown with its vibrant succulent gardens providing a cozy backdrop, 11th Hour Coffee stands out for its meticulously curated space and exceptional coffee offerings that delight both regulars and visitors alike. From the friendly staff to the aromatic atmosphere, every aspect contributes to making it an inviting destination for those who love a good cup of coffee or just want to spend quality time amidst beautiful surroundings. Its thoughtful design extends beyond the interior to ample seating inside and out, ensuring everyone finds their perfect spot under the sun’s warm embrace.

Living Room Coffeehouse stands out in the bustling College Area with its inviting atmosphere and diverse menu appealing to students and professionals alike. Offering quick service and ample seating both indoors and outdoors on a spacious patio, it caters well to those needing a place for work or study sessions. Despite some challenges finding parking, especially during busy evening hours, the café’s dedication to providing a comfortable space for various activities makes it an integral part of campus life.