49 Best Coffee Shops in Santa Cruz, California

Description: The Walnut Avenue Cafe offers a warm and efficient service, with beautifully presented dishes perfect for any breakfast craving. Since its establishment in 1994, it has become a beloved local spot serving classic American cuisine, including delightful options like their Belgian waffle with grilled bananas and walnuts.

Description: Verve Coffee Shop offers a vibrant and airy atmosphere with plenty of natural light and greenery, perfect for both casual visits and special occasions. Known for its high-quality coffee, Verve also serves delicious pastries and breakfast items, making it a go-to spot in downtown Santa Cruz. The friendly staff enhance the overall experience, ensuring patrons enjoy their visit whether they dine in or grab a takeaway order.

Description: The coffee shop offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with plenty of outdoor seating, thanks to its plant-filled patio. It features a variety of coffee options, including unique items like a honey bee latte made with house-made honey and lavender syrup, as well as traditional favorites like avocado toast. Despite occasional crowds, the service is consistently friendly and attentive, contributing to a highly enjoyable dining experience.

Description: Verve Coffee Shop offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with expertly crafted coffee drinks, perfect for both casual visits and more formal dining experiences. Known for its friendly staff, delicious food options, and thoughtful service, Verve has become a beloved spot in Santa Cruz, appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

Description: Cat & Cloud is a charming little coffee shop with ample outdoor seating, offering both indoor and outdoor options. Known for their friendly staff and delicious pastries, it's a favorite among locals and visitors alike, especially during rainy days or when you need a break from your work in the fresh air of Santa Cruz.

Description: The coffee shop is nestled along a coastal path, offering patrons picnic benches under trees for a perfect blend of fresh air and comfort. The menu features a variety of dishes including a standout salmon poke bowl that delights taste buds, complemented by friendly service and reasonable prices. Whether you're savoring lunch or enjoying a refreshing beverage, the ambiance here ensures a memorable visit.

Description: Verve Coffee Roasters offers an inviting and cozy atmosphere, renowned for its exceptional coffee made with high-quality beans roasted in-house. Customers appreciate their knowledgeable baristas who offer expert guidance on different brewing methods, ensuring a personalized experience. The café's standout features include delectable pastries and quick service, making it a go-to spot for both casual visits and special occasions.

Description: Verve Coffee Shop offers an inviting atmosphere with its fresh, handcrafted beverages and delectable pastries. The cafe's modern decor and warm service make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, whether you're enjoying a quick caffeine fix or a leisurely brunch. Located in the heart of Santa Cruz, Verve consistently provides excellent coffee and treats to satisfy any craving.

Description: The Works Breakfast Burrito offers an array of delicious bagel options, including freshly made and artisanal choices. With strong and flavorful coffee drinks like the mcfly latte and garden storm chai, it's a perfect spot for breakfast enthusiasts seeking a satisfying start to their day. The restaurant also provides vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there's something to suit every palate.

Description: The coffee shop offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating both inside and outside. Known for its excellent service, delicious food, and strong coffee, it's appreciated by customers who enjoy a quiet spot to study or read. The space is dog-friendly and features cool decor, including antique sofas and artwork.

Description: This charming coffee shop offers a wide selection of coffee and teas, from single origins to blends, with attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere. It prides itself on being dog-friendly inside and out and provides ample seating for people-watching during your beverage. For those who enjoy brewing at home, the variety of roasts is extensive and often includes some unique options.

Description: Cat & Cloud is a bustling café with an inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious food and drinks. Guests appreciate the friendly service and diverse menu options, from vegetarian breakfast burritos to miso mushroom additions for burritos. The establishment has become a beloved spot by families visiting Santa Cruz.

Description: This cozy coffee shop is nestled near several beaches, offering friendly and helpful staff. Located just one and a half blocks from Sunny Cove Beach, it provides great amenities like ample parking and free options. Despite occasional bathroom cleanliness issues, its location and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout choice for customers seeking a warm drink or a quick bite to eat.

Description: The coffee shop offers a pleasant atmosphere with an outdoor patio area, providing a cozy setting for both dine-in and takeout meals. Their selection of coffee beverages and teas is extensive, though the quality can vary; some lattes are exceptionally good while others might be inconsistent in taste or temperature. Despite occasional staff issues, the friendly service makes up for these minor hiccups, enhancing overall dining experiences.

Description: Shrine Coffee offers a charming and picturesque setting, with both indoor and outdoor seating options near West Cliff Drive. Known for its delightful atmosphere and exceptional service, patrons enjoy cozy pastries, stunning views by the ocean, and handcrafted beverages like honey lavender lattes. The friendly staff ensures a welcoming experience that extends beyond just coffee, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Description: The coffee shop, known for its cozy ambiance and thoughtful service, offers a delightful dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating options. Their menu includes an array of gourmet coffee drinks, delicious food items, and impressive baked goods, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. Guests appreciate the friendly atmosphere and attentive staff who ensure their visits are memorable and enjoyable.

Description: Illuminated by its lovely outdoor setting, this cafe offers delightful brunch options and delectable scones at reasonable prices. Friendly service ensures a pleasant experience, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their meals both indoors and outdoors. The coffee shop stands out for its excellent sandwiches, especially the BLTA, which pairs well with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Description: This cozy Santa Cruz coffee shop offers a warm, authentic atmosphere with friendly staff and delectable treats like banana bread and homemade cookies. Despite recent management changes, its community feel and excellent service keep customers coming back for breakfast and lunch, though the Wi-Fi is slow when accessed via remote work connections.

Description: Starbucks offers a comfortable dining experience with ample seating, free refills on drinks, and reliable power outlets for charging devices. Customers appreciate the friendly service and occasional promotions such as free items for accumulated points, though some recent visits have been marred by staff rudeness or miscommunication. Despite these issues, its consistent quality of food and beverages, coupled with professional baristas, make it a solid choice for those seeking a familiar Starbucks experience in a casual setting.

Description: Coffeetopia offers a spacious and cozy environment with ample outlets, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable couches. It serves great coffee and unique teas alongside fresh bagels from a nearby bakery. The friendly staff make patrons feel welcome, and their brunch menu is highly recommended for its reasonable prices and vegetarian options.

Description: The Windmill Cafe offers excellent service and delicious food, with a focus on fresh, healthy options for gluten-free and vegetarian diets. Guests enjoy cozy outdoor seating by Twin Lakes Beach, while the staff's warm demeanor ensures a pleasant dining experience. Their breakfasts are particularly popular, featuring tasty dishes like Asian stir fry and an innovative breakfast scramble with greens.

Description: Cafe Delmarrete offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with friendly service, featuring an impressive selection of sandwiches and exquisite coffee. Whether you're enjoying breakfast or lunch, their creative drinks like the Otter Latte are sure to delight. The shop's charming interior and picturesque outdoor seating options make it the perfect spot for a relaxing meal in Santa Cruz.

Description: Coffeetopia offers high-quality beverages and creative menu items, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, known for its friendly service and quick food preparation despite sometimes being busy. Whether you're enjoying a simple espresso or savoring a mocha, the café consistently delivers top-notch coffee experiences in Santa Cruz.

Description: Java Junction Coffee offers an inviting atmosphere with soft music and comfortable seating, serving excellent coffee and pastries that are appreciated by all who visit. The friendly staff ensure a welcoming experience, whether you're there for work or just to relax. Despite occasional challenges like slower service during peak times, the café consistently delivers high-quality drinks and a delightful ambiance.

Description: This cozy coffee shop offers great service and a variety of delicious menu items, from their signature flavored coffees to hearty sandwiches and refreshing smoothies. The outdoor patio adds to its appeal, making it a popular spot for both dine-in and take-out meals. With ample parking and friendly staff, it's clear why customers consistently give it high ratings.

Description: Roxa Hammock Cafe offers an enchanting blend of art, alchemy, and health-conscious cuisine in downtown Santa Cruz. With its unique hammock seating, mystical ambiance, and diverse menu of potions and elixirs, it creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience for patrons to relax and explore. From its thoughtful selection of ingredients to the inviting atmosphere, every visit feels like an exciting adventure.

Description: Cat and Cloud, located inside Abbott Square Market, offers a delightful selection of coffee drinks with excellent customer service and flavorful espresso blends. The café's vibrant atmosphere and wide range of seating options make it an ideal spot for both casual meetings and more relaxed moments, whether enjoyed indoors or out. Despite its small size within the market, Cat and Cloud consistently delivers high-quality beverages that exceed expectations.

Description: MeloMelo Kava Bar offers a chilled and welcoming atmosphere with interesting drinks, including Kava which provides an enjoyable, albeit unique, experience. The knowledgeable staff ensures patrons feel at ease, whether they're new to Kava or looking for a relaxing beverage. Despite some initial issues reported by customers about friendliness and inclusivity, the establishment has been positively noted for its intriguing offerings and friendly service.

Description: FireFly offers a delightful dining experience with standout breakfast sandwiches and bagels, complemented by excellent service from attentive staff. Their menu includes a variety of dishes like Americanos, muffins, and breakfast burritos, catering to both casual customers and those seeking a sit-down meal. Despite occasional food preparation issues, the café consistently provides warm hospitality and quality coffee to patrons.

Description: Maripose Coffee Bar offers a unique blend of Cuban and Vietnamese cultures, blending seamlessly into its warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy personalized service and a variety of fusion dishes, from pastries to sandwiches, complemented by expertly crafted coffee that caters to every taste. Whether sipping on traditional blends or trying something new, patrons leave feeling pampered and inspired by the community-oriented experience.

Description: Pacific Point Market & Cafe offers generous portions and a variety of menu options, from traditional breakfast burritos to fancy coffees. Guests appreciate the friendly service, quick service, and affordable prices, with plenty of outdoor seating for dining al fresco. The café is known for its Barrel breakfast burrito, which often prompts customers to enjoy the second half as a lunch option due to its substantial size.

Description: Java Junction offers a perfect blend of convenience and charm, situated just steps from Twin Lakes State Beach. Patrons can enjoy their beverages with breathtaking views of the ocean, lighthouse, and occasional beach activities on the concrete patio. The friendly staff ensures an enjoyable experience, whether they're serving up fresh-brewed coffee or hearty sandwiches with delectable teas.

Description: Lulus offers a charming old-school drive-thru where freshly made drinks are served with genuine smiles, regardless of the bustling traffic. With standout coffees and attentive service, it consistently earns top ratings from customers who appreciate its dedication to quality and local support. Despite occasional issues with employee turnover affecting walk-up service, Lulus maintains a warm atmosphere that draws in regulars and newcomers alike.

Description: The Starbucks located inside Safeway on Mission West Side is praised for its friendly service and pleasant atmosphere, offering great coffee and food. It boasts modern decor and ample parking options. Despite occasional issues with staff, it remains a favorite spot among locals for both drinks and meals.

Description: TeaZone offers a reliable and predictable experience with excellent tea quality, though some improvements could elevate it further. Guests appreciate their boba options and catering for parties, but the lack of dedicated customer restrooms is a notable drawback. Known for its friendly staff and delicious Thai Snow with Boba & Coffee Jelly on Mondays, TeaZone has become a favorite spot in Santa Cruz.

Description: Stevenson Cafe offers a cozy atmosphere on the east side of campus, perfect for studying or relaxing with friends. Known for its consistent quality coffee and an inviting mix of old and modern elements, it's praised for its friendly staff and warm vibes. Despite occasional crowd issues, the place consistently meets patrons' needs with affordable sandwiches and a variety of beverages.

Description: The coffee shop offers premium quality food and well-prepared dishes, though it can be crowded and understaffed at times. Patrons have mixed experiences with service, ranging from sweet cashier staff who offered to remake an order to rude servers demanding extra charges for dietary requests. Food prices are reasonable but the menu's accuracy varies; one review highlighted overpriced poke bowls that were under-stocked and overly salty.

Description: This coffee shop offers a delightful break with its aromatic drinks and delicious pastries, earning consistently high ratings for both food quality and service. Its convenient location makes it a popular spot among students and busy professionals alike, though it can get quite crowded during peak hours. Customers appreciate the friendly staff and reasonable prices, which make for a satisfying experience from start to finish.

Description: Alta Coffee is an inviting place with a unique charm, offering high-quality espresso and an extensive selection of coffee drinks. The cozy atmosphere blends informally arranged seating with a few picnic tables under a tree, perfect for enjoying their rich and flavorful brews. Locals appreciate the warm service from friendly staff, making it a favorite spot among residents for both casual sipping and more formal gatherings.

Description: Lulu's coffee shop offers top-notch service and consistently delicious coffee, as evidenced by multiple 5-star ratings. The establishment has recently started roasting their own beans daily, which contributes to the freshest and most intricate tasting experience available in Santa Cruz. Despite some operational challenges with staffing, customers appreciate the clean ambiance, friendly staff, and diverse menu options catering to various dietary needs.

Description: The coffee shop offers decent service and quality, with various options for snacks and drinks. However, there are issues with inconsistent preparation, underpaid staff, and poor communication leading to customer frustrations. Customers find it hit or miss regarding the consistency of their experience, particularly concerning food allergies and pastries availability.

Description: The coffee shop offers an extensive selection of board games and RPGs, with knowledgeable staff who are enthusiastic about sharing their vast knowledge. With a cozy atmosphere and delicious hand pies, it’s a perfect spot for both casual hangouts and dedicated gaming sessions. Located in a vibrant area between comic shops and restaurants, this establishment has become a beloved community hub in Santa Cruz.

Description: The Cowell coffee shop offers a refreshing blend of casual comfort and educational amenities, with students staffing the place to create a low-key yet vibrant atmosphere. Known for its quality cafe food and efficient service, it's perfect for those looking to study or relax among friends. Notably, the pumpkin cream cheese muffins are a standout item that consistently delights customers.

Description: The coffee shop offers both quick grab-and-go options and sit-down service, with standout flavors like marianas ice cream and a variety of snacks available. Patrons appreciate friendly staff and delightful treats, though some note price fluctuations for drinks and seating as areas for improvement. The atmosphere is welcoming, even if the chairs are made from metal rather than more comfortable materials like wood or plastic.

Description: The coffee shop offers delightful non-dairy options and pastries, with friendly service and picturesque views from indoor seating areas. It caters well to breakfast needs with affordable prices and high-quality coffee, though some patrons found menu items overpriced for the service quality. The atmosphere is warm but could benefit from more engaging decor or activities.

Description: The coffee shop offers decent pizza and salads, with a service rating of 3 stars. It's a good place to watch games and has a friendly atmosphere, though some patrons have mentioned microwave food being prepared behind closed doors. Overall, it serves meals within $1-$10 range for lunch.