21 Best Coffee Shops in Santa Cruz

Coffee Conspiracy Co. Coffee Shops • $
111 Locust St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Dark Matter Single Origin Drip Coffee
Code Brew Cold Brew Coffee
5g Is Killing the Bees
Simulation Theory
The Awakening
Coffee Beans
Shapeshifter
Milk Options

“Eddie acknowledges you from the jump when you walk into his shop. There's a smile, a twinkle in his eye, and typically, a fun comment that makes you laugh and think, "how far gone is he?"And he is gone... he's gone deep into his passion which is both humbling and inspiring. He's taken an idea and Morphe(d)(us) his love of coffee into an amazing place to enjoy coffee and hang.He takes his craft very serious, but he's lighthearted as to not to come off pretentious, and if you listen closely, he's serving up kernels of truth alongside the best coffee in town.The only cons lie in the name, Coffee Conspiracy. which is a testament to resilience, creativity, and a sprinkle of wonkiness that makes you feel grateful not everyone has succumbed to corporate greed.“

5 Superb116 Reviews
11th Hour Coffee Coffee & Tea • $$
1001 Center St #1, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Goat Cheese Arugula Toast
Original Avocado Toast
The Breakfast Biscuit
Salted Caramel Latte
Honey Bee Latte
Scone

“Very cute little coffee spot at the “end of downtown.” I got the raspberry chocolate latte (iced) and my friend got the honey lavender I believe. We both sat outside in the sun on a beautiful day and just took in the planets while we nibbled on our breakfast. I couldn’t believe how much seating this cafe has! It needs it for sure because it was slammed on a Tuesday.I had the cherry bourbon scone and the texture was perfect it just wasn’t the flavor for me. My friend inhaled their goat cheese galette.“

4.7 Superb100 Reviews
Shrine Coffee Coffee Shops • $
544 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Croissant
Quiche

“A an amazing spiritual place next to Monterey bay. Chill out after 11am Mass and listen to the ocean 100 yards away.The garden used to be more spectacular in the past but still is nice.Book store has reasonable prices along with the drinks.“

4.7 Superb110 Reviews
Mariposa Coffee Bar Coffee Shops • $
1010 Pacific Ave Suite E, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Ham & Cheese Cubano 14
Beef & Chorizo 5
Guava & Cheese 5
Midnight Cubano
Vermicelli Bowl
Bella Bon Bon
Cortadito
Miami Mami
Mint Drip

“Prepare yourself for mismatched porcelain, plush seating, and a playlist landing somewhere between hip-hop and house music. This is the kind of cafe for the young and restless. The Cuban and Vietnamese influence isn't superficial, either; both heavily inform the cuisine on the menu. As someone who typically walks into a cafe looking for a croissant to go with my coffee, I'll sit down with a noodle bowl bigger than my head at Mariposa.Vegetarian options: Mariposa has coffee in the title, but I love coming here for their vermicelli noodles. The owner tells me it's really a deconstructed version of their spring rolls, both of which are vegan. My favorite beverage on the menu, the Vietnamese iced coffee, would not translate well with a vegan substitute for the milk, but other vegetarians would enjoy it. And hey. Listen. Flowers just make things taste better, alright? They run out as the day drags on, but if you get there early enough, the Mariposa Coffee Bar has ice cubes with edible purple blossoms in them.“

4.8 Superb63 Reviews
Dunlap's Donuts Donut Shops • $
3791 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Sandwich
Special Doughnut
Lemon Jelly Donut
Super Fresh
Ube Donut
Donuts
Cronut
Oreo

“Delicious array of sandwiches and doughnuts. And the service is phenomenal! We called in a large order of (15) sandwiches, as well as doughnuts and coffee for an event we were hosting. We gave them a few days notice and asked to pick up the order at 6:45 AM. (Note that it is very difficult to get breakfast for a group that early in Santa Cruz county). Everything was ready when I got there, the staff was super accommodating and friendly, and they were still able to deal with the throngs of people coming in while helping me with my order. They greeted many of the people walking through the door by name and even knew what they were going to order before they could say it. You can tell this is a staple establishment in the neighborhood. And a fantastic little family-owned business. It will be my choice for early morning breakfasts going forward!“

4.7 Superb62 Reviews
River Cafe Coffee & Tea • $
415 River St Suite K, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Momo Dumplings
Chicken Momos
Dry Noodles
Lentil Soup

“River Cafe is this small glass-walled cafe with lots of outdoor seating. It has cute decorations inside and is centrally located near shops and close to downtown. I went there for coffee and tea with my family after lunch, but we will definitely be back for the momos (dumplings!) because those look FIRE! The service was super friendly and professional too! River Cafe may have to be in my family's restaurant "rotation" because we love dumplings!“

4.8 Superb46 Reviews
Hidden Peak Teahouse Tea Rooms • $
1541 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Lincang Old Tree
Raw Brick 2007
Panchen Lama
Tea House
Chamomile

“Such a beautiful experience! Very beginner friendly and such a peaceful atmosphere. They do ask that you be digital free for the time you are there inside, so if you’re looking for a spot to reconnect or go on a first date, this is the place! Everyone was super friendly and they offer games to play. Also a good place to just sit and drink tea while reading a book! It’s 16 dollars for the table and then you pay for the tea ranging from 5-23 dollars that will literally last you for hours! And at the end of the experience if you have not been there for long, they’ll wrap the leaves for you to take home! Love love this place!!“

4.9 Superb34 Reviews
Cat & Cloud Coffee Coffee Shops • $$
118 Cooper St, Santa Cruz

“Coffee is yum! I got the mocha with the works, and tried the light beige (a blended drink) with a good bitterness. Saw a pink glazed donut topped with sprinkles and animal crackers and my kids devoured it. I do wish they had bigger size cups. Everything is one size - small - like the "tall" cup that you would get at Starbucks. Friendly baristas. Indoor and outdoor seating. Bowl for doggies to have water.“

4.6 Superb66 Reviews
11th Hour Coffee Westside Coffee Shops • $$
402 Ingalls St suite 19, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Avocado Toast with Goat Cheese
Yogurt and Granola Bowl
Original Avocado Toast
Salted Caramel Latte
Goat Cheese Toast
Green Egg Biscuit
Golden Milk Chai
Honey Bee Latte
Overnight Oats
Breakfast Bowl

“We came here after viewing the monarchs at Natural Bridges. My drink of choice is an espresso. I hadn't been here in many moons, so I forgot what the coffee was like. I prefer to have dark roasts, but many roasters are doing medium roasts now. This is definitely a medium roast. I probably won't return because there are coffee places in SC that serve dark roasts. It was a well-made espresso, just don't like the roast.“

4.5 Superb99 Reviews
Firefly Coffee House Coffee Shops • $
131A Front St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast Bagel
Works Burrito
Kitchen Sink
Everything
Situation

“Great breakfast spot. Solid coffee and chais and tasty bites!! The bagels are BOMB and the have many varieties that were all good!!! The breakfast burrito was packed with flavor too!InstagramEat more WHOLE foods! ?????? Situation? The Works Breakfast Burrito? Kitchen Sink@FireflyCoffeeHomemade artisanal bagels, organic coffee and chai #FuelForAnAdventure?Santa Cruz, CA ??‍♂️“

4.5 Superb96 Reviews
FireFly Coffee House Coffee Shops • $
1700 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito
Choose Your Bagel
Kitchen Sink
Drip Coffee
Situation

“The Vegan Burrito is awesome. Made with soy chorizo, potatoes, spinach, avocado & green onion...just added cheddar and it was over the top awesome!! Ordered online and walked right in past the line out the door to my waiting order. So good!“

4.4 Superb98 Reviews
Cat & Cloud Coffee Coffee Shops • $
3600 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Avocado Toast
Creamy Beige
Pastries

“Cat & Cloud is our local favorite (if only their parking lot was larger because it can be quite popular!) but its where we love to go for coffee when walking around off of East Cliff. They have a great indoor and outdoor benches & a few tables for friends to hang out and munch their yummy pastries; We love their Breve vanilla lattes, so creamy and perfectly presented too! What we typically do is walk here from Pleasure Pt and grab some coffee and walk back home. They have a bike rack if you like to bike, I'm all for bike friendly establishments! You can buy a bag of beans as a nice local gift for friends. The baristas are very friendly and kind. Very tasty - Cheers!Parking: There's a small lot behind Cat & Cloud but you can park on the street.“

4.5 Superb42 Reviews
Cat & Cloud Coffee Coffee Shops • $
719 Swift St Suite 56, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast Burrito with Avocado & Large Drip Coffee
Everything Filled Pastry with Reg Coffee
Turkish Eggs Without the Toast
Single Origin Drip Coffee
C&C Breakfast Burrito
cc Breakfast Burrito
Avocado Toast
Crispy Waffle
Croissant

“They greeted us as soon as we walked in. Recommended the whip cream and marshmallows for our kid’s hot cocoa. Kids loved the ham and cheese croissant and coffee cake. Loved the open space, large windows, communal tables, and artwork. Will be back again!“

4.3 Superb82 Reviews
Ferrell's Donuts Donut Shops • $
2227 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Fresh Apple Fritter
Doughnut
Donuts

“Just popped in here the other day and was a very happy customer. The cronut is good but too sweet (like a krispy Kreme, so if you like that you'll LOVE this.). My test of a good donut place is their apple fritter. These were perfect. Fluffy and moist inside with a crispy glazed exterior. I also had the glazed old fashioned which was pleasantly enormous and very satisfying. With only 4 donuts (all MASSIVE) I took a LOT home for the wife.“

4.3 Superb65 Reviews
The Abbey Coffee Lounge Coffee Shops • $
350 Mission St, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Pesto Panini
The Honey Badger
Avocado Toast
Bowl of Soul
Muffin

“The unit was installed the next day by two technicians. They were prompt, skilled and personable. After the unit was installed, the two technicians answered my multiple questions. I was definitely pleased with my experience with this company“

4.3 Superb63 Reviews
Verve Coffee Roasters Coffee Shops • $
1540 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Avocado Toast with Poached Egg
Verve Breakfast Sandwich
Chocolate Croissant
Pastries
Bakery

“Huge space with lots of lovely plants and wood tones. Friendly staff and delicious coffee. Vibrant space with people reading, working off laptops and families as well. We came around 5pm and wanted to try a sandwich but kitchen closed at 3 so will have to head back to try it next “

4.2 Good136 Reviews

17
Munch

Munch Coffee Shops • $
717 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Bagel

“I recently visited this cafe, and it exceeded all my expectations! The ambiance is simply enchanting, with beautiful art adorning the walls and a lovely grand piano that adds a touch of elegance. The best part? They host numerous events, making every visit a unique experience. The staff is incredibly welcoming, and the coffee and pastries are top-notch. If you're looking for a delightful and artistic escape, this cafe is a must-visit! 5/5 stars!“

5 Superb9 Reviews
Coffeetopia Coffee Shops • $
1443 Capitola Rd, Santa Cruz

“Wonderfully, awesome people who work here. I stopped to get my husband and myself some coffee, when I went to visit him in a skilled nursing facility. He is currently fighting cancer, I was a total mess and messed up or order. And when I noticed I ordered the wrong coffees. Without hesitation they happily made me the right drinks. All with a smile.“

4.3 Superb35 Reviews
Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Coffee Shops • $
1330 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Guatemalan Tajumulco
Heart of Darkness
Iced Mocha Latte
Roast

“Cool coffeeshop in downtown Santa Cruz. Great spot surrounded by shops and restaurants. Decent hardwood on metal seating, not comfy for long stays, but typical café decor for today. A few nooks to tuck away into to read, write or chat, but you may have to find a spot as it's typically a fairly popular place to do so. Deliciously flavored coffees!! Their syrups are always unique, seasonal and super tasty! Definitely recommend trying one. One of my fav coffeeshops for downtown SC :)Parking: Can be difficult at times to find parking. It's all paid parking unless you're willing to walk from one of the nearby neighborhoods and, even there, it's difficult to find a spot. Plan ahead and buffer you're time if you're going when it's busy.“

4.2 Good70 Reviews
Peoples Coffee Coffee Shops • $
1200 17th Ave #126, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Iced Latte
Bagel

“This is a real authentic Santa Cruz coffee shop for sure! Local flavor clientele adds to the ambiance.Independent & locally owned, Super friendly staff keeps the line moving when it’s busy.It’s easy to feel comfortable to hang out with the regulars. They offer free WiFi & it seems like you could stay there the whole day. The space has a few tables and a couch inside, as well as seating all around the outside of the building.They have The Peoples Coffee, not sure how they roast it but it was freshly brewed and really good & hot. We also ordered over night oats with a fresh banana.Great way to start the day! Excellent location near the beach & centrally located in the area near other shops in a strip center.Parking: Parking in front and rear in parking lot. It is busy but was able to find parking easily. Plenty of Street parking is also available nearby“

4.2 Good33 Reviews
Verve Coffee Roasters Coffee Shops • $$
816 41st Ave, Santa Cruz

Customers` Favorites

Avocado Toast with a Poached Egg and Pesto Base
Avocado Toast and Prosciutto Sandwich
Prosciutto and Egg Biscuit
Cappuccino Hazelnut
Breakfast Sandwich
Butter Croissant
Almond Croissant
Coffee Cake
Mocha Latte
Pastries

“To the lady working behind the counter this afternoon who gave me two bandaids, my sincerest thank you! You are a classy person and although I forgot your name, I will never forget your smile. May the universe continue to bless you for your warmth and kindness. Much gratitude and appreciation. :-)“

4.1 Good85 Reviews
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