Mariposa Coffee Bar

Great vibes, tasty food and coffee drinks

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

They were out of all of their chia bowls, took way too long to get our breakfast order, and they cheated us on that order. Was supposed to get 2 spring rolls for $12, but they only gave us one and then argued with us about it when we complained. Thumbs down.

One of the best coffee shops in downtown Santa Cruz! Also, the pastelitos are so good, the beef and chorizo is heavenly, I can’t believe it’s vegetarian!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We tried this spot for the first time this morning and it did not disappoint! The owner, Tram was so warm and welcoming — you can tell she pours love into the space.

We had the Bella Bon Bon (tasty and not too sweet) and the Sua Da — strong Vietnamese coffee that gave us the boost we needed! We also tried two pastries: the beef and chorizo one was incredibly flaky with a slightly sweet, seasoned to perfection— 10/10. And the pâte à choux was packed with flavor and so satisfying.

The space is open and beautifully decorated with cool art, Vietnamese hip-hop playing, and a big cozy couch tucked in the back. Tram chatted with us for a while — super sweet and genuine person and we wish this small business many blessings.

Definitely planning to come back soon!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rude and amateur staff members

Service: 1

Awesome coffee house. Highly recommend a visit for excellent Cuban and Vietnamese coffee.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had the traditional Vietnamese drip coffee and we LOVED our coffee! We also LOVED the ambiance at the Mariposa cafe, the music (there was an actual DJ mixing music here), the staff's hospitality, and learnt about how the traditional Vietnamese coffee is poured. We spent a good time at the cafe, relaxed and enjoyed the cool summer breeze wafting into the space. Thank you, Tram, for sharing your passion for coffee and some of your stories with us ❤️! We have to come back to try the Cuban coffee next time. Oh, and the food too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Vermicelli Bowl (Add Nem Nuong) is one of the best dishes in all of Santa Cruz. If only they were open for dinner! Amazing atmosphere and service as well.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Their Cuban coffee and strawberry matcha is a must try..its a vegetarian cafe😍

Finally got the opportunity to try this gem with my daughters. What a wonderful experience. The staff was amazing, the owner was so sweet and welcoming. It was so comfortable inside and the coffee selection was above and beyond my expectations. If you haven’t tried it, do your self a favor and give it a try. You won’t regret it! Thanks for the great experience!

I think this is one of the best coffee places in town, the staff is fast and friendly, the coffee is strong and flavorful, and the environment is cozy and quiet, really glad I tried this place out

Funk-tastic. Wall art is amazing. Drinks are very good and very unique.

Delicious Vietnamese coffee with mint!

Delicious vegetarian spring rolls here

Decided to stop here on a Sunday morning around 10 at my wife’s suggestion.

What I really liked about this place is that it is unique and definitely has a personal touch. The owner was friendly and attentive, and made our drinks and food personally. The overall decor and feel of the place have a lot of personality.

The food was very good; our cheese and guava pastry was light and flaky and superbly balanced. I loved that she warmed it up for us without us having to ask. Our cubano was hot and crispy with ample delicious melted cheese and a nice balance; i did find something in it a bit sweet - likely the pickles.

Our coffee was good but the execution needed a little work. They came out a little lukewarm and felt like they could have been made with more care and attention.

The prices were very reasonable. The decor and music were burning man esque.

It was a bit loud for me. Both the music and the fact that initially the owner and a regular were having a loud and long conversation from over the bar to the customers table. While I can empathize with the likely reasons behind this, as a customer I would have preferred otherwise.

The door was open on a coolish and rainy day; as a business owner I get it, but as a customer I don’t care for the door to be open on a cold day at all. It really reduces the comfort level for me.

Overall I wish Mariposa well, and applaud their efforts as an independent business offering something good, creative, and different!