Look this isn’t Burger King (no diss on BK).You cannot have it your way, but if you would like to experience other peoples coffee traditions dive in. This place is a treat and community and realness…. I am a sucker for the guava cheese pastry. Also they are currently playing the bluesy stuff my soul needs, but who knows what I’ll get next time. Also if you have beef with this place not serving things your way… well then on Anthony Boutdain freaking go somewhere else, because I know if he was here he’d say this is a spot to be. Thanks for coming to my ted talk!! ❤️ ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guava & Cheese
Casey McLewin
I tried to get a coffee without the sugar and the barista argued with me so I gave in and asked for as little sugar as possibleWhen she asked how it was I said too sweet, she seemed shocked and proceeded to argue more about the coffee and made me feel super stressed and uncomfortable.I wasn’t going to leave a review but the experienced annoyed me enough to comment on the poor service2 out of 3 people in the group didn’t enjoy the coffee but I would imagine if you are into coffee this is a dope spot
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Joe “JoeColor”
“We’re all weirdos on a quest.” I went in for a different kind of coffee experience and also got a life lesson of just being yourself. The vibe here feels like Miami meets Cali. It’s a beautiful coffee shop inside containing a staff that cares about their customers. I won’t get a better coffee shop in a California.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Light Up the Night
Andy O'Neal
Really cute. Delightful coffee! And the spring rolls are great (the sauce is fantastic!!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Double Nem Nuong Spring Rolls, Mint Drip
Yasin Afşin
Really good vegetarian pastry and coffee shop.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bijoux Beauregard
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon, Vermicelli Bowl, Mint Drip
Steven Teixeira
Ok first off I am confused about this (3/2/24) coffee shop. When we walked it we grabbed a menu. Out of my friend group I was the only one who ordered anything. It seemed like the female running the bar got irritated that my friends didn't order.My friends left the coffee shop and only one stayed behind anyways I order the Bella bon bon and I was expecting it to be bigger but for four dollars it was so tiny. Not only that but the lady was talking to her coworker and I could hear her using profanities to the guy working at the shop. The guy was nicer. Oh and one thing I forgot was the fact (and to me it wasn't evident off the bat) but the shop smell like weed. Very hesitant if I want to return to this coffee shop in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon
Kristin Koenig
Mariposa has it all - fabulous Vietnamese & Cuban coffee, delicious vegetarian food, friendly service, and a creative & cozy atmosphere. Bring your laptop or book and get ready to enjoy the music and good vibes. This business is also founded and owned by 2 local women.I highly recommend the Coradito (espresso with whipped sugar and whole milk) and the Beef and Chorizo Pastry (plant-based beef and soyrizo in a puff pastry).I can’t wait to try their Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with a Mint Drip next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chelsea Wright
I dream about this place all the time. Their Vietnamese coffee is my absolute favorite thing to order along with a veggie ham and cheese cubano.Everyone that works there is kind and courteous to everyone, the host awesome events and play music I love.As someone that doesn’t consume alcohol, I like to pregame going out to shows with their Vietnamese coffee. It was the perfect pick me up for going to see Excision and kept me vibing all night long.Cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking for authentic Vietnamese and Cuban delights.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef & Chorizo, Ham & Cheese Cubano 14, Beef & Chorizo 5, Guava & Cheese 5, Mint Drip
Maripose Coffee Bar is such a special gem to have here in Santa Cruz. Their fusion of Cuban and Vietnamese culture, recipes, and vibes elevate this place to a whole other level. You can just feel the love that’s put into everything they do. Watching this start as a little pop up and turn into the dreamy, peaceful, community full place it is today has been such a wonderful journey to be apart of. After living in Miami for a few years I was so sad to leave behind the Cuban coffee culture. I am so grateful to now be able to walk downtown and get my fix ! Cuban coffee is so special and I wish people would take more time to learn what it actually is. The staff at mariposa is very knowledgeable and always crafting these special coffees to perfection. I love all the new things they come out with and am always so excited to try them. Don’t even get me started on the food ! Ever since I had my first spring roll I was hooked ! All the ingredients are so fresh and seem to be made to order. Nothings premade and sitting around all day. Mariposa coffee bar reminds me to relax, take a breather, and just be in the moment. It’s always one of my more favorite parts of the week to walk and see all their friendly faces and get my coffee fix ! Thank you for all that you bring and do for this community! Emoji and I will always be your biggest fans ! ?☕️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mint Drip
Brian Lam
Chelsea was incredibly nice and welcoming! Ordered the Bella Bon Bon and it had great tasting espresso. A better version of a salted caramel macchiato!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon
Danny Aguilar
I completely loved the place, what an amazing vibe and the food and coffee is perfection. I’m from Miami and the pastelitos at this place hands downs makes the Miami pastelitos look like rookies. The pastelitos were so soft and fluffy. I had some Vietnamese egg sandwich don’t know the name but oh boy was it delicious. The place has such a family and friend atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly even the other clients. If I lived in Santa Cruz this place would definitely be one of my regular spots. Makes me want to move to Santa Cruz. LolVegetarian options: I’m not a vegetarian and I loved it. If I could eat here everyday I wouldn’t mind becoming a vegetarian.
We just got coffees. Not a five star for me because you have to have sugar in your coffee or they can’t make it. I personally hate sugar in my coffee. Coffee doesn’t naturally come with sugar so if you put it in presumably you can leave it out. So not a place I would go to again. But service was nice as was the decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Bonnie
Fantastic coffee shop! I got a Vietnamese coffee and the Light Up The Night non-alcoholic drink. Both were delicious.
Such a cool spot and the owner is lovely!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Look this isn’t Burger King (no diss on BK).You cannot have it your way, but if you would like to experience other peoples coffee traditions dive in. This place is a treat and community and realness…. I am a sucker for the guava cheese pastry. Also they are currently playing the bluesy stuff my soul needs, but who knows what I’ll get next time. Also if you have beef with this place not serving things your way… well then on Anthony Boutdain freaking go somewhere else, because I know if he was here he’d say this is a spot to be. Thanks for coming to my ted talk!! ❤️ ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guava & Cheese
I tried to get a coffee without the sugar and the barista argued with me so I gave in and asked for as little sugar as possibleWhen she asked how it was I said too sweet, she seemed shocked and proceeded to argue more about the coffee and made me feel super stressed and uncomfortable.I wasn’t going to leave a review but the experienced annoyed me enough to comment on the poor service2 out of 3 people in the group didn’t enjoy the coffee but I would imagine if you are into coffee this is a dope spot
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
“We’re all weirdos on a quest.” I went in for a different kind of coffee experience and also got a life lesson of just being yourself. The vibe here feels like Miami meets Cali. It’s a beautiful coffee shop inside containing a staff that cares about their customers. I won’t get a better coffee shop in a California.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Light Up the Night
Really cute. Delightful coffee! And the spring rolls are great (the sauce is fantastic!!)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Double Nem Nuong Spring Rolls, Mint Drip
Really good vegetarian pastry and coffee shop.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon, Vermicelli Bowl, Mint Drip
Ok first off I am confused about this (3/2/24) coffee shop. When we walked it we grabbed a menu. Out of my friend group I was the only one who ordered anything. It seemed like the female running the bar got irritated that my friends didn't order.My friends left the coffee shop and only one stayed behind anyways I order the Bella bon bon and I was expecting it to be bigger but for four dollars it was so tiny. Not only that but the lady was talking to her coworker and I could hear her using profanities to the guy working at the shop. The guy was nicer. Oh and one thing I forgot was the fact (and to me it wasn't evident off the bat) but the shop smell like weed. Very hesitant if I want to return to this coffee shop in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon
Mariposa has it all - fabulous Vietnamese & Cuban coffee, delicious vegetarian food, friendly service, and a creative & cozy atmosphere. Bring your laptop or book and get ready to enjoy the music and good vibes. This business is also founded and owned by 2 local women.I highly recommend the Coradito (espresso with whipped sugar and whole milk) and the Beef and Chorizo Pastry (plant-based beef and soyrizo in a puff pastry).I can’t wait to try their Vermicelli Noodle Bowl with a Mint Drip next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I dream about this place all the time. Their Vietnamese coffee is my absolute favorite thing to order along with a veggie ham and cheese cubano.Everyone that works there is kind and courteous to everyone, the host awesome events and play music I love.As someone that doesn’t consume alcohol, I like to pregame going out to shows with their Vietnamese coffee. It was the perfect pick me up for going to see Excision and kept me vibing all night long.Cannot recommend this place enough if you are looking for authentic Vietnamese and Cuban delights.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef & Chorizo, Ham & Cheese Cubano 14, Beef & Chorizo 5, Guava & Cheese 5, Mint Drip
Restaurantji Recommends
Maripose Coffee Bar is such a special gem to have here in Santa Cruz. Their fusion of Cuban and Vietnamese culture, recipes, and vibes elevate this place to a whole other level. You can just feel the love that’s put into everything they do. Watching this start as a little pop up and turn into the dreamy, peaceful, community full place it is today has been such a wonderful journey to be apart of. After living in Miami for a few years I was so sad to leave behind the Cuban coffee culture. I am so grateful to now be able to walk downtown and get my fix ! Cuban coffee is so special and I wish people would take more time to learn what it actually is. The staff at mariposa is very knowledgeable and always crafting these special coffees to perfection. I love all the new things they come out with and am always so excited to try them. Don’t even get me started on the food ! Ever since I had my first spring roll I was hooked ! All the ingredients are so fresh and seem to be made to order. Nothings premade and sitting around all day. Mariposa coffee bar reminds me to relax, take a breather, and just be in the moment. It’s always one of my more favorite parts of the week to walk and see all their friendly faces and get my coffee fix ! Thank you for all that you bring and do for this community! Emoji and I will always be your biggest fans ! ?☕️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mint Drip
Chelsea was incredibly nice and welcoming! Ordered the Bella Bon Bon and it had great tasting espresso. A better version of a salted caramel macchiato!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bella Bon Bon
I completely loved the place, what an amazing vibe and the food and coffee is perfection. I’m from Miami and the pastelitos at this place hands downs makes the Miami pastelitos look like rookies. The pastelitos were so soft and fluffy. I had some Vietnamese egg sandwich don’t know the name but oh boy was it delicious. The place has such a family and friend atmosphere. Everyone was so friendly even the other clients. If I lived in Santa Cruz this place would definitely be one of my regular spots. Makes me want to move to Santa Cruz. LolVegetarian options: I’m not a vegetarian and I loved it. If I could eat here everyday I wouldn’t mind becoming a vegetarian.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef & Chorizo 5, Guava & Cheese 5, Cortadito, Mint Drip
We just got coffees. Not a five star for me because you have to have sugar in your coffee or they can’t make it. I personally hate sugar in my coffee. Coffee doesn’t naturally come with sugar so if you put it in presumably you can leave it out. So not a place I would go to again. But service was nice as was the decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Fantastic coffee shop! I got a Vietnamese coffee and the Light Up The Night non-alcoholic drink. Both were delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5