The best cafes in Santa Barbara

4 cafes we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Cafes · 4 places · showing the latest additions first

CAJÉ Coffee Roasters – Isla Vista

Cafes

Hip craft coffee shop with bagels, smoothies, free Wi-Fi & local art on display, plus outdoor seats.

948 Embarcadero del Norte (Goleta)

“Hip craft coffee shop with bagels, smoothies, free Wi-Fi & local art on display, plus outdoor seats.”

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Anna's Marketplace Bakery

Cafes

Neighborhood bakeshop offering pastries, bagels, java drinks & bespoke cakes in a comfy atmosphere.

7018 Market Pl Dr (Goleta)

“Neighborhood bakeshop offering pastries, bagels, java drinks & bespoke cakes in a comfy atmosphere.”

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Happy Cat Eats

Cafes

Happy Cat Eats, from the founders of Oku Restaurant, is the local cheat-day hero, serving Saigon Wings, a California Burrito loaded with…

23 E Cabrillo Blvd

“Happy Cat Eats, from the founders of Oku Restaurant, is the local cheat-day hero, serving Saigon Wings, a California Burrito loaded with mac & cheese and fries, and a crispy Openface Sushi Sando. Post up for ocean views with breakfast, lunch, or dinner this week, or grab it to go for an easy beach upgrade.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, September 5, 2026

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Crushcakes & Cafe

Cafes

Crushcakes & Cafe is cranking out from-scratch cupcakes with rotating flavors plus legit breakfasts, sandwiches, and panini, so you can…

1315 Anacapa St

“Crushcakes & Cafe is cranking out from-scratch cupcakes with rotating flavors plus legit breakfasts, sandwiches, and panini, so you can call it dessert research and lunch in one trip this week. They also cater and do party packages, which is clutch for last-minute office birthdays or team wins.”

From the Santa Barbara newsletter, August 14, 2026

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