The best cafes in Santa Cruz

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

Browse another shelf: all of Santa Cruz’s best · Restaurants · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Shopping · Beauty · Entertainment · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Arts & Culture · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Home & Garden · Pets · Services · Parks & Outdoors · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness

Pinned in Santa Cruz today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Santa Cruz — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Cafes · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

Brick-&-mortar location of an organic coffee roasting company making classic espresso drinks.

9105 Soquel Dr (Aptos)

Brick-&-mortar location of an organic coffee roasting company making classic espresso drinks.

Website ↗

Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

3730 N First St Ste. 110 (San Jose)

Casual shop spotlighting Vietnamese coffees and teas with contemporary desserts.

Website ↗

Warm eatery serving specialty coffees and espresso drinks, as well as breakfast fare.

45 Aviation Way Ste 4B (Watsonville)

Warm eatery serving specialty coffees and espresso drinks, as well as breakfast fare.

Website ↗

Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

302 Randolph St (San Francisco)

Neighborhood coffeehouse offering espresso, latte, tea & pastries in airy, minimalist environ

Website ↗
Run a Santa Cruz business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

Steamer Lane Supply keeps your Santa Cruz days dialed with healthy, tasty food, coffee, and surf gear right in Lighthouse Field State…

644-670 W Cliff Dr

Steamer Lane Supply keeps your Santa Cruz days dialed with healthy, tasty food, coffee, and surf gear right in Lighthouse Field State Beach. Post-sesh, mid-run, or just cruising the cliffs, their doggie menu and all-outdoor vibes pair with that ridiculous ocean view you already know and love.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 6, 2026

Website ↗

Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true…

50 Fremont St (San Francisco)

Coffee Bodega Farm-to-Table offers specialty coffees grown, roasted and packed by small farmer cooperatives in Costa Rica, giving you true known origin, exceptional aromas and a socially responsible cup that actually tastes like the mountains.

From the Alameda newsletter, August 6, 2026

Website ↗

Relaxed coffee shop, roasting company and cafe (two locations) featuring espresso drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, breakfasts, avocado…

1001 Center St Ste 1

Relaxed coffee shop, roasting company and cafe (two locations) featuring espresso drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, breakfasts, avocado toast and toasts, plus a full bar, in a plant-filled space featuring outdoor seating (25, 26, 28, 29, 37, 41, 44) and kind service.

Website ↗

Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

Warm, wood-hued coffee shop serving European & Japanese-style cakes & pastries plus smoothies.

Website ↗

Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.

481 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

Hip spot serving specialty coffee, teas, espresso drinks and pastries near SJSU.

Website ↗

Quick-order kitchen cooks up omelets & burgers to order in a relaxed atmosphere.

542 Seabright Ave

Quick-order kitchen cooks up omelets & burgers to order in a relaxed atmosphere.

Website ↗

Casual coffeehouse on the grounds of a shrine providing beverages and pastries with indoor and outdoor seating.

544 W Cliff Dr

Casual coffeehouse on the grounds of a shrine providing beverages and pastries with indoor and outdoor seating.

Website ↗

Cafe preparing seasonal, health-conscious bites for breakfast & lunch in a historic building.

21231 E Cliff Dr

Cafe preparing seasonal, health-conscious bites for breakfast & lunch in a historic building.

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →