The best cafes in Santa Cruz

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

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Cafes · 13 places · showing the latest additions first

Tired Santa Cruz mornings meet their match at California Coffee, a leafy little hangout pouring ethically sourced espresso and roasts. Grab…

9105 Soquel Dr (Aptos)

Tired Santa Cruz mornings meet their match at California Coffee, a leafy little hangout pouring ethically sourced espresso and roasts. Grab a breakfast burrito or açaí bowl, cruise back for lunch, and enjoy the local art and music while pretending it’s vacation for at least one cup.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Treat yourself this week to Co Ba Dessert, Tea & Coffee, where pandan waffles pair with silky coconut sauce and the Hoi An Imperial brings…

3730 N First St Ste. 110 (San Jose)

Treat yourself this week to Co Ba Dessert, Tea & Coffee, where pandan waffles pair with silky coconut sauce and the Hoi An Imperial brings warm grass-jelly nostalgia. Sip a zesty Kumquat Royal or floral Mekong Majestic, then share dessert flights or a heritage dessert box with the crew.

From the Milpitas newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Family-owned and just off SF State, Blue House Cafe keeps things fun with house-made syrups, hand-whisked matcha, and signature drinks like…

302 Randolph St (San Francisco)

Family-owned and just off SF State, Blue House Cafe keeps things fun with house-made syrups, hand-whisked matcha, and signature drinks like the Ube Iced Latte and Pandan Iced Latte. Grab a Spam musubi or weekend sushi bake and call it lunch.

From the Daly City newsletter, August 25, 2026

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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, September 22, 2026

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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 San Francisco newsletter, September 17, 2026

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11th Hour Coffee roasts small-batch beans right here in Santa Cruz, then turns them into espresso drinks that rarely miss. Two laid-back…

1001 Center St Ste 1

11th Hour Coffee roasts small-batch beans right here in Santa Cruz, then turns them into espresso drinks that rarely miss. Two laid-back cafes, friendly baristas, and a legit cocktail program mean it works for early mornings, lazy afternoons, or that post-surf second wind.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 13, 2026

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For that Milpitas afternoon slump, Caffe Bene has organic, fair trade coffee and tea plus Kusmi tea, milk tea, cakes, waffles, sandwiches,…

181 E Tasman Dr #80 (San Jose)

For that Milpitas afternoon slump, Caffe Bene has organic, fair trade coffee and tea plus Kusmi tea, milk tea, cakes, waffles, sandwiches, and plenty of desserts sourced from local dairies and bakeries. A quick pick-me-up that easily becomes a treat-yourself stop.

From the Milpitas newsletter, August 25, 2026

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A.M. Craft treats every cup like a tiny culinary project, with single-origin brews, house-made syrups and a mocha made from 100% cocoa…

481 E San Carlos St (San Jose)

M. Craft treats every cup like a tiny culinary project, with single-origin brews, house-made syrups and a mocha made from 100% cocoa rouge, plus fresh-baked pastries. , and abroad, so your coffee this week doubles as a mini tasting tour.

From the Los Banos newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Linda’s Seabreeze Café keeps it classic with a quick-order kitchen turning out made-to-order omelets and burgers in a chill, no-pretense…

542 Seabright Ave · ✓ checked Aug 27

Linda’s Seabreeze Café keeps it classic with a quick-order kitchen turning out made-to-order omelets and burgers in a chill, no-pretense vibe. Perfect when you want a reliably satisfying breakfast or lunch without overthinking it, just comfort food done right by folks who know their grill.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 3, 2026

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Shrine Coffee is a non-profit spot on the Shrine of St. Joseph grounds, here in Santa Cruz, brewing with an emphasis on craft and…

544 W Cliff Dr

Shrine Coffee is a non-profit spot on the Shrine of St. Joseph grounds, here in Santa Cruz, brewing with an emphasis on craft and hospitality. Whether you’re faith-curious or just coffee-curious, it’s a thoughtful, welcoming place to slow down, chat with neighbors, and sip something made with intention.

From the Santa Cruz newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Windmill Cafe pours proper espresso and coffee, then serves health-conscious breakfast and lunch, from egg or tofu scrambles and wild…

21231 E Cliff Dr

Windmill Cafe pours proper espresso and coffee, then serves health-conscious breakfast and lunch, from egg or tofu scrambles and wild salmon to gluten-free baking and garden-grown veggies. Cozy, local, and just the right mix of comforting and bright... a perfect midweek reset without the fuss.

From the Watsonville newsletter, August 13, 2026

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Need a serotonin boost that also does good? Itty Bitty Kitty Cafe lets you unwind in kitten playrooms with adorable, adoptable kittens, all…

14420 Union Ave (San Jose)

Need a serotonin boost that also does good? Itty Bitty Kitty Cafe lets you unwind in kitten playrooms with adorable, adoptable kittens, all supporting Itty Bitty Orphan Kitty Rescue’s mission to get every tiny meow into a forever home, so reserve a spot this week for maximum purr therapy.

From the San Jose newsletter, September 17, 2026

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If your afternoon needs a reset, The Orange Tabby pours seriously good tea drinks, from silky house matcha and roasted hojicha lattes to a…

1344 Ridder Park Dr (San Jose)

If your afternoon needs a reset, The Orange Tabby pours seriously good tea drinks, from silky house matcha and roasted hojicha lattes to a pink coconut matcha that tastes like summer behaving itself. Treat yourself between Zooms, then text a friend to meet you for refills.

From the San Jose newsletter, August 20, 2026

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