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Espresso cafes in Santa Monica

A sharp, concentrated shot of espresso is the only thing that clears the fog of a tired morning.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Monica Cafe image 1
Monica Cafe image 2
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Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art creates an inviting atmosphere. Soft jazz music plays quietly, supporting a calm, work-friendly vibe. The environment blends Midwest/East Coast big city classiness with a welcoming neighborhood feel.

Offers delicious coffee and pastries with a cozy, welcoming vibe that blends Midwest and East Coast big city class. Serves quality espresso, lattes, and matcha alongside reliable lunch options in a friendly atmosphere.

Strong, smooth espresso forms the base of rich, flavorful cappuccinos here. Drinks taste fresh and deliver a consistent, delicious coffee experience.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"The coffee and breakfast at this cafe are fresh and delicious."

"The espresso here is strong and smooth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, especially after 10am.

3

The cafe accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but not personal checks.

02
One Cedar image 1
Coffee shop

Neighborhood coffeehouse with big windows and lowkey energy offers a welcoming, easygoing vibe. Music hums at just the right frequency with a DJ playing proper house music. Outdoor seating includes bike locks, supporting a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Neighborhood coffeehouse offers a welcoming vibe and feels like a portal to another dimension. Experience blends coffee, food service, and bartending skills for a unique cafe atmosphere.

Perfect pulls come from an espresso professional who treats classics like espresso, cortado, flat white, and latte with reverence. The Howโ€™s Nicely offers a fresh, balanced espresso with bright orange zest notes.

People are saying

"The coffee here is superb, made with a lot of love."

"The espresso here is built on proportion, temperature, and timing."

"The cafe's drinks are thoughtful, creative, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

One Cedar offers unique coffee options that you won't find elsewhere.

2

The coffee is reasonably priced, making it accessible for everyone.

3

The shop is dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend.

03
Little Bean Coffee image 1

Small coffee shop with cozy, welcoming decor featuring family photos and a maximalist style. Atmosphere stays quiet and pleasant, inviting conversation and relaxation with board games and chess available. Friendly, owner-operated spot known for passionate coffee craft and a family-friendly vibe.

Roasts own beans and focuses on cold brew with solid quality. Offers a unique coffee shop vibe without the usual watered-down drinks.

Cold brew espresso stands out as an absolute diamond and the star of the show. Skillful preparation switches between regular pour over, Turkish style, cold brew, and espresso with ease.

People are saying

"I thought the cold brew was awesome and perfectly balanced."

"This cafe's cold brew is perfectly balanced and delicious."

"I experienced the best espresso of my 20+ years of traveling."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the side alley.

2

They don't charge extra for vegan milk.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

04
LOKL HAUS image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with eclectic decor creates a cozy, authentic vibe that feels like a family kitchen. Quiet and inviting atmosphere suits relaxing or catching up with friends. Known for excellent specialty coffee and unique Turkish-inspired dishes.

Menu features high-quality ingredients and unique elements in each dish. Coffee stands out as authentic and cultured compared to many other cafes.

Espresso here has amazing quality and comes in creative drinks like the espresso tonic with rich flavor. Some drinks take longer due to complex ingredients like homemade vanilla.

People are saying

"I loved the rich, distinct flavor of the Turkish coffee."

"It's a small, cozy place with a warm and inviting atmosphere."

"The coffee at this cafe is truly excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered and only allows 20 minutes on the same side of the coffee shop.

2

They serve breakfast and drinks only, with an expanded menu on weekends.

3

Seating is limited, so expect a small space if visiting during busy hours.

05
Caffe Luxxe - Santa Monica image 1

Spacious indoor and outdoor seating supports a communal atmosphere that encourages conversation among a trendy crowd. The vibe stays relaxed and modern with minimal noise and great music. Pastries and coffee offer authentic Parisian flavors with a focus on quality and variety.

Offers an exquisite cafe experience with premiere coffee roasting. The Cafe Nico drink delivers a perfect mix of flavors, and the croissant stands out as much better than typical coffee shop fare.

Espresso here has a perfect pull and exceptional quality. Staff focus on making great espresso, including an Espresso Macchiato served with two shots and foam in a small porcelain cup.

People are saying

"I found the coffee drinks here to be very good."

"The coffee here is exceptional, with a perfect mix of flavors."

"I enjoyed the great espresso; the flavor was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; street meter parking is available nearby.

2

The cafe can get busy during lunch time, expect a line.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

06
Primo Passo Coffee Co image 1

Minimalist design with natural light and outdoor seating creates a calm, trendy atmosphere. Space feels intimate yet casual, attracting many who work on laptops despite limited table size. Frequent presence of neighborhood dogs adds a sense of community to the vibe.

Coffee here has a raw sweet taste that stands out from other shops. The space feels small, intimate, and warm with lighting that blends natural and artificial light nicely.

Espresso here features a medium-dark blend with perfectly roasted beans that balance flavor well. Options range from classic shots to unique drinks like a half espresso, half oat milk combo.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was excellent, not too acidic or bitter."

"This cafe's coffee has a robust, bold flavor."

"I found the espresso here to be outstanding and very good."

Good to know

1

Primo Passo Coffee Co does not provide wifi for customers.

2

The line can be long, often out the door, taking 20 to 30 minutes for drinks.

3

There are fewer than 10 parking spaces in the back; street parking is common.

07
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Modern space with natural light and upholstered seating offers a relaxing atmosphere despite some noise and echo. Shared tables accommodate groups, but uncomfortable chairs limit long stays. Coffee quality is high, paired with fresh pastries like buttery croissants.

Location stands out among coffee shops. Coffee matches specialty coffee quality and work organization raises questions.

Espresso comes with a glass of sparkling water showing attention to detail. Shots are top-tier and consistently good, served in a clean setting.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the coffee; it tasted amazing."

"I thought the coffee at this cafe was great and delicious."

"I enjoyed the high quality of the espresso here."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-25 minutes for orders during peak hours.

2

Online ordering is recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

The cafรฉ only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

08
Love Coffee Bar image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious interior with minimalist design and a sunny outdoor patio creates a relaxed setting. Music volume adjusts with crowd size, contributing to a chill and welcoming vibe. Dog-friendly policy and free Wi-Fi support both casual visits and solo work.

Spacious interior and minimalist artful design create a calm vibe. Many visitors bring cute dogs, adding to the friendly atmosphere. This locally owned coffee shop serves solid coffee in a cozy setting.

Espresso offers hints of dark chocolate and cranberry with a strong flavor suited for fans of darker roasts. Presentation can be messy, and taste sometimes turns bitter.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious, strong coffee."

"This cafe has a spacious, artful design and is great for working."

"The espresso had delicious hints of dark chocolate."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available for visitors.

2

Prices are slightly higher than similar drinks at other coffee shops.

3

The coffee shop offers dog treats for furry companions.

09
Caffe Luxxe image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop features heated patio and both indoor and outdoor seating, creating a busy atmosphere with loud music that energizes the space. It attracts a crowd that appreciates high-quality coffee and a variety of options, often resulting in lines extending out the door during peak times.

Cute atmosphere and positive vibes make the cafe inviting. The specialty coffees like Nico latte and Nikko brews stand out, though parking can be tricky due to the busy location.

Espresso lacks aromatic qualities and depth in flavor.

People are saying

"The croissants here looked small batch with slight variations."

"The cafe's lattes are delicious, especially with oat milk."

"I believed the espresso here was the best in the city."

Good to know

1

Parking is free with validation, but it fills up quickly on weekends.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

10
Amai coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Minimalistic coffee shop with cozy, chill atmosphere and warm, inviting interior. Space is small with limited seating, often crowded, attracting mainly college students. Offers free Wi-Fi and a creative menu focused on sweet treats rather than specialty coffee.

Cozy interior creates a welcoming vibe. Vietnamese style coffee and matcha stand out as distinctive drinks. The cafe stays clean and well-kept.

Espresso here has a high quality taste and comes in classic forms like the Cafe cortado, which pairs a shot of espresso with a bit of steamed milk. Shots are served in full even when a half shot is requested.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese coffee here is amazing and very good."

"Their Asian fusion drinks are amazing and truly unique."

"This cafe's unique matcha and coffee drinks are amazing."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available in the strip mall lot.

2

The place is small and doesn't have much seating.

3

The pastries are sold out pretty fast, especially by noon.

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Santa Monica, California

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