Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Santa Monica

Cafes with sandwiches

A midday break centered on a sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
LOKL HAUS image 1
LOKL HAUS image 2
LOKL HAUS image 3
View all
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.

Smashed eggs bring a super flavorful punch to the breakfast sandwich. Bread holds it all with a perfect texture.

People are saying

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

"The coffee at this cafe is truly excellent."

"This breakfast sandwich is super flavorful with perfect bread."

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.

02
blossom and friends image 1

Cafe offers an artsy decor with community art and vinyl records playing quiet tunes. Atmosphere stays calm and peaceful, ideal for working or relaxing. Seating spreads across indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an open, inviting vibe.

Bright and art-vibey with community art and a record player for music. Offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating and has a friendly, upbeat atmosphere.

Breakfast sandwiches stand out with fresh ingredients and solid flavor. Avocado toast also offers a creamy, satisfying option.

People are saying

"The baristas here are super friendly and make great coffee."

"The cafe staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

"This banh mi sandwich is super-delicious with layered flavors and textures."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a limited selection of food items, especially later in the day.

2

Adding avocado to your meal costs $2.50.

3

The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating available.

03
Monica Cafe image 1

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.

Smashed egg and tuna sandwiches stand out with rich flavors. Pepperoni pizza pressed sandwiches offer a savory twist. Croissant sandwiches come off as average.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

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

"I loved the delicious pepperoni pizza pressed sandwich."

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.

04
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.

Chicken pesto sandwich stands out as a solid choice. Quick sandwiches and pastries offer decent options but the focus remains mostly on coffee.

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 thought the coffee was great."

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.

05
Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu image 1

Outdoor patio with spacious seating and pink-hued decor creates a chic, relaxed vibe. Live music on weekends adds to the friendly, warm atmosphere. The place draws a crowd looking for a casual spot to enjoy coffee and pastries in a sunny, inviting setting.

Offers delectable French treats and a friendly, welcoming team that creates a warm vibe. The ambiance pairs well with exceptional service and carefully brewed coffee like Cafe Americano.

Several sandwiches feature gluten-free bread options. The Truffle Barata Sandwich combines crusty baguette, creamy truffle cheese spread, fresh ham, and Swiss cheese. The sunrise breakfast sandwich and turkey Brie sandwich offer tasty choices for different times and activities.

People are saying

"The cafe staff are so friendly and warm, it's like they trained at a secret boot camp."

"The staff here is so friendly, making outdoor seating a joy."

"The outdoor seating is so cute and spacious, perfect for a sandwich."

Good to know

1

The cafรฉ is very popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

They offer gluten-free options for baked goods and sandwiches.

3

Card payments are accepted, but refills on coffee are charged as new cups.

06
Kafe K image 1
Restaurant

Cozy cafe with warm Eastern European vibes and a spacious sunny patio offers a calm, friendly atmosphere with good background music and a mix of locals and visitors. Seating suits quiet moments or casual chats, and the place is dog-friendly with amenities for pets. The setup encourages an elevated state of mind for working or relaxing without crowds or trendy distractions.

Cozy atmosphere with friendly staff creates a welcoming vibe. The cafe features a beautiful setting near the pier, making it a charming spot to relax.

Some sandwiches here are very tasty, especially the panini. Others can be poor quality, which is surprising for the US.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and awesome."

"This cafe's staff are so friendly, they make you feel like family."

"I thought the sandwiches here were very tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 30-45 minutes during peak brunch hours.

2

Payment is made at the counter; no servers for outdoor seating.

3

They offer gluten-free options, but vegan choices are limited.

07
The Place To Be image 1

Small cafe with authentic French bakery style and Parisian vibe inside and out offers a cozy atmosphere with fresh croissants and baguette sandwiches. Quiet compared to nearby spots, it attracts those seeking genuine French flavors and a relaxed setting.

Small authentic French bakery offers a Parisian vibe inside and out. Croissants and cafe drinks suit a French breakfast setting, though non-French speakers may feel less welcome.

Baguette sandwiches stand out with generous protein portions and unique pairings like mustard with eggs. Options include a veggie sandwich with petit cornichons and a classic ham and butter, all served on excellent baguettes.

People are saying

"I found the French pastries and baked goods here to be delicious."

"This French bakery feels like a little trip to Paris."

"I loved the authentic French pastries and cafe here."

Good to know

1

Prices for breakfast items are reasonable, with most under $15.

2

The bakery offers a variety of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee drinks.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

08
Cafe Bolivar image 1

Bright, elegant cafe with natural sunlight and artwork on walls creates a warm, creative vibe. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating supports both casual dining and focused work despite background noise. Known for authentic, delicious arepas, it blends a cozy atmosphere with quality offerings.

Offers high quality coffee including pour-over and mocha, alongside delicious arepas and homemade pastries. The vibe is clean, calm, and spacious, with an inviting atmosphere that encourages sitting and staying.

Chicken sandwich pairs with Caesar salad but lacks flavor, coming off as bland. Sandwiches feel overpriced for a quick bite and do not impress.

People are saying

"The coffee here is strong, rich, and exceptionally good."

"You've got to try the arepas at this cafe; they're delicious."

"The food here is amazing; it can't get any better."

Good to know

1

Cafe Bolivar has indoor, outdoor, and counter seating options available.

2

There is 20-minute parking available in front of Cafe Bolivar.

3

The parking meter accepts both card and coins for payment.

09
Santa Monica Seafood Market & Cafe image 1

Seafood market combines fresh seafood displays with a lively oyster bar and casual dining space. Atmosphere balances bustling market energy with enough quiet for conversation. Offers a community hub vibe where people shop and eat in one place.

Great seafood variety makes this cafe a solid choice for a quick or casual lunch. Service stays topnotch, and it suits both solo meals and dining with friends.

Seafood sandwiches come in large portions and include options like crispy halibut and po-boy sandwiches. Tacos and other sandwich choices satisfy a wide range of tastes.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Cafe's seafood is always fresh and of high quality."

"The seafood sandwich here is incredibly fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at the back of the market.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices for fresh seafood are comparable to upscale restaurants.

10
goodboybob coffee roasters image 1

Cozy cafe with stylish decor and both indoor and outdoor seating, including dog-friendly spaces. Atmosphere blends creative energy with a welcoming vibe, though noise levels can vary. Frequented by a diverse crowd, often accompanied by beautiful cars parked outside.

Coffee here stands out with great flavor and consistent quality. The space offers a comfortable atmosphere where working on laptops for long stretches feels welcome.

Breakfast sandwiches come with fresh pastries and look gorgeous. Some sandwiches like the Black Forest ham are solid, but heating can be inconsistent, leaving fillings cold.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

"The cafe's coffee and espresso drinks are delicious and well-crafted."

"I thought the breakfast sandwiches were gorgeous."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky; expect to pay $7 for street parking.

2

The coffee shop has limited indoor seating and some outdoor seating.

3

It takes about 20 minutes to get a cup of coffee.

11
Cafe Zella image 1

Small cafe with cramped interior tables and limited outdoor seating creates a cozy atmosphere. Menu offers large portions with a focus on breakfast and lunch items, attracting locals and nearby workers. Service requires ordering at the counter, and wait times can be noticeable during busy periods.

Seating includes both inside and patio options with a nice selection of baked goods and a menu offering big portions. The cafe feels dark and somewhat dirty, with food and service that are okay.

Sandwiches come with great price points, around six dollars each. Options include an Avocado with Egg-White sandwich and egg sandwiches on croissants. The menu also offers a variety of breakfast items alongside sandwiches.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The Local Spot has great coffee and tasty salmon bowls."

"I found the avocado with egg-white sandwich to be great."

Good to know

1

Customers must walk to the counter to order and pay.

2

Expect a 10-minute wait for coffee and 20 minutes for burritos.

3

Salsa with the burrito is available only if paid extra.

12
Bluestone Lane Santa Monica Coffee Shop image 1

Small coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere and welcoming vibes. Outdoor seating features an oversized wooden table and benches, creating a relaxed spot near the beach. Quick service includes touchscreen ordering and treats available for dogs.

Offers great customer service and a cool vibe in an area lacking quality local coffee shops. Serves as a reliable everyday coffee spot with consistently positive experiences.

Egg sandwiches stand out as healthy and wonderful options. Chicken club sandwiches resemble typical gas station fare. Sandwiches can take about 20 minutes to prepare even when the place is empty.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the most delicious I had ever tasted."

"The Cafe staff here is super friendly and welcoming."

"I tried the egg sandwich and it was wonderful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for free in the back lot shared with nearby restaurants.

2

The cafรฉ offers non-dairy milk options for coffee drinks.

3

Expect the place to get busy early in the morning.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...