Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Coffee and espresso in Santa Monica

A shot of espresso that is pulled with actual skill instead of being burnt and bitter.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
One Cedar image 1
One Cedar image 2
One Cedar image 3
View all
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.

Coffee here features perfect pulls from an espresso professional and a wide range of options from classics to wild co-ferments. Drinks like the Whereโ€™s Nicely? with balanced orange flavor and fantastic lattes stand out.

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 owner's welcoming attitude made the latte experience better."

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

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.

02
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.

Coffee here features exceptional espresso with a great balance of acidity and bitterness. Staff focus on pulling authentic Italian espresso and offer fresh coffee beans weekly.

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."

"I thought the croissant was much better than I'd expect."

"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.

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.

Cold brew stands out with options like the blue bean, bright and fruity, and the sapphire, thick and malty. A great selection of single and mixed roasts complements the fantastic coffee offerings.

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."

"I thought the coffee here was delicious and fantastic."

"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
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 for its single origin pour overs and freshly roasted house blend beans. The vanilla latte and iced cappuccino offer rich, high-quality flavors, paired with fast wifi and comfortable seating.

Espresso here features single origin beans with clear origin notes and a velvety texture. Drinks work well both straight and with milk, and the espresso tonic offers a unique flavor twist.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was really delicious."

"It's a cute spot with a nice outdoor space and tables."

"The espresso here is smooth and velvety."

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.

05
Pedal Mafia Los Angeles image 1

Space combines classy cycling vibe with on-point decoration and a patio area. Atmosphere feels welcoming and engaged, attracting cyclists who value community connection and expert advice. Apparel stands out for top-quality fit and comfort at reasonable prices.

Espresso stands out with fantastic complimentary shots and very good quality. Cappuccinos also feature alongside options like Red Bull, and coffee is easy to grab while there.

Espresso here stands out with fantastic complimentary shots and consistently very good quality. The process of pulling shots together adds a hands-on, engaging touch.

People are saying

"This Local Spot's manager, Saul, is so knowledgeable and kind."

"The staff made me feel comfortable and were so friendly."

"The coffee here is great, and the staff are super friendly."

Good to know

1

The shop offers high-quality cycling apparel with a focus on comfort and fit.

2

Group rides are hosted twice a week, providing a great way to meet fellow cyclists.

3

Saul provides excellent local biking route recommendations during visits.

06
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.

Strong, smooth espresso makes for a rich, flavorful cappuccino. Coffee here is rich, smooth, and served hot, pairing well with lattes and cold brew.

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."

"I found the coffee here to be great in a cozy, welcoming spot."

"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.

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.

Coffee here stands out for its high quality and exceptional taste. Baristas serve drinks like perfect cappuccinos and iced lattes with care, often accompanied by sparkling water to show professionalism.

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."

"The almond croissant here is divine and beautifully presented."

"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.

Coffee here offers smooth, rich aromas with espresso that has dark chocolate and cranberry hints. The menu includes drinks like Honey Lavender Latte and Flat White, all served with friendly service.

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
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.

Specialty coffee here stands out with rich and bold flavors and smooth, creamy lattes. The cold brew serves as a strong pick-me-up, complemented by a good variety of tea and coffee drinks.

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."

"The outdoor seating here is beautiful and available."

"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.

10
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.

Coffee here stands out for its rich taste and consistent quality. Drinks like the dry cappuccino and oat milk latte come with skilled latte art and deliver excellent flavor.

Espresso lacks aromatic qualities and depth in flavor.

People are saying

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

"I found the coffee here to be perfect and delicious."

"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.

Discover more

Santa Monica, California

Area guide
Loading Map...