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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Monica

Espresso

A quick, sharp shot of espresso is the only thing that cuts through the morning fog.

Based on 518 Opinions
+515
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01
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Neighborhood coffeehouse shines with perfect espresso pulls and a fresh, balanced How’s Nicely featuring bright orange zest. Lowkey energy and proper house music create a welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating with bike locks supports a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

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

People are saying

"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
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Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art sets a calm, work-friendly vibe with soft jazz music. Espresso is strong and smooth, forming rich cappuccinos that taste fresh and consistent. Atmosphere blends big city classiness with a welcoming neighborhood feel.

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 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.

03
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Small coffee shop shines with cold brew espresso and skillful brewing styles. Cozy, family-friendly vibe invites quiet chats and games like chess. Maximalist decor with family photos creates a warm, welcoming space.

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 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
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Spacious seating creates a communal atmosphere perfect for a trendy crowd. Espresso boasts a perfect pull with an exceptional Espresso Macchiato served in a small porcelain cup. Pastries offer authentic Parisian flavors with quality and variety, all in a relaxed, modern vibe.

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 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.

05
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Modern space with natural light and upholstered seating creates a relaxing vibe despite some noise. Espresso is top-tier and served with sparkling water, showing care. Fresh pastries like buttery croissants complement the high-quality coffee well.

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 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 café only accepts card payments; cash is not accepted.

06
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Cozy space with eclectic decor offers a quiet spot to relax or chat. Specialty coffee shines with amazing espresso and creative drinks like espresso tonic. Unique Turkish-inspired dishes add authentic flavor to the inviting atmosphere.

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.

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.

07
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Minimalist design and natural light create a calm, trendy spot with intimate seating perfect for laptop users. Espresso offers a medium-dark blend with unique options like half espresso, half oat milk. Friendly neighborhood dogs add a warm, community vibe.

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 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.

08
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Spacious interior and sunny outdoor patio create a relaxed vibe. Espresso has dark chocolate notes but can be bitter. Dog-friendly policy and free Wi-Fi make it great for casual visits and solo work.

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

"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
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Coffee shop buzzes with heated patio and lively indoor-outdoor seating. Espresso falls short on aromatic depth, but the crowd loves the high-quality coffee variety. Lines form fast, driven by the energetic vibe and loud music.

Espresso lacks aromatic qualities and depth in flavor.

People are saying

"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
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Minimalistic coffee shop offers high quality espresso like Cafe cortado with full shots. Cozy, warm interior attracts college students despite limited seating. Creative menu focuses on sweet treats and free Wi-Fi supports a chill, inviting vibe.

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.

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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