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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 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated May 2026
01
One Cedar image 1
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Coffee shop

Neighborhood coffeehouse shines with perfect espresso pulls and a fresh, balanced Howโ€™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 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 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 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
goodboybob coffee roasters image 1

Cozy cafe offers single origin espresso with a velvety texture and unique espresso tonic. Stylish decor and dog-friendly seating create a welcoming vibe. Diverse crowd enjoys both indoor and outdoor spaces, often alongside beautiful cars parked outside.

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.

04
Pedal Mafia Los Angeles image 1

Space blends a classy cycling vibe with a welcoming atmosphere and a cozy patio. Espresso offers fantastic complimentary shots with hands-on preparation. Apparel features top-quality fit and comfort at fair prices, making it a hub for cyclists seeking community and expert advice.

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 espresso 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.

05
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

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 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.

06
Monica Cafe image 1

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 breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

"The staff here are so welcoming, it makes you feel appreciated."

"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
Little Bean Coffee image 1

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 thought the cold brew was awesome and perfectly balanced."

"I loved chatting with Chris, he really knows his tea."

"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.

08
Love Coffee Bar image 1
Coffee shop

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

"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 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 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 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

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

"My dry cappuccino was perfect, with just the right amount of foam."

"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.

11
Ugo Santa Monica image 1

Espresso here boasts a rich, bold flavor with excellent macchiatos. Indoor and outdoor seating with small tables creates a relaxed vibe. Violin music adds a chill ambiance, perfect for casual afternoons or people watching.

Espresso here stands out for its excellent macchiato and a rich, bold flavor that ranks among the best in the US. The shots pull consistently well, offering a strong and satisfying experience.

People are saying

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

"The Nutella cream cake is light and not overwhelming."

"I had an espresso that was the best I had in the US."

Good to know

1

The cafe is convenient for a small bite, dessert, or drink on the go.

2

The restaurant is located right in the heart of the 3rd Street Promenade.

3

There was no wait time on a Saturday evening.

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