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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Downtown Santa Monica's best

Coffee spots

A cup of coffee is a non-negotiable part of your routine, and you expect it to be handled with care.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Yagul Cafe image 1
Yagul Cafe image 2
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Restaurant

Small, cozy spot with a family-run feel and casual vibe. Coffee shines with a cinnamon blend and a spicy Oaxacan latte. Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly table, though blenders can be loud.

Coffee here offers a big cup full of flavor with a cinnamon blend that stands out. The Oaxacan latte is comforting and spicy, making it a distinctive choice.

People are saying

"The breakfast burritos here are phenomenal and delicious."

"This Mexican food is so fresh and has amazing flavors."

"The coffee here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Yagul Cafe is a family-owned establishment known for its authentic Oaxacan cuisine.

2

The cafe seats around 30 people, making it an intimate dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $20 for chicken enchiladas, which may be considered small in portion.

02
Odd One Out Tea Santa Monica image 1

Orange ombrรฉ building offers a cozy atmosphere with mixed indoor/outdoor seating. High-quality Colombian coffee shines in drinks like Americano and einspanner. Unique silk boba and vegetarian-friendly gelato make it a casual hangout spot on a busy promenade.

Coffee comes from Columbia, giving it a distinct flavor. Drinks like the Americano and einspanner stand out for their quality and taste.

People are saying

"The milk tea here is really flavorful and has great depth."

"The avocado honey gelato was so refreshing and smooth."

"Their coffee's einspanner has a nice foam with a sweet/salty balance."

Good to know

1

They offer 1 drink or a scoop of gelato for $1 today only.

2

The owner confirmed that the silk boba is vegetarian friendly, made with agar and tapioca starch.

3

The outside area is dog friendly.

03
Monica Cafe image 1

Cozy space with lofted seating and unique wall art offers a calm, work-friendly vibe with soft jazz. Strong, smooth espresso creates a rich cappuccino, blending Midwest/East Coast classiness with a welcoming 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.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is so fresh and delicious."

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

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

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
Rapha Los Angeles image 1
Sportswear store

Bike shop blends retail and coffee with indoor and outdoor seating, creating a laid-back vibe. Espresso is delightful and staff are chill, making it a unique spot for cyclists to relax before or after rides.

Coffee here tastes really good with delightful espresso and a vibe that feels like a laid-back bike shop. The crew is chill, making it a unique spot to enjoy a cup before or after a ride.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really tasty."

Good to know

1

The Saturday group ride starts at 9am; arrive early to join.

2

Rapha Los Angeles serves coffee daily from 8am to 6pm.

3

Expect a friendly atmosphere with fellow cyclists at Rapha.

05
La Monarca Bakery & Cafe image 1

Small bakery offers Mexican-style treats in a cozy setting with lively morning music. Coffee features spiced Mexican flavors like Oaxaca with oat milk and iced latte. Fresh pastries and authentic tastes make it a unique spot for both food and drink.

Coffee here stands out with its Mexican style and well balanced spiced flavors. Options like Oaxaca coffee with oat milk and a tasty iced latte offer unique choices beyond typical black coffee.

People are saying

"I thought their coffee was terrific and better than Starbucks."

"The pastries here have a unique Mexican flavor."

"It felt so cozy inside, and outdoor seating was available."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy to find near the bakery.

2

The bakery accepts credit cards but does not accept cash.

3

They offer a rewards program for frequent purchases.

06
Blue Bottle Coffee image 1

Modern space with natural light and upholstered seating creates a relaxing vibe despite some noise. Coffee shines with high quality and perfect cappuccinos, paired with fresh buttery croissants. Shared tables suit groups but chairs are uncomfortable for long stays.

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.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the coffee; it tasted amazing."

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

"The coffee and food quality for breakfast was average."

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.

07
Brightside California Kitchen image 1

Cozy spot with live music and large Fonzi-style tables offers a bright, clean space perfect for brunch. Coffee lovers enjoy Lavazza beans in big cups with free refills and tasty cappuccinos. Delicious breakfast dishes and a relaxed vibe make it a great choice.

Coffee comes in big cups with Lavazza beans. They offer free refills to-go and serve tasty options like cappuccino and cold brew.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The servers here are so friendly and welcoming."

"I enjoyed the amazing, tasty coffee here."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy with a garage across the street, free for the first 90 minutes.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

3

Vegan breakfast options are available on the menu.

08
Capital One Cafรฉ image 1

Large space with high ceilings and natural light offers a cozy vibe for work or study. Unique coffee flavors like Vanilla Rose and oak milk lattes delight the palate. Quiet rooms and free Wi-Fi support focus, while cardholders enjoy 50% discounts and free drinks.

Coffee here features unique flavors like Vanilla Rose and oak milk lattes. Staff serve perfect americanos and chai lattes with a good amount of cinnamon. Cardholders get discounts and free coffees.

People are saying

"The Cafe staff are super friendly and attentive."

"It's a really nice, quiet spot to get work done."

"The coffee here is fantastic, thanks to the super friendly staff."

Good to know

1

Capital One cardholders receive a 50% discount on drinks and pastries.

2

The cafรฉ has only one bathroom, which requires staff assistance to access.

3

Security is present on-site, which may enhance the feeling of safety.

09
Downtown Santa Monica image 1

Wide sidewalks with palm trees and bright shops create a lively space with live street performances and ocean views. Local cafes serve freshly brewed coffee in cozy spots. Benches and outdoor games offer relaxation for shoppers and families.

Local cafes serve freshly brewed coffee with a variety of blends. Coffee shops offer a cozy atmosphere for enjoying drinks.

People are saying

"The beach here is beautiful, wide, and sandy."

"It's a lively and fun place, always buzzing with activity."

"I loved the cafes and lively atmosphere here."

Good to know

1

Public Parking Structure 6 offers 99 minutes of free parking.

2

Parking is often difficult to find in Downtown Santa Monica.

3

The area is generally safe and cheerful for visitors.

10
Bacio di Latte | Santa Monica, LA image 1

Bright, stylish interior and cozy atmosphere make a relaxing spot. High-quality gelato shines with authentic Italian flavors like pistachio. Coffee offers vanilla lattes with balanced sweetness, though some drinks lack punch and staff may limit customizations.

Great coffee includes vanilla lattes with balanced sweetness and delicious foam on lattes. Some drinks like the pistachio latte lack strong flavor, and staff may refuse to add milk or sugar, which is unusual.

People are saying

"I found the gelato here to be rich, creamy, and truly Italian."

"I thought the ice cream here was the best I'd ever tasted."

"I enjoyed the great coffee and ice creams here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in nearby public lots or on surrounding streets.

2

Expect to pay around $18 for an espresso, double espresso, and a cookie.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

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Downtown, Santa Monica

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