Cafes & Coffee Shops
Santa Barbara Cafes & Coffee Shops
Santa Barbara boasts a vibrant coffee culture with a variety of charming cafes and coffee shops to explore. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to curl up with a book or a trendy cafe to catch up with friends, Santa Barbara has something for everyone.
Some popular coffee shops in the area include The French Press, a local favorite known for its expertly brewed coffee and welcoming atmosphere, and Handlebar Coffee Roasters, which offers a selection of single-origin beans and a commitment to sustainability. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a caffeine fix, Santa Barbara’s coffee scene is sure to impress.
Coffee Shops in Downtown Santa Barbara
Dune Coffee Roasters
Dune Coffee Roasters is a cozy and inviting coffee shop that offers a unique and high-quality coffee experience. Situated in the heart of downtown, this cafe is known for its carefully sourced and expertly roasted coffee beans. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely coffee break, Dune Coffee Roasters is the perfect destination for coffee lovers in Downtown Santa Barbara.
Coffee Shops in the Funk Zone
Santa Barbara's Funk Zone is an eclectic and vibrant mixture of arts, crafts, business and industry in the downtown area, very near the beach.
Dart Coffee Co.
From their website: “DART COFFEE CO. is dedicated to bringing ethical craft-roasted coffee to your cup. We are committed to sourcing only the finest organic, fair-traded coffee beans from small-lot indigenous farmers who share our vision. Erika Carter and David Dart’s combined life experience in the arts and sciences complements their journey into the coffee industry. ‘We believe roasting is a balance of creativity and practiced precision. We are passionate about our craft and OUR AIM IS TRUE.'”
Coffee Shops with an Ocean View
Shoreline Cafe
The Shoreline Cafe is a popular spot with locals for coffee and breakfast right on the beach. It’s located literally on Leadbetter Beach, near the Santa Barbara Harbor and across the street from Santa Barbara Community College.
Shoreline Cafe also has a selection of breakfast items including breakfast burritos, eggs cooked in many styles, pancakes and fresh fruit. They also have a kids breakfast menu. If you are more in the mood for brunch, there are mimosas, sparkling wine and Bloody Marys for the adults.
Coffee Shops on the Waterfront
Dart Coffee Co.
Dart Coffee Co. also has a location at the Santa Barbara Harbor. The coffee shop is located at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. The interior is nautical themed and there’s a patio with fantastic views of the harbor and the Santa Ynez mountains.
Dart Coffee at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is a favorite spot to have a great cup of coffee and enjoy the special ambience of the Waterfront.
Coffee Shops Uptown
Handlebar Coffee Roasters
Handlebar Coffee Roasters’ second location on De La Vina St. is a cozy and inviting space that exudes warmth and charm. As you step inside, you are greeted with the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and the sound of expertly brewed espresso machines at work.
The decor is modern yet rustic, with wooden accents and plenty of natural light streaming in through large windows. The space is thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating options, making it the perfect spot to linger over a cup of coffee or catch up with friends.
In addition to coffee, Handlebar Coffee Roasters offers a selection of pastries and light snacks to pair with your drink.
Montecito Coffee Shops
Montecito has some ritzy coffee shops
Merci Montecito
Merci Montecito stands out as a cozy café blending contemporary flair with a touch of Parisian charm. It offers a sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere where meticulously prepared pastries steal the spotlight on a menu that caters to breakfast and lunch with equal finesse.
Drawing inspiration from the graceful sophistication and zest for life typical of French lifestyle, Merci serves as a vibrant hub for the local community. This cafe, influenced by journeys and everlasting moments overseas, prides itself on serving up fresh, seasonal dishes that are both refined and approachable, all presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
Summerland
Cozy cafes with an ocean view
Red Kettle Coffee
Red Kettle Coffee has endeavored to establish a welcoming community hub where residents can gather while simultaneously backing other nearby small businesses.
Their assortment includes locally roasted coffee, hand-blended tea, and over 20 unique items from small or local businesses, many of which are exclusive handcrafted pieces. Additionally, they conduct various workshops, so don’t forget to follow their Instagram for updates. Their aspiration is for all their visitors to relish the same pleasures they do – exceptional coffee and a thriving community!
Coffee Shops in Carpinteria
Brass Bird Coffee
Their passion lies in creating welcoming spaces that radiate hospitality, charm, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The idea has always been to establish a café in Carpinteria that beckons the community to gather in a stunning setting, savoring premium coffee, delectable pastries, and tantalizing cuisine. After years of nurturing this dream, Brass Bird Coffee seems to have gotten it right.
Embodying the ethos of “doing it the right way,” Brass Bird Coffee fosters a culture of hard work and accountability across all facets of their operation. Whether interacting with customers or crafting beverages as baristas, or preparing culinary delights as chefs, they instill a sense of conscientiousness that mirrors the service and quality they would desire for themselves.
Goleta Coffee Shops
Old Town Coffee & Roasters
From their website: “We started in 2018 with the simple idea of bringing the best coffee to the residents of Old Town Goleta. From our founders, Rachel and Tim, to our front-line workers, we put lots of love and careful thought into all we do.
We hope you enjoy our artisan coffee and drinks, specialty food, and relaxed atmosphere. Visit us at our new location in Isla Vista!”
Coffee Shops in Isla Vista
Kozy Coffee Roasters
KOZY set out to be the coffee shop in Isla Vista committed to offering a top-tier coffee experience to the local community. With a firm belief in raising the standards of the coffee culture, the founders of KOZY trace back their love for coffee to the typical college scenario of late-night study sessions and the need for a caffeine boost. Their quest for the perfect cup has taken them far and wide, immersing themselves in diverse coffee cultures that they aim to bring to Isla Vista.
Having graduated from UC Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara Community College, the creators of KOZY have been enchanted by Santa Barbara’s breathtaking sunsets, fantastic waves, and strong sense of unity. They aspire to infuse these elements into the ambiance of KOZY, creating a space that encapsulates the essence of this vibrant community.