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Santa Cruz Coffee Shops
Abbey Coffee, Art and Music Lounge
350 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA
Alcoves defined by cushioned benches and tall curtains line the painted walls, overstuffed golden chairs and an emerald couch invite focused lounging, and the dark bistro tables and stools are perfect for doing homework or just perching with a drink.
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Bad Ass Coffee
1207 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.460.1007
This Hawaii-based chain brings the famous coffee of Kona to Santa Cruz, creating a wild convergence of all things Pacific on, you guessed it, Pacific Avenue.
Caffe Bene
1101 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.1775
Ramshackle and cozy, Caffe Bene is situated on a corner close to the bustle of downtown, and what it lacks in size it makes up with inventory. The espresso beans are locally roasted and create delicious drinks, and the cafe has a fully stocked humidor in case a stogie is what's really called for.
Caffe Pergolesi
418 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.1775
Home to many regulars, this big old Victorian house has plenty of space for conversation and reading, with seating outside on the jasmine-shaded patio for those needing fresh air or a smoke. Coffee is served until midnight, and the live music keeps a varied, terminally hip crowd perpetually at the Perg. Beer, sandwiches and baked goods are also served.
Coffeetopia
1723 Mission St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.425.6583
3701 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.477.1940
Situated close to UCSC campus, the WiFi-ready Mission Street location has become a word-of-mouth hit. Offering an array of sandwiches, smoothies and bagels from the Bagelry, this intimate cafe is the perfect environment to study or talk with friends about the need to study. The Portola location is a local's favorite that features a unique rock wall and warm outdoor patio area
Java Junction
519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.423.5282
580A River St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.426.2128
Their Crème Brûlée Mochas are a divine gift from above, or from below, depending on whether you're dieting. This friendly and cozy coffeehouse not only specializes in local brews and local customers, it also has a wide selection of baked goods and smoothies for those in need of sugar and sustenance.
Lulu Carpenter's
1545 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.9804
The perfect place to watch Pink Umbrella Man make that slow, fateful turn back down Pacific Avenue. Situated at the north end of downtown, Lulu Carpenter's offers an enclosed courtyard and seating out front for people-watching or heated existential debates, plus plenty of room for studying.
Lulu's at the Octagon
118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.429.5858
Baristas are well versed in their coffee, which is brewed a cup at a time using a special vacuum method, and Lulu's daily peddles a selection from various global locales. The green and black tea selection is practically unparalleled in town. The free WiFi connection is heavily used by the clientele, as are the plentiful outlets for laptop plug-in.
Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company
1330 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.459.0100
Across the street from its corporate counterpart, Starbucks, the Coffee Roasting Company is just the place for a dependable cup of joe or a highly caffeinated cappuccino. Offering a wide array of sandwiches, pastries, pies and hot dishes, this establishment has a regular customer base of earthy locals and grad students sprawled out over the spacious layout, enjoying cups from the Brew Bar or espresso machine.
Starbucks
1335 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.459.7681
Set back slightly from the bustle of Pacific Avenue in a little cottage, this franchise of the corporate beast doesn't look like every other Starbucks, but the frappuccinos are still cold and the easy listening CDs are there for sale, just as in every other Starbucks across the globe.
The Attic
931 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA; Tel. 831.460.1800
Technically a teahouse, this spot has everything you need to take a break from coffee but not go into caffeine withdrawal. Getting to know coffee's fair sister is made easier by the knowledgeable staff, so you can try out flavors like Elderflower Gold without having to worry you ordered some insanely strong strain of chai tea.
The Ugly Mug
4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel, CA; Tel. 831.477.1341
A cluttered atmosphere and very friendly staff create a lively place in charming downtown Soquel to drink the organic brew and appreciate the local art exhibitions. Along with frequent live music and free WiFi, this spot prides itself on being an honest, local coffee joint with the singular aim of providing a place to chill out and get caffeinated, an agreeable little oxymoron.
Verve Coffee Roasters
19 41st Ave., Capitola, CA; Tel. 831.475.7776
Holding down the pulsating corner of 41st and Portola, in the never-never land that is Opal Cliffs, Verve has clearly grabbed onto sleek and is running with it. The effect is something like a cross between Milan and Berkeley, and yet it's 100 percent Pleasure Point.
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