• Where is Santa Barbara located?
    • Located on the central California coast backed by the magnificent Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara is a charming seaside town with a rich Spanish colonial heritage.
  • How does Santa Barbara reflect its Spanish colonial heritage?
    • This heritage is reflected in the Mediterranean-style white stucco buildings with red-tile roofs around the city.
  • What outdoor attractions does Santa Barbara offer?
    • In addition to a myriad of things to see and do, Santa Barbara boasts beautiful beaches with excellent surf and spectacular natural scenery.
  • Where can visitors find great coffee in Santa Barbara?
    • The town is home to a variety of great coffee shops serving freshly brewed coffee from sustainably-sourced beans, loose leaf teas, and an array of mouthwatering baked treats.
  • Where can visitors enjoy breakfast or brunch in Santa Barbara?
    • Here are a few spots to try for morning munchies and long, lazy brunches.

Unique Coffee Shops

Caffe Luxxe

Sip artisan espresso and savor a romantic, European-inspired coffee break.

Caffe Luxxe

© Caffe Luxxe

If you’re craving a taste of Italy with a Santa Barbara twist, Caffe Luxxe is your go-to. Tucked inside the Montecito Country Mart, this sleek café serves up top-tier espresso in a super stylish space—with marble counters, minimalist vibes, and expertly crafted drinks.

Highlights:
  • Signature micro-roasted blends like the rich Montenero (hello caramel + dark chocolate)
  • Beautifully designed space that’s perfect for a quiet coffee break
  • Skilled baristas who take their espresso seriously
  • Sustainably-sourced beans from around the globe
  • Fresh pastries that pair perfectly with your morning cup
Pro Tip:

Order the Montenero Blend as a cappuccino—it’s smooth, rich, and totally indulgent without being too sweet.

1028 Coast Village Rd Ste. A, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Phone: 310-394-2222

Bree'osh Bakery Cafe Montecito

Savor buttery pastries and enjoy a cozy breakfast on an easy morning trip.

Bree'osh Bakery Cafe Montecito

© Bree'osh Bakery Cafe Montecito

Craving a little taste of France in Santa Barbara? Bree'osh Bakery Cafe Montecito brings all the buttery, flaky goodness you could want—think fresh brioche, croissants, quiches, and more, all baked in-house daily. It’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger over breakfast or brunch with a hot cup of French press coffee.

Highlights:
  • Homemade brioche buns, croissants, and classic French pastries
  • Breakfast sandwiches, croques, quiches, omelets, and tartines
  • Fresh French press coffee served all day
  • Charming, relaxed café with serious Parisian vibes
  • Open every day for breakfast and lunch
Pro Tip:

Don’t skip the brioche egg sandwich—it’s rich, soft, and totally satisfying. Pair it with a French press for the ultimate treat-yourself morning.

1150 Coast Village Rd, Montecito, CA 93108
Phone: 805-969-2500

Cat Therapy

Cuddle adoptable cats and relax in this unusual, affordable downtown café experience.

Cat Therapy

© Cat Therapy

If coffee + cats sounds like your kind of vibe, Cat Therapy in Santa Barbara is a total must. This cozy, quirky café pairs your favorite drinks with feline snuggles—and yes, the cats are adoptable! Whether you're popping in for cold brew or some cat-themed zen, it’s the purr-fect way to unwind.

Highlights:
  • Great selection of coffee, tea, espresso, cold brew & kombucha
  • Beer, wine, and fruit-infused drinks also available
  • Cat lounge filled with adoptable rescue cats
  • Fun events like cat yoga and community gatherings
  • Open daily for breakfast and lunch
Pro Tip:

Reserve a spot in the cat lounge ahead of time—it can fill up fast, especially on weekends. Bonus: all cuddles help support local rescue efforts.

1213 State St Suite L, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-560-1996

Crushcakes & Cafe

Indulge in cupcakes and enjoy a quick, sweet stop on your weekend outing.

Crushcakes & Cafe

© Crushcakes & Café

If you’re strolling through Santa Barbara and craving coffee and something sweet, Crushcakes & Cafe is a cozy little gem on Anacapa Street. This laid-back café serves up all the espresso classics, plus scratch-made food and seriously dreamy cupcakes.

Highlights:
  • Espresso drinks, teas, and hot or iced specialty beverages
  • Fresh salads, toasty sandwiches, and hearty homemade bites
  • Famous cupcakes—try the lemon with raspberry mousse or the chocolate espresso truffle
  • Fresh-baked bread and pastries served daily
  • Chill, welcoming vibe that’s perfect for a quick break or casual lunch
Pro Tip:

Don’t leave without grabbing a cupcake (or two)—they’re handmade, super flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent.

1315 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 805-963-9353

Coffee Shops for a First Date

Daily Grind

Grab strong coffee and savor casual patio vibes on a cheap local trip.

Daily Grind

© Daily Grind

A local favorite since 1995, The Daily Grind is all about good coffee, hearty breakfasts, and laid-back vibes. With two locations along De La Vina Street, both family-owned cafés have big, sunny patios (yep, dog-friendly!) and are perfect for catching up with friends or soaking in some solo chill time.

Highlights:
  • Classic coffee drinks plus cold brew, loose-leaf teas, and smoothies
  • Hearty breakfast options like chorizo burritos and fresh pastries
  • Expansive outdoor patios with plenty of seating
  • Family-owned and operated with a welcoming local feel
  • Great spot for morning fuel or a midday coffee break
Pro Tip:

Grab a smoothie or iced latte and snag a spot on the patio—great people-watching and even better if you’ve got your pup in tow.

2001 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
2912 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Dune Coffee Roasters

Sip fresh-roasted brews and enjoy a laid-back moment on a relaxing spring day.

Dune Coffee Roasters

© Dune Coffee Roasters

With three awesome locations around Santa Barbara, Dune Coffee Roasters is a local go-to for amazing coffee, tasty breakfasts, and seriously chill vibes. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Anacapa, feeling studious on State, or hanging out in Goleta, Dune’s got you covered.

Highlights:
  • Espresso classics, specialty drinks, and top-notch brewed coffee
  • All-day breakfast with options like toasts, granola bowls, and benedicts
  • Anacapa St. has a bright patio; State St. is cozy and low-key
  • In-house roasting + fresh bakery goods daily
  • Friendly service and a laid-back, local vibe at every location
Pro Tip:

Try a breakfast sandwich and a cold brew on the Anacapa patio—it’s one of the best ways to start a sunny SB morning.

528 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
1101 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
250 Storke Rd, Goleta, CA 93117

Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Taste top-tier coffee and enjoy romantic views near the Mission on a couples escape.

Handlebar Coffee Roasters

© Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Locally loved and seriously good, Handlebar Coffee Roasters brings top-tier, sustainably sourced coffee to the heart of Santa Barbara. With beans from Africa, Central, and South America roasted in-house, this spot is all about fresh flavor and good vibes.

Highlights:
  • Expertly roasted, ethically sourced beans
  • Espresso drinks, cold brew, teas, and juices
  • Fresh pastries and light bites to pair with your drink
  • Chill neighborhood vibe at the original location near El Presidio
  • Spacious new café on De La Vina with live music during the week
Pro Tip:

Stop by the De La Vina location for a cappuccino and some live tunes—it’s a great spot to relax, work, or catch up with a friend.

128 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
2720 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Plan Your Trip