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    Cafe Esko

    2.6 (79 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    Seating area beautifully decorated
    Anastacia M.

    This bakery is open late and what a find! After winery hopping we really needed some strong coffee and pastries and they were great! They have delicious lattes, mochas and cappuccinos and they even have Turkish coffee! We had a delightful Danish style cheesecake dessert and it was amazing. No trip to Solvang is complete without a tub of Danish cookies and those were delicious too! The cashiers work quickly so even if there's a line it moves fast.

    Debbie W.

    We visited before we left town and came right when they opened. A young woman greeted us and was very nice and helpful. She asked if we wanted our pastry heated. I said yes. And I ordered a vanilla latte along with it. To my surprise they had an alleyway seating area that was decorated and lit up. It was soo beautiful. We enjoyed our breakfast. (Actually we ate it so fast because it was so good.) and just enjoyed the outdoor seating space before heading out. Would highly recommend. Great service, great food, and great photo spot!

    Cakes and cannolis
    Tiffany L.

    ** Visited on Friday 11/29/2024 around noon time Decided to stop by this cute little bakery cafe after eating at Copenhagen Sausage Garden. Mind you, it's quite pricey here - especially for the ice cream and average drinks- but considering it's a tourist town, I'm not surprise at the prices. I've visited this specific bakery cafe twice, and the service is sort of spotty, but aren't all places? My first visit was a little awkward, but the second visit was much more welcoming. I highly recommend their cheesecake slices! We've tried their oreo cheesecake and their regular cheesecake, and personally, I prefer the oreo cheesecake. The danishes and other pastries are pretty tasty as well, however there's plenty of other bakeries around town that are slightly cheaper and just as good. I'd say give this spot a try if you want to avoid huge and long lines, but just be aware that this bakery cafe is on the pricier side.

    Cinnamon twist
    Linh Y.

    I was checking out Esko's Solvang Bazaar Gifts & Souvenirs and as I was getting ready to leave, I saw Cafe Esko next door. They may be owned by the same people since they both have Esko in their biz names. I was so excited to see a cinnamon twist behind the glass. They look similar to the ones sold at Klatch Coffee. I had to come in here and get one of them LOL. It's a very small cafe. Upon entry, I was not greeted even though I was one of the two people in the shop at the time. More people entered and they were attended to before me which I found slightly uncalled for. Finally, I made eye contact with one of the young gentleman behind the counter. I asked for one cinnamon twist and they appeared to not hear me or something because I had to repeat it twice. Wow, I was flabbergasted to see the price was $7.50 per cinnamon twist. I thought Klatch Coffee's $3.50 per cinnamon twist was a bit high. Then again, I am in Solvang... what do I do? Nothing, just bite the bullet and buy it LOL. And that's what I did. It was very good... flaky and sweet. It tasted exactly like the Klatch Coffee's cinnamon twist. I would have given them a 4 stars, but the service was lacking a bit, hence, 3 stars. Will I be back here next time I'm in Solvang? I don't know... maybe not. I'll just wait until I get home to get my cinnamon twist.

    Cheese danish is expensive, but tastes delicious.
    PatrickJ T.

    First spotted Cafe Esko in Solvang on Christmas Eve. They had such a long line that I really wanted to give them a try. Long lines usually mean that a place is very good so I knew that I had to see for myself. Unfortunately, Wifey and I did not have the time that evening to wait so long. Christmas evening the next day found ourselves back in Solvang. This time we waited along with some of our relatives. Stood in that line for a little over an hour. Cafe Esko is one of many bakeries located in Solvang the Danish Capital of America. On Christmas Day, Cafe Esko was the only bakery in town that was open. Cafe Esko is more than a bakery. They also sell many coffees and other drinks plus ice cream too. I have a feeling that long lines are not common at Cafe Esko. We passed by the day after Christmas, and there were no customers present. So they were very smart to be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hardly any competition. So what did I think of this little bakery? Well, the service was friendly. The pastries were expensive, but I expected it to be since we are in a very touristy town. I tried the Cinnamon Bowl that my nieces got. It wasn't bad. For $9.99, though I'd pass on buying it in the future. The Cheese Danish that I bought was very good. Expensive but yummyrific! Don't know if I'll ever be back at Cafe Esko. If we ever return to Solvang for Christmas, then maybe we'd stand in that long line again. Otherwise, not very likely. There are too many other nice bakeries in town to patronize.

    Ann M.

    It's a small bakery but had so much to choose from. This place seems to focus on quantity, not quality. I was excited because this was my first time spending time in Solvang. I wanted to try their pastries. I was brought to this place because I wanted something hydrating. I got an iced tea. It tasted like lipton tea. The pastries were just okay. I presume it may be better elsewhere.

    European cafe entrance!

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    14 hours ago

    Good pastries and a nice outdoor covered seating area to enjoy our coffee & pastries.

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    3 months ago

    Cozy cafe. Yummy pastries and wonderful ice cream. Closes later than other stores. Good souvenir shop too

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    5 months ago

    Expensive prices for bad quality desserts. You'll get ripped off here. Trust the reviews.

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    Joy Cafe - Proscuitto, Roasted Tomatoes Flatbread

    Joy Cafe

    (32 reviews)

    Joy Café in Solvang isn't just a café--it's a living work of art. Owner Georgina is a luminous soul…read morewhose warmth and vision infuse every inch of this space. Step inside and you're wrapped in an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and comforting, where conversations flow easily, creativity is celebrated, and strangers quickly feel like friends. The menu is her love letter to the Santa Ynez Valley. Every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced from local farms, and each dish carries the unmistakable freshness of food prepared with care and intention. Between sips of perfectly crafted artisan coffee, you'll find your eyes wandering to the art on the walls--masterpieces from local talent, including Georgina herself, whose work radiates the same beauty and spirit as the café. Having traveled the world and experienced remarkable cafés, I can say without hesitation: Joy Café stands among the very best. It's a place where time slows, senses awaken, and you leave carrying something intangible--an imprint of its light and soul. If you know, you know.

    Coffee. Smile. Review. Repeat. Let's begin this hip review…read more Cafe JOY is a small coffee shop located in PARc place plaza. It's nestled in the charming town of Solvang. This adorable cafe offers a delightful blend of art, cozy vibe and pricey items. Female staff was cordial, attentive and competent. I came on a late afternoon for a coffee break. I had a Chocolate croissant x Cold Brew. Both were modest. They have indoor and outdoor seats. Overall, I had a modest experience.

    Mortensen's Danish Bakery - Cream Cheese Danish ($5)

    Mortensen's Danish Bakery

    (1.1k reviews)

    $$

    My family and I knew that it was a must to stop into a Danish bakery while in Solvang and…read moreMortensen's was first! Mortensen's is a landmark in Solvang, the building is huge and they even have nice lawn area where you can sit and enjoy your treats! We ordered an assortment of cookies, an Almond Croissant, Cheese Danish and a Pistachio Bar. There were so many pastries to choose from - we had a hard time walking away and not buying one of everything! They had tubs of Danish Butter Cookies and massive Danish Kringles! They also had plenty of seating inside as well! I loved seeing all of the Spring and Easter decorations throughout - it was a very welcoming atmosphere! Staff were also friendly and gave recommendations! I would definitely come back and visit Mortensen's the next time I am in Solvang! Check them out!

    Take a look at my photos first--the cake and the bill just didn't match. I ordered three items (two…read morecakes and a coffee), but the receipt only listed two, and they weren't even the items I had. I checked the menu and realized the bill was actually for less than I should have paid; it was likely mixed up with the customer sitting next to me, who I remember had ordered a Napoleon. Looking at the prices later, I found the menu quite strange: the Chocolate Eclair is $11.95, while the Napoleon is a dollar less. Anyone who has ever made both will admit that an eclair is much easier to prepare than a Napoleon--in fact, an eclair might be the easiest item in a bakery. It's an interesting pricing choice. This bakery must be very famous; even the AI I used to plan my trip from Pasadena to San Jose recommended it. Since it isn't peak season, I easily found a parking spot on the main street, which was a relief compared to ten years ago when I had to drive in circles to find one. Even in the off-season, there was still a line--not too long, but a line nonetheless. The pastries in the case were all beautifully made and looked delicious. It was difficult to decide, but I eventually chose a Chocolate Eclair and a Danish Waffle. I went with the eclair because it was one of the few Western-style cakes available in my hometown of Shanghai when I was growing up. I've loved them since childhood. Back then, the only other Western desserts we could find were Palmiers, Chestnut Cream Cakes, and cups of whipped cream that you would just eat directly. The eclair tasted excellent, with a texture that was a perfect mix of soft and crispy. The cream was a little oily but still acceptable, and while the whole thing was quite sweet--a bit beyond average--I could still enjoy it. The Danish Waffle looked a bit like a fried Chinese donut, or Youtiao, stuffed with whipped cream, but the outside was actually a light, crispy puff pastry. It was much better than I imagined--crispy without being hard and perfectly baked. The filling was the same cream used in the eclair, combined with raspberry jam. I later realized the Danish Waffle was only $6.25, nearly half the price of the eclair despite being just as good. It's strange that the Chocolate Eclair is the most expensive item in the bakery; it's good, but compared to the Danish Waffle, the price is a bit high. I saw some people complaining that the bakery doesn't have a restroom. When I asked, the staff politely directed me to the nearby park. I accepted the answer, though I can't imagine how they handle the crowds during the busy season. Regardless, this is a five-star experience, no doubt--just be sure to check your bill when you pay. I don't want to pay more than I owe, but I don't want to pay less, either.

    Solvang Spice Merchant - Solvang Spice Merchant

    Solvang Spice Merchant

    (100 reviews)

    $$

    not only was the place run by very kind employees, but the selection was just beautiful!! i must…read morehave been inside looking at all of the tea for 15 minutes. they have a wonderful list of interesting tea blends, unique salt and sugar blends and an impressive collection of spices :) i would recommend that any cooking/tea enthusiasts stop by, you won't want to miss this cute shop!!

    The spice trade was once one of the most intricate and sought after commodites in history with…read moremonarchs and sultans devising the best routes to get their hands onto the rarest of spices showing their wealth and class of not only themselves but their representative countries. Although nowadays spices are much more easier to come by (just drive down to your nearest supermarket!); many spices are still on the scarcer side and represent luxury. Have no fear, though, because you no longer have to board a ship and find the passage to the Middle East but can simply head to the Solvang Spice Merchant. Solvang Spice Merchant is a female-owned (shout out to girl bosses!) spice boutique located in the central hub of the famous Danish tourist city of Solvang near Santa Barbara. Opening its doors a couple years before the Covid pandemic in 2018; Solvang Spice Merchant not only survived but thrived with a brick and mortar storefront and an online shipping option (flat rate of $10 shipping no matter the size of purchase!). The business features hand-crafted spices and seasonings, teas, and foodie gift sets serving both tourists and Solvang residents, alike. My boyfriend and I ventured into the Solvang Spice Merchant when visiting Solvang from Los Angeles for the city's Christmas-time Julefest and gazed our eyes on a shop that would make any King or emperor proud. The store is filled with floor to ceiling shelves of spices/seasoning mixes categorized by country/region and then further sub-categorized by ingredients, styles (BBQ, Pickling, etc) available in various bottle sizes (plus some can be purchased at the counter in bulk, as well). If you can conceive a certain spice or seasoning, trust me that Solvang Spice Merchant has it! Even if you are not in the market for spices; the store is fun to browse and discover all of the spices from around the world. My personal spice journey has endlessly been looking for Garam Masala (an Indian spice) which I could have purchased at the Indian shop by my apartment in Los Angeles - but what fun is that?! It is much better to come across Garam Masala at Solvang Spice Merchant where the spices are combined by hand and with love while enjoying the world of spices! We purchased a 2.3 oz bottle (the smallest) of Garam Masala for $10.25 which isn't cheap: but expected from a boutique spice store. I have since used the spice mix on chicken, Steelhead trout and steamed veggies and it is absolute perfection and makes my apartment smell delightful with its warm spices. The only complaint? None of the two young females behind the counter welcomed us into the store, offered any samples (which I learned the store does indeed do), ask if we needed help, etc. Solvang's main gimmick is being a welcoming tourist city ESPECIALLY during Christmas as it is known as the, "Most Christmas-y City in the Nation". Unfortunately, that Hallmark Christmas movie customer service was absent the night of our visit. Despite this minor qualm; Solvang Spice Merchant is a charming spice shop fit for a King, emperor, sultan or just Averages Joes like you and I visiting Solvang. Not only will you find whatever spice your heart desires but you will have an enjoyable time simply scanning the shelves.

    Cafe Esko - coffee - Updated May 2026

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