California Coffee in Aptos is such a wonderful little spot. From the moment you walk in, it has that warm, friendly, local feeling that makes you want to stay awhile. A huge part of what makes this place so special is Sylvia, the owner. She is incredibly sweet, caring, and genuinely makes you feel welcome. You can tell she really cares about her customers and about creating a place where people feel comfortable and appreciated. That kind of personal touch is becoming harder and harder to find. The coffee is great, the atmosphere is happy and inviting, and the whole experience just feels authentic and local. It's the kind of place you feel good supporting. If you're in Aptos, definitely stop by California Coffee. Great coffee, great people, and an owner who clearly puts her heart into what she does. We'll absolutely be back! read more

I love and support independent coffee shops. I've visit this business five times since I've relocated to the area, each time convincing myself to return thinking the customer service would improve, or that perhaps I might get lucky enough not to get the same woman who I've realized is likely the owner, and I should no longer expect a different server. Their prices are expensive, but the service is even worse. Every time I've visited the woman behind the counter is just downright unpleasant, despite my efforts to be kind and wanting to support this small shop. No more. She's cold, rude, and an unappreciative of my support. This time, to my disgust and offense, after I paid for my drink, she actually pushed the tip jar forward toward me as she said, "here's the tip jar ". How incredibly rude and presumptuous. As much as I had hoped this could be a great local spot, no more. I'm done subjecting myself to this disappointing experience. I strongly discourage anyone from patronizing this place, precisely because of her. read more

Great local coffee shop. They offer live music on weekends and have lovely lattes and cappuccinos. They offer gifts for sale as well. read more

California Coffee - Patio area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

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$18 for a bagel (without cream cheese) and a medium pumpkin spice latte. This place is the most expensive coffee in all of Aptos maybe even Santa Cruz County. read more

I just recently discovered this place, only to wonder, where has it been all my years in Santa Cruz? It is totally worth the drive for me. There is no coffee place in Santa Cruz proper that even comes close. The ambience is so bright and artistic and inviting and intentionally designed. The food is delicious, top-notch baked items and made to order burritos that are full of flavor (not just basic ingredients, but actual spices and herbs). And Silvia is just the shizzle. I genuinely feel grateful that this place exists. read more

California Coffee - Amazing gigantic homemade breakfast burrito with amazing tasty homemade salsa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

This is the best coffee place around...the owner, Sylvie, is amazing and so accommodating. Best lattes and breakfast items. Lots of choices on their menu. Very cozy and comfy to sit and talk with friends...and a beautiful outside area as well. Bring your dog and there is a little fenced off area for them to play (doggie bones available for sale inside). You truly will enjoy your coffee experience here! read more

I was impressed with the service and the food. I recommend the El Jefe breakfast burrito for 2 or 1 starving working man.!! #God bless

ordered cappuccino for over seven bucks received a coffee with foam on top an inch tall looked like whipped cream not even close to a cappuccino come on read more

California Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

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" Best coffee in Aptos" the sign says. I wouldn't know or maybe standards are low in Aptos. I was desperate for hot caffeinated beverage when I saw the cute cafe and a sign. I asked for latte but was told that since the cafe is closing in 15 min they can only serve iced coffee. My coffee was leftover drip coffee poured over some ice. It tasted stale and bitter. The scone was fantastic. I felt as if I was imposing on the staff with my audacious request. Other cafes serve hot beverages until close and clean after. The staff was doing inventory as they were serving me substandard product. read more

Wow! Never had an itemized coffee. We ordered 3 coffee drinks. The pumpkin spice latte was over 9 bucks and we cannot even taste pumpkin or spice, just bitter coffee. The mocha was the worst, tasted like over watered hot cocoa with barely any coffee flavor. Not really drinkable.The regular latte was also watered down. I asked about the coffee sources and they buy their coffee so Not Locally Roasted. The chocolate cheesecake muffin was good, a bit dry or maybe old. Same for the blueberry muffin and scone. I will never stop here again when traveling to Aptos, CA. Check out the receipt. High priced garbage. read more

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We love this little coffee shop. Sylvia is amazing, we always feel like home here. Our dog is so loved as well, there's a little play area for him outside and he gets the best pup-cups! So much room to hang out and study or just chill and enjoy our coffee. Thank you for being so warm and welcoming Sylvia. (And your coffee is amazing!) read more

My first time here, I spent $18 on a coffee and a breakfast burrito which, after getting the burrito (it was massive- enough food to last me all day I could barely finish it) it was so good! I thought $4.50 to refill my own coffee cup was kind of a rip off. But it was good coffee. The staff were really nice. I would go there again! read more

California Coffee - Vegetarian breakfast burrito. Sub meat with spinach and mushroom. So yummy! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

Ever since Sylvia Reyes took over California Coffee, she has provided stellar service and help for the community. From her student discounts to her help for seniors with their trusts, etc., she and her staff have shown their support and integration into the Santa Cruz communities. Her coffee drinks and breakfast burritos are off the chart great. I highly recommend visiting her shop. read more

I loved this place! They have Gluten Free options and just delicious food and snacks! So many options for drinks. The staff are very nice also. The main reason we came is because I read about the dog area in the reviews and it was so cute. I enjoyed my coffee while my dog was occupied sniffing the whole perimeter. They even sell dog treats inside! How amazing is this cafe! read more

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Delicious drip coffee & muffin. Cute local-vibe cafe. Was such a nice stop and a pleasant surprise. Staff was super nice.

Under new ownership! The owners are creating local events, music and I believe some liquor. They also have breakfast burritos, last time I got one they were like 13/14 dollars or so but big enough for two people. They also make the burritos fresh when you order!!! The people are always friendly and helpful. The location is near traffic but that also makes it convenient. Definitely walkable if you live in and around the polo grounds or near Deluxe foods. Definitely recommend for burritos, drip coffee and frappes, as well as for evening and afternoon events! Hope you enjoy! read more

We were in the area and came here two days in a row because my bagel the first morning was perfect. I used this place as a good opportunity to remind my daughter that we always opt for local when we can over Starbucks. Unfortunately, my bagel and my kid's today are both charred. I'm not generally fussy but I don't think this should have been served to me. All I taste is burnt and I also happen to be pregnant. It wasn't busy, yet I felt a bit rushed by the staff, and I definitely could've waited for a not burnt bagel but didn't notice until we were already home. I tipped, smiled and didn't have a complicated order. Consistency matters! Otherwise very cute spot and a nice addition to Aptos. read more

This coffee shop should be already in your regular places to hang out, for a quick coffee on your way to work or for a lazy time over the weekend with friends. The food is local and delicious, amazing atmosphere, and very friendly staff. A favorite place for all. read more

Hands down the best coffee shop in town. Hawaiian vibe outside with a nice cozy inside. The staff is very nice and you can usually find Sylvia, the owner greeting you with a big smile. The pastries are to die for. Definitely try their fresh muffins! read more

We love this coffee shop! It's got a friendly, welcoming vibe and a beautiful patio with a well maintained garden. There are few better places to sip a coffee or even a cold beer on a warm California afternoon. There's local art, a dog patio, and plenty of space to relax. Come and enjoy read more

Love this quaint hidden gem in Aptos with a welcoming atmosphere! They offer quite a selection of sandwiches, bagels, coffee, smoothies, and more. The woman who took our order was super sweet and helpful, answering any questions we had about the menu. We ordered a breakfast burrito, lox bagel, and breakfast croissant, all of which were delicious and generous. You have to try their amazing salsa, made with fresh peppers and the perfect amount of spice. read more

This was a long stop for me, as I had a long drive and needed a place to decompress in between. I came on a Saturday - there was live music. The really good kind. Check out their social media (fb and ig) for events. I got an iced dirty chai - it was on the sweet side but yummy! I wish they had asked about the sugar level or the milk options. read more

California Coffee - Indoor seating - plugs, tables. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

The owner is so sweet and so is the staff. They are so helpful and welcoming. My favorite is the Iced chai latte or the plain bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese but all the food and drinks are really good. The decorations, garden, and overall vibe are so cozy, home-like, and inviting. This place is 100% my favorite coffee shop! 10/10! read more

Coffee is really really good! Service is awesome and it is the type of place where you can kick back with friends for hours or grab and go. What is espescially nice is the outdoor patio where you can enjoy the sun. The owner is there almost all the time. A true gem! read more

An absolute angel runs this haven! The breakfast was amazing and I could not recommend the smoothies enough .｡ｏ my heart & my tummy are healed read more

I ordered a dirty chai latte asking the lady who made it I asked how many shots normally came in large and she said there's no amount just pick which one you want. OK, I'll get two shots and my large dirty chai latte $12 WTF I got a muffin That was extremely dry and fell apart and a drink $17.!!!! Outrageous, she was also really rude and very irritated when I asked how many shots people normally get, I will never be back. Side note, when I was asking her what kind of toppings they had for bagels, she never even answered me. She should try to be a little nicer to people that are paying almost $20 for a damn drink and dry muffin, so rude! Beware people there's nothing great about this place . read more

Coffee was good but not worth the $12 I paid for a small oak milk cappuccino. What? Am I at a resort?

Customers beware: I use to like this place.. But, I have called in twice to order food and both times they have nothing started when I arrive. The last two times I tried to order a sandwich and the owner is telling me to purchase the prewrapped in plastic sandwiches that look disgusting probably the day before sandwiches. They close early and I'm sure they don't get sold that day. When I go into a food establishment I would like to not be hassled and let me order a fresh sandwich, especially at the how expensive they are. Not too mention they tried to give me a half a sandwich at full price. (photo below) Not impressed. read more

California Coffee - This is the half of wheat tuna salad sandwich on wheat! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

I've been here a few times. Great coffee and food. The breakfast burrito is very big. We were put off by the price but then when we saw how big it was it was worth it. We could have shared one, we both didn't finish ours. It's very cut and in a great location. read more

Great coffee shop! The cold brew was delicious and they even had oat milk. There was a nice a pet area where I could wait with my dog too. read more

California Coffee - Cold brew with oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

My favorite local coffee shop and a required pit stop whenever I'm back in town. Formerly Surf City Coffee- and the locals will still refer to it this way too, but the new owners have maintained the fun mellow surfer vibe and high quality refreshments. It's got a great location, even with a dog patio and are very active with community events. Comfortable sofas for extended weekend lounging, or sunny patio for sipping your lattes. They have a variety of foods and drinks, from a classic drip to a variety of Frappuccino like frozen drinks. They have some great breakfast sandwiches and steel cut oatmeal, and all kinds of local made goodies. But my faves are the Hang Ten (chocolate Frappuccino) and a toasted plain bagel (their bagels are seriously the best!) read more

California Coffee - Their famous Hang Ten- a chocolate Frappuccino like drink (no coffee). So tasty!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Aptos, California

Everyone was very nice and the place is super cute. I'm hoping they were having a bad day we may try it again. But the coffee was awful. We through half of it away which felt sad being as they were 9 dollar a person for a mocha . It tasted like someone ran old ground through the espresso machine a couple of times is the only way I could describe it. I thought maybe they had messed up but my husband tasted the same so it is jsut how they made them not to mention they were barely lukewarm it was very disappointing. read more

I wish I could rate the customers separately. the employees were extremely kind, thorough, generous. The customers were entitled, passive aggressive, and condescending. I didn't enjoy eating there for that reason. The spot itself is very cute and homey. read more

Love this spot and the gals that work there. The coffee is yummy and smiles genuine. I appreciate a good cup of coffee that is roasted just right. It doesn't need the cream. Stop by for local flavor and enjoy the patio to sip and munch. read more

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This shop changed ownership relatively recently and you can tell the difference, in a good way! The cold case used to be empty and they didn't used to offer the freshest of menu items but that has changed. Now not only do they make great coffee (and iced tea - not on the menu but they'll happily make it for you, which I love!) - but their food is perfect for a quick bite if you're in the neighborhood. I work in the area and my coworkers often order sandwiches for pickup, which they say are simple but fresh and tasty. Their sitting area is comfy, and the outside area is a beautiful space to chill with a drink and book. Only reason for 4 stars and not 5 is because their hours are super limited during the week (closes at 2pm). read more

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Excellent coffee, healthy pastries and locally made baked goods, wonderful soups for lunch and even their wine is always very good. Hidden little gem in Aptos. Great atmosphere and the owner is always very welcoming. Lemon and other citrus fruit infused complimentary fresh water. Perfect little relaxing cafe with the nice outside patio. Must stop by and visit read more

I came here with my biking friends, we all rode from Monterey to Aptos! We all got a cup of coffee and were greeted warm welcome from the owner! She made the best mocha I've had ! Not too sweet and not too watered down! I love the service it was worth giving a review ! read more

It's wonderful when you come across a place that supports community, has excellent coffee and food with entertainment on some weekends and considers it their duty to ensure all are welcomed. I've seen two bands thus far here and they both were excellent. Great way to spend an afternoon with family and friends. read more

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5 stars all day! Would give more, if Yelp would allow! Thank you Sylvia for continuously making us feel welcome, and both you and your staff are beyond amazing! The Sylvia special is our favorite and it's loaded with delicious (super high quality) lox, cream cheese and every veggie imaginable. We love this place and will literally always drive out of our way to stop In here!!! read more

Thanks Silvia. I was interested in a lower carb breakfast and you set me up. I was pleasantly surprised. Good job! I will definitely be stopping by again. read more