Fantastic food as a daily driver for ucsb students. LOVE the rosemary garlic fries and the incredibowl (one of the only vegan options at restaurants I've found DELICIOUS). Great prices (no need to tip), friendly staff, and the food is pretty fast too. Pretty loud and stuffy inside so not exactly my cup of tea but the outdoor seating is very nice (some tables outside have umbrellas too) read more

This is a nice place. There are various options for quick bites, drinks, & snacks. The line does get pretty long but moves by fast. The workers are really accommodating & sweet. Plenty of area to sit outside for studying/eating & some space inside as well. Gochujang bowl: 3/10 I didn't expect much since these are student chefs & obviously they don't specialize in the meals they make. They used the same chicken from the arroz con pollo dish & added kimchi, kale, "pickled" veggies and rice. weird combination because the flavors cancel out. If you want a meal just order the arroz con pollo. There was also no gochujang paste at all. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Gochujang bowl - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I enjoy that we have a place on campus with a good rice bowl! Also I learned what a red eye coffee is at this place. That had me up for the whole day probably read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Gochujang bowl - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I came in this morning at around 9:50 after my math lecture. There's a 10 minute window in between my math and econ lecture which are both in Campbell, so I came here for a large, plain hot coffee. When I paid for my order it was around 9:52 ish and, being a plain hot coffee, I'd expect it to come out right after I ordered because all you have to do is pour it. They had me stuck waiting for it until I went up to the cashier again at 9:58 to see how much longer it would take for the plain coffee to come out. The workers who were making drinks were talking and socializing while hardly doing any drink making, let alone pouring my coffee, and when I went up they (two workers) were looking at me as if I was insane. They left it to the cashier to be the one to pour the hot coffee and serve it to me. Only after the cashier found it the cafe was out of dark roast, offering me decaf, then light roast. I took the light roast. I got my hot- now light roast- coffee after nearly 10 minutes of waiting. This place fucking sucks. You spend your whole time watching workers talk to each other while your order is waiting to be made and they look at you when you complain about how long something as simple as a hot coffee took. Y'all need to fix your work environment because it is the most unprofessional space I have ever seen. read more

The girl who served me on register, Audra, had the most uplifting attitude, even on this groggy Friday during finals week! She gave wonderful suggestions and made a positive impact on my stressful day. I will be enjoying the yummy Bounty Bowl at the library. Shout out coral tree and Audra!FIVE STARS!!! Employee of the month in the making read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Bounty Bowl with avo - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I really struggled with this review because I have so many feeling about what's going on. 1. The staff are really sweet and fun to talk too especially Caroline; she gave me a thoughtful recommendation and I really enjoyed the chicken and warm brown rice. 2. The air condition is a god send. Now for the negatives: 3. They no longer sell parfaits. :( 4. They no longer sell noodles. :( :( 5. They no longer sell a lot things I'm just now noticing. Budget cuts or something, I understand the struggle but still. Anyways, I'll be back just a little adjusting to become used to all the changes. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - a salad with avocado and tortillas - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Coral tree's food is a solid three. Their food is just alright for on campus food and its convenient location makes it a nice place for a quick on campus snack! I've included a photo of the refrigerated breakfast wrap that I microwaved at the front of the shop. It was just potatoes, eggs, and cheese. The potato's were pretty mushy, and the only flavor present was some salt. Again, just a solid three with meh food. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Breakfast burrito - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Products evaluated: Fiesta Bowl - scrambled eggs, Pico di gallo, soybeans (?), fried potatoes Price: $8 [Mark: 77 , Grade: C+] Environment and Hygiene: A rather relaxing ambiance in the morning, but the steel chairs were really uncomfortable. 7.5/10 Portion: Massive for a breakfast!! 15/15 Taste: Satisfactory overall. The potatoes were nicely fried and were soft but the scrambled eggs were very dry. The pico di gallo was a creative addition to the dish. Unfortunately, the slight bitterness and weird texture of the soybean ruined the dish. An interesting combination that did not work out well. 34/50 Service: The food was quickly prepared but the service was unfortunately rather mediocre. 11.75/15 Value: Acceptable. 8.75/10 read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The Asian BBQ chicken salad is one of the best meals I can get on campus. The dressing and chicken are delicious and ingredients always fresh. I was starving after lab today so I went to go get my favorite salad. I waited in a long line, waited about 10-15 minutes for my food, which is fine because it was busy. I paid about $11 for this salad, I was so excited to dig in. YALL GAVE ME MAPLE SYRUP INSTEAD OF THE DRESSING. I assumed I got the right dressing and my first bite tasted like a lettuce pancake. Now I'm just sad and Lowkey still hangry even though the chicken banged. Pls make sure you're giving out the right dressings, maple syrup definitely doesn't compliment the Asian bbq salad well. read more

Favorite place on campus to grab a coffee! Supervisor Verity especially is so thoughtful and always there for whatever I need. 10/10 recommend!! read more

Verity made the BEST iced vanilla latte. Sweetest staff too, everyone was very friendly. I will be coming back!

I've came here before and got the breakfast quinoa bowl with dates and honey and it was delicious. I came back again this week though, and wow, was I blown away by the bounty bowl. It had roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pickled onions and kale over quinoa. It was probably the best meal I've ever eaten on campus. And it's vegan! Staff are always super friendly too. There is outdoor seating, but there are not many group tables, so definitely plan for that around peak lunch hour. read more

I never thought I was the kind of person who'd write a review for a campus cafe, but here I am. In my opinion, Coral Tree and Santorini's are the best places to eat on campus, especially if you want fresh food. I come here because they have a flattop, fresh soups, and a deep fryer. The order is the same every time -- a breaded chicken sandwich with fries for $5.80. Everything else is pretty meh, with the exception of the soup. You can find their daily soup menu on Instagram at @ucsbsoupguy, which includes some good clam chowders and even Japanese ramen. How long it takes to get the food from the grill varies. On the bright side, they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to wait at, but it can be incredibly annoying when all you want to do is grab your lunch and run back to your office. The line is confusing -- you order on the side for foods, order on the opposite side for drinks (do you make the tea first, or do you order first?), then you pay at the register. You don't get taxed if you're a student. The convenience store section is very small, so I suggest running to the Arbor for your snack needs. Visa and Mastercard only. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Breaded chicken sandwich with fries. - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The food at the Coral Tree has improved substantially in the last few years. The Arroz Con Pollo is so good and the cilantro lime dressing is so flavorful. Everyone is so nice! I look forward to getting at least one per week. read more

All of their drinks contain some type pf powder. Powdered chai anyone? (How hard is it to brew chai?). The whip is store-bought. The drinks are 7-11 quality, but cost $5. So disappointing. Also, the cashier girl killed me when she told me a "latte" is milk only.... Really?.... Some people amaze me. On the other hand, I ate a $5 veggie stir-fry which was overpriced but edible. I miss Berkeley. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Crappy blended chai vanilla latte.... Aka sugar, calories and chemicals. - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

See all

This is the best place to eat on campus hands down. As someone who literally came here twice a week every week of my fourth year, I can confirm that there is probably no better option on campus for a quick bite. My favorite is the garden burger (which I have yet to find a better one near me) and the soups that rotate flavors daily. The UCSB soup guy's soups are truly an undiscovered gem of UCSB. Also, I think there is a buy one get one or some sort of half off towards the last half hour of opening time. The only downside is that the seating isn't exactly ideal, but that's fine as I usually wasn't there for more than two hours anyway. read more

When you are on the beautiful UC Santa Barbara Campus and you're just not in the mood to head down to the food court and get lost in the crowd....escape to the quiet and cozy coral tree cafe!!! It is a little further down towards the Students Affair Building and the enormous Campbell Hall and is nestled between lovely red coral trees. They sell the typical Coffees and iced drinks as well as hot breakfast,baked goods, hot lunch, soups, sandwichs, and salads. A nice getaway within the busy school. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - people sitting at tables under umbrellas - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

All the workers there are phenomenal! I've have had many great experiences! I hope they hire more people to support those already working. I love their matcha! read more

Coral Tree Cafe doesn't get as much praise as it should. First of all they usually have combination deals. I mainly go because its the only place on campus that I've seen that has deals on coffee. I go for the lemon poppy seed muffins and coffee. For some reason the coffee at the Arbor just tastes off most of the time. LIke its a little watery or just a little sour. I don't know its just off. Coral Tree is definitely my early morning pick me up breakfast destination on campus. Coffee and muffin for 2.50. You save 90 cents. Haha I know its a little savings, but if you go every few days like me it adds up. In fact I'm eating a lemon poppy seed muffin as I'm typing this right now. Lemon poppy seed muffins has to be one of the greatest things in the world. next to s__ and freedom... I've also had the burgers and they're a nice change up from the other places on campus. Definitely try the fries if you go for lunch. read more

Coral Tree Cafe - Lemon poppy seed muffin and coffee for 2.50 - Cafes Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The older manager lady is rude, acts like she hates her life and has 0 customer service. Also everything is expensive not surprising since he whole campus up charges everything.. read more

I found about this place last year and I immediately fell in love. I go here every time for food when I am on campus. I have tried all of their burgers and every single one of them was delicious. I personally like their fish and chips a lot. I would also recommend chicken fingers. I think this place is relatively healthy. They have stir fry as well for those organic food lovers. And the price? $5-$8! read more

A bit underrated honestly, sure their coffee isn't amazing but it's also a great value, it costs about half of what starbucks charges for their coffee. Inside seating is usually full but outside seating is fine. What I really liked was the breakfast burrito, I'll have to try more of their food menu to make a complete judgement but the burrito was pretty good. read more

I work at UCSB so I stop here frequently for coffee, small snacks, or sometimes for a full on lunch. The great part of Coral Tree is that they do a bit of everything... they are a coffee shop/convenience store/breakfast place/lunch place/study spot all rolled into one. You can get packaged snacks and meals (chips, granola bars, yogurts, cold bottled drinks, salads, wrapped cold sandwiches, etc.) on one end and prepared food on the other end. You get in line, order what you want, and then move to the next register to pay. Then you get a number and they bring it right out to you whether you're inside or outside. Their lunch menu has the staples: salads, sandwiches, soups, pitas, burritos, stir fry choices, etc. If it's the lunch rush, be prepared to wait a bit. For what it is this place is reasonably priced, has a large enough menu to satisfy pretty much everyone, and suits many needs. Tips: They ask you if you are a UCSB student, and I think this might be a small discount i.e. not having to pay tax. If you bring your lunch they are totally cool with you sitting at their outdoor tables. If you drink coffee here a lot get a frequent flyer card. They stamp it every time you get a coffee (it only works on coffee, unfortunately) and ten stamps equals a free coffee. Breakfast is served from 7:30-10am. read more

This is the only place on campus I can eat. If its past 3pm then I just get snacks at the arbor or corner store. I always get the chicken burrito. ALWAYS. Breakfast is good but ends at 10:15ish Food Stops at 3:00 Coffee stops at 5:00 or earlier What pisses me off: -They are ALWAYS out of a key ingredient or something. Rice, chicken, pita, cheese, bacon, cups, straws, napkins.... this is without a doubt and happens daily. But I still come all the time. If they're out of chicken then I get tri tip, if they're out of something else then I go to the arbor and buy the premade burritos. not as good but get the job done. -Huge groups of people that are touring the campus think they can just come in and take over the place. This place can hardly handle the daily traffic let alone a bunch of noobs that don't know how to order. (if you want hot food go to the window with the food next to the soup and they'll take your order, if not then go straight to the registers for coffee or to buy chips etc) read more

Cozy and friendly place to grab a coffee, or lunch from their small food section (grill and kitchen currently closed). Coffee is great, wide selection of snacks and drinks. Great outdoor seating and plenty on indoor seating. Only one outlet outside. Super friendly staff and easy environment to study in read more

Only come here if you want a breakfast burrito. They pretty good! too bad they stop serving them after 10:30 am. I don't recommend eating any of the other food they make, it ranges from gross to disgusting. definitely not worth your money read more

Cool, tucked away spot on UCSB campus. Nice vegan and GF options. I just love coral trees -- great selection of beverages -- Kombucha, teas and coconut water. French fries looked really good. Seemed like a spot I'd frequent if I went to UCSB -- but I'm a GATOR -- SFSU !!! read more

Yeah... nope. I really don't like the fact that no one knows how to make a decent cup of coffee. I even ended up switching to vanilla chai, and the powder they used was caked to the bottom of the cup. The fryer is also broken at the moment, so you can't order fries which is basically the only reason why I'd come here for lunch. If only there were better places to get coffee on this campus.... read more

I eat at Coral Tree nearly every day. As another reviewer suggested, it is very much a "regulars' place" and if one doesn't know the system, it can be very frustrating for both the newbie and for the regulars. Anyway, considering the challenge of fresh food on campus, Coral Tree does a nice job. Basically, one can go to the UCEN for a few different Fast Food joints and a deli and a salad bar, Engineering for cafeteria style, or one can go to the Arbor for a lot of takeaway sandwiches (or the stands outside of the Arbor with pretzels, hotdogs, burritos, and pizza), or one can go to Coral Tree. Coral Tree has premade sandwiches and salads that aren't too bad, and are affordable. I like the California Veggie. There are also snacks like veggies and fruit. But the Coral Tree also has a pretty good grill - burritos, burgers, etc. as well as pitas and soups. There are also pastries, bagels, and fresh fruit. There is also coffee and espresso drinks. The service isn't slow, but it isn't fast either, especially at lunch time. Coming right before or right after the noon hour is a good idea. Although, as another reviewer mentioned, they frequently run out of primary ingredients. But, it is in a good location, is affordable, and is reasonably fresh. So it is. read more

Do you need to be a student to buy things at this cafe? The blonde girl thought this was the most prudent question to ask this Gaucho when I went inside to buy an energy drink. First and last time I buy anything here. And I'll continue highlighting each and every micro aggression aimed toward me by making them all public. read more

I love this place! As a UCSB student, this is always a relaxing and upbeat place to study and/or get a bite to eat! They have a HUGE variety of food, snacks, and drinks and you can definitely get a meal for under $10. They also have multiple vegan/vegetarian options. My FAV is the garden burger with a side of fries, always puts me in a better mood after a loooong day on campus! Fresh fluffy whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions, and a hot veggie patty mmmmmmm. The workers are always friendly and it can get really busy in there yet they are always quick! read more

I've eaten at this Coral Tree Cafe twice. The first time, I ordered the vegetarian chicken burrito which was only okay. It lacked flavor, but I love that they offer vegetarian meat alternatives. Feeling hungry before work, I decided to pick up something to eat to-go this morning. I ordered a side of breakfast potatoes, and continued on my way. I've just opened my side of potatoes only to find that they aren't really breakfast potatoes, they're just like mini steak fries. Not my idea of a good on the go breakfast. They do taste good, but the title "breakfast potato" is kind of misleading if they're just going to serve you french fries instead. I'd normally give this place two stars because I just wasn't overly impressed, but I feel they deserve one more star because they offer a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Overall, Coral Tree Cafe is a great place for vegetarians and vegans who want to eat somewhere close by on campus. If you're craving rich flavor, I'd suggest going somewhere else. read more

The manager, Carlos, makes this place run better than any other restaurant on campus. It's personable, energetic and well-managed. Thanks Carlos & Staff. read more

They need a reminder on health code information. Just saw a worker take out trash then go to help run food and take orders without changing gloves or washing their hands. read more

I eat here pretty regularly and I think it's one of the better places on campus, although it does have its flaws. First, I like that it's a sit-down restaurant (rare on college campuses!), but you can also get takeout or choose from ready-made sandwiches and salads, etc. The service is pretty darn slow, especially at peak hours, so time your trips carefully. I also have to say that the layout isn't the best--there's no good waiting place for to-go orders, and it's really confusing if it's your first time there. The food ranges from gross to great, depending on what you get: avoid the stir-fry at all costs, but the BLT is decent, and the chicken pita is pretty good. Oh, and the fries are ADDICTIVE. Don't bother coming here if you're in much of a hurry, but it's a nice place to go and sit outside (or inside!) with a book or with friends if you're looking for a chance of pace. read more

Slow slow slow!! And they often get my order wrong. But, they have a monopoly on this side of campus, and have no incentive to perform.

I ordered a hot chocolate and it tasted like hot water sprinkled with coco powder. I don't know how you mess up powder hot chocolate! I had 1 sip and threw it away read more

Eggs are OK but the bacon is the WORST bacon I've ever had: tough and barely any detectable salt. I had to actually salt the bacon.

I got the garden burger here with swiss cheese. Cost me under $5. I've had my fair share of veggie burgers, and this one was pretty good! They even gave it to me with a whole wheat bun. Service was super friendly, and the ambiance was relaxing. I would definitely come back. read more

The perfect spot for a lunch or coffee break on campus. The sandwiches and fries are delicious! They also have the usual snacks and coffee menu that they sell at the Arbor. You can even bring your own lunch and take a seat wherever (plenty of outdoor seating)! read more