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    Genes

    3.4 (19 reviews)
    Closed 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Genes Photos

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    They are always closed or "on break".

    I have attempted to go to this coffee shop twice in the last week, but they are never there. They must not be looking for business, since they always have this sign up. Won't be going by again.

    Probably the best coffee place in Santa Monica! Super friendly staff! I'm so happy I found you guys! I got a Vanilla ice latte

    Great service highly recommend stopping by and trying these delicious Açaí Bowl loving the fresh fruit thank you Kimberly

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    8 months ago

    Helpful 6
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    Photo of Sam K.
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    2 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

    Service was great and the coffees were excellent.. made us a lovely flat white and an almond milk latte

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    0
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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brandon S.

    Brandon S.

    Helpful 0
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    Photo of Ashley S.
    254
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    1 year ago

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    714
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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
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    Photo of Kerry K.
    32
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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Brandon S.

    Brandon S.

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    1 year ago

    Really disrespectful did not feel welcomed the drinks were disgusting. Yeah if I could rate it as zero, I would.

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    Photo of Jose S.
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    2 years ago

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    503
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    2 years ago

    Amazing vibe, great drinks -- great spot to pop in if you're in Santa Monica. Matcha latte is 10/10

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Genes

    Review Highlights - Genes

    Weird reasons to rate a coffee place...

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden

    Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden

    4.7
    (158 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We got Persian blend black tea iced. So tasty, a perfect…read morelate morning pick me up. Excellent fuel for your tour of Montana street. The spinach and mushroom empanada was delicious and well filled, and dairy free! Wonderful seasoning and baked to perfection.

    This was my second time visiting Buena Vida, and it won't be my last! Walking into the back patio…read morefeels like stepping into a secret garden - quaint, peaceful, and utterly charming. The cottagecore lover in me was screaming internally at the perfectly cozy and beautiful ambiance. My friend and I met up for afternoon tea over the weekend and had made a reservation in advance, so we were promptly greeted and seated. Parking in the area isn't too bad; there is metered parking on Montana, but I've been lucky with finding residential street parking both times. My friend and I weren't super hungry, so we split an afternoon tea set, which ended up being the perfect amount of food. The set came with 3 sandwiches, 1 empanada, 1 scone with clotted cream and jam, and 3 sweet treats, as well as a tea blend of our choice. Our waitress recommended the Persian blend and noted that it was the most popular option. I was a little hesitant at first since I don't like ginger, but she reassured me that the ginger wasn't too prominent and that the flavors were well balanced. We ended up going with her suggestion, and she was right: it was deliciously earthy with a hint of spice. All 3 sandwiches were delicious, but my favorite savory pastry was hands down the empanada. The minced chicken filling was both tender and well-seasoned, which perfectly blended with the buttery and flaky crust. I liked that they provided chimichurri on the side for dipping! I enjoyed all of the sweet pastries as well and was particularly impressed with how rich and fudgy the brownie was. We devoured just about every last crumb of the set! Throughout the afternoon, our server stopped by routinely to check in and refill our teapot, and I appreciated her warm demeanor. At around $60, the price is a tad bit steep (especially since people usually order 1 set per person), but I don't think it's unreasonable for the experience and the area. I'm glad we were able to split a set, and my friend and I both had a lovely afternoon here. Until next time!

    Photos
    Afternoon tea ($50pp)
    Afternoon tea ($50pp)
    Buena Vida Tea Bar & Garden
    Back patio seating

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    Back patio seating
    Kavahana

    Kavahana

    4.7
    (266 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$$
    Romantic vibe
    Pet friendly

    kavahana: won a giveaway a long time ago and finally got to try it. they actually recently opened a…read morelocation in hollywood but we were by santa monica this day so went to the og location. first time trying kava nectar and it was such a unique experience. we got the mango lassi w 2 shots of the kava nector and mango matcha w 2 shots as well. the kava nectar doesnt rlly effect the taste of the drink but u can def feel it. my tongue got alittle tingling after a few sips and i felt the relaxing affect a few mins in. felt like being tipsy without any of the bad alcoholic effects. but my friend didnt rlly feel it so everyones tolerance is different‍ also fun fact: kava nectar has a reverse tolerance effect so the next time you drink it the less you need to frel the same effect. overall p cool experience! highly recommend trying kava nectar atleast once!

    was just looking for a smoothie spot and ended up finding such a unique place -- a Hawaiian bar…read moreserving kava nectar drinks Honestly, I didn't even know what kava was before this. Turns out it's a relaxing non-alcoholic drink with a very unusual effect -- I felt a slight numbness on my tongue The bar itself was clean, atmospheric, and super cozy, the drink was actually really tasty, and the service was absolutely amazing. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. If you want to try something different and unique, this place is definitely worth visiting!

    Photos
    Coconut cups with coconut water
    Coconut cups with coconut water
    Strawberry matcha, mango lassi nectar, paradise nectar, o.g. kava nectar, soupless island ramen, bread pudding, and li hing olives
    Strawberry matcha, mango lassi nectar, paradise nectar, o.g. kava nectar, soupless island ramen, bread pudding, and li hing olives
    The Santa Monica Songwriter's Open Mic every Tuesday in the Kavahana Santa Monica patio

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    The Santa Monica Songwriter's Open Mic every Tuesday in the Kavahana Santa Monica patio
    Layla Bagels & Coffee

    Layla Bagels & Coffee

    4.3
    (832 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    A spot worth checking out! Parking is actually not bad, I'd say you can find a spot within 2…read moreblocks. The best part of this place is the SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY. The line to order goes by super quick, and you get your food and drink super fast too. Theres a few indoor seating and some outdoor patio tables. The turnover of tables is pretty quick. I got the bacon egg and cheese because I wanted something warm. I loved the fluffy egg and the spicy aioli sauce.

    Laila's is a cool little bagel and coffee shop in Santa Monica. The staff was friendly, despite…read morebeing incredibly busy, and worked hard to keep orders moving efficiently. They offer a few seasonal specialty drinks, including the Carrot Cake Latte, which was absolutely delicious--it really tasted like drinking a slice of carrot cake. The bagels are freshly baked with a great variety to choose from, and you can actually smell the bread baking in the back when you walk in. The blueberry bagel with blueberry compote was outstanding and one of our favorites. We ordered a large spread of bagels, heirloom tomatoes, vegetables, and accompaniments for a pre-wedding "getting ready" brunch with the bride and bridal party. Everything was beautifully packaged and ready for pickup on time, complete with utensils, napkins, and everything we needed to serve and enjoy the meal. The food was fresh, flavorful, and perfect for our special occasion. We'd definitely order from Laila's again when we're in Santa Monica.

    Photos
    The interior
    The interior
    The egg Sammy
    The egg Sammy
    THE SCARLETT

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    THE SCARLETT

    Genes - cafes - Updated July 2026

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