The Loft is one of my favorite local coffee places because of the spaciousness, the flood of…read morenatural light (so it's perfect for working or reading), they serve local brew and local pastries, and the prices are reasonable! They even have hot foods, like breakfast sandwiches. To top it off, they employ really inclusive and inviting staff that make you feel welcome. The order line may look long when you arrive if it's morning or noon, but it always moves quickly. The only downside is the hours are sometimes shorter than I'd like, so I've sometimes come at times it's closed, so I recommend checking online before driving over to make sure they'll be open when you arrive. TIPS: - The only semi-confusing part is you pick up the food on the LEFT side of the counter and the drinks on the RIGHT side of the counter. - The extras (lids, sugar, napkins, etc) are at a little station on the right side of the counter, close to the side doors. - There are stairs leading upstairs that have limited tables and a small couch, but if you can snag seating upstairs, it's a cool space bec it'll feel more private and you get to look down at the cafe. - Sometimes Loft holds special events, so be on the look out for flyers. The space is so cute with the different types of seating and plant areas that divide up the space. There are also a few outdoor tables and chairs for those who prefer Al Fresca. Loft is located behind Cabrillo College and has lots of parking.

I had to hang out at Cabrillo for a few hours waiting for my kid and walked over to this excellent…read morecafe across from campus. I ordered the Santa Cruz fog which is an earl Grey tea why macadamia milk. It was so delicious I had to return the second day. This cafe is conveniently located for campus students. Clean and lots of seating with electric plugs for charging. There is a restroom available inside.

Great service and some mighty fine coffee. Interested in checking out some of their yummy baked…read moregoods and empanadas

Every time I'm back in town, I stop by PCR for my favorite cup of coffee. It's my best go to cup o…read moreJoe in Aptos as these folks really know how to roast and brew.

Best Chai Latte hands down! I've yet to try their "dirty chai" with a shot of espresso but word…read morehas it that it's also delish. Great customer service.

We're not from the area but visited Cat & Cloud last time we were in town and loved it. This…read morelocation is newer with plenty of parking and space inside to sit and chat. We were greeted promptly at the counter and our order--black coffee no room & a decaf oat milk vanilla latte--came up quickly. Both the coffee and espresso drink were great. We didn't order food this time, but a good selection of pastries was available. We'll be back next time we're in town.

Donnie Darko!! This…read moreis what makes the surrounding towns/ Santa Cruz unique. Living in SF we wanted to find something different and unique. We appreciated this corner coffee shop and the vibes. We even came back the next day just for Donnie Darko - if you enjoy iced coffee this is it! One of the cons of this drink is it comes only in one size; apparently a specific formula or proportion of ingredients. Would come back to this town just for this amazing coffee!

An OK place to get coffee and a pastry here in the Santa Cruz area. Definitely a bit dingier and…read moredarker than most coffeeshops, with some concerns about cleanliness - tables were sticky and there was food and crumbs on the floor around my chair before I sat down. Coffee and pastries are decent, although the pastries are priced pretty expensive. Lots of activism and messaging by the coffeeshop, which can be a plus or minus depending on your proclivities.

Here's my review even though I got a drink I couldn't drink this isn't my first time here. I love…read morethere mocha and chai. I love whatever beans they roast here and the vibe is nice. The employees are also nice. I like how they have a big patio and is a neighborly vibes. I wish there was a number I could call because I wanted to tell them about a drink today 03/15 it was way too sweet and I couldn't do it. but other than that love this place

Had a chance to try Cat & Cloud when in Santa Cruz and this is a really cute spot. Not too big but…read moreenough seats inside and outside with lots of cute art and a fun vibe. For our drink we got a mocha latte and this was really yummy. The service was fast and friendly and overall the drink was top notch. Would definitely go back to try the other drinks!

Cute coffee shop with a wonderful view!! This coffee shop…read morelocated in the Capitola Village is up stairs from margaritaville. Great selection and flavors!! Something for everyone! Was the perfect way to get a 'pick me up' to keep shopping the local shops. Serve was so fast and friendly! Don't miss out.

Great little coffee shop with great vibes and views! We've been coming to Capitola over the past 4…read moreyears or so and never knew this spot existed. We've even ate next door and had no clue. While looking for a pick me up, I saw it on maps and had to check it out. It's up a tall flight of stairs and is surprisingly larger inside than you might imagine. Lots of comfortable seating inside and tables. The rear patio is very small with a few tables, but the views are awesome if you can grab a table. I got a Brown Sugar latte and it was solid. Could have been a touch sweeter, but it was definitely a good drink. Wife tried some iced tea and kiddo got a cider. Everyone enjoyed their drinks and it was a nice spot to relax. I'll definitely grab another coffee on my next visit. Location is awesome, especially as we stayed in the village. Coffee was good, but I'll have to try a pastry next time. Give it a shot, I think you'll enjoy what they offer.

Was visiting family and wanted to buy a little something as a gift…read more Called Gayle's the morning of and ordered 4 of their pastries. The process was quick and easy. The menu is available online and they take same day orders via phone. Pickup was a little hectic as there were a lot of people in the bakery. I waited in line for a ticket and then waited for my number to be called, but found out that I could have just walked to the end of the bakery to pickup at the counter in the corner. I would probably add a sign to make it a little more obvious for those new to the bakery, nonetheless the pastries were amazing and nothing else matters. Everything was sweet but balanced with acidity or nuttiness. Great mix of textures and the crust does not fall apart even after a whole day in the fridge and being manhandled into cut portions. I'd highly recommend this place for out-of-towners, as those that live there already know it's the best.

I need everyone to close their mouth and just read…read more This place is truly a gem Someone cares about every single thing being made here's The consistency and quality of every single piece is a standout. Hubs and I loved both our Mocha and chai- right topped with fresher whipped cream- lovely beverages. Cinnamon roll- one of the best I ever had, I think it's have a bit of cardamom. Brookie- soft and chewy with a nice flavor Marionberry turnover- filling was performed but that dough is flavorful and flakey Old fashioned chocolate cake- moist and milk chocolatey Egg and bacon croissant/ bagel smashed tot breakfast sandwiches- warm and rich Ham and cheese croissant- one of my favorite things it's so good and stuffed with lots of cheese. Key like pie parfait- STFU there is no way it could be better. I have a few more items in my back seat that we have not had and I can't wait to taste them.

Really cute storefront. There's a store to the side, and a great display of pastries. I can see why…read morethey draw a crowd. Got here right after opening and took a stroll around. They were in the middle of making sandwiches, which did look appetizing. Got in line at a perfect time because it quickly grew behind me. I always go with the basics... purchased a true French baguette, and a delicious looking chocolate chip cookie. Solid 4 stars for the French baguette. Great crispy crust, nice airy inside, not dense at all. Awesome for dipping in coffee. My only downside is the price. $6 for a French baguette... why? I'm waiting to see if it gives me any super powers. As for the chocolate chip cookie... perfect example of how looks can be deceiving. I know it's all preference, but it was just a basic cookie. No sea salt added for that something extra and no browned butter to be found. Just an ordinary, overly priced cookie. Sadly, does not win a spot for my top 5. Also, the gentleman at the counter was pretty frigid. Maybe a bad morning? Perhaps that's his personality. Who knows, but I wouldn't expect much at the counter as far as hospitality goes.

1 star because they add a 3% fee for using a credit card, and don't mention it anywhere…read more Food-wise: - 5/5: The morning bun (a sticky bun) is outstanding. Ultra-caramelized goodness. - 4/5: The thumbprint cooking is very respectable.

Cute coffee and eats shop just off the 1! Charming outdoor area with seating…read more Ordered a hot latte with vanilla syrup--10/10. Perfect latte. I could taste everything without any particular flavor overpowering the others. Also got the Works Burrito for $16, which includes chorizo and avocado. I think it's a good price point. The burrito is huge so I shared with my boyfriend. He also had the breakfast bagel which he enjoyed. Picked up an extra bagel to-go and sped off. Great stop to make when passing through Santa Cruz.

Fast & friendly service. Limited parking but places to sit outside. Simple and quaint decor. Best…read morefor to-go and pick up orders. My favorite bagel sandwich is the kitchen sink on an everything bagel. The bagel is perfectly crisp, warm and soft on the inside while being cooked all the way through. Really a treat. Pricey, but worth the splurge.

First time trying this place out we went here based on the yelp reviews…read more Over it was great we had hot Mexican chocolate pie first day and then blueberry muffins the second day . Service is great, but I felt the portion size of the pie was a bit small for a $36. Also, the crust was too sweet, a bit sugary. The blueberry muffins were great. I'll be back to try the pizza next time .

This is a favorite stop when we go to Rio del Mar. I love how there is a parking lot for the beach,…read moreand you can easily get breakfast (bagels, coffee, pastries) or lunch (pizza!). We try to go early to avoid 17 traffic and to get a parking spot. Then we can spend the morning and early afternoon at the beach while enjoying hot, fresh food. My husband loves the Mexican hot chocolate pie and he usually gets an extra slice to bring home.