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The Abbey

4.3 (454 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Updated 2 weeks ago

The Abbey Photos

Business Info

THE ABBEY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Live music
Good for working
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - The Abbey

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Reviews With Photos

Avocado toast and the matcha sparkler
Lilith F.

Hands down my favorite coffee shop in SC. The Abbey has a relaxing vibe and is great for studying or working, the employees are nice, and the drinks are good (and I think a little less pricey than other spots in town). A lot of spots in town seem a bit hostile to students who want to study there, offering no outlets, bathrooms, or limited seating. The Abbey stands out because it invites students with all of these things, and is the perfect work spot. They even have a free pancake dinner for students working there during finals week at the end of fall term! Highly recommend the honey badger latte and the matcha sparkler, and the clear stand out for food is the avocado toast (again, best in town!).

I did not burst into flames upon entry to this holy house of God's good bean!  And the Java Chip was stupendous!
Erik N.

I did not burst into flames upon entry to this holy house of God's good bean. And the Java Chip was stupendous!

Churro cheesecake
Christine B.

A very cozy atmosphere. Lots of table space and comfy seating options. The coffee was decent, and the cheesecake was delicious. The baristas were bubbly and sweet, very personable. It has such interesting decor, I would definitely frequent this one.

Avocado egg toast
Julienne P.

Got an avocado egg toast and it was delicious except for the chili crisps and oil drizzled all over everything. I would have asked not to have it on if i had read the ingredients more closely. I just assumed it was a regular avocado egg toast but it does add a kick. Very chill ambiance here and we enjoyed a game of chess while waiting for the food and drinks. Would definitely stop by here again to have some tea coffee and breakfast/brunch when we are back in town again.

Annie T.

I love the chai latte and specialty coffee drinks, but my favorite aspect of The Abbey is the vibe. The decor is reminiscent of Harry Potter with its floating books and curled pages hanging from the ceiling and wall of books stacked into a frame for Insta. It's a warm and inviting place to hang out or study. Oh, and drink coffee! I also like the outdoor courtyard with small tables and chairs, and can't wait to be there when it's warmer.

Kelly A.

got a soy latte and ube donut here and they were both pretty standard. they also have other standard coffee drinks and food items like pastries and sandwiches. I thought the coffee tasted a little diluted and missed the mark but the vibes in the cafe were really interesting. it was well decorated with a cozy feel and very spacious so would be a great place to work or study. the staff were nice. we thought that they had the $1 off espresso or tea for yelp check in, but that actually expired last year

Lindsay G.

This was such a cute and unique coffee shop. I felt like I was in Portland ! Beautiful and creative art work and architecture. The service was also great, a lot of room to sit inside and outside. The matcha was also delicious!

Anna C.

Came here to see the flying books decoration but discovered their avocado toast, they put marinated onsen egg and some special spicy sauce on top, makes it very flavorful, and the toast is crunchy which adding layers of texture to it. Love the vibe!

Outside seating
Isobel P.

I've been coming to The Abbey since high school! It's a wonderful and cozy spot, inviting in the winter and also in the summer with its large patio. They have lots of options for drinks and something for everyone. I'm a fan of the Santa Cruz Fog (iced) for a nice pick me up when I don't want lots of caffeine. Also lots of events and things going on all the time! It's a great place and very unique. Really happy that it's still around after all these years.

Dulce G.

My sister and I were in town and we love trying local coffee shops. I looked up on Yelp close coffee shops and this one came up and caught my eye. We both ordered an iced caramel macchiato and had chicken pesto paninis and it was so good! The service was friendly and the ambiance was so great! we loved the decor and the vibe. We also loved how they had local art for sell that included prints and stickers. This coffee shop did not disappoint :)

Cute mugs.

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5 months ago

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2 months ago

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10 months ago

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6 days ago

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1 year ago

Business owner information

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Abbey C.

We're so glad you enjoyed it, Erik! Hope you can visit us again soon!

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2 years ago

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Abbey C.

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2 years ago

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Abbey C.

Thank you for visiting us, Emeline! We hope you'll come by again!

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2 years ago

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Abbey C.

Jessie! We can't wait for you to come back!

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2 years ago

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4 months ago

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1 year ago

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Abbey C.

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5 months ago

Perfect cup of cappuccino and nice staff. Attached to wonderful looking community center

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

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Abbey C.

Thanks, Jacob! Hope we get to see you again next time you're in town!

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Abbey C.

Thank you for your kind words, Hannah! We hope to see you again soon!

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5 years ago

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3 years ago

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Abbey C.

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1 year ago

Nice chill place to get a drink. Folks that work here were very friendly, excellent experience.

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Abbey C.

We are so glad you had a great visit! Be sure to come see us again!

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1 year ago

Ambiance is incredible. Great place to hang out. Yummy food options and even gluten free! Coffees are tasty.

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2 years ago

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3 years ago

Great little coffee shop! Lots of comfortable seating and space for my family of four! Good breakfast and coffee and fairly priced.

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Pricey but nice ambiance. Coffee is good but again pricey. Spent $18 on a breakfast. Not too many outlets.

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Abbey C.

We hope you'll visit us again soon!

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The Abbey Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - The Abbey

Is the patio pet friendly?

What is in the brickhouse latte and the honey badger?

Thanks for reaching out. The Brickhouse is latte with housemade caramel & vanilla. The Honey Badger is a honey cinnamon latte.

Does the WiFi have a password?

It does! Ask one of the baristas for the password. It changes every once in awhile. Thanks!

View All 4 Questions

Review Highlights - The Abbey

“I ordered the Honey Badger Latte with almond milk both times that I came here, and I love it.”

Mentioned in 9 reviews

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Moe's Alley - Stage

Moe's Alley

4.0(167 reviews)
2.8 mi
•$$

I went to Moe's for a concert it being my first time going there. The bartending staff were really…read morenice and super helpful. When I asked about purchasing a local cider they carried I was given directions to the maker, what time they opened, and who I should talk to when I get there. Now that's going above and beyond. There was a nice variety of drinks and they were delicious. I loved the layout of the venue very intimate with the stage but still tons of standing room and if you didn't want to be inside with the crowd there was a tv with the ample outside seating where you could watch the band. The bathrooms were very spacious and super clean. The little taco stand in the back was perfect too. The tacos were delicious. I wish we had a place just like Moe's in Sacramento . I will definitely come to Moe's again next time in town.

I had a very uncomfortable experience with an African American security guard at the Latino event…read more From the moment I arrived with my family, I felt singled out. He asked for my ID despite not asking any of my other family members, even though it was obvious I had arrived with them. That immediately made me question why I was being treated differently due to his tone and professionalism. Throughout the event, he continued staring me down in a way that felt intimidating and unnecessary. Then, after already announcing that there were 15 minutes left before closing, he approached me again and told me I needed to finish my drink right then. The tone and approach felt aggressive and disrespectful. I understand security has a job to do, but there is a professional and respectful way to interact with people. Instead, I left feeling targeted as a Latina, uncomfortable, and unwelcome at an event that was supposed to be about celebrating community and culture.

Photos
Moe's Alley - Inside early before the show

Inside early before the show

Moe's Alley - Bar

Bar

Moe's Alley - Stage

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Stage

The Catalyst - Dead Engine 7/20/24

The Catalyst

3.1(443 reviews)
0.5 mi
•$$

This is a Santa Cruz institution and we had the pleasure to see The Expendables in their 25th year…read moreperform an amazing show! The good stuff - The Catalyst dedicates a LOT of time to it's music but I'll just address this show since I can't speak for other nights (obviously). Lighting and sound were spot on, the crowd was TIGHT but easy to navigate as pot smoke wafted along, contact highs be damned! You get stamped to get in the door, to show you're 21, and to enter the show. 3 stamps. I guess that's thorough (they scrub off easily the next day, all good). If you don't want to get your drink on at the spot, there's Asti and The Blue Lagoon (see other reviews for those venues) that offer good prices, stiff drinks and maybe a light banter with the locals which is always pleasant. For anyone who has spent any time in big clubs, there are things you just come to accept with a venue that is always pumping out stage shows - yes, it's a little scruffy, yes, the bathrooms aren't pristine (but the doors lock, toilets are clean, ample TP and soap... what more do you want??), yes, sometimes YOU aren't going to get all the arse-kissing niceties when ordering a drink because there's an ocean of folks behind you and the bartenders are just trying to get to everyone as efficiently as possible (so please stop ordering complicated drinks or pondering when called on when it's busy). Leave the hoity-toity expectations at the door and focus on why you're there - THE MUSIC . Now get on that calendar and find a show - there is SO much to choose from and a huge dance floor to get your groove on!

Not sure why the mid reviews. I saw Silent Planet and Invent/Animate here and had a great time!…read moreCool spot right downtown, good selection of beers and it sounded great. Never had an issue getting a drink from the bartenders and the bathrooms were fairly clean. Especially for a metal show, some fans can be animals! If given the opportunity I'd definitely comeback here for a show and recommend you go if someone you want to see is playing here!

Photos
The Catalyst - The Roughies spotted at Catalyst

The Roughies spotted at Catalyst

The Catalyst - Ratburger 7/20/24

Ratburger 7/20/24

The Catalyst - Small bar in main room

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Small bar in main room

Santa Cruz Blues Festival

Santa Cruz Blues Festival

3.2(12 reviews)
1.2 mi

My husband and I went to the Santa Cruz Blues Festival on Saturday, May 25, 2013. We got to the…read moreparking area at 10:00am and took the shuttle bus to the concert. We had to wait in line for 2 hours to get in the concert. We missed the first band. When we got in the concert there weren't any spaces left to put our blanket in the main concert area. We went to the far west side near the fence and put our blanket down. As soon as we stood up to dance we were told by a security man with a blue shirt to sit down and there is "NO DANCING". I told him I wanted to speak with his supervisor because the information we got via email said bring your dancing shoes. His supervisor told me if we did not sit down he was going to throw us out of the concert. I asked if we could get a refund. He told me to go to the front gate to get the refund. I went to the front gate and was told I could not have a refund. I told two Santa Cruz police officers what happened. They said we should be able to dance. There are no rules that said no dancing. I spoke to the head of security and he said if you dance people sitting can not see the concert. We left the concert at 12:30pm because the only reason we went there was to dance, enjoy the music and see the musicians. From where we were we could not do any of these things. We have never been treated so badly at a blues festival before. We have gone to hundreds of festivals. We will never again attend this festival!

The fest was fun. It was cool to see bands that I have loved for a long time. The setting is…read morebeautiful and the sound quality was awesome. I was not a fan of having to buy food tickets to get grub. We ended up having more food tickets than we could use..LAME...And the bathrooms were horrid. But for music this place is pretty cool. Check a show out here if you get the chance.

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Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Santa Cruz Blues Festival
Santa Cruz Blues Festival

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Kuumbwa Jazz Center - Waiting for doors to open

Kuumbwa Jazz Center

4.4(74 reviews)
0.6 mi
•$$

Last night, 15JUN26, Kuumbwa once again showed why it's a world class jazz club. Jason Marsalis and…read morehis band laid down the vibe while the sold out audience dined on delicious steelhead and cherry tomato kabobs on a bed of basil pesto rice or a bowl of superb chili. Just another killer show.

Like most locals who value the performing arts, I've attended many shows here over the years. Each…read moretime I've been greeted warmly by staff and felt appreciated. A small venue, there's not a bad seat in the house, but I've found the stools just to the left of the sound mixing boards the best place to be for a complete visual and audio experience. Was no mistake these spots were the first taken on a recent night. Because the venue is small, off stage sounds are obvious and can be distracting. Therefore besides announcing the no photos/video policy, they should also remind patrons to keep conversation to an absolute minimum during the show. Same goes for the employees in the kitchen area clanking utensils - high frequency sounds are especially noticeable. And there's always one goofball who starts applauding before the song has even finished. Re the dinner plates served, quality has dropped a bit over the years. They're still good, just not great like it used to be. Quality counts since venues make their profit off food, drink, and merchandise as ticket revenue go to the artists. Their carrot cake is the bomb so save room for dessert!

Photos
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Kuumbwa Jazz Center - Photo: r.r. jones

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Photo: r.r. jones

Parish Publick House - Happy Hour's 3 tacos for $12!!!  (10 out of 10) I got 3 salmons and 1 grilled shrimp

Parish Publick House

4.0(434 reviews)
1.3 mi
•$$

We stopped by the Parish Publick House in Westside Santa Cruz while visiting our daughter, who…read moreattends college nearby. One of her roommates works here, and our daughter mentioned their ciders. My husband and I both enjoy cider, so we decided to check it out. There was only one cider available during our visit, but it turned out to be delicious. It was a canned guava chili cider. I love guava and immediately wanted to try it, initially overlooking the chili part. Luckily, the little kick wasn't overpowering at all, and I really enjoyed it. The place had a great neighborhood pub vibe and felt like a local hangout. I also loved that they showcased local artists' work on the walls. During our visit, they had beautiful stained-glass pieces, and I liked one enough to ask about buying it. Unfortunately, I learned that most of the pieces had already sold. A bummer for me, but I really appreciated seeing local artists supported this way. We had already eaten dinner and didn't need more food, but I'm a sucker for fried pickles. They served theirs as spears, and they were superb. We also ordered the garlic fries, which were easily among the top three best fries we've had in a long time. There was a generous amount of actual garlic on those fries, and we kept trying to figure out what made them taste so good. Whatever they're doing, it works. If you love garlic like our family does, these are absolutely worth ordering. The location was another plus. It's within walking distance of our daughter's place, in a shopping plaza with groceries, a pharmacy, and plenty of quick food options. Exploring the area made us feel better about her settling into the neighborhood. I'd come back for the garlic fries and fried pickles alone. Next time we visit, I hope we can arrive with more of an appetite and try more of the menu.

Parish is a great place to hang out with friends and grab a drink! I like sititng at the benches…read moreoutside with a beer and reading, or sitting indigenous with a group. The beer list always has a few alternatives to IPAd which not everywhere in town can claim! Service is always kind and quick. Though I wouldn't say their food is a highlight for me, I do like the fries! Word to the wise, do NOT come here on st. Patrick's day haha, it is a fun kind of mayhem but will take about an hour to get a beer

Photos
Parish Publick House - Inside (5/16/26)

Inside (5/16/26)

Parish Publick House - Fried artichoke hearts (6 out of 10)

Fried artichoke hearts (6 out of 10)

Parish Publick House - A signature cocktail that was delish

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A signature cocktail that was delish

The Abbey - coffee - Updated October 2026

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