Very nice corner coffee shop in the tiny village of Soquel, California. Ultra-clean, everyone complying with covid-19 policies. Convenient parking. Fast very friendly service. Nice bathroom, also very clean. Coffee tastes great. read more

No wifi. This is not a place to bring your computer! Ordered a snack, sat down, asked for the wifi password and was told they don't have wifi with no explanation. Makes me think if it is to cut costs. They have wifi for their internals bc I see it on the wifi list...just feel a bit disappointed bc I see in old reviews that this is a good place to get work done and yelp still says that they have wifi. They should update their page...felt like I wasted my trek here and that left a bad first impression. That being said, the lemon bar I had was quite tasty and it seems like this spot is frequented regularly by locals. read more

Coffee ended up being pretty good. Could be a bit stronger. I'll be sure to stop in again. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

This is honestly the best place in the world. Especially if you love coffee. It's so kid friendly and just divine. Everyone is welcome and that's what makes it so special. The owner is a doll. The drinks are divine and just perfect. We are so lucky to have you. Thank you for being here. read more

Fun and unpolished quirky coffee house. Great small staff, helpful and they work fast but still seem calm and friendly. The decor is super eclectic but warm and comfortable. Looks like locals to me coming in and out, and it's right across from my church. Pastries are very good, read more

My hubby and found this gem and absolutely loved it! we will be back. Ice cream and a shot of espresso.....yum! The owner and staff really know how to provide outstanding customer service! read more

The Ugly Mug - The Affogato (espresso and ice cream) and Hazelnut blended drink! soooo delish! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Best coffee in Santa Cruz. The atmosphere is amazing and the staff are so friendly. Perfect place to meet for coffee or study for classes. Great live music shows and open mic is on Monday nights. read more

Saw a concert here. Nice intimate concert space. Good sound. No bad seats. Great coffee and food stuffs. There is also beer. Staff were very friendly. Lots of street parking, and a lot in back. Unfortunately, it has a tiny, non ADA toilet... so be aware if you're in a wheelchair. read more

It was solid but the vanilla latte didn't have a ton of vanilla flavor. The vegan croissant was good, but should be a little crispier on the outside. The workers were very nice tho! read more

Needed some coffee before plant shopping in Santa Cruz, I came across this nice coffee house. Parking was easy for us hence we came around 11 am on a weekday. Such a cute interior, they had paintings from local artists for sale which was refreshing to see. The cashier was very friendly and made the environment comfortable. I have trust issues when it comes to coffee, my go to order is a vanilla latte with half and half, you can never go wrong! Their coffee tastes great, it's on the bitter side which I favor very much. My boyfriend got the mr John Nastly which comes with 5 espresso shots and 3 different chocolates. This drink was made for my bf, he's such a feen for espresso. If you're in town and craving coffee this is a perfect place to stop by! read more

The Ugly Mug - Outside - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

The ugly mug coffee house has been a Soquel staple for a long time It's a small place and currently because of covid-19 only have outdoor seating.My brother and I came here this morning .He ordered coffee and a breakfast burrito and I ordered a hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin.The service is really good. read more

See all

The coffee was amazing paired with delicious pastry. I had the hot version of the Donnie Darko... delicious and my husband had a dark roast drip, I am assuming it was good because he finished his coffee before me. Then again, I like to take my time and enjoy every sip of a good cup of coffee. The staff super friendly. The place has a cool vibe. I would definitely visit again when I'm in the area and you should too! You won't be disappointed. read more

We were among a fortunate group to see Anthony and Mira Goto perform here a few weeks ago. What a great venue and spot to come to, whether for music or just to hang out with strangers and friends over a great cup of coffee. The owner could not have been more welcoming and made everyone feel like family. We loved the vibe of this coffeehouse and were delighted by the wide range of refreshment selections available to customers...coffees, teas, ice cream, ice cream sodas, pastries, smoothies, egg creams, etc, It is easy to tell that the the owner has his heart invested in this business. If we lived closer, this would be our daily stop for coffee and conversation. The coffee was absolutely delicious, and you could not find a more warm and friendly business owner. read more

Came in visiting from Stockton, CA...a friend told the wife and me about this spot... we were in the neighborhood and decided to drop by...very satisfied...with EVERYTHING...that's me in the picture...great service...along with great coffee...equals a great experience... read more

The Ugly Mug - Front as we entered - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

See all

I was here with my daughter and she ordered a cheese and ham croissant. She specifically asked if it was made with nuts. She is highly allergic. They said no. She took one bite and immediately felt her throat closing. We ended up in the emergency room and they had to give her an epinephrine shot. She could have died from the allergic reaction. My bill was 9,222.00. I called to speak to manager and never returned my calls. This is so wrong in so many ways. My rating would be -a billion times!! read more

Pastries good Coffee Awesome! Many other options to try out. Would I come back again? YES!!!

Love Love Love this place. Such a wonderful vibe. Great staff, amazing coffee options and I appreciate so much the instructions to connect in person and get off of the electronic devices. Both indoor and outdoor seating areas were great. Wish they were closer!! read more

Fun, properly funky coffee shop/cafe with great service in the quaint village of Soquel. Spotted it when I passed through on my way to a friend's beach house and made a point of stopping by on my way back through at week's end. If you like a frothy mocha drink, try their house specialty - coconut oil blended with their house coffee and add mocha (or chocolate sauce for a completely dairy-free option). read more

Cute kitschy atmosphere. Warm, friendly employees. Yummy coffee & delicious bear claws & chocolate croissants. We'll be sure to make a stop here whenever we're in town. read more

Cool little local spot. Little sumn sumn was delightful as well as the witch hazel. Cool fish tank for the kiddos to stare at.

Steve and team make the best dry cappuccino in Santa Cruz county. (And I like 'em DRY). Add to this great pastries, Discretion Beer (!) and , COVID-allowing, amazing live music. The staff is kind and caring and is welcoming to all. This is exactly the kind of small business that makes a town a community and deserves your support during these difficult time. There are 9 other coffee shops closer to my home. I drive the extra mile(s) for the Ugly Mug! read more

I haven't been back here for years but, it's still just as amazing as it was years ago. Not because it's fancy and pretentious, but because it's the complete opposite. Super chill and friendly staff, amazing coffee, and a laid back atmosphere where you can relax, get some work done, or just catch up with an old friend. This time I got the cappuccino with almond milk. Before I even got my coffee they said they can remake it with soymilk to make it sweeter if I didn't like it. They always make great recommendations and the coffee menu is so unique and delicious. The coffee is always smooth and bold. I also had a great breakfast of steel cut oats with peanut butter and maple syrup, and a vegan burrito. I already miss this place and I can't wait until I come back again. Make sure to check out any special drinks and look out for local events happening at the shop. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

This is the first yelp review I've ever done so I feel sort of ridiculous in the fact that I'm writing a yelp review. BUT, A coffee shop that doesn't allow you to use their Wi-Fi is even more ridiculous. I went in, set up my computer at table went to get a drink for here... after I go up to pick up my drink I asked them what the Wi-Fi is and they tell me they don't give out the Wi-Fi password. It's a coffee shop. That's literally why I have my computer set up. So I now I have to drink this coffee and go somewhere else to buy another one., I can't now go to another coffee shop with this coffee in my hand. I have to go to a place down the street and buy a new coffee so I can sit there and use their Wi-Fi. I was a barista for five years, so what sort of coffee shop doesn't allow you to use Wi-Fi. This is absurd don't go there if you're planning on hanging out to get work done. read more

Came here with some friends to check out their Open Mic Night. (Have never been to one in my life) Staff were great, menu selection is great and the owner is wonderful. Cute little place to get a drink, snack and watch the local talent. Truly a really good time. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

We stop here on long rides for a coffee and pastry. Always friendly and the quality is good. Coffee is fresh and strong - I get a drip. It is also the perfect spot to hang and get a feel for Soquel and life over the hill. Local, cool, chill. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Had a great experience! Ordered a decaf witch hazel, a brownie, and a slice of quiche. The lady (owner?) and the young man (her son?) there was very welcoming and accommodating. We liked the drink souch, we went back for a second one before returning home to the bay area. read more

See all

i was looking for a new coffee shop to study at and found "the ugly mug" on yelp. right off the bat, i was greeted by the owner steve and a barista (i forgot their name unfortunately!) who gave me great recommendations and their undivided attention. i ended up getting the "donnie darko" and it was super rich and delicious! steve even gave me a free drink card since i told him it was my first time which was so thoughtful. i really enjoyed studying here, as it had a really chill coffeehouse vibe. people were doing work, having conversations, playing card games... it was such a wholesome vibe. and it was such a great place for me to finish my work - it also helped that they are open until 8pm! the next day i came to use my free drink card and to my surprise the barista remembered my name! i was so surprised and impressed. i would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a nice, chill place to work with great tasting coffee. read more

The Ugly Mug - the "donnie darko" and the free drink card that steve gave me! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Cute little place for coffee. The owner (I think) was at the cashier and was nice to recommend us some of their drinks. While my husband tried their chai tea latte, I Went with cappuccino. Chai latte wasn't that great but my cappuccino was awesome. Would definitely stop by again when I visit. Another thing that's nice about this place is the effort they are taking to eliminate use of plastic, which is very thoughtful. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

I Seriously Love This Place!! Out of all the cafes in the Santa Cruz/Los Gatos Area I've been to, this place takes the cake. The atmosphere, the ice cream (for my daughter), the unique cold coffee drinks (for my husband), the delish espresso (+ sparkling water that they serve it with), and the always super friendly staff is a great combination for seriously such a cool little place. Love coming here!! read more

The Ugly Mug - Double espresso with complimentary sparkling water - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Highly recommend the Donnie Darko, it was so good. Cute little coffee shop, but removing one star due to no wifi - kind of unheard of for a coffee shop. read more

This place is great all the people that work there are hard-working and nice. If you are a chai fan they have probably the best chai I've had in town. I also really like the bear claw. read more

Quaint and quiet neighborhood coffee spot with good assortment of fresh pastries. The ham cheese and egg croissant is a must. The Greek quiche was pretty good, but not my favorite. The interior is cozy and has plenty of solid tables/chairs for working or socializing. Christmas decorations everywhere, friendly customers and staff, and good coffee! Bring a cup and save 50 cents :) -@lebowfit read more

See all

I'm stopping here while out and about on a mini-road trip. I love the funky vibe and pastry options. The drink options are also creative. Larry's Chai is made from loose leaf tea, and is delicious. There's some chill acoustic music in the background, it's basically like stopping and getting coffee in the sixties. I'll definitely come back. read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Very, very disappointed in the ugly mug, this used to be my favorite stop in the area, after a long absence i came in to order a cortado and the girl gave me a poor espresso shot with just a weak steamed milk. This is not a cortado. (See attached picture) This is espresso with steam milk. I could have saved my money ordering a shot of espresso and pouring in milk from a pitcher. I tried to explain what it is and how it should be and she tried to explain that an espresso with any kind of foam is machiatto and i said no, she then said it was a cappuccino, i also said no, i said a cortado should be equal parts espresso to micro foam in a 4 oz glass typically, i gave had good ones here before, but this girl seemed to be not interested, in fact it took me a few minutes to get her attention from her other tasks she was doing. I told her that what she made me is not the drink i ordered. I tried to tell her how the foam and milk need to combine and actually make a delicious drink. She seemed adamant in telling me How I was wrong and this is how Steve told her to make them. After being a long time customer, it will be a long time before i come again. sad day today. I used to love coming here. read more

The Ugly Mug - My supposed cortado on Friday, 5/22. This is how she said she was told to make them from Steve, i highly doubt that. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Such an amazing place Great energy good coffee and it's cozy and warm. The stuff is friendly And they have some nights open stage evenings and you get like 10-15 ukulele playing together and singing! Amazing read more

See all

This place is quaint and amazing, extremely kind and friendly woman at the counter. Sorry I didn't get her name. I ordered vanilla latte and paid with Apple Pay super convenient . Good place to study or work. I would recommended and will be back again. read more

The Ugly Mug - Vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

See all

Great service, great coffee, awesome atmosphere. I come here whenever I'm in capitola village and I'm never disappointed read more

I went to this place and ordered a iced coffee and I got mostly cream and milk and a little bit of coffee.

This it's exactly the place I've been searching for this last week of vacation. For me, the tests in every community I visit are their preferred coffee and their most highly toutrd morning pastry. The last three shots in the Capitola/Santa Cruz tour can't hold a candle too the Ugly Mug on either score. Tried three blend the favorite being a half-and-half blend of San Francisco and Peru. The coffee cake is light with lots of cinnamon and just the right amount of sweetness. Great people alluring here, know regulars by name, have a pleasant and laid-back atmosphere, good art, community announcements. All-in-all, a local gem not to be missed by travelers! read more

The Ugly Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Soquel, California

Great stop for coffee in the Capitola area If you're looking for the quality coffee you get back home while on vacation, then this is your stop. It's got the cool vibe, it's got the beautiful latte art, and yes it's got the fish tank Ugly Mug is your stop for a gorgeous cup of coffee read more