Base of Campus, 
Metro Station, 
CoffeehousesYou could always go to Peet’s or Starbucks for your daily dose of caffeine, but you’re in Santa Cruz now-it’s time to taste the local blends. I’ve taken all the guesswork out for you by scribbling copious amounts of notes on as many coffee shops as I could, while retaining the ability to hold my pen still. Sadly, this is only a fraction of the coffee places that Santa Cruz has to offer, but as far as I’m concerned, this is just a jumping-off point for your inevitable finals week tumble into addiction.
Caffé Pergolesi, 418 Cedar Street, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
Fondly called Perg’s by its regulars, this Victorian-era-house-turned-coffee shop is about as Santa Cruz as it gets. It tends to get crowded in the late afternoon after classes have ended, and you’ll probably see your HisCon TA there. Not in the mood for coffee or tea? Get a beer and smoke your Lucky Strikes on the left side of the wrap-around porch. There is sometimes live music on Friday nights in the blue room, which is surrounded by local artists’ work.
Lulu Carpenter’s, 1545 Pacific Avenue, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
Lulu’s is a pretty classy place with exposed brick walls and local artwork. Because it gets to the same degree of crowdedness that Perg’s does, you might have to stalk your fellow coffee-drinkers’ tables in order to get a spot. There’s a nice little back patio where the local pigeons like to hang out so you can stargaze the night away with the birds as you sip on your mocha.
Lulu’s at the Octagon, 118 Cooper Street, 12 oz. coffee for $1.90
If you’re a persnickety individual looking for premium quality, visit Lulu’s new little sister at the Octagon. The vacuum-pressed coffee makes it a little pricier and drink orders take a little longer, but trust me it’s worth it. I recommend the Monsooned Malabar. The building used to house the museum’s gift shop, but now it has an array of aromatic beans, quality teas, and more classical music than you’d ever expect in an alt-rock town like Santa Cruz. It tends to attract an older crowd, and lots of girls in flats and skinny jeans.
Black China Bakery, 1121 Soquel Avenue, 12 oz. coffee for $1.75
You’ll feel like an accomplished explorer once you find the Black China Bakery, hidden behind Ironwood Housewares, and nestled in a small bamboo forest. Be sure to go on a sunny day, because indoor seating in the small, brightly-painted room is quite limited. They have excellent granola with whole almonds and an impressive selection of vegan treats. Sadly, there is no wireless.
The Buttery Corner Café, 702 Soquel Avenue, 12 oz. coffee for $1.55
This is the only place in the United States I’ve been to that has a Croque Monsieur (French-style grilled cheese) on the menu—automatic gold star. Although... It gets a little crowded on the weekends for people seeking breakfast or their vast selection of pastries. And with three sets of registers, the layout can get a little confusing if you don’t know whether to order from the kitchen, coffee bar, or bakery. Oh, and the small coffee is way too small. Order the medium.
Caffé Bene, 1101 Cedar Street, 12 oz. coffee for $2.00
This no-frills locals’ joint is quite unassuming—I’ve walked past it a hundred times without realizing it was there. The window seating makes Bene a quiet, sunny spot to be in the mornings. There’s a little computer nook if you forget to bring your laptop and a display of mugs for you to choose from if you decide to stay a while. And if you happen to be in the market for a vintage phone, they have a display of refurbished rotaries for sale. Feeling adventurous? Try their licorice latte—I never have, so let me know how that goes.
Coffeetopia 1723 Mission Street, 3701 Portola Drive, 12 oz. quick cup for $1.50; 16 oz. drip for $1.75
I have a love for drip coffee bars and Coffeetopia has one of the best. I’m particularly fond of the Santa Cruz Dark. Plain coffee not enough to get you going? Try the Jump Start—a 16 oz. coffee with two shots of espresso. The cozy little spot on Mission can get a little crowded, but there are a few tables and two computers that will catch you up on your correspondences. On your way to the beach? They’ve got a Weather & Surf station where you can check out current conditions.
Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting, 1330 Pacific Avenue, 16 oz. coffee for $1.75 (one size only)
Be wary of the diuretic powers of coffee—this place doesn’t have a bathroom. There’s only one size coffee and it’s on the large side. The upright piano isn’t just for anyone, so don’t get any big ideas. I prefer taking their coffee to go because seating is somewhat limited. They have a wide range of fair trade coffees, but I’m a fan of Steve’s Smooth French. I’ve heard their Mocha Chai is good, too, although it’s a little much for me.
The Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
Even without the eclectic collection of ugly mugs, this is an interesting place to be. If you’re avoiding that psych paper of yours, pick out a paperback from their book exchange—maybe you can stealthily leave a textbook in its place. Or, hide out in the children’s section and sink into a comfy couch as you sip on your chai. If you plan on staying a while, use one of their ugly mugs: it’s cheaper than a paper to go cup.
Windmill Coffee Spot, 21231 E Cliff Drive, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
This somewhat out-of-the-way coffee house is topped with, you guessed it, a windmill. The large Dutch monument dotted with enormous sunflowers is hard to miss. Inside, it looks like the house of somebody with an affinity for Oriental carpets and Dutch culture. It’s a unique little place with dog treats for your pooch and an upright piano in the living room-like seating area. I had the Uganda Bugisu House blend, which was a little acidic, but still good. Also, it’s one of the few places where I’ve heard KZSC on the radio.
Firefly Café, 131 Front Street, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
Let it be known that Firefly has Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove on VHS. Moving on. This little coffeehouse is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Pacific and has primarily outdoor seating. Seat yourself on the covered porch underneath the colorful lights—the fire pit outside can make for a unique evening experience, while sipping on tea or coffee as you read the book you snagged from one of their two bookshelves.
Java Junction, 519 Seabright Avenue, Suite 101, 12 oz. coffee for $1.50
Junction isn’t the place to just stand and stare at the menu–you’d better know what you want if you don’t want to get hassled by patrons waiting behind you. The interior is warm and covered in wood, but don’t let that fool you; it’s all push and shove in the morning. The outside patio is dog-friendly and they’ve got an impressive smoothie bar if you’re looking for something cold, blended and fruity instead if the ususal coffee. Beware: it can be a little overwhelming if you’re a first-timer.
