As a college student, finding the perfect coffee spot isn’t just about the caffeine—it’s about the vibes, the crowd and the kind of energy that’ll get you through your day. So, I went on a mission to taste-test some of the most popular coffee shops around Cabrillo College, and let me tell you, these are my hot takes.
1. Loft Coffee: Cheap, Cozy and My Absolute Favorite
Hot Take: Loft is the best. End of story.
Loft Coffee is my go-to spot for a reason, and it’s literally just a 5-minute walk from campus. The iced matcha is perfectly balanced, and their lightly toasted sourdough bagel is one of the best I’ve ever had—I could eat it every day. The hot coffee is bold and strong, just how I like it. The atmosphere is modern and peaceful, with plenty of space to study. They even have an upstairs ‘no phone zone’—which isn’t strictly enforced, but it’s a nice touch for a quiet space. Prices are super cheap, and drinks come out in a flash. They also have a crochet group on Saturday mornings, which just adds to the cozy vibe. My only downside? My hot coffee came out cold at first, but they fixed it right away.
2. Cat & Cloud on Soquel: Where I Somehow Drank My Drink the Fastest
Hot Take: The Coffee Shop Everyone’s Talking About for a Good Reason
Cat & Cloud is all about the experience. The iced matcha is perfectly sweet and not too strong, and I drank it faster than any other matcha I’ve had. The space is semi-packed but it’s never too hard to find a seat. The interior is bright and airy, with lots of plants, and their signature blue and pink color scheme gives it an inviting, cool vibe. The crowd is a mix of ages, and the staff is incredibly friendly. It’s a great spot to work or hang out, with a simple but straightforward menu that doesn’t overcomplicate things.
Barista Katie Whiteman says: “I love it here. It’s a super mellow vibe, and it’s fun seeing regulars and making those connections.”
3. Pacific Coffee: Simple, Sweet and Super Friendly
Hot Take: If you like smooth, sweet coffee and the nicest staff ever, this is your spot.
Pacific Coffee Roasting is a cozy spot with a spacious menu offering everything from coffee to açaí bowls. I ordered an iced caramel latte, and it was perfectly balanced, neither too strong nor too sweet, topped with a to-die-for caramel drizzle. The vibe is laid-back, with a slightly older crowd, and it’s never too packed, making it a great spot to escape the hustle of busier cafés. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Barista Kaylee says: “Students love to get an iced vanilla latte and pair it with a toasted cream cheese bagel.”
4. Companion Bakeshop: Pastry Heaven, but Loud and Crowded
Hot Take: If you’re here for the pastries, you’ll be in love. If you’re here to work, maybe not.
Companion Bakeshop is the spot for pastries. Their garlic twist was 10/10—soft, buttery, flaky and packed with garlicky goodness. The matcha, though? Way too sweet and a little grainy. The chai, on the other hand, was perfectly balanced, not too sweet, not too spicy, just right. The downside? The café is right on a main road, so it’s loud and distracting, and parking can be a hassle. The seating is limited inside, and the vibe is a little unpredictable–lots of dogs and an older crowd. But if you’re just grabbing a pastry or a loaf of bread, it’s 100% worth the visit.
5. The Farm: Cozy, Rustic and Empty
Hot Take: The Farm is beautiful and spacious, but almost too quiet.
The Farm is an aesthetic dream—spacious, cozy and full of seating options, with a cute little boutique-like shop inside. The matcha isn’t very strong but is perfectly sweet, and the staff is incredibly kind. I went at 2 p.m., and the place was nearly empty. The outdoor patio gas heaters, which is a nice touch, but the overall vibe feels more like a country cozy retreat than a lively coffee shop. It’s a solid spot to get work done if you prefer somewhere quieter, but don’t expect much energy or excitement. Also, parking can be tricky.
6. Norma Jean’s: Vintage Café with Great Bagels
Hot Take: The bagels are the star here, and the vintage aesthetic is a nice bonus.
Norma Jean’s Coffee is a charming spot adorned with Marilyn Monroe memorabilia. The iced vanilla latte had the perfect ice-to-drink ratio and just the right level of sweetness, but to be honest, I’ve had better lattes. However, the bagel with cheese and jalapeño cream cheese? Amazing—perfectly toasted and packed with flavor. The seating inside is a bit cramped, but I sat outside on a sunny day, and it was perfect. It did take a little longer for my order, but the laid-back atmosphere made it feel fine. Plus, parking was super easy, which is always a plus.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy study space, a quiet cafe, or just a great cup of coffee, these local spots have something for everyone. As a self-proclaimed matcha connoisseur, I can confidently say that Loft and Cat & Cloud are top contenders when it comes to a perfectly balanced matcha. From Loft’s unbeatable vibes and cheap prices to Cat & Cloud’s super friendly staff and aesthetic vibe, there’s no shortage of places to fuel your day. So, next time you’re craving something iced (or warm), give one of these spots a try and maybe even discover your new favorite go-to. Here’s to finding the best cup of coffee around!
