HandleBar

Handlebar is an industrial biking-themed coffee shop with locations both downtown and on De La Vina Street. Chances are if you are there on a busy morning, you will spot the owner working behind the counter dutifully.

You can taste the quality of a cup of handlebar coffee, as it is roasted in-house. Fresh pastries as well as housemade sandwiches and our favorite dish, the burrata toast, are displayed in a glass case on the counter. Handlebar has a loyal following so expect to wait at least 15 minutes in a preposterously long line. If your drink is low maintenance you may be able to skip the line and be rung up in the alternative line to the left.

Lighthouse

With a bevy of locations in the Santa Barbara area, Lighthouse has proved itself a staple. Having pastries, coffees, and various casual breakfast eats, Lighthouse is sure to become your favorite stop to caffeinate. Also noted is its prime study environment that has students flocking in after school. 

Dune

Over the past year, Dune Coffee Roasters has exploded in popularity, purveying coffee to many Santa Barbara favorites. Their coffee shops have also taken root in a few locations across town. Most notably downtown in the space previously occupied by the French Press and on State Street. They offer house-roasted coffee and pastries to enjoy in a bustling atmosphere. 

Caje

Known most for its elaborate courtyard patio, which hosts lively private events at night, Caje is the perfect ambiance to wind down and enjoy your drink. The spacious seating area is perfect for meeting a few friends or sitting down to get some work done. They also have several other locations around Santa Barbara if you are more interested in tasty drinks than aesthetics.