Craving something sweet? Looking for a cookie to dunk into your coffee? Look no further! Santa Cruz County itself is a sweet spot – in fact, we’ve got lots of places where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and wait for the sugar rush to kick in. Here are some of our favorites – all served with a side of coffee!
Experience a local favorite at Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting. For nearly 40 years, they’ve been roasting their own beans and supplying the area with rich blends and single-origin coffees. Belly up to their signature Brew Bar, select a pour over, and find a comfy spot in their spacious Pacific Avenue locale on the outdoor seating area.
Enjoy the quaint, home-style feel of Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria in Capitola. In the back of the restaurant, you’ll find a stand-alone coffee bar that serves up Verve coffee and espresso drinks. While you wait for your order, follow Gayle’s youngest patrons to the mile-long counter of pastries and sweet confections. Visit during a holiday or special occasion for seasonally shaped cookies, cake pops and more!
Visit a popular midtown Santa Cruz bakery and café combo for all your sweet-tooth satisfactions. The Buttery offers patrons award-winning cakes, pastries, and breads made daily. Make sure you get there early! Eager foodies line up for a breakfast menu that includes 5 killer takes on a breakfast sandwich.
On a hot summer day, head to The Penny Ice Creamery. This artisan ice cream shop makes their sweet stuff from scratch, and uses local food providers for fun flavors. Try either location downtown, or their adorable outpost in Pleasure Point.
See below for a full list of coffee and sweets in Santa Cruz County!