Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co.

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	1330 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
Phone:	+1 831-459-0100
Site:	santacruzcoffee.com
Rating:	4.2
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–11PM 6AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

JKay GreenStarsProject

Full-bodied coffee, nice gathering place or study space (4/5 green stars) I bought their Sweet Italian blend (certified Fair Trade and organic) at Whole Foods and loved it, so I was excited to try them out. First impression – the woman at the counter was ice-cold, almost hostile. But the barista and everyone else were friendly enough so I got over it! They have coffee priced individually per cup and categorized as Dark Roast, Medium-Light Roast, and Direct-Trade Micro Lot. I tried a small pour over of their Finca Santa Rosa (just over $3) and was surprised at how much body it had – a bit like many of Peet’s coffees. It was also very strong – quite a change from the usual light-roast or light-bodied coffees. The place is relaxed (depending on who wanders in off the street), there’s quiet music and an even quieter internal study room! I’m also giving Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Co. 4/5 “green stars” for social and environmental impact, based on these reasons: • They are pretty good at clarifying (in store and online) which coffee is fair trade, organic, or direct trade. • Colleen Crosby, who founded the Santa Cruz Roasting Co., played an important role in the rise of Fair Trade coffee in the US, starting back in 2000. • Colleen was also involved in founding the International Womens Coffee Alliance (IWCA) • Dairy milk is from Clover – not organic, as far as I remember. • They had some local organic vegan cookies for sale. • Would be nice to more use of compostable materials. They do have lots of ceramic cups for in-house though.

A Private User

When ordering my bagel ( my usual ) I had also asked for hot water. I was then informed that I would be charged for the whole price of a hot cup of tea. I wasnt recieving any tea , just water. How can someone charge you for something you did not receive/order? They were told this by thier owner, and if caught they were caught , they would lose there job. Now I know buissness, and the cost of the materials is a fact, yes. I was willing to pay for the cup, but not for tea I wouldnt be receiving. I then in turn asked for cold water and they kindly said yes. Now what is the difference in that, temperature? I think not. I see no difference. Good bagels, but bad policies. Not getting any more of my hard earned money, they are far from the only place to get bagels and hot water. I think they descriminate against the local homeless and people who are back packing the country. I am not homeless nore am I poor. Not to mention the first time I came here they gave me free hot water no questioned asked. Today I come in with my gear and I am refused. Morals need to be in tacked at all times, cause you never know who your dealing with.

Jason Chafin

I normally like this place but something just happened that makes me much less likely to return. Im a web developer, so I spend a LOT of time in coffee shops. Im always sure to buy a cup or two, maybe a bagel, in order to "pay" for the time I spend. Im also aware of the "no outside food or drink" policy most places have. Fair enough. Today, Im sitting at a table and a young woman sits across from me with a bagel and cream cheese she purchased here; however, her drink evidently was not purchased here. It was in a paper coffee cup, the like most cafés issue, and mostly finished. Suddenly, a clerk comes up tells her they dont allow outside drinks in here and makes her throw it out. Like I said, I understand the policy, but she already dropped six bucks on the damn bagel, youd think they could lighten up a bit and let her finish her drink. LAME! Ive got lots of coffee money to spend. Ill definitely be thinking twice next time I consider spending it here.

Ashu Shah

I lived in this town for four years and I still go quite regularly, and I have to say this is one of my favorite coffee shops ever. Fair trade, organic, delicious coffee, very friendly employees, easy going atmosphere. Sometimes it can be a pain getting a seat during busy hours, otherwise a very pleasant coffee shop. If you dont believe me, just look across the street and youll see what looks like an abandoned building, but its actually a very empty Starbucks.

Grace Brohmer

Ill be honest- I only come here for the brewbar pour overs. They have an amazing selection of coffee blends and single origin beans. This location is often very busy, but they have a quiet study area with a door that closes if you want a bit less noise. They do ask that you make a purchase every few hours so youre not just taking up a seat all day with a small coffee. But that rule makes sense given how busy the downtown storefront is.

Heather D

I have to say I was pretty disappointed in the coffee. I thought a roastery would have coffee with good flavor and people working who are passionate about coffee. What I got was an americano and it tasted like water-no flavor. The atmosphere is great and if you are looking for wifi/place to study its the place to go because there is plenty of room. If you are looking for great coffee go elsewhere.

Isaac Hulter

Great vibe for a local coffee shop! They make very good coffee, and their staff is always friendly and helpful. The room echos quite a bit so the sounds of the machines overpower almost any conversation, and the lack of wall plugs makes it not a great place to bring a laptop to work. That being said, I still love the warm atmosphere I get from here and the coffee.

John Gilbert

It is funny but also sad. My 1st experience there and the clerk took an opportunity to jump on that sort of uppity inconsiderateness. Their attitude lacked common decency and surprisingly they were surprised or even (may we say) butt-hurt by the fact that I declined to partake in such rudeness (mind you the rudeness that they are not aware of themselves). LOL

Diego Link

This santa cruz local establishment has been a pioneer in coffee for at leat 30 years. Fair trade organic coffee. Started pour over coffee 20 years ago. Not sure why anyone goes to Starbucks across the street. Get the Mexican roast and wait the 5 min to enjoy the best coffee anywhere.

Tyler Seregely

I was going to give this place a good rating. I went to the bathroom for one minute and when i came back foubd out one of the employess mustve rushed ovver and took my coffee.. this place is pathetic now. How could you be so rude or just not pay attention and do your easy job..sigh

Debbie Stanley

Called long distance for information about driving there to get assistance to buy best filters, or press, items, to sample and buy to make a great coffee at home. After awhile on the phone, my long distance, told, "we dont do that."

Nairi Azaryan

Good coffee, but Ive had some rude baristas. I asked which coffee they would recommend and the Batista rudely told me she wouldnt know because she doesnt drink coffee, which was weird. I dont go there anymore!

Andy Nguyen

Great coffee from their brew bar (pour over). Not as trendy as some of the other coffee shops here in Santa Cruz but definitely a good cup of coffee. They have a lot of different roasts to choose from.

Emily Dinnerman

Most popular with the college crowd for studying in groups or alone. They have a silent room for those who study well in a quiet environment. Great selection of coffee, baked goods, and misc. drinks.