5 Best Family-Friendly Cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA

This list covers family-friendly cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara, CA. Businesses with a family-friendly listing on Google were ranked by rating, and the order below follows that result. It is intended for parents and families who want a relaxed place to eat breakfast, lunch or a snack together. Six qualifying businesses were considered, and each entry draws on its public Google listing and reviews.

The list at a glance

  1. 1Scarlett Begonia★ 4.5 · 917 reviews · $20–30
  2. 2Hook & Press Donuts★ 4.5 · 420 reviews · $10–20
  3. 3Joe's Cafe★ 4.4 · 2,537 reviews · $20–30
  4. 4Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara★ 4.6 · 88 reviews · $1–10
  5. 5Crushcakes & Cafe★ 4.3 · 511 reviews · $10–20
#1

Scarlett Begonia

★ 4.5 (917 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–30 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Scarlett Begonia is an American restaurant on West Victoria Street serving breakfast and lunch daily from 9 am to 2 pm. It is rated 4.5 from 917 reviews and lists a price range of $20 to $30. Reviewers mention kids' waffles topped with powdered sugar and strawberries, lemon ricotta pancakes and a vegan protein option. Several describe good service and a relaxed setting on weekend mornings.

Best for: Kids' breakfast with vegan options
Address
21 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Hours
daily 9 am–2 pm
#2

Hook & Press Donuts

★ 4.5 (420 Google reviews)Donut shop$10–20 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Hook & Press Donuts is a donut shop on East Figueroa Street open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Google lists it as family friendly, with in-store seating, Wi-Fi, a restroom and wheelchair-accessible entrances. It is rated 4.5 from 420 reviews and lists a price range of $10 to $20. Reviewers mention a Boston cream donut, brown butter and pistachio flavors, a breakfast sandwich and a vegan savory option.

Best for: Donuts and breakfast sandwiches for families
Address
15 E Figueroa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Hours
daily 8 am–4 pm
#3

Joe's Cafe

★ 4.4 (2,537 Google reviews)American restaurant$20–30 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Joe's Cafe is an American restaurant on State Street open most days into the evening, with later closing times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It is rated 4.4 from 2,537 reviews, the highest review count on this list. Google shows outdoor seating, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. Reviewers mention a salmon salad, a Reuben sandwich, mac and cheese and baby back ribs, and most describe attentive servers, though one reported a long wait.

Best for: Large menu meals and late dinners
Address
536 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Hours
Fri 7:30 am–12 am; Mon 7:30 am–10 pm; Sat 7:30 am–12 am; Sun 7:30 am–10 pm; Thu 7:30 am–12 am; Tue 7:30 am–10 pm; Wed 7:30 am–10 pm
#4

Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara

★ 4.6 (88 Google reviews)Coffee shop$1–10 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara is a coffee shop on State Street open daily from 7 am to 4 pm. It is rated 4.6 from 88 reviews and its listing mentions Wi-Fi, a restroom, a bar on site and a casual, cozy feel. Reviewers mention a sesame cappuccino, freshly baked pastries including a cheese and ham croissant, and friendly staff. One reviewer found the espresso weak and noted limited seating.

Best for: Quick coffee and croissants with a cozy feel
Address
524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Hours
daily 7 am–4 pm
#5

Crushcakes & Cafe

★ 4.3 (511 Google reviews)Cafe$10–20 per person

Representative photo, not of this business.

Crushcakes & Cafe is a cafe on Anacapa Street open daily from 7:30 am to 4 pm, with dine-in, takeaway and delivery. It is rated 4.3 from 511 reviews. Google lists vegan and vegetarian options and seating suited to working on a laptop. Reviewers mention cupcakes in many flavors, red velvet pancakes that kids enjoyed, smashed avocado toast and a vanilla rose latte, while others say service and cleanliness vary.

Best for: Cupcakes and pancakes for kids
Address
1315 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Hours
daily 7:30 am–4 pm

How we made this list

We looked at 6 cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA with a Google rating of 4.0 or higher and at least 20 reviews, then listed on Google as “Family friendly”, then by rating. A rating from thousands of reviews counts for more than the same rating from a handful, so a new place with a few perfect scores does not jump the queue. Ratings and hours are from public Google listings on 11 October 2026 and can change. Nobody paid to be on this list.

Tips before you go

Frequently asked questions

Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?

Scarlett Begonia ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.5 from 917 reviews. Hook & Press Donuts is second at 4.5 from 420 reviews.

Which cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA are open late?

Joe's Cafe stays open until 12 am.

How much does it cost at these cafes?

Google lists these price ranges per person: Scarlett Begonia $20–30; Hook & Press Donuts $10–20; Joe's Cafe $20–30; Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara $1–10; Crushcakes & Cafe $10–20.

Which of these have free parking?

Google lists free parking for Scarlett Begonia, Hook & Press Donuts, Joe's Cafe and Crushcakes & Cafe.

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