5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 6 cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list features five underrated cafes in Downtown Santa Barbara, CA, for people who want a good cup of coffee and a bite without a long search. Each business has a Google rating of 4.4 or higher but fewer than 400 reviews, and six qualifying businesses were considered. The order follows Google rating, weighted by review count. Each entry gives the address, hours, listed price range and accessibility features, along with what reviewers say about drinks, food and atmosphere.
#1
Zaca Coffee Trailer
★ 4.9 (77 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Zaca Coffee Trailer is a coffee shop at 220 Anacapa St, open 8 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Saturday. It holds a 4.9 Google rating from 77 reviews. Reviewers mention a flat white that one compared to versions from Australia, an iced honeysuckle latte that is not too sweet, and pastries that go well with coffee. Some reviewers describe the staff as friendly. Google lists an accessible entrance.
Best for: Morning coffee and a pastry on weekdays
- Address
- 220 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–3 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–3 pm; Sun Closed; Thu 8 am–3 pm; Tue 8 am–3 pm; Wed 8 am–3 pm
#2
Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen
★ 4.7 (64 Google reviews)Coffee shop$20–30 per person
Representative photo, not of this business.
Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen is a coffee shop at 3102 State St, open daily from 6:30 am to 3 pm, with a listed price range of $20 to $30. It has a 4.7 rating from 64 Google reviews. Google lists outdoor seating, breakfast, takeaway and a spot good for working on a laptop. Reviewers mention house baked goods, a modern and comfortable interior, and a smooth, well balanced espresso drink. One reviewer found the breakfast burrito standard but liked the pastries.
Best for: Breakfast and baked goods in a modern room
- Address
- 3102 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
- Hours
- daily 6:30 am–3 pm
#3
ALESSIA Patisserie and Cafe
★ 4.6 (378 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
ALESSIA Patisserie and Cafe is a bakery at 134 E Canon Perdido St, open Tuesday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm and on weekends from 8 am to 4 pm, with Mondays closed. It holds a 4.6 rating from 378 Google reviews. Reviewers mention a pastry case with tarts, tiramisu, scones and a maple bacon bun, and savory breakfast plates. Some say the quiche and the croissant baklava filling fell short. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet.
Best for: Pastries, cakes and a sit-down breakfast
- Address
- 134 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–4 pm; Mon Closed; Sat 8 am–4 pm; Sun 8 am–4 pm; Thu 7 am–4 pm; Tue 7 am–4 pm; Wed 7 am–4 pm
#4
CAJÉ Coffee Roasters – Arlington
★ 4.6 (357 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
CAJÉ Coffee Roasters – Arlington is a coffee shop at 1316 State St, open daily from 7 am to 1 pm. It holds a 4.6 rating from 357 Google reviews. Reviewers mention a courtyard with plenty of natural light, an oat milk cappuccino that was perfectly made, and a matcha latte described as smooth and rich. Guests order at the counter and sit wherever they like. Some say the specialty drinks are on the pricier side. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet.
Best for: Specialty drinks in a courtyard setting
- Address
- 1316 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–1 pm
#5
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 at 524 State St, open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, with a listed price range of $1 to $10. It has a 4.6 rating from 88 Google reviews. Google lists fast service, takeaway, Wi-Fi, breakfast and outdoor seating. Reviewers mention creative lattes, including a sesame cappuccino that is not overpowering, and freshly baked pastries such as a cheese and ham croissant. Other reviewers found the espresso weak and noted limited seating.
Best for: Creative lattes and a quick coffee stop
- Address
- 524 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 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 rated 4.4 or higher on Google but with fewer than 400 reviews. 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
- For an early start, Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen opens at 6:30 am.
- Hours and prices come from Google listings and change, so check the listing before a long trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the highest-rated cafe on this list?
Zaca Coffee Trailer ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 77 reviews. Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen is second at 4.7 from 64 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Santa Barbara CA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is ALESSIA Patisserie and Cafe, at 4 pm.
How much does it cost at these cafes?
Google lists these price ranges per person: Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen $20–30; Dawn Cafe Santa Barbara $1–10. The others do not list a price range.
Which of these have free parking?
Google lists free parking for Brass Bird Coffee & Kitchen.
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