5 Underrated Cafes in Downtown, Santa Rosa CA Worth Trying
Updated 11 October 2026 · 13 cafes in Downtown, Santa Rosa CA considered · Ranked from Google ratings
This list covers underrated cafes in Downtown Santa Rosa, CA, places rated 4.4 or higher on Google with fewer than 400 reviews. Thirteen qualifying businesses were considered. The five below are ranked by Google rating, weighted by how many reviews each one has. It is written for people who want a smaller, less-reviewed spot to try, whether for a morning coffee or a longer break. Each entry lists the category, hours, address, accessibility details from Google, and what reviewers mention most often, so you can decide which one fits your day.
#1
CUPPA
★ 4.9 (38 Google reviews)Coffee shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
CUPPA is a coffee shop at 2000 Elizabeth Way, open daily from 7 am to 12 pm, and rated 4.9 on Google from 38 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and seating. Reviewers mention a neighborhood feel in an older shopping center, a friendly owner and staff, and a lavender latte. One reviewer notes the shop takes cash only. Another suggests a walk with a dog in the old cemetery nearby.
Best for: Coffee drinkers who want a neighborhood stop
- Address
- 2000 Elizabeth Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
- Hours
- daily 7 am–12 pm
#2
Café Little Deer
★ 4.8 (263 Google reviews)Cafe
Representative photo, not of this business.
Café Little Deer is a cafe at 300 S A St with a 4.8 Google rating from 263 reviews. It is open 7 am to 2 pm most days and until 8 pm on Fridays. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention a setting in a colorful alley, outdoor seating that feels like a garden, a small gallery and stage inside, teas, an Arnold Palmer, and large salads with many ingredients.
Best for: Quiet outdoor seating and art gallery visits
- Address
- 300 S A St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7 am–8 pm; Mon 7 am–2 pm; Sat 7 am–2 pm; Sun 7 am–2 pm; Thu 7 am–2 pm; Tue 7 am–2 pm; Wed 7 am–2 pm
#3
Lita's Cafe
★ 4.7 (204 Google reviews)Cafe
Representative photo, not of this business.
Lita's Cafe is a cafe at 1973 Mendocino Ave, open daily from 7:30 am to 2 pm, with a 4.7 Google rating from 204 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention breakfast and brunch plates, including well cooked eggs, country potatoes, a verde sauce and a locomoco dish. Many describe the service as friendly, and one says staff remember regulars' favorite orders.
Best for: Breakfast and brunch with friendly service
- Address
- 1973 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
- Hours
- daily 7:30 am–2 pm
#4
Land and Water Coffee
★ 4.7 (164 Google reviews)Coffee roastery
Representative photo, not of this business.
Land and Water Coffee is a coffee roastery at 1301 Cleveland Ave, Suite B, open 7:30 am to 3 pm most days and 8 am to 3 pm on Sundays. It has a 4.7 Google rating from 164 reviews. Google lists wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance and toilet. Reviewers mention a cortado, cappuccino, flat white, a light lemon cake, and gluten-free avocado toast. Seating is available inside and outside, though some note parking is limited.
Best for: Espresso drinks and a coffee break
- Address
- 1301 Cleveland Ave Ste B, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 7:30 am–3 pm; Mon 7:30 am–3 pm; Sat 7:30 am–3 pm; Sun 8 am–3 pm; Thu 7:30 am–3 pm; Tue 7:30 am–3 pm; Wed 7:30 am–3 pm
#5
Marla SR Bakery and Cafe
★ 4.7 (116 Google reviews)Bakery and Cake Shop
Representative photo, not of this business.
Marla SR Bakery and Cafe is a bakery and cafe at 208 Davis St. It is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Google lists a 4.7 rating from 116 reviews and wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, seating and toilet. Reviewers mention pastries, a large sticky bun, the Crebblecino, and a cardamom mint latte. Some note breakfast and lunch are served daily except Tuesday and Wednesday.
Best for: Pastries and a relaxed breakfast stop
- Address
- 208 Davis St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States
- Hours
- Fri 8 am–3 pm; Mon 8 am–3 pm; Sat 9 am–3 pm; Sun 9 am–3 pm; Thu 8 am–3 pm; Tue Closed; Wed Closed
How we made this list
We looked at 13 cafes in Downtown, Santa Rosa 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, CUPPA opens at 7 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?
CUPPA ranks first, with a Google rating of 4.9 from 38 reviews. Café Little Deer is second at 4.8 from 263 reviews.
Which cafes in Downtown, Santa Rosa CA are open late?
None of these stays open past midnight. The latest to close is Café Little Deer, at 8 pm.
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