Perk up for a day of exploring! Throw off the covers of your warm and cozy hotel bed and seize the day with a hot cuppa something delicious. Even better, savor your treat in one of Arroyo Grande’s many locally-owned cafés, where the aroma of coffee and sweet pastries will make you want to stay awhile.
Today, coffee culture is strong in Arroyo Grande (pun intended). Travelers often visit our coffee shops as a convenient location to grab a “pick me up“ before hitting Highway 101 to continue their Central Coast road trip, to send off a quick email or to check in with folks back home while on a workcation, or for a place to simply relax after a morning bike ride around Lopez Lake. Now that you’re itching to grab a cup of local joe and spark up some warm conversation, you need to find the perfect spot to do it. Arroyo Grande has you covered with a variety of options to suit your style.
1. Café Andreini
The first coffee house in Arroyo Grande, Cafe Andreini has been central to the community for more than 20 years. Founder Denise Andreini was born and raised here before attending nearby university Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and returning to her hometown to reconnect with and serve the community. This café partners with several small businesses to offer locally-roasted coffee and fresh food options. Choose from a variety of coffee and non-coffee beverages, or try out some avocado toast, acai bowls or Belgian waffles. This inclusive café aims to be a place where everyone feels welcome to hang out, and its convenient location in the heart of the downtown Village makes it easy to do so. It’s also got a warm, homey vibe with comfy couches, wood floors and plenty of charm.
Café Andreini, 131 E. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, California 93420
2. Banner Coffee Company
Find a cup, or even a jug, of your favorite classic coffee or tea at Banner Coffee Company. This café serves “really good” classic coffees as well as light and tasty eats. Banner also occasionally hosts wine and food pop-ups on Friday nights. Spacious and airy, the vibe here is very modern and cool. Wide tables and funky seating in neutral colors make for a hip atmosphere.
Banner Coffee Company, 995 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, California 93420
3. Greenhouse Coffee Company
“Dynamic dad and daughter duo” Mark and Emily Perry combined their expertise in business and restaurants to create Greenhouse Coffee Company. This café demonstrates its commitment to social justice through involvement with Hope United, a collective that aims to “bring good to humanity.” Greenhouse Coffee Company gives back regularly by sourcing products from small third-world businesses and donating a portion of profits to worthy causes. This café serves up craft coffee, delicate pastries and other yummy dishes in a modern atmosphere that’s filled with pops of color, plus lots of great plants, as you might have guessed from the name.
Greenhouse Coffee Company, 1064 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
4. Mule Bakery + Café
Run by brother and sister duo Amanda and Chandler, Mule Bakery + Cafe is a combination bakery and coffee shop. They’ve got a wide selection of sweet treats, from scones, cakes and cookies to quirky seasonal options like almond horns and marzipan rings. They serve Counter Culture coffee and Smith tea in a variety of yummy bevs. One of the most notable features of their recently renovated shop in the Village is the charming little walkup window, perfect for a grab-and-go stop…if you can resist going in to eye the pastry cases!
Mule Bakery + Café, 117 E. Branch St. Arroyo Grande, California 93420
5. Nova Coffee Company
Nova Coffee Company fosters a carefree environment while serving a variety of fun flavored coffee and tea drinks, as well as delectable food. This café is teeny inside but has a large back patio that’s a perfect spot for guests to spend time connecting. Try out unique specialties like a rose- or horchata-flavored latté, coffee milk, or a coconut matcha. Simple yet traditional beverages are also available, such as drip coffee and the Basic B almond-milk latté. Low on time and looking to warm up without leaving the car? Take a tasty breakfast to-go in the drive thru.
Nova Coffee Company, 1156 E. Grand Ave. Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
6. Red Dirt Coffee House
Family-owned and operated Red Dirt Coffee House offers “a taste of the islands” with its Aloha atmosphere. The café’s name was inspired by the iron-rich, red volcanic soil the owner remembers from growing up in Hawaii. This nutrient-filled dirt, when paired with the right elevation and climate, produces a coveted kind of coffee. Red Dirt Coffee House sources 100% pure Kona coffee, otherwise known as “Hawaiian Liquid Gold,” and presses it fresh to order. Other house blends feature coffee from Santa Barbara Roasting Company. Try one of this café’s traditional coffee drinks or flavored lattés and blended “frappes,” described as “an espresso milkshake.” Looking for something different? Non-coffee options include loose leaf teas, moon milks, fruit nectar smoothies, pressed-to-order juices and much more. Grab a bite to eat here any time of the day with a variety of breakfast items, paninis, salads, or various other options! Comfortable seating and free wifi make Red Dirt Coffee House a must-stop.
Red Dirt Coffee House, 1142 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande, California 93420
7. Tribe Coffeehouse
Family-owned Tribe Coffeehouse aims to bring people together over a cup of coffee. This colorful café’s menu changes with the seasons, constantly introducing new flavors. Try a classic coffee, or indulge in unique combinations like a cinnamon, chai and mandarin latté or a caramel apple butter black tea. Check out this local favorite when looking to take your next coffee break.
Tribe Coffeehouse, 1355 E. Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, California 93420
Whether you prefer a bold launch to your day, need something sweet to get you going or want a hearty start, you’re sure to find your perfect fit at a local coffee spot in Arroyo Grande. You’re welcome to visit anytime! Stay updated with the latest in Arroyo Grande by subscribing to our e-newsletter or following us on social media.
