Peoples Coffee - CA 95062 | Cozy Santa Cruz Spot for Your Coffee Break

Inside Peoples Coffee - CA 95062

Peoples Coffee in Santa Cruz offers a relaxed, down-to-earth coffee shop experience that feels comfortably local without leaning on trends. Located near the bustling stretch of 17th Avenue, it’s a spot where regulars come for straightforward, well-crafted coffee—especially black coffee that’s roasted with enough depth to stand alone without cream or sugar.

The atmosphere inside is casual and cozy, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating that works well whether you want to settle in with a book or catch up with a friend. There’s a small game section tucked in an alcove that adds a bit of local character and invites a slower pace, making it a quiet nook amid the neighborhood buzz. The staff tends to be genuinely friendly and efficient, including the owner, which helps the place to feel welcoming rather than rushed or overly polished.

Peoples Coffee’s menu covers the classics with a few twists: from caffe lattes and mochas (including raspberry and white chocolate versions) to smoothies that cater to those looking for an extra nutritional boost. Their biscotti and croissant sandwiches provide simple bites that pair well with coffee for a light morning or afternoon snack. While some find the food prices a bit on the higher side for what’s offered, the coffee quality tends to be the main draw.

This spot suits those who appreciate a no-frills coffee shop with a robust but balanced flavor profile and a comfortable local vibe. Mornings, especially on weekends, seem to be prime times when visitors stop in before heading to the nearby beach or after a workout. It’s easy to linger here while watching the street outside or having an easygoing conversation, making it a reliable neighborhood stop for anyone who wants a solid cup in a friendly setting.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Serves great coffee

Has great tea selection

Popular for

Good for solo dining

Good for working on laptop

What they serve

Serves coffee

Serves comfort food

Serves organic dishes

Sells prepared foods

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Best for

Serves breakfast

Serves lunch

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Does not have assistive hearing loop

Parking

Free parking lot

Plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Tuesday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Wednesday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Thursday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Friday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Saturday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

Sunday

05:30 AM - 05:30 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

291 Reviews

Jennifer Gallacher

26 Dec 2025

Seriously the best black coffee in Santa Cruz. It’s so good you don’t need cream or sugar! Forget the new and trendy, this local standby is seriously the best for flavor. Everyone who works there is also super friendly, including the owner.

Rocker D'Antonio

15 Dec 2025

The coffee has a great and distinctive flavor that is robust without being too “tangy” or too “dark.” The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. The service has always been friendly and still efficient. It’s obvious why People’s has been around for so long. What caught my eye today was the game section which is neatly kept and located in the alcove behind the bar near the restroom and ATM. It had a number of interesting games including some that are locally created.

Natalie Puzanova

13 Dec 2025

The place had a very nice atmosphere, the interior was very cozy. The people who worked there were very friendly. The only thing we were slightly disappointed in was that the picture of the coffee on google were very different in the reality

Cameron Behrendt

08 Dec 2025

Lovely coffee shop. Food items are inflated for what they are. Coffee is good alongside their smoothies. I enjoy coming here on a weekend morning before going to the beach.

Robert Wilson

29 Oct 2025

A small coffee shop with delicious coffee and other options such as pastries. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are nice, and it's a great location to watch cars drive by while chatting with friends or enjoying a peaceful coffee to yourself. Perfect for when you're in the area walking around, after a workout, before or after fueling up, or whatever else brings you nearby.

Rini Kusyuniati

15 Oct 2025

Hands down the best Pho bone broth! Better than any pho restaurants I’ve been to. I heard it takes 3 days to make the broth. A true labour of love. Their post-workout shakes are amazing too!

Niecky Ovando

20 Sep 2025

Love it here! Service is great and the food is so good. The coffee is amazing!