By: Nadia Liu

Editor-in-Chief

With finals and college application due dates coming up, sometimes your regular study spot just can’t cut it anymore. For those looking for a new place to get some work done, grab a delicious drink, or switch up their routine, here is my list of coffee shops that are worth the drive.

11th Hour Coffee:

With an abundance of plants, a gorgeous outdoor patio, and a wide range of drinks, 11th Hour Coffee in Santa Cruz is the perfect place to grind out a college essay, finish that assignment, or catch up with an old friend. The avocado toast — topped with sliced watermelon radish, house-made pickled onion, and balsamic glaze — is both healthy and delicious, and I highly recommend sipping on their indulgent raspberry mocha while you work. Located downtown, this cafe is within walking distance of restaurants, bookstores, and shopping for some fun after a productive day. 

Voyager Craft Coffee:

Although Voyager has four locations in the Bay, I personally like their Cupertino location the most. The cafe is flooded with natural light and contains colorful archways, bright colors, and plenty of shared seating. Founded by a pair of globe-trotting entrepreneurs, Voyager prides itself on its sustainability and unique flavors. Their menu features “destination lattes” inspired by places around the world, a wide variety of pastries and toasts, and rotating seasonal drinks. My go-to order is an iced Valencia, which features coconut, vanilla, and orange blossom, and a sun-dried tomato caprese toast. 

Nirvana Soul:

Nirvana Soul, San Jose’s first Black-owned coffee shop, is a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Art hangs everywhere, blooming plants stand on every shelf, bright colors cover the walls and ceiling, and a beautiful skylight with hanging fairy lights illuminates a cozy loft. Not only is their list of drinks extensive, including everything from a cake batter syrup “Celebration Latte” to a banana chai but so is their pastry menu, featuring sweet and savory freshly-made waffles. The cafe also hosts open mic nights every Thursday and Friday from 7-9 PM!

Verve Coffee Roasters:

Out of Verve’s six locations in the Bay Area, the 41st Avenue cafe in Santa Cruz is my favorite. A minute’s drive away from the beach, Verve is perfect for grabbing a post-beach-nap snack or getting some work done after watching the sunrise. All of their sandwiches and toasts are delectable, with pastries from Manresa Bread for those with a sweet tooth. Named Roast Magazine’s Roaster of the Year, Verve’s ethically sourced, hand-roasted coffee is the true star of the show. For a larger location, check out the Verve on Pacific Avenue.

Ritual Coffee Roasters:

If you ever find yourself in San Francisco, make sure you stop by Ritual Coffee Roasters’ flagship coffee shop in the Mission. Opened in 2005 and remodeled in 2014, many credit Ritual with being one of the first specialty coffee shops in the Bay and jumpstarting San Francisco’s “coffee revolution” by pioneering sustainable coffee sourcing. The cafe’s interior is light and airy, with outdoor seating for the rare sunny San Francisco day, and is always bustling. Growing up in the Mission, I’m obviously a little biased, but I can confidently say that the coffee will not let you down.