Caffe Bene

This place definitely has a local, slightly rundown feel. It’s cool that they display some local paintings, but the seating could use an upgrade. I ordered a hot chai latte and my friend got an iced chai. Both were just plain bad. Mine had an overpowering cinnamon flavor and was watery. The iced chai was flavorless, watered down milk. The atmosphere was vaguely unfriendly. Pass.

Best pour-​over cup in the 831.
Knows beans.
Bright sunny space to enjoy all things coffee.

I don’t know what to make of the 4 – 5 ratings :(how can that be? Are these people friends of the owner or utterly clueless? So I go back again to meet friends the other day, how on earth is this business still open? Must have very very low rent, only a few customers and you can see why. The owner couldn’t care less about the business of serving proper espresso. I order a wet cap, two shots with warm steamed milk in a small cup. He must have pulled at least 4oz of liquid through the espresso machine, the cup was almost full of coffee leaving a tiny amount of space for milk. No creamy crema head, watery bitter tasting coffee. If I hadn’t of been meeting friends, I would have just said no thanks and left.
here’s a tutorial for you, but somehow doubt the owner even cares enough to read his Unilocal reviews.

There is a South Korean chain of coffee shops with this same name. Do not be confused, this has nothing to do with them.
The owner of this business takes the quality of his coffee very seriously. All coffee is made to order via the pour over method. The hardest thing for first timers to do will be deciding which of the dozen or so varieties of coffee from which to to chose. Espresso is a little easier as there are only four or so varieties to chose from. Cream is stored and dispensed from a stainless steel container via pump action which seems old fashioned but really is perfect and just a tad steampunk.
Inside it’s a very typical coffee décor, and the outside view of the parking lots behind businesses on pacific is nothing special. This is not a see and be seen kind of place. The baked goods come in from a local bakery and are unremarkable.
The strong suites of this coffee house are the variety of personalized options you can get for the pricing. A couple bucks for an espresso of your choice is not bad and you can totally eavesdrop on a ton of neighborhood gossip. I should note that the couple bucks is for the baseline bean options. He has other bean options-​such as verve-​that will cost a more due to superior quality.
Cash only, no cards accepted, although there is a atm on site.
Most likely you will be parking on the street (metered) or in the surface lot across the street as the four spots or so available for this shop will most likely be filled when you arrive.

I drink a double Americano. This place makes the best in town. I’ve tried Americanos from Bellingham to Catalina and out to New York. These folks make one of the best I’ve had. Plus, they offer whole cream in a super cool antiquated dispenser that I think adds to the experience. Sure, this place is a little quirky, but I enjoy that and I believe it helps to keep the usual coffee shop weirdos to a minimum.

My friends and I are on the hunt for the perfect place to hang out and knit, Caffe Bene seems just about right. Plenty of seating, wide selection of espresso offerings, mellow but not too quiet atmosphere. I wish there were a few more food options, but at least they serve bagels from the Bagelry. Is cash only, but they have an ATM.

This place is accidentally hipster, the owner, the customers, the furniture and art. The clientele is mostly in their 50s, I guess they know good coffee when they have it. The coffee is great and tastier than what I’ve had at local trendy spots. It’s also great for working on a computer since there’s always a seat. Perfect for grad students. The prices are fair too. I love this place.

A quieter place, better for reading, socializing, performing a crossword puzzle, practicing folding origami cranes, etc. The hours are unfavorable to any but the semi-​retired, which is actually a point in its favor as it makes finding a choice table quite easy.
However, a latte is a cappucino at Caffe Bene, despite a listed fifty cent difference in prices, which means you may pay 50 cents more for a drink you didn’t want. As well, the espresso tastes somewhat burned. Too long a pull, perhaps. There is pour over drip coffee available, which seems to be quite a hit with the locals, though I did not have any myself.
Worth a mention — the prices listed above the register are not identical to the price charged. Best to check with the barista first. I thought to compare this to the menu listed on the website, but the page seems to be down at the moment.
So for coffee, despite the additional italianate ‘F’ in ‘caffe’, I’ve had a better cup at Peets.
But, there are comfortable couches, tiled floors, and plenty of space for natural light, unintrusive music. Very good atmosphere to meet someone.

Good coffee. individually brewed., and fresh, plus super fair prices. Beware of the surly old man that owns the place. Plenty of plugs for computers, that’s always ideal. That grumpy old man is the only thing standing out in my mind though-​so enter at your own risk. Come on Santa Cruz-I’d rather stay nestled in my Santa Cruz Mountains at the White Raven where all’s well and service is dreamy. Cheers!

I stopped by while in Santa Cruz for a morning coffee. The level of preparation and care in making each cup has only been matched once in my experience. It portended a great cup of coffee and I was not disappointed.
There is a lack of parking and convenience (no debit cards accepted).
I would stop by again but would not make a special effort to stop next time I am Santa Cruz.

Iced almond latte. Interesting. It really was just a late with almond syrup in it. Not that almond-​y although I think with more syrup it wouldn’t have been coffee flavored anymore. Twas alright.
mocha mint. Bf got this, but hot. Since I’m not a hot drink fan it was Ok. But pour that on ice? I think I know what I wanna order next time.

Friendly service, quiet and spacious café with plenty of seating. I got the almond latte and it was just ok. The Torani almond syrup you can get at almost any café, and the espresso shots in the latte tasted almost burnt or expired. Excellent foam, though! Not sure if id come back with so many other cafés just around the corner. Wouldn’t come back for the almond latte, but they do have pour over coffees available.

Great coffee house! I try to visit 2 – 3 times a week. The family run/​local feel is what keeps me coming back.

Friendly workers, peaceful mood, inspiring paintings, delicious coffee, relaxed people, super fast WiFi, assigned power at each sheet. It’s worth to give this café 5 stars. It made me feel staying my home.

What I really enjoy about Caffe Bene is that they offer their coffee in a Drip. There is something to say about coffee that is dripped over time versus the instant gratification of our day to day coffee experience. First what makes it special is that by having to wait for it you have some time to sit and do something productive like read. Also from the start you feel like it is a European experience because I find myself more likely to sit and enjoy my coffee after it is finished brewing rather than just grabbing it and running out the door.
Caffee Bene is great! They only take cash, so you either need to grab some before you show up or they have an ATM machine on site. If you have yet to try this place and you are downtown Santa Cruz, give it a chance. I believe you will not be disappointed.

The only downside to this place is that it is closed on weekends. Cash only too.
The oatmeal and regular coffee is great. Also I love the brightness with all the windows. Great place to get some work done and listen to good tunes. All the barristas are very nice and make great lattes.

I read everyone else’s review and I’m really confused… I agree that it’s a great and spacious place to work at… but the drinks here are terrible… at least the ones i’ve tried (cappuccino and an almond latte); it may be the worst ive ever had… they tasted burnt and bitter.
Its a beautiful space with a lotta large windows with plenty of sunlight coming in… but man… maybe just two off days for the drinks.

I drink a double mochioto. Bene makes the best I have ever had.
The staff is first rate and the place is wonderful to hang out in.

PROTIP OF THE DAY:
«Want your croissant microwaved or toasted?»
«Microwave is fine.»
When they ask if you want your crossisant heated… take a couple of minutes to have your croissant toasted. It’s well worth it extra time.

This gets my vote for best coffee shop in Santa Cruz.
Delicious oatmeal, fine pastries, yummy coffee drinks, free wifi, cozy couches and table/​chairs, friendly staff, and spectacular light in the morning. The music is tolerable and even enjoyable, and not too loud, unlike most coffee shops I go to in Santa Cruz. Although when the younger staff works they tend to turn it up.
They don’t take credit cards. I think I traumatized one of the workers here when I found that out the first time I came, but just bring some cash with you when you come.