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ZipPicks Awards
Best Brunch in Santa Monica
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Dogtown Coffee
7.9
Surf-and-skate culture cafe in the landmark Jeff Ho Zephyr building serving health-conscious breakfast burritos and organic micro-roasted coffee. Pet-friendly patio celebrating Santa Monica's iconic skateboard and surfing heritage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Munchies Burrito, Main Street Slider, Acai Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Historic Dogtown Z-Boys surf shop location with locally micro-roasted organic coffee and extensive vegan options
Who should go: Surfers, skaters, and active lifestyle enthusiasts seeking quick healthy fuel
When to visit: Early mornings before beach activities, opens 7am
What to order: Munchies burrito with tater tots, Salty Dog cold brew with sea salt foam, acai bowl
Insider tip: Order online via touchscreen to skip counter lines and bring your dog to the large patio
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking usually available - Main Street metered spots ($2/hr) or free residential streets one block back. Small lot behind building. Beach lot across street $3/hr.
Dress code: Ultra casual - surf/skate attire totally normal. Activewear, boardshorts, flip-flops are the uniform here.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - outdoor patio buzz and Main Street traffic. Fine for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks.
Weekend wait: Closes at 3pm - not open for dinner
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during rush (11:30am-1pm) for counter order, grab-and-go typically immediate
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including veggie breakfast burritos, avocado toast, smoothie bowls
Vegan options: Yes - strong vegan program with plant-based burritos, oat milk for all drinks, vegan pastries available
Gluten-free options: Limited - can do bowls and some breakfast items without bread, but shared prep surfaces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both into the surf/skate scene and want ultra-casual. Better for active dates - grab coffee here then walk to beach or skateboard. Not romantic or conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's counter-order quick service. Patio seating is first-come, first-served. Weekday mornings you'll find spots easily, weekends expect to circle for a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual vibe, outdoor seating, simple menu items kids like (burritos, smoothies). Strollers fit on patio. All ages welcome but it's not a playground scene.
Best For
Better for: Quick pre-beach fuel, authentic surf culture experience, bringing your dog, organic coffee quality, vegan-friendly breakfast options, skateboarding heritage vibes
Consider Alternatives If: You want sit-down service, a quiet leisurely brunch, dinner hours, refined ambiance, or aren't into the beachy-casual scene. Go to Huckleberry or Milo & Olive for elevated sit-down brunch instead.
Hours
Monday7am - 2pm
Tuesday7am - 2pm
Wednesday7am - 2pm
Thursday7am - 2pm
Friday7am - 2pm
Saturday7am - 2pm
Sunday7am - 2pm