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Dogtown Coffee
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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
Skip 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.
Dogtown Coffee
7.9
Landmark surf-and-skate cafe housed in the historic Zephyr building serves organic micro-roasted coffee and hearty breakfast burritos. The massive outdoor patio with live music draws locals for the signature Munchies Burrito and 24-hour cold brew topped with sea salt foam.
Must-Try Dishes:
Munchies Burrito, Salty Dog Cold Brew, Shakshuka
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Historic skateboard culture location with locally roasted organic coffee
Who should go: Surfers, skaters, breakfast lovers, remote workers
When to visit: Early mornings before the beach crowd arrives
What to order: Munchies burrito with chipotle sauce, Salty Dog coffee, açai bowl
Insider tip: Established 2012 in Jeff Ho Surfboards' original space
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Main Street and surrounding blocks - usually easy to find spots except Sunday mornings. Small lot behind building shares with other businesses.
Dress code: Beach casual - shorts, tees, flip-flops perfectly fine. This is a surf culture spot where half the customers come straight from the beach.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - interior is conversational, outdoor patio gets louder with live music on weekends. Good for casual hangouts, not intimate conversations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including egg burritos, avocado toast, açai bowls, and veggie-loaded breakfast items
Vegan options: Yes - can modify burritos without cheese/eggs, açai bowls, and avocado toast. Ask about vegan alternatives.
Gluten-free options: Limited - açai bowls and some salads work, but burritos and most breakfast items contain gluten. Not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - the casual, loud atmosphere is great for relaxed hangouts but not ideal for getting-to-know-you conversations. Perfect for active, outdoorsy types who want something low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Weekday mornings are easy, but arrive before 9:30am on weekends to avoid waits or be ready to grab counter seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, outdoor space to roam, and high chairs available. The skateboard/surf vibe makes it cool for older kids too. Gets loud so crying babies won't bother anyone.
Good spot for remote work? Yes for a few hours - free WiFi, decent seating, and the weekday morning crowd is laptop-friendly. Gets busier and louder after 10am. Not ideal for Zoom calls.
Do they have good coffee? Excellent coffee - they micro-roast their own organic beans in-house. The 24-hour cold brew with sea salt foam is a local favorite. This isn't just a breakfast spot, it's a serious coffee operation.
Best For
Better for: Go here instead of chains for authentic local surf culture, superior coffee quality, and a true community vibe. Better than touristy Venice spots for keeping it real and avoiding Instagram crowds.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch spot, need extensive gluten-free options, or prefer table service with a refined atmosphere. Also skip if you're in a hurry on weekend mornings.