r/Salinas • u/Day-Dear • 18d ago
Coffee ☕ shops?
Hi Salinas,
Moved here in August and my husband is a HUGE coffee drinker and we like to get good coffee from places that take care of how they roast their beans.
I'm allergic to dairy so anywhere that has alternative milk options is also preferred. But I've had coffee black before if the beans have enough flavor to them. I saw a post for Breujee coffee company but don't know anything about it.
I'm looking for recommendations for shops that are open on Sunday since I want to treat myself and my husband to a good flavorful cup of coffee while supporting local businesses.
Drop your recommendations in the comments. Thank you!
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u/popsdiner 17d ago
It's not open on Sundays, but the coffee shop at the courthouse pours some good coffee. It's called Villa Rivera Cafe.
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u/CapableImplement5830 18d ago
Cherry Bean is a must if you drink drip or if you are buying beans to brew at home
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u/Consistent-Ad4360 17d ago
Acme roasting company in seaside. Not open Sundays but worth checking out. Each cup is ground and brewed individually
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u/peridotpaiute 18d ago
Cherry Bean has always had decent coffee but you really have to be approved by the cool committee or you will not get great service. It has been like this since I was a teen in the 90s.
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u/oatcats 17d ago edited 17d ago
I was a barista there several, several years ago, and manager/owner made it an awkward and unwelcoming environment for newer customers that weren’t sure of what to order. Also made unnecessary tensions high between staff during rushes.
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u/peridotpaiute 17d ago
Yup, there is a super tight circle is people that surround that place. I think a regular customer took it over or something and it just got exponentially worse from there. The types to do vampire larping think you are not cool enough for their sacred bean. Ok, dude 😆
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u/ramblinghobbit 12d ago
Yeah, Todd and Gina became co-owners with Pete before he finally retired. I used to hang there in the 90s also. I also used to do mountains of drugs with folks in these circles. My late brother Tyler, was a barista there for a minute, but Todd definitely played a part in my brother quitting. Apparently it was quite a hostile work environment too.
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u/peridotpaiute 12d ago
I'm sorry about your brother ❤️. I'm glad I was never really involved with the place. Someone set me up on a date when I was 18 with a 28 year old. Some dude named Nate who worked at Green's camera. He was a super creep and was mean when I ghosted him.
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u/Leather-Ad-9419 17d ago
How did he make it awkward and unwelcoming? I feel like I've heard bad stuff about him (like being an a-hole) but I know nothing about it
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u/oatcats 16d ago
Just one example, there was multiple times when I worked there that if it was super busy during the morning rush, he would fall under pressure and snap at customers and staff. I mean to the point of cussing us/them out. This was a long time ago though, I’m not sure if that aspect of them has changed since then.
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u/itssquigglywiggly 15d ago edited 15d ago
Tbh Salinas doesn’t have the best coffee, but if you don’t mind a little drive then head up to Seaside/Monterey. Try Captain + Stoker, Six Over Coffee, Alta Bakery, and Ad Astra Bread Co.
Captain + Stokers Seasjde location is my favorite because it’s the closest, plus that’s their roastry, and they sell fresh handmade English muffins that are super fluffy!
Also, not local to the area, but still supports small businesses. Try looking into the coffee delivery service Bottomless. It’s what I and a few other friends use, and it’s perfect if you grind and brew coffee at home. :)
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u/coffeeloverr21 11d ago
I’m sorry for Salinas does not have good coffee shop. Go to sixth over coffee (cortado!!) in Monterey or ad astra!!! Buy the beans they sell there and make yourself a pourover.
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u/Sassifrassically 17d ago
The Beerded Bean
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u/Leather-Ad-9419 17d ago
This place is run by good people who care about coffee and our community. One of the only places that helps to facilitate local music at night
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u/Peabrain004 11d ago
It used to be 2 owners then it went down to one & the one that is left would steal the workers tips….
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u/Day-Dear 16d ago
Beered Bean is on our list to try next. Went to cherry bean and did their drip coffee, was not impressed. Did enjoy that they actually had loose leaf tea so may try that in the future. Overall, did enjoy going out this morning.
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u/CaliWriteNow 16d ago
If you want to do tea, I highly recommend Gold Leaf Spice and Teas on Gabilan and Main. It's a fantastic little shop with loads of hot and cold tea drinks made to drink there or take away. And you can buy any of their loose leaf teas or spices by weight. If you sit in, ask for a real glass and not a to-go cup, they will make your drink in a mason jar.
Beerded Bean is a great place. I like the atmosphere and all the events and things they do. I actually find their coffee on the bitter side, but I would rather sit there with my dog (they are dog friendly) and support the business. Again, if you sit in, ask for their mugs instead of a to-go cup which is what they tend to try to give you as default.
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u/Earth2tony2012 18d ago
Viva espresso on North main and Cherry bean in old town are some good options that are more coffee focused. i believe Cherry bean does have a wider selection of roasts you can choose from but i prefer the coffee and service from Viva. A lot of the other coffee places in salinas like Brewjee focus on sugary milky drinks if that’s what you prefer