Cafe Society

Solid local coffee shop. I ordered a mocha, it wasn’t too sweet just the way I like it. There are lots of nooks a crannies to sit and read, work or converse here, a place for everyone. I’m impressed by how much local art they host.

+1

This place is excellent for a warm coffee and a small bite! The atmosphere is very warm and inviting and the staff is super friendly. The sandwiches and coffee were perfect. Couldn’t ask for more in a good cafe.

I was up on Cracker Barrel Ave kickin a old coke can down the street when one of the local Pinkerton boys called me on it, he says I'm disturbing the peace! So...after exchanging more than a few expletives it was decided that the can would be left right where it is, and lunch at the Café Society would be my next port of call. The Café Society is about the best place for sandwiches in this area, 5 ☆☆☆☆☆ every time!

Fantastic food and breakfast spot. Service is great as is coffee and hours, they open real early. Will definitely be back and highly recommend this for snacks too. If your looking for bacon and eggs not here. Organic hard boiled eggs and fresh grub they got!!

Looks like favorite cafe among locals. Friendly and warm atmosphere, a little bit old-fashioned. Good coffee, not the best, but okey. Tasty food. On Friday nights they have life jazz concerts.

I really enjoyed it!! and the workers were very nice, just kept getting stared at in particular by an older white lady, but other than that really would love to visit more when I'm in the area :)

Didn't expect to stop in and already had a home made latte but I split their quiche and a raspberry coffee cake with my son. Both items were delicious and i would def come back. The quiche did not look amazing in the case but They toasted/re-baked it and it had a nice brown crust on the... crust. Still, It doesn't look like much from the photo but it was super cheesy and delicious! They also do live jazz every Friday night! Smallish venue but still busy at least for a Friday morning! My only complaint was the service. The lady taking our order seemed bored and disinterested in us. Still food was delicious so I'll be back. Everyone has bad days now and then. I hope service is better next time.

A Coastal Gem for Coffee Lovers If you’re hunting for the perfect caffeine fix in Half Moon Bay, look no further than Cafe Society. I recently stopped in, and it’s safe to say this spot has mastered the "chill coffee shop" vibe. Here is why it’s a must-visit: * The Best Brew Around: I’ve tried a lot of coffee in the area, and this was easily the best I’ve had thus far. Whether you're a purist or like something a bit more crafted, the quality is undeniable. * Atmosphere: It is chill coffee shop culture at its finest. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax, soak in the local energy, and lose track of time. * The Bakery Case: Don’t skip the food! They have a wide variety of tasty offerings in the baked goods department that pair perfectly with your drink. Verdict: I highly recommend popping in for a cup of Joe. It’s a standout local spot that hits all the right notes.

A cute coffee shop made even better by the gentleman playing the piano while we were there. It was a beautiful afternoon so we sat outside but with the window open, it was easy to hear. The barista was friendly. The mocha was delicious. We didn't have any food but the pastries on display looked nice.

I absolutely adore Cafe Society. They have such a good vibe inside, very cozy and jazzy, hence the fact that they have music nights quite frequently. Their coffee is so good, I love the oat milk iced latte. They have lots of flavored syrup too, like hazelnut, coconut, lavender, and more, that are all very yummy. There's plenty of seating inside, a large table in the back and front, and many small tables in between. There's also some more outside. The staff is very nice, and there's really no wait for your drink. It's centrally located downtown too, lots of free parking everywhere.

Great coffee. I was even attacked by a guy outside and he knocked over my coffee and they didn't even charge me to remake. Got the caffe mocha and it was amazing my wife got the sugar free soy vanilla latte and shes picky and she loved it..

A line out the door on a Saturday morning was a great recommendation. While ordering a lavender latte and dirty spice chai latte, I spied the pastry case and had to try the raspberry coffee cake. Delightful! As were the drinks. We enjoyed the art displayed while we were waiting. Great way to start a Saturday in Half Moon Bay.

Quaint coffee shop. The coffee is amazing but their food selection is disappointing. Almost nothing in the way of savory food. However one of us had the quiche and enjoyed it

It's a very cozy Cafe. I loved the decorations. We sat in the corner by the window. There were lots of bakery items. Coffee is good. I also had the iced tea. It's a tiny place so go there when it is not busy. There's only one table outside. I think the whole point is to enjoy the atmosphere, but good luck getting a table. It is not for big groups, but you can get stuff to go. The staff is so nice and amazing!

I love this coffee shop! It is pretty spacious, so there is usually enough room for everyone to sit down and enjoy their coffee or pastries. Their coffee is very good, and I usually buy coffee beans from here as well, they are also very good. Overall, it’s a very cozy coffee shop and a nice place to read.

ChiGuy

A Coastal Gem for Coffee Lovers If you’re hunting for the perfect caffeine fix in Half Moon Bay, look no further than Cafe Society. I recently stopped in, and it’s safe to say this spot has mastered the "chill coffee shop" vibe. Here is why it’s a must-visit: * The Best Brew Around: I’ve tried a lot of coffee in the area, and this was easily the best I’ve had thus far. Whether you're a purist or like something a bit more crafted, the quality is undeniable. * Atmosphere: It is chill coffee shop culture at its finest. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax, soak in the local energy, and lose track of time. * The Bakery Case: Don’t skip the food! They have a wide variety of tasty offerings in the baked goods department that pair perfectly with your drink. Verdict: I highly recommend popping in for a cup of Joe. It’s a standout local spot that hits all the right notes.

Nancy C

A cute coffee shop made even better by the gentleman playing the piano while we were there. It was a beautiful afternoon so we sat outside but with the window open, it was easy to hear. The barista was friendly. The mocha was delicious. We didn't have any food but the pastries on display looked nice.

Theo Wiggin

I absolutely adore Cafe Society. They have such a good vibe inside, very cozy and jazzy, hence the fact that they have music nights quite frequently. Their coffee is so good, I love the oat milk iced latte. They have lots of flavored syrup too, like hazelnut, coconut, lavender, and more, that are all very yummy. There's plenty of seating inside, a large table in the back and front, and many small tables in between. There's also some more outside. The staff is very nice, and there's really no wait for your drink. It's centrally located downtown too, lots of free parking everywhere.

Christopher Berning

Great coffee. I was even attacked by a guy outside and he knocked over my coffee and they didn't even charge me to remake. Got the caffe mocha and it was amazing my wife got the sugar free soy vanilla latte and shes picky and she loved it..

Barbara Cash

It's a very cozy Cafe. I loved the decorations. We sat in the corner by the window. There were lots of bakery items. Coffee is good. I also had the iced tea. It's a tiny place so go there when it is not busy. There's only one table outside. I think the whole point is to enjoy the atmosphere, but good luck getting a table. It is not for big groups, but you can get stuff to go. The staff is so nice and amazing!

Anne Margaret White

A line out the door on a Saturday morning was a great recommendation. While ordering a lavender latte and dirty spice chai latte, I spied the pastry case and had to try the raspberry coffee cake. Delightful! As were the drinks. We enjoyed the art displayed while we were waiting. Great way to start a Saturday in Half Moon Bay.

Casch52

Quaint coffee shop. The coffee is amazing but their food selection is disappointing. Almost nothing in the way of savory food. However one of us had the quiche and enjoyed it

Masha Lomidze

I love this coffee shop! It is pretty spacious, so there is usually enough room for everyone to sit down and enjoy their coffee or pastries. Their coffee is very good, and I usually buy coffee beans from here as well, they are also very good. Overall, it’s a very cozy coffee shop and a nice place to read.

Natalia Dorofeeva

Looks like favorite cafe among locals. Friendly and warm atmosphere, a little bit old-fashioned. Good coffee, not the best, but okey. Tasty food. On Friday nights they have life jazz concerts.

A local favorite for coffee varieties, amazing muffins, salads and other light food and of course, for the jazz music on Friday evenings! Service is friendly, we come for the atmosphere.

We stopped while traveling through on our way to Samuel P Taylor State Park (going the scenic route) and picked up some food for lunch - I got Morning Glory Muffins, which were delicious, and Quiche Lorraine, which my husband said was the best quiche he had ever eaten! It was much less heavy than many quiches that overdo the cheese and bacon - and as a baking pan quiche, it was thinner, which made more crust per bite (which I loved). Light, balanced, yet delicious! It was crowded, but the line went fast, and it was definitely a place I'd enjoy hanging out in if we pass this way again.

Monica Concha Alferez

I really enjoyed it!! and the workers were very nice, just kept getting stared at in particular by an older white lady, but other than that really would love to visit more when I'm in the area :)

M Riley

We stopped while traveling through on our way to Samuel P Taylor State Park (going the scenic route) and picked up some food for lunch - I got Morning Glory Muffins, which were delicious, and Quiche Lorraine, which my husband said was the best quiche he had ever eaten! It was much less heavy than many quiches that overdo the cheese and bacon - and as a baking pan quiche, it was thinner, which made more crust per bite (which I loved). Light, balanced, yet delicious! It was crowded, but the line went fast, and it was definitely a place I'd enjoy hanging out in if we pass this way again.

Laura Brindusa Squire

A local favorite for coffee varieties, amazing muffins, salads and other light food and of course, for the jazz music on Friday evenings! Service is friendly, we come for the atmosphere.

Solid cafe with a wide range of pastries and coffees. The cold brew was on the bitter side but still flavorful. Had a coconut matcha gluten free, vegan cookie.

Nice little cafe, Sunday morning no lines no waiting, vibe of a local hangout, ordered a americano, probably one if the hardest to get right in American coffee houses. It was good and stayed warm for an hour and a half.

Nice place with Live Jazz music on some Friday nights. But we got our coffee in a paper cup even though they have proper mug in the cafe.

+4

It's a nice place that has a mom-and-pop feel. High ceilings and seating outside and at the back give you many choices. When I was there, a woman played Christmas songs on the piano. I didn't try the food since I only had a coffee for the occasion. The coffee (regular latte) was ok. I thought it was really bland and not even a hint of acidity. But all in all, it's a nice place to sit and people-watch while in Half Moon Bay.

I love this place but please please please get a warm colored bulb for the back room instead of that harsh white thing that shines directly into my eyes and says to me DO NOT STAY WE WANT YOU TO LEAVE NOW. Does not make for a welcoming environment

What a nice place to grab a coffee, an outdoor table and relax at. The caffe mocha was tasty and full of rich chocolate taste. The baked good seems fresh. I approve of the little shop🤣

Tried this cute coffee shop in Half Moon Bay downtown. Positives vibes with good ambience and ample space for gathering or bring a book to read . Tried bagel with sundried tomatoes spread, slightly on dry side and hard towards the end. Loved the grain bread with hummus, avocado and walnut oil. Great place to take a quick bite after a hike!

A nice and cozy cafe. Sitting is difficult since they have limited tables. Service is fast but efficient. Cakes are delicious.

Great coffee but on the day I visited only takeout cups were on offer. Limited seating but cakes and food looks good

Jesse Lee

What a nice place to grab a coffee, an outdoor table and relax at. The caffe mocha was tasty and full of rich chocolate taste. The baked good seems fresh. I approve of the little shop🤣

sholeh ja

A nice and cozy cafe. Sitting is difficult since they have limited tables. Service is fast but efficient. Cakes are delicious.

laksh mb

Tried this cute coffee shop in Half Moon Bay downtown. Positives vibes with good ambience and ample space for gathering or bring a book to read . Tried bagel with sundried tomatoes spread, slightly on dry side and hard towards the end. Loved the grain bread with hummus, avocado and walnut oil. Great place to take a quick bite after a hike!

Bryce McLean

Great coffee but on the day I visited only takeout cups were on offer. Limited seating but cakes and food looks good

Took a coffee and Caprese Sandwich. The coffee was amazing though the sandwich was kind of okay. It was pretty small and didn't have fresh basil. I also felt the sandwich was a bit expensive for the size. It costs a about $12. About coffee, it was awesome, served in ceramic cup and perfectly hot.

Quirky coffee shop with a jazz backroom. Street parking is free but limited. Iced coffee was decent, but nothing special. The black ice tea was overbrewed and tannin-heavy. Not recommended -- you can find better coffee and tea.

Cute place. Great service. Got a Chai tea with Soy. It is sweeten. I wish I knew. It is too sweet for me. Also got a marble bread (pound cake), didn't like it. It taste like store bought. Has a strange texture to it. Maybe better luck with other bake goods?

This cute cafe on the Main Street has soya, oat, and almond milk for coffee but it’s an extra $1-1.50. Honestly the coffee tasted okay, but it was not my favorite. No other vegan options.

We didn't order hummus salad. It was supposed to be a salad with dressing and served hummus separately. They poured hummus on top of the salad so we couldn't even use the dressing. Instead of calling the customer's name which they asked during order, they called the name of coffee. I was sure I was not the only one who ordered cappuchino. People had to go there and check to make sure it was theirs, but no way to confirm. Coffee and milk tasted burnt.

Average coffee shop, not very vegan friendly or understanding.

I work in HMB a day or two every few weeks. I have been here 3 times and it is a cute place, sometimes with live music. The first time, I waited about 5 minutes to be served even though it wasn't busy and the women behind the counter saw me. They were doing something, so I was patient, though I felt one should have come to serve the customer. Finally one of them came over, with no apology for the wait. I just had a latte, which was fine. I returned another day and nobody was behind the counter. Another customer said "She's in the back", so I waited. After about 5-7 minutes two people came out from the back. I wondered why they didn't leave one person to help customers. I got an Americano and it had too much water, so I was disappointed that it was weak. I had used my own cup (I like that they allow this) but I wish she had been able to guage how much water to add. I also had the Avocado toast with egg. It was very good and nicely seasoned, but I though a bit small for $12. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the toast, if not the Americano. The last time I went, there was another customer with a toddler waiting and I thought she had already ordered. I waited more than 5 minutes with the two ladies working behind the counter, looking up and not acknowledging me. Maybe because I'm not a regular? I don't know. I had enough of being ignored, so I didn't say anything and left at that point. As I walked out, I heard the other customer say "Is someone going to take my order?" I have no idea how long she had been waiting, but she was there when I arrived. There are a number of good cafes in HMB, so next time I will go to a different one. I don't like to write a negative review for a small business, but I hope they read this because ignoring customers is not good.

The biggest flaw of Cafe Society is their food, which is unfortunate for a cafe. Their baked goods are displayed to look like they are made locally or in house. However, many if not all are ultra-processed and purchased in bulk from companies like Sweet Sam's. For food of that quality, the prices are extortionate. The prices for their other foods are incredibly high, too. A plain bagel with butter at $5? A piece of barely warmed bread with half an avocado and a cold hard boiled egg for nearly $13? Ouch. Their drinks are fine but not redeeming. The interior is shabby but tolerably clean. They are somewhat saved by their attractive wall art and free wifi. Don't expect to find many outlets, however.

Lauren “Siena” Parsonnet

The biggest flaw of Cafe Society is their food, which is unfortunate for a cafe. Their baked goods are displayed to look like they are made locally or in house. However, many if not all are ultra-processed and purchased in bulk from companies like Sweet Sam's. For food of that quality, the prices are extortionate. The prices for their other foods are incredibly high, too. A plain bagel with butter at $5? A piece of barely warmed bread with half an avocado and a cold hard boiled egg for nearly $13? Ouch. Their drinks are fine but not redeeming. The interior is shabby but tolerably clean. They are somewhat saved by their attractive wall art and free wifi. Don't expect to find many outlets, however.

Alicia Frangos

I work in HMB a day or two every few weeks. I have been here 3 times and it is a cute place, sometimes with live music. The first time, I waited about 5 minutes to be served even though it wasn't busy and the women behind the counter saw me. They were doing something, so I was patient, though I felt one should have come to serve the customer. Finally one of them came over, with no apology for the wait. I just had a latte, which was fine. I returned another day and nobody was behind the counter. Another customer said "She's in the back", so I waited. After about 5-7 minutes two people came out from the back. I wondered why they didn't leave one person to help customers. I got an Americano and it had too much water, so I was disappointed that it was weak. I had used my own cup (I like that they allow this) but I wish she had been able to guage how much water to add. I also had the Avocado toast with egg. It was very good and nicely seasoned, but I though a bit small for $12. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the toast, if not the Americano. The last time I went, there was another customer with a toddler waiting and I thought she had already ordered. I waited more than 5 minutes with the two ladies working behind the counter, looking up and not acknowledging me. Maybe because I'm not a regular? I don't know. I had enough of being ignored, so I didn't say anything and left at that point. As I walked out, I heard the other customer say "Is someone going to take my order?" I have no idea how long she had been waiting, but she was there when I arrived. There are a number of good cafes in HMB, so next time I will go to a different one. I don't like to write a negative review for a small business, but I hope they read this because ignoring customers is not good.

The coffee shop looks nice, however the cappuccino I got from there was extremely bitter, I couldn't drink it.

I had a high expectation when I came to this place since it’s 4.5⭐️. I ordered a cup of cappuccino and this one came and I was like Whaaat??? You call this a cappuccino? LOL! Not only the looks but the taste was HORRIBLE!!!! And the cashier who is also the coffee maker was RUDE!!!!! What a waste of money!!!!! I won’t recommend this place nor come back for the second time. DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!

Everything is good except for the food. Coffee is super bitter and sandwich is pretty salty… also the avocado toast is kind of overpriced. 12 dollars for a slice of toast…

I came in around 10:30 this morning and had an experience that honestly felt discriminatory. When I went up to order, the two baristas (one training the other) didn’t acknowledge me at all, I was just standing there awkwardly for what felt a couple of minutes without so much as a “I’ll be right with you. Eventually they took my order, but when my white friend went up right after me, she was helped more quickly. I also saw a white customer walk in while they were busy, and one of the baristas acknowledged him right away and let him know they’d be with him shortly. The difference in how we were treated was noticeable, and it’s hard not to see it as a racial microaggression. As a person of color, it’s exhausting to deal with this kind of thing over and over, to be ignored until it’s convenient, only to watch white customers be acknowledged right away. It may not have been intentional, but the impact is the same: it makes people of color feel unwelcome. I hope the staff takes this seriously and reflects on how their behavior comes across.

Unbelievably rude staff. We were the second customers to enter the store and waited behind the first (who were paying) so we could see the food on display. After a few others entered the store, a barista asked if we were waiting (to which we replied yes) and she said the line is the other way and turned around. Shockingly poor customer service and absolutely no attempt made to provide any meaningful atmosphere of hospitality. Will be recommending my local friends to steer clear of this spot.

Nice little cafe. Love the food, sweets, sandwiches, soups etc., and the artsy style of wall pictures. At times it feels like a dirty cantina. Unlike Peet’s where staff are better customer oriented and place is clean and fresh. This cafe is essentially quite good but needs better staff training and management in retaining customers.

Thomas Anderson

Unbelievably rude staff. We were the second customers to enter the store and waited behind the first (who were paying) so we could see the food on display. After a few others entered the store, a barista asked if we were waiting (to which we replied yes) and she said the line is the other way and turned around. Shockingly poor customer service and absolutely no attempt made to provide any meaningful atmosphere of hospitality. Will be recommending my local friends to steer clear of this spot.

Amanda

Nice little cafe. Love the food, sweets, sandwiches, soups etc., and the artsy style of wall pictures. At times it feels like a dirty cantina. Unlike Peet’s where staff are better customer oriented and place is clean and fresh. This cafe is essentially quite good but needs better staff training and management in retaining customers.