The Ugly Mug

Old school coffee shop.such a nice service.very friendly and tasty coffee.

+5

My latte was delicious... my guy loves coffee... he said his Americano was the best that he's ever had !!! Thank you so much !!!

The honey cinnamon capuchino was the best coffee I have had in years! Not complicated but such a rich flavor and thick foam! A very kind girl with black bangs made it. Wonderful!

Love the vibe here. Very hippy with good coffee and eclectic decor and furniture.

Wonderful. Friendly. Great quality. Reasonable prices. Best hot chocolate ever!

Great coffee and welcoming service. Nice place to just have a cup, read a book and chill

We had two delicious Cortado‘s, and the roast of the coffee was wonderfully dark and rich and Coco flavored. The barista and owner were lovely and shared more about the history of the roast and the coffee has been roasted since the 70s. Highly recommend, local vibe!

Everything you could ever want from a local coffee shop. Steve is an icon.

Fun atmosphere and my daughter loves the fish tank. One of the only places I know that serves black flower chai besides the white raven.

This place is so fun and cute. Staff is always friendly, building is clean. Drinks are always delicious

Local, local, local-- espresso drinks are good, super friendly staff, everyone seems happy to be there. So refreshing. Go here!

Great coffee, batistas take the time to know you and your order. The mocha is amazing not overly sweet but just right.

I am, my friends, a weary pilgrim, on a journey marked by both the sublime and the harrowing. It is a journey back to my youth of mercurial loves and self conscious awkwardness. Who was I then, and who am I today? It is a changing landscape of past and the present day that seems to quiver in the air like a mirage over hot asphalt. I come to visit my parents grave where they rest ashen and mixed in their love. I come to morn the loss of two older siblings, the curse of reaching a certain age. And I explore. I search out the ethos of the community, I look for the heart of this wildly different, yet essentially the same, season of my youth. And I wander into the Ugly Mug and it is full of people there for open mic. As I listen to the music, I am struck by a feeling of easy, friendly support. The performers are comfortable there, so much more like old easy friends than simple musicians standing on a stage. I can feel their solid love for the crowd and the place is packed. Every face is engaged and every person seems glad to be there. This such an interesting group, the sense of acceptance and support is palpable. It is idyllic in such a powerful and earth solid way. I am greeted by a barista so kind and open that I am a little confused. I find the menu a little daunting, a new language, a series of mysteries. I mumble, what I think I want is some kind of mocha, and without missing a beat she says, I can do that for you. It was such a simple kindness. And it made me feel suddenly welcome. The mocha was strong and good and unapologetic. When taking my cup back to the bussing tray, I meet the proprietor and we talk briefly. The man radiates kindness and goodwill like a beacon standing in the night. In a moment he made me feel as welcome as I have ever felt anywhere. He tells me I should come back sooner next time, and it makes my heart hurt with yearning for that simple eclectic, friendly establishment, on the corner of Soquel for all the world like the prow of a ship. I can see that he is a kind of vortex of kindness that is irresistible. This place embodies him. I don’t know that I have ever, in my long travels, wanted so much to come back to a place. If I lived here, I would come often, I would try to share what they share. I would let the fabric of the place absorb me like water into bone dry wood. It is the balm of Gilead, the spark of community, the oil upon the troubled waters. I could only believe that people have been coming here for years. That they have found a home that shines warm light into the cacophony of dark.

This place is very comfy nice atmosphere I ordered and ate a very sweet rice Krispy treat. Partner got a freshly made iced earl grey

It’s a cute place and lovely atmosphere. Get the specials here for something extra. Loved the double shot white mocha drink.

I LOVE THIS COFFEE SHOP. The atmosphere is immaculate. Very friendly staff, friendly customers. It doesn’t have that hipster/modern color scheme- it’s very neighborhood vibes. The walls are covered in posters of past and current local events. Coffee wise, honestly the actual espresso is pretty good but not the best ever. Great menu options though. Autumn menu features some unique options- including a pumpkin spice hot chocolate (my personal favorite). They also have a fantastic mocha.

Ray of Frickin’ Sunshine lived up to its name! It was delicious! I will alway have to stop by when I’m in Soquel again.

Local vibe coffee house! The Barista made me a very custom Mexi Mocha Chai....which was delishhh! Got the last piece of quiche...great to the last bite! Good coffee Great quiche Nice people:)

It was a great place to meet with friends!!! I got coffee from a large coffee vessel in the back. Next time, I will have them make a fresh cup next time. Also, I had a cookie, and the server heated it up to make taste fresher.

Wonderful people, amazing coffee. The best dry cappuccino around! How dry is it? Sahara dry! The owner, Steve, makes it feel like home. Claire is a national Treasure. Now with outside seating.

The Ugly Mug is a terrific retro coffee shop in the heart of downtown Soquel. Step inside and you’re instantly transported back in time to the type of local coffeehouse that hardly exists anymore. You’ll be greeted warmly by friendly baristas who act as if they own the place. The vibe is definitely old school, which is a genuine relief from the sanitized sameness of the big chain coffee shops. The well-worn tables and chairs are perfect for relaxing and lingering over a really good cup of coffee and maybe one of their fresh, locally baked pastries. There’s a tiny table and chairs for the kiddos, vintage board games, backgammon sets and vinyl records. This is a place to meet and hang with friends, not to sit alone and work at a laptop. Instead of being criticized for the lack of WiFi access, these guys should be celebrated for taking a risk and encouraging customers to actually talk with their fellow humans. The Ugly Mug offers standard and specialty espresso drinks, smoothies, and ice cream. There are also a few menu items it would be hard to find elsewhere, like a NY Egg Cream, a classic Root Beer Float, and an Italian Affogato. Instead of your usual latte or cappuccino, try an AlPachino (an ice-blended mocha or vanilla latte) or a Ray o’ Frickin Sunshine (soy cappuccino w/orange zest). I’m just a basic coffee drinker so these don’t appeal me, but I give this place extra points just for their creativity and wicked sense of humor! Ugly Mug Coffeehouse is located on the corner of Soquel Drive and Porter Street just a few blocks East of Highway 1. There was ample street parking and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating when I stopped by early on a weekday morning. Although I don’t live nearby, I’ll definitely make a detour the next time I’m anywhere in the neighborhood. You should too!

Elija Bandersnatch

I am, my friends, a weary pilgrim, on a journey marked by both the sublime and the harrowing. It is a journey back to my youth of mercurial loves and self conscious awkwardness. Who was I then, and who am I today? It is a changing landscape of past and the present day that seems to quiver in the air like a mirage over hot asphalt. I come to visit my parents grave where they rest ashen and mixed in their love. I come to morn the loss of two older siblings, the curse of reaching a certain age. And I explore. I search out the ethos of the community, I look for the heart of this wildly different, yet essentially the same, season of my youth. And I wander into the Ugly Mug and it is full of people there for open mic. As I listen to the music, I am struck by a feeling of easy, friendly support. The performers are comfortable there, so much more like old easy friends than simple musicians standing on a stage. I can feel their solid love for the crowd and the place is packed. Every face is engaged and every person seems glad to be there. This such an interesting group, the sense of acceptance and support is palpable. It is idyllic in such a powerful and earth solid way. I am greeted by a barista so kind and open that I am a little confused. I find the menu a little daunting, a new language, a series of mysteries. I mumble, what I think I want is some kind of mocha, and without missing a beat she says, I can do that for you. It was such a simple kindness. And it made me feel suddenly welcome. The mocha was strong and good and unapologetic. When taking my cup back to the bussing tray, I meet the proprietor and we talk briefly. The man radiates kindness and goodwill like a beacon standing in the night. In a moment he made me feel as welcome as I have ever felt anywhere. He tells me I should come back sooner next time, and it makes my heart hurt with yearning for that simple eclectic, friendly establishment, on the corner of Soquel for all the world like the prow of a ship. I can see that he is a kind of vortex of kindness that is irresistible. This place embodies him. I don’t know that I have ever, in my long travels, wanted so much to come back to a place. If I lived here, I would come often, I would try to share what they share. I would let the fabric of the place absorb me like water into bone dry wood. It is the balm of Gilead, the spark of community, the oil upon the troubled waters. I could only believe that people have been coming here for years. That they have found a home that shines warm light into the cacophony of dark.

Christian Griffith

This place is very comfy nice atmosphere I ordered and ate a very sweet rice Krispy treat. Partner got a freshly made iced earl grey

manoj peshve

It’s a cute place and lovely atmosphere. Get the specials here for something extra. Loved the double shot white mocha drink.

Cheryl Cardamon

Local vibe coffee house! The Barista made me a very custom Mexi Mocha Chai....which was delishhh! Got the last piece of quiche...great to the last bite! Good coffee Great quiche Nice people:)

Elena Rexach

I LOVE THIS COFFEE SHOP. The atmosphere is immaculate. Very friendly staff, friendly customers. It doesn’t have that hipster/modern color scheme- it’s very neighborhood vibes. The walls are covered in posters of past and current local events. Coffee wise, honestly the actual espresso is pretty good but not the best ever. Great menu options though. Autumn menu features some unique options- including a pumpkin spice hot chocolate (my personal favorite). They also have a fantastic mocha.

Em C

Ray of Frickin’ Sunshine lived up to its name! It was delicious! I will alway have to stop by when I’m in Soquel again.

JoAnn SkyWatcher

It was a great place to meet with friends!!! I got coffee from a large coffee vessel in the back. Next time, I will have them make a fresh cup next time. Also, I had a cookie, and the server heated it up to make taste fresher.

Elaine Fonseca, REALTOR

Stopped by on my way to Soquel HS for a soccer game & this place did not disappoint. I ordered a cafe latte with oatmilk & their homemade lavender syrup! OMG the best coffee I’ve had in a while! My daughters ordered the Italian soda & same thing, they thought it was great. Parking was a bit challenging as they are located at a main intersection but nothing a small walk couldn’t fix.

Roger Nolan

Wonderful people, amazing coffee. The best dry cappuccino around! How dry is it? Sahara dry! The owner, Steve, makes it feel like home. Claire is a national Treasure. Now with outside seating.

I love this place. I like the open mic night and love to contribute a couple of songs. The baristas are all really sweet. The coffee is great and I just keep rolling doubles. Don't forget to roll those dice!

Wonderful local coffee shop and small music venue. Great coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. Delicious snacks as well. Great place to see local musicians, especially on open mic nights.

Great casual friendly place to get a cup of coffee. They have a bunch of different options of drinks and food. Highly recommend. You can park across the street or behind the building.

Father-in-law and I went out for coffee and he brought me to the ugly mug. Danish and coffee was good, but the atmosphere was cozy. Service was great.

Wonderfully chill, relaxing atmosphere. The staff are super nice and the drinks so good. My cappuccino was very tasty.

Renee Nelson

Wonderfully chill, relaxing atmosphere. The staff are super nice and the drinks so good. My cappuccino was very tasty.

nicholas taliaferro

Father-in-law and I went out for coffee and he brought me to the ugly mug. Danish and coffee was good, but the atmosphere was cozy. Service was great.

Danny Kahle

Imagine a concert hall met a smart coffee shop with magazines and newspapers and books and games and nice people. And Django Reinhardt tickled fish. I learned this at the Ugly Mug. Best coffee shop in the area.

Sandy Glass

Wonderful local coffee shop and small music venue. Great coffee, teas, and hot chocolate. Delicious snacks as well. Great place to see local musicians, especially on open mic nights.

M Rich

Love this place. My go-to cafe when I wanna just chill with a coffee or get some work done. Their mocha chai latte is my favorite. Customer service is always great

HOWARD STUDSTILL

I love this place. I like the open mic night and love to contribute a couple of songs. The baristas are all really sweet. The coffee is great and I just keep rolling doubles. Don't forget to roll those dice!

Very good coffee ☕, arrived just before the sat morning rush. Got a kick out of the 20 in wide restroom 🚽 door, and glad I could fit 😊👍

Stopped by on my way back from Big Sur.. Asked for cappuccino with orange peel and the Batista made it for no additional charge. The drink was so fragrant! Love it, what a nice little break from the road trip. Decor was a bit outdated though, and parking is a mess.

Ugly Mug is a great local coffee shop. You will find good bites and great coffee here. Good service, friendly staff and a vary talkative owner will make you feel welcome. From a nice and relaxing fish tank to books and board games, they have some pretty unique things to keep customers entertained. I love their cappuccino, iced late and croissants.

a snug & well-decorated cafe with wonderful staff, ideal for spending time with a friend or getting some work done. lots of student customers from what i saw. they have a fish tank in the back which i thought was super cool🐠🐠 i ordered a cortado & a slice of coffee cake- the cortado was good but the coffee cake was especially dry which was a little disappointing. it was tasty though.

Visited Ugly Mug for live music performance. Chairs were lined up and the doors had opened 30 min before the show. The cafe offers great variety of coffee drinks, matcha, tea, siders and beer on tap, as well a good selection of cookies, coffee cakes and savory snacks. For live performances they also allow to bring own wine and pay corkage fee. Lovingly decorated and evidently a community favorite spot, the Ugly Mug has been repeatedly voted Best in Santa Cruz. There's a public parking behind the building and across the street.

Local coffees shop. Pretty good for the drinks May be the table or chairs was old but we are thinking classic style. Awesome for the menu drinks so much choice you can select your own drinks. Also you can plug in your notebook (Hope you khow difficult to find in US)❤️ Appreciated 👍

We stopped in after dinner and got coffee. The kids were able to order ice cream. They have a large selection of cookies with a few GF options. It's an eclectic, laid back vibe with friendly service.

Gergana

Visited Ugly Mug for live music performance. Chairs were lined up and the doors had opened 30 min before the show. The cafe offers great variety of coffee drinks, matcha, tea, siders and beer on tap, as well a good selection of cookies, coffee cakes and savory snacks. For live performances they also allow to bring own wine and pay corkage fee. Lovingly decorated and evidently a community favorite spot, the Ugly Mug has been repeatedly voted Best in Santa Cruz. There's a public parking behind the building and across the street.

Erin Joo

a snug & well-decorated cafe with wonderful staff, ideal for spending time with a friend or getting some work done. lots of student customers from what i saw. they have a fish tank in the back which i thought was super cool🐠🐠 i ordered a cortado & a slice of coffee cake- the cortado was good but the coffee cake was especially dry which was a little disappointing. it was tasty though.

Amy Wara

Local coffees shop. Pretty good for the drinks May be the table or chairs was old but we are thinking classic style. Awesome for the menu drinks so much choice you can select your own drinks. Also you can plug in your notebook (Hope you khow difficult to find in US)❤️ Appreciated 👍

I had a coffee that was truly horrible, but my husbands was delicious! Probably my mistake. The actual coffee aside from the horrible amount of almond extract was really good. Service was weird. Lol. Kind of not that nice, not really friendly, definitely not welcoming. Not that this took away stars, but I thought there'd be lots of hideously beautiful handmade mugs I could buy. There are zero handmade mugs lol. It was really cute inside- a "cool" person vibe- I guess I wasn't cool enough. Ha!

C.S.

I had a coffee that was truly horrible, but my husbands was delicious! Probably my mistake. The actual coffee aside from the horrible amount of almond extract was really good. Service was weird. Lol. Kind of not that nice, not really friendly, definitely not welcoming. Not that this took away stars, but I thought there'd be lots of hideously beautiful handmade mugs I could buy. There are zero handmade mugs lol. It was really cute inside- a "cool" person vibe- I guess I wasn't cool enough. Ha!

Rough around the edges in the best way; local place; good coffee, skip the matcha

Went 4 days in a row while on vacation. The first 3 days, had great coffee and a great experience. But, today something was very off with the coffee. Tasted burnt. The servers were very nice and remade my coffee and then gave me my money back without issue when it was still not good, but really disappointed with the inconsistency.

Coffee was good, the choice for the snacks or savories were limited. When asked the baristas had no clue what tastes them. Location is ideal though and it could get better with a little more attention. Limited parking around it so be prepared for it

Sailen Saha

Coffee was good, the choice for the snacks or savories were limited. When asked the baristas had no clue what tastes them. Location is ideal though and it could get better with a little more attention. Limited parking around it so be prepared for it

I want to like this place so bad but everytime I go I order an iced oatmilk vanilla latte and it sucks. I was barista too, I don't understand why it's so hard! And then I try to get it fixed and the baristas are like mad and mean about it. I don't like it here anymore

They still have a BLM sign in their window even after that fraudulent "business model" has been prosecuted & the leader thrown in jail!.

The experience wasn't very pleasant. My family of 2 kids and my wife drove here for 15 minutes and were late because of the traffic. When we got to the shop at 4:25 we came in and they told us that they were closed. Although we still had 5 minutes left until it actually close, they told us to leave. Wasn't very pleasant service. When we were standing outside of the coffee house and looking inside thru the door they closed it right in front of us. Which we thought was very rude. In conclusion the experience was very rude and unpleasant.