Groundwork Coffee
Coffee shop · Santa Monica
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About Groundwork Coffee
At Groundwork Coffee, we're passionate about serving up more than just a great cup of coffee - we're dedicated to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where friends and neighbors can gather. Our relaxed vibe is inspired by the local coffeehouse chain that started it all, with signature blends and...
At Groundwork Coffee, we're passionate about serving up more than just a great cup of coffee - we're dedicated to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where friends and neighbors can gather. Our relaxed vibe is inspired by the local coffeehouse chain that started it all, with signature blends and teas brewed fresh daily. We're proud to be a part of the Santa Monica community, serving up expertly crafted drinks in a cozy space that feels like home. From our friendly baristas to our inviting patio seating area, every detail is designed to make you feel right at home.
What Customers Say About Groundwork Coffee
Groundwork Coffee in Santa Monica is a small, neighborhood coffee shop known for its organic and fair-trade coffee. Customers rave about the quality of the coffee, friendly service, and vegan/gluten-free options. Some dislike the no-cash policy and occasional inconsistencies in service.
Popular Dishes
Best For
Tip: It's a small spot with limited seating, so be prepared for it to be cozy. They have dog treats available.
Features
What to see nearby
Data from Wikidata
Explore the area around Groundwork Coffee
Groundwork Coffee is located in Santa Monica, surrounded by cultural and historical points of interest. Here are some of the most notable places nearby.
Historical Heritage
- The Ellison (A 646m) — historic building in Venice, California, United States Lugar inscrito en el Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos
Museums
- Venice Heritage Museum (A 352m) — history museum in Los Angeles, California
- California Heritage Museum (A 399m) — heritage museum in Santa Monica, California
Religious Buildings
- Pacific Jewish Center (A 725m) — Orthodox synagogue in Venice, California
Parks & Gardens
- Los Amigos Park (A 699m) — park in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
- Hotchkiss Park (A 773m) — park in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
- Ozone Park (A 882m) — park in Santa Monica, California
- Joslyn Park (A 975m) — park in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
Other Points of Interest
- Fraser's Million Dollar Pier (A 295m) — U.S. amusement park (1911–1912)
- Ocean Park Beach (A 660m) — beach in Santa Monica, California, United States
Data from Wikidata
Frequently asked questions about Groundwork Coffee
Groundwork Coffee Santa Monica Reviews
Total hole-in-the-wall neighborhood joint. Essentially no seating, unless you like having people constantly brushing up against you. (See pic.) Dog treats available. Friendly staff. Good latte.
I’m always on the look out for the locally roasted coffee, I’m often disappointed. But THIS spot I have to say I’m absolutely IMPRESSED!!! Not too acidic, not bitter at all and a fantastic taste. Staff was sincere and I will be back again tomorrow!!
A bit of a hole in the wall with great lattes and super friendly service. I love that this particular location pays homage to visiting dogs!
Asher made me a single shot flat white with soy milk and it was heavenly. Milk texture was perfect; it was silky with micro foam and poured elegantly with a smooth espresso shot that had excellent crema and the drink was just at the right temp! It was just warm enough without it being anywhere near burned. (Side note: You’re able to see them craft a drink because the machine is exposed to the customers, as well). I literally drank my drink in two sips and that’s coming from a person who rarely drinks coffee. These people are truly cool cats with cool style and fun / unique personalities, who enjoy working there. It’s truly a treasure and it makes me feel like I’m somewhere in Brooklyn, San Fran, Seattle! Love these guys.
Total hole-in-the-wall neighborhood joint. Essentially no seating, unless you like having people constantly brushing up against you. (See pic.) Dog treats available. Friendly staff. Good latte.
I’m always on the look out for the locally roasted coffee, I’m often disappointed. But THIS spot I have to say I’m absolutely IMPRESSED!!! Not too acidic, not bitter at all and a fantastic taste. Staff was sincere and I will be back again tomorrow!!
A bit of a hole in the wall with great lattes and super friendly service. I love that this particular location pays homage to visiting dogs!
Asher made me a single shot flat white with soy milk and it was heavenly. Milk texture was perfect; it was silky with micro foam and poured elegantly with a smooth espresso shot that had excellent crema and the drink was just at the right temp! It was just warm enough without it being anywhere near burned. (Side note: You’re able to see them craft a drink because the machine is exposed to the customers, as well). I literally drank my drink in two sips and that’s coming from a person who rarely drinks coffee. These people are truly cool cats with cool style and fun / unique personalities, who enjoy working there. It’s truly a treasure and it makes me feel like I’m somewhere in Brooklyn, San Fran, Seattle! Love these guys.
Great coffee spot! It’s very small and tucked away but worth a stop! I came in twice during my recent work trip to LA.
Great coffee and not just the coffee beans are organic but also their milk and pastries etc... their food is amazing as well! Namaste
I’m particular about my coffee, often I find them either too acidic or with high tannins. But Groundwork is always yummy! The beehive matcha latte and horchata cold brew are my absolute favorites!
awesome place! friendly staff! AND GLUTEN & VEGAN PASTRY/ DRINK OPTIONS!!! and they’re on the too good to go app!
i love this place, and it is organic amd fair trade! but the prices are triple what they were 6 years ago. it is becoming hard to justify the fancy coffee prices for regular brewed coffee. the people working here and the location and community keep me coming back. but the tiny coffee is the same price as smoothies or samosas so i often get something next door these days and brew at home.
Walk into the best coffee aroma you can think of. Came here after sushi and it was the best end cap to our meal. The nitro cold brew with a splash of agave was just perfect.
Great coffee spot! It’s very small and tucked away but worth a stop! I came in twice during my recent work trip to LA.
Very good coffee, nice shop, friendly service
Great coffee and not just the coffee beans are organic but also their milk and pastries etc... their food is amazing as well! Namaste
awesome place! friendly staff! AND GLUTEN & VEGAN PASTRY/ DRINK OPTIONS!!! and they’re on the too good to go app!
I’m particular about my coffee, often I find them either too acidic or with high tannins. But Groundwork is always yummy! The beehive matcha latte and horchata cold brew are my absolute favorites!
Walk into the best coffee aroma you can think of. Came here after sushi and it was the best end cap to our meal. The nitro cold brew with a splash of agave was just perfect.
i love this place, and it is organic amd fair trade! but the prices are triple what they were 6 years ago. it is becoming hard to justify the fancy coffee prices for regular brewed coffee. the people working here and the location and community keep me coming back. but the tiny coffee is the same price as smoothies or samosas so i often get something next door these days and brew at home.
Great customer service! Good dirty chai latte is full flavored with spices.
Small place but good coffee. Nice dark roast
Great customer service! Good dirty chai latte is full flavored with spices.
Small place but good coffee. Nice dark roast
Would be five stars if there was a bathroom. The sudden horror of realizing you desperately need to go after your espresso but can't and need to grin and bare it until your friend leaves really detracts from the experience. The employees here are really nice. The coffee is great, and they use high quality milk (both dairy and non-dairy). I also like the stone interior and outdoor seating area. In general a hip but comfortable, unpretentious vibe.
Would be five stars if there was a bathroom. The sudden horror of realizing you desperately need to go after your espresso but can't and need to grin and bare it until your friend leaves really detracts from the experience. The employees here are really nice. The coffee is great, and they use high quality milk (both dairy and non-dairy). I also like the stone interior and outdoor seating area. In general a hip but comfortable, unpretentious vibe.
Man, I really like Groundwork Coffee but they don't take cash here so I'm no longer coming there. This new no cash thing is ridiculous. By the way, they still accept tips in cash, however. Hypocrisy at its best.
Got a matcha latte and it was really clumpy. It was also $8 which I thought was a bit over priced.
The staff seem depressed, unfriendly, and don’t even say hello. There’s tons of flys and bad smells right outside. The coffee is great though.
Man, I really like Groundwork Coffee but they don't take cash here so I'm no longer coming there. This new no cash thing is ridiculous. By the way, they still accept tips in cash, however. Hypocrisy at its best.
I really prefer to support small, local establishments whenever possible. I feel a little bad about leaving a poor review, but I need to be honest. The espresso was . . . . terrible. The employee was not particularly welcoming or friendly. Considering they have competition directly across the street, I would think they would try a bit harder. They also don't accept cash.
I really prefer to support small, local establishments whenever possible. I feel a little bad about leaving a poor review, but I need to be honest. The espresso was . . . . terrible. The employee was not particularly welcoming or friendly. Considering they have competition directly across the street, I would think they would try a bit harder. They also don't accept cash.
My experience felt like an episode of Portlandia or something. Came to get coffee. Politely waited about 10 mins. The barista chatted up the only other customer without acknowledging us at all and without working on first customer’s order. After politely asking if we could place an order, we were rudely told by the barista that she was still busy with the other customer, whom she was clearly chatting to about a local French immersion class. She managed to then completely mess up the first customer’s order. Finally after close to 20 mins, we tried to order coffee only to be told she couldn’t do pour over and had no drip coffee on hand. The Americano was actually quite good but there is no chance I would pay for the same experience again.
I got there at 2:09 no for my 2-3:30 to good to go pick up and they were closed with no notice and I had walked a mile to get here.
I got there at 2:09 no for my 2-3:30 to good to go pick up and they were closed with no notice and I had walked a mile to get here.
The girl Esmeralda who works here brews shots that where brewed for the last person regularly and after watching her do it she lies to my face about it. I complained to the general manager Tyler and he had no sense of accountability for his own employers. I do not like being spoken to the way she spoke to me, I have boycotted groundworks after my experience here with Esmeralda and Tyler the manager. You will never get another cent from me, your staff are the face of your company, and your staff are horrible.
Burned coffee, same horrible quality as Starbucks. The live repetitive music on a weekend and unbearable. They put a guy who think he is at the pool party but you are a coffee shop, not a disco club. Your brain will fry. Zero purpose to come here if it’s to drink burned coffee and hear non stop horrible music
Burned coffee, same horrible quality as Starbucks. The live repetitive music on a weekend and unbearable. They put a guy who think he is at the pool party but you are a coffee shop, not a disco club. Your brain will fry. Zero purpose to come here if it’s to drink burned coffee and hear non stop horrible music
The girl Esmeralda who works here brews shots that where brewed for the last person regularly and after watching her do it she lies to my face about it. I complained to the general manager Tyler and he had no sense of accountability for his own employers. I do not like being spoken to the way she spoke to me, I have boycotted groundworks after my experience here with Esmeralda and Tyler the manager. You will never get another cent from me, your staff are the face of your company, and your staff are horrible.
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About Groundwork Coffee
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2908 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
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2908 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
📍 Explore the Neighborhood
U.S. amusement park (1911–1912)
history museum in Los Angeles, California
heritage museum in Santa Monica, California
historic building in Venice, California, United States
beach in Santa Monica, California, United States
park in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
Orthodox synagogue in Venice, California
park in Los Angeles County, California, United States of America
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