A Guide to Davis Coffee Shops

Temple Coffee Roasters

After returning home from a lengthy stay in Indonesia, Temple founder and barista Sean Kohmescher dreamed of creating a community gathering place much like the temples he visited during his travels, that being said, his java operation’s G Street store is an aesthetic standout among Davis coffee shops, by way of its warm earthy tones set against creamy white walls, ample wooden furnishings, trendy light fixtures, occasional touch of plant life, and useful amenities for a productive cafe day.

Mishka’s Cafe

Near and dear to the heart of downtown and named after a big friendly black cat, for over 25 years, this cafe has provided a sophisticated environment where thousands of finals have been studied for, dissertations and theses written, and new friendships formed. Mishkas proudly serves organic fair-trade coffee as well as tea to guests, continuing its beloved designation as one of the only coffee shops in Davis to carry a wide selection of both.

Cloud Forest Cafe

An adorable cottage getaway just walking distance from UC Davis’ campus, Cloud Forest Cafe treats visitors to an inviting ambiance accentuated by warm tones, wooden furnishings, and a rotating selection of artwork. Even their coffee and espresso mugs have been handcrafted and customized to make you feel right at home.

Fresh ingredients are a priority, rest assured you will have your choice of locally-roasted coffee beans, freshly-squeezed juices, smoothies made from real fruit, paninis built with ingredients prepared daily, and pastries from a local bakery right down the road.

Common Grounds Coffee

A locally owned independent business that has served the community for over 15 years, Common Grounds has a spacious atmosphere that features speedy WiFi, plenty of tables, and a living room area with comfortable couches and chairs for the perfect study or relaxation setting. From strong and smooth java to refreshing fruit smoothies to signature drinks like the Butter Caramel Latte and White Rose Mocha, there’s a little liquid delight for everybody here.

Pachamama Coffee

Pachamama’s founding farmers from Peru partnered with others in Nicaragua and Guatemala and dreamed up the idea to sell their own brand of coffee in the United States. This innovative team’s beautiful shop is intimately sized – with unique artwork celebrating craft coffee as well as the community of Davis adorning the walls – and is placed at the entrance of town, near the historic Southern Pacific train depot. Needless to say, it doesn’t get much more “farm to cup” than Pachamama!

Black Frog Coffee

Nestled at the quaint corner base of a modern G Street building, Black Frog offers breakfast and lunch items (including some vegetarian and vegan options), hot chocolate, tea, smoothies, salad, and soup, all in a comfortable atmosphere with light music and a flat-screen TV – not to mention free WiFi for everyone!

Philz Coffee

Let’s rewind our figurative clock to the year 1978 – when Phil Jaber purchased a convenience store in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. During his off-hours, the young man blended and tested brews, attempting to formulate the perfect cup of coffee. After 25 years of experimenting, he finally decided to move his very own kitchen table into the convenience store, and thus, Philz Coffee was born.

While Phil’s humble java empire now spans all of California, with locations in Chicago and the Washington D.C. metro area, since the moment he operated his first storefront, he’s consistently stuck to a single fruitful principle: better the days of everyone who walked in.

Dutch Bros

Founded in Southern Oregon in 1992 by dairy farmer brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros. Coffee is the country’s largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company. For those java purists bewildered that I could include as large a chain as Dutch on this list of Davis coffee shops, please remember, they’re not very common elsewhere in the United States, so for visitors or newcomers, this energy-rich oasis in the sun will undoubtedly prove a sweet treat.

From early mornings to late nights, some heavenly beverages you may spot being served out of their pull-up window include specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, freezes, teas, and Blue Rebel energy drinks that customers can infuse with their favorite flavors.

Every cup of Dutch Bros. coffee is handcrafted – roasted by hand in the Pacific Northwest, blended by hand, and then ground and pulled by hand, ristretto-style. One more observation worth noting, their employees are relentlessly kind, attentive, and cheerful, at all times, never failing to look like they’re having the moment of their lives while on shift; super fun vibes!

If you enjoyed this guide to the best Davis coffee shops, be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Coffee Shops in Sacramento!