Alta Organic Coffee Warehouse & Roasting Co. - Santa Cruz, California

James O.

If you want an ordinary coffee house, this isn't it. But it has its own special charm. It's almost completely a coffee wholesaler. ~ But amidst the big bags of wholesale coffee, they've set up a counter where you can buy cups of coffee and a few snacks -- and, (I think!?), some other beverages like tea. Don't hold me to that.
~ But coffee and snacks for sure.
~ You can also buy sweatshirts and t-shirts and, I believe one or two other garments
~ Outdoors they have seating. It's not formal or fussy at all. Just pull up a chair, and sit down. They're informally arranged like lawn furniture.
~ And there's also a picnic table that I love under a tree. Hardly anybody uses that.
~ Alta Coffee is directly across the street from Santa Cruz Bicycles, so a lot of workers from there will show up during their break times.

moses B.

first visit. medium roast was very light for my taste. it was a delicious cup of coffee but a few degree higher and a little more time could really unlock the complexity and broad palate in the beans that as is could be described as subtle and tasty where I prefer bold and complex. cautiously looking forward to trying a dark roast thinking it may come in as a medium by my standards but worth a try
great vibe really nice people working will definitely return

Haley

Amazing mochas and the best prices of any coffee shop I’ve ever visited!

Greg E.

Years ago I learned about Alta when The Buttery Bakery made them their house brew. It was uncommonly good for coffee shop/bakery coffee. (Sadly, the Buttery changed to another roaster.)
Their Ethiopian Natural is very good. This is my daily cup. Bright, full bodied, hints of berry set this medium roast apart.
The coffee is quality. They still sell a 16oz pound. The people are nice. It's next to the Saturday Farmers Market, on the West Side, so it is very easy, too.

Dave B.

Alta is so good that we have the Ethiopian Natural whole bean shipped to NY for home espresso. Pairing an old school lever La Pavoni espresso machine and these beans makes for a stellar latte. As native Santa Cruzan's temporarily transplanted to upstate NY for a masters program, we miss the mountains, the redwoods and the ocean. Alta has become our taste of home. There are lots of great local roasters in upstate NY but Alta has a special flavor that we haven't been able to source. Good people. Good coffee. Thanks for flavoring our adventure!

Emily C.

Having moved to Santa Cruz during the pandemic, it's been challenging to find things to do/ways to meet people. Trying out the local coffee shops has been a fun way to explore the neighborhood, but all the espresso I've tried thus far has tasted sour/under-extracted (I'm looking at you 11th Hour, Verve, and Cat & Cloud; I don't care how hip you seem or how cute your logos are). Alta's espresso is exactly what I want in coffee: rich, velvety, with just the right amount of bitter. I've been back every week since I discovered them, and the coffee is consistently good.

P.S. -- (written by the dog) The baristas here are always excited to see me and give me lots of pets and attention. Highly recommend.

Lon B.

Just learned about this place by accident. I searched "coffee" in my area and Verve showed up as the closest spot, but I found this gem on the way, which was completely invisible on Google maps.

Awesome spot and amazing coffee. Love the stories behind where the beans are grown, and the families they're sourced from. The staff was super warm and welcoming and I can't say enough good things about this place. Definitely give it a try!

Adam L.

Best coffee spot in town hands down!