Mr Toots Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Capitola

My weekends now start with a ritualistic pilgrimage to the legendary Mr Toots Coffee House. I commence this journey still in my pajamas, much to the shock of my neighbors and the local fauna, but the temptation of Mr Toots' coffee is far too grand to be delayed by such trivial matters as 'dressing appropriately.'

The staff, as enthusiastic about mornings as a rooster on a caffeine high, greet me like a long lost friend, possibly because they've seen me more often in my PJs than even my own cat. They are so amiable that I'm starting to believe they've all graduated from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Customer Service.

Once I secure my daily dose of 'sunshine in a cup', I take a seat by the window. The view! If Monet and Van Gogh had a paint-off to capture the beauty of Capitola Village and the shimmering ocean beyond, they'd still struggle to outdo this vista. It's as if every day someone up there hits the 'Bob Ross happy little trees' button.

But wait, there's more! The breakfast snacks - oh, the sweet breakfast snacks! I am convinced they have a secret partnership with the Tooth Fairy. Their pastries are so heavenly, it's like every bite sings a symphony, and my taste buds have VIP seats. I can't be sure, but I think I heard my muffin hum Beethoven's 9th Symphony last Sunday.

In short, Mr Toots Coffee House is a magical symphony of caffeine, sweetness, and mesmerizing views, conducted by the friendliest orchestra of baristas. It's not just a coffee house, it's an experience. One that helps me forgive my alarm clock for its early morning sins. So here's to you, Mr Toots. I raise my coffee mug in salute and give you my sleep-deprived but wholehearted five...

The best coffee and etc. place on the esplanade. A place that locals favor. Beautiful views out of both sides. One is toward the lagoon and ocean, a view enhanced when you choose one of the two tables on the balcony outside (dogs are welcome on the balcony, but not on the inside Except while you're getting what you came in for - your dog can't sit inside with you, for example, while you tap into the house wi-fi to write the great american novel. The on the other side overlooks the historic vacation bungalows along the rider, and the intersection of Stockton and the Esplanade with its diverse passers-by. It's always been quiet when I've been there. The folk behind the counter are gracious and friendly. You know you're in a good place when they have the sense of humor to include Peanut Butter syrup in their wide selection of the basic vanilla, hazelnut, caramel, - more than i've seen anywhere else. Peanut Butter? A friend says maybe it's for chocolate milk? Most visitors/tourists miss Mr. Toot's because it's upstairs. There's an unobtrusive sign that gets put out every morning, pointing up the steps. There is a Mr. Toot's painted on the lagoon side, right across from the Venetian Hotel, which one could see from the Stockton Bridge. Pity the visitors who are seduced by the storefront large windows of the restaurants down the street. Anyone who misses Mr. Toot's is...

Adorable, quaint, unassuming, friendly, delicious, and satisfying. Mr. Toot's is an old favorite of mine, from summers spent on their patio or couch with my sister as we sipped chai or lattes and listened to a stranger play the piano or the seagulls playing along the shore. This was the first time I got to take my wife and she loved it. The patio was sunny and warm with a spectacular view of the river, ocean, and famous, brightly painted, Capitola houses. Though there are only two tables for two upstairs, there is a downstairs outdoor patio in the sun as well. I custom ordered an affogato, it's not on their menu but the barista was willing to try to make one for me with their vanilla ice cream and she did a wonderful job. It turned out to be a great mid morning snack. My wife got the green rooibos tea, which helped fight back the chilly coastal breeze, and afterwards we spotted that their teas are all from Republic of Tea and they had one she wants to try next time, Tea of Inquiry. There will definitely be a next time. Love this place and hope it can survive the pandemic and return to being a favorite hangout spot...