Dogtown Coffee — Restaurant in Santa Monica

UPDATE 2022: The security staff uses a walkie talkie now to relay customer questions to the kitchen, leaning in to the role of interacting with customers. This small tweak is much more efficient, as orders are often times actually ready. Giving an additional star for this. The food is good btw, getting it has been the main issue.

ORIGINAL 2021: Like many places, this establishment is understaffed. Unlike many places, this one leaves the front unattended for 10 minutes at a time such that you can never get a word in to ask about your order.

It is practically an unmanned vending machine masquerading as a vibey beach town cafe.

You order from a touch screen giving the illusion of efficiency, but in their unmanned kiosk there is plenty of merchandise and other things to purchase or ask about that isn’t in the vending machine. T-shirts, partner promoted drinks and more. (If you're a brand looking for exposure, avoid this place nobody can buy your stuff.)

Everything about this place is an illusion of efficiency, as its pretty clear the staff imagines they are doing some efficient as they are quite busy. But being busy because the process is inefficient is not impressive. One correction, the security guard knows this is a comical failure because even he tries to pick up the slack on their behalf. It is more likely a customer will interact with the security guard who asks the customers about the status of their order and checks the kitchen.

Why is there a security guard? Dogtown Coffee thinks it is a sit down restaurant too, even though it is really a ghost kitchen for food delivery apps.

“The Doordash notification that my order is ready came 10 minutes ago, can you check on it?”

This is not a question you will be able to ask. There is no way to save time by ordering at the kiosk and waiting or ordering in advance for pickup. It will be ten minutes before you see someone to ask about the order either way, while they are stuck in an infinite loop of their current queue until they happen to notice you’ve been there for a whiiiiiiile.

When the staff emerges from the kitchen to give someone their order, they rush back to the kitchen immediately. Nary making eye contact as they know everyone has questions. Is it efficient for the front facing order takers to help in the kitchen, we will never know!

My thoughts are that they should embrace their ghost kitchen status and ditch their pre-pandemic nostalgia. It would save everyone headache.

The food and coffee is good though! But expect skepticism about whether they actually followed instructions. Its not like there is anyone to...

Dogtown Coffee, located in the heart of Santa Monica, is a standout spot for coffee lovers and those seeking a laid-back, beachy vibe. This local gem perfectly captures the essence of Southern California, blending quality coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and a touch of surf culture.

The moment you step into Dogtown Coffee, you're greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the friendly staff who seem genuinely passionate about what they do. The interior is cozy and casual, with surf-inspired decor that pays homage to the area's rich history as the birthplace of modern skateboarding and surfing. The vibe is relaxed, making it a great place to unwind, catch up with friends, or even get some work done.

When it comes to the coffee, Dogtown Coffee delivers. Their selection of brews is impressive, with a focus on quality beans and expert preparation. Whether you prefer a classic espresso, a frothy latte, or something more adventurous like a cold brew with a twist, you're sure to find something that suits your taste. Their signature drinks, like the "Salty Dog Caramel," offer a unique spin on the usual coffeehouse fare and are definitely worth trying.

The food at Dogtown Coffee is just as noteworthy. The menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch options, ranging from hearty breakfast burritos to fresh salads and sandwiches. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and you can taste the difference. The avocado toast, for instance, is a standout—simple but delicious, with ripe avocado, perfectly seasoned, and served on thick, crusty bread.

One of the highlights of Dogtown Coffee is its location. Just a short walk from the beach, it’s the perfect pit stop before or after a day by the ocean. The outdoor seating area is a great spot to enjoy your coffee while soaking up the sun and people-watching in this vibrant part of town.

Overall, Dogtown Coffee is more than just a place to grab a cup of joe—it's a community hub that embodies the spirit of Santa Monica. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good coffee, good food, and good vibes. Highly...

Great back patio and classic coffeeshop vibe. The barista was openly condescending when I asked for more info about their coffee. I asked what kind of drip they have. She said ‘dark or light’. I politely asked what kind of coffee. She said with a mocking smile and tone to match— ‘do you understand that there is dark roast and light roast coffee?’ I gave it back wryly,, ‘do you understand there are different kinds of coffees, like single origin, blends, natural or washed processes?’ She got flustered and pointed to the back behind me with notes. I had to get out of line bc my kid didn’t know what he wanted so I stepped aside and the other barista took my order. I ordered a small coffee, a small latte, and a pastry. Not paying attention to the ticket, I didn’t notice that I was not charged for the small coffee. When I got the latte there was no coffee. I let the staff know and they seemed uncaring and I had to wait back in line to get my small coffee. Eventually, I asked If they could fix the order annd remake the latte bc it was cold and the barista, the original one who was rude to me tried to act like I was trying to not pay for the coffee. It was so weird and awkward. They made the latte scalding hot. I just didn’t wanna wait in line for them to fix the order, was happy to pay even though that’s maybe not how you handle a service error like in my experience. No class. Apparently poorly trained staff on knowledge and service. The drip coffee was just ok. IMO. Kouign-amann was...