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ZipPicks Awards
Best Breakfast in Santa Monica
Best Brunch in Santa Monica
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Santa Monica
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
Urth Caffé
8.0
LA institution serving exclusively organic, heirloom coffee with health-conscious California cuisine in Spanish-style building. Founded in 1989, Urth pioneered the organic coffee movement and offers extensive breakfast menu featuring everything from vegan options to decadent pastries, all made with sustainable ingredients in a European-style coffeehouse setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Spanish Latte, Sticky Buns
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: America's first exclusively organic coffee company with celebrity following
Who should go: Coffee enthusiasts and health-conscious diners seeking variety
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid crowds, opens 7am daily
What to order: Spanish latte, breakfast burrito, eggs verde, sticky buns
Insider tip: Order at counter then find seating; no tipping required
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive; small lot behind building. Arrive early or consider nearby municipal lots within 2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual California - activewear, jeans, sundresses all common. No dress code.
Noise level: Moderate to high during peak hours - lively coffeehouse atmosphere makes intimate conversation challenging at busy times
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait typical; weekday mornings (7-9am) move faster
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including veggie burrito, multiple egg dishes, avocado toast, salads
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan menu with 10+ items including vegan pastries, tofu scramble, plant-based milk options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free bread available, many naturally GF options like egg dishes and bowls
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. High energy and communal vibe works for coffee dates or weekend brunch, but noise level and counter-service format aren't ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first-come, first-served. Order at counter, then find your own seating. Arrive before 9am on weekends or after 1pm to avoid peak crowds.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, high chairs available, menu has crowd-pleasing options. Patio seating gives families space. Popular with local parents for weekend breakfast.
How long does a meal here take? Plan 60-90 minutes total during busy times (including wait and order time). Food arrives 10-15 minutes after ordering. Can be quicker during off-peak hours.
Is the coffee really that special? Yes - Urth pioneered organic, heirloom coffee in America. They roast their own beans and the quality difference is noticeable, especially in espresso drinks. Coffee enthusiasts consider it destination-worthy.
Best For
Better for: Organic coffee quality, health-conscious variety (vegan/vegetarian options), Instagram-worthy Spanish architecture, sustainable sourcing commitment. Best breakfast diversity in the area.
Skip if: You want quick service (long waits are standard), intimate ambiance (very busy/loud), or budget breakfast ($$-$$$ pricing). Choose Blue Bottle for faster coffee, Huckleberry for quieter brunch vibe.
Hours
Monday7am - 10pm
Tuesday7am - 10pm
Wednesday7am - 10pm
Thursday7am - 10pm
Friday7am - 10pm
Saturday7am - 11pm
Sunday7am - 10pm