When you think of the hottest places to visit in California, we’re willing to bet that Sacramento isn’t one of the top places that come to mind. We’re here to tell you that overlooking Sacramento is a big mistake! California’s capital city has no shortage of things to do and see and is full of historical sites, parks, and museums.
If you’re visiting Sacramento and need to refuel between seeing all the attractions the city has to offer, this guide is for you. Just because Sacramento isn’t as well-known for coffee on the West Coast as Seattle or Portland doesn’t mean there aren’t top-notch coffee roasters that call California’s capital home. Come with us on a tour of the 10 best coffee shops in Sacramento.
The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Sacramento:
1. Insight Coffee Roasters
Address: 1901 8th St
Our first stop requires a little effort to find since it’s not really a shop you’ll stumble across in your day-to-day happenings. It is worth seeking out, though, because Insight Coffee Roasters know their stuff. We tried a single-origin light roast coffee, and it was phenomenal. The coffee at Insight tends to skew to the lighter side, which is great for pour-overs and espresso. Insight also serves some light bites and pastries if you bring your appetite with you.
The indoor seating area is light and roomy, and there is also a comfortable outside patio with extra seating that is great for relaxing with a latte or cappuccino in warmer weather. Check them out at 1901 8th St.
2. Temple Coffee Roasters
Address: 1010 9th St
Temple Coffee Roasters set themselves apart from the pack with their roasting prowess. We’re not exaggerating when we say the coffee at Temple is some of the smoothest, most evenly roasted coffee we’ve ever had. The bags we took home with us were the same and matched the impressive flavor we experienced in the shop.
Speaking of the shop, Temple is a great place to go not only for the coffee but also for the experience of interacting with some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable baristas we’ve encountered anywhere. The only downside is the coffee is a bit pricey, but we’re willing to pay more for excellent coffee and even better service. You can find them at 1010 9th St.
3. Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters
Address: 4749 Folsom Blvd
Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters has one of the best names of any coffee shop we’ve ever visited, and thankfully the coffee lives up to the name. Chocolate Fish is all about doing a small number of things well rather than trying to do many things just decently. The coffee is excellent, and so are the baked goods, but there aren’t many choices at Chocolate Fish. They have a small, condensed menu, but everything we tried was top-shelf quality.
The atmosphere at Chocolate Fish is welcoming and bright, and there are plenty of seats to go around. We could easily see how you could get lost for hours in a good book sipping a coffee at Chocolate Fish and just enjoying the vibe. You can see what they’re all about for yourself at 4749 Folsom Blvd.
4. Old Soul Co.
Address: Rear Alley, 1716 L St
Old Soul Co. is a bit off the beaten path, but don’t let that fool you. They serve coffees from a wide range of origins from around the world alongside an impressive selection of tea and baked goods. Old Soul roasts their own coffee, and the quality outstrips many of the other local Sacramento roasters.
Being off the beaten path means that Old Soul Co. is a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of life and hunker down to study or work away from distractions. We love the decor and atmosphere at Old Soul and encourage you to check them out at 1716 L St.
5. Milka Coffee Roasters
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTJqNr6ntso/
Address: 1501 G St
From the second you lay eyes on Milka Coffee Roasters, you know you’re in for a treat. The coffee shop is located in a traditional house that makes it feel like the barista is serving you coffee from their living room. We’ve never been to another coffee shop quite like Milka, and we love it.
Milka Coffee Roasters isn’t all show, however. The coffee is excellent, and the cappuccino we sampled was top-notch. We appreciate that they have several non-dairy milk options on hand for anyone that prefers them over ordinary milk. It’s a nice touch that helps everyone feel welcome. For a unique experience that you cannot get anywhere else, head over to 1501 G St and check them out.
6. Naked Lounge
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbFg3BPH5us/
Address: 1500 Q St
Naked Lounge is a hip spot to grab a coffee and bite to eat while enjoying some great tunes and all the city has to offer. Naked has indoor and outdoor seating, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot to settle in if you want to hang out. The food and coffee are both good, although it can be a little pricey depending on what you order.
We had a delicious latte and would definitely come back again to try the other espresso drinks and filter coffee. The menu at Naked Lounge is quite extensive, so there is something for everyone and plenty of choices to keep you coming back for more. They are located at 1500 Q St.
7. Goodside Coffee
https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzWx3lJhgE/
Address: 1430 H St
Goodside Coffee is a bright, cheery coffee shop packed with good vibes, friendly people, and excellent coffee. As good as the coffee is at Goodside, the highlight of our visit was the chat we had with our barista. The staff at Goodside is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable and raised our visit to the next level.
There is plenty of seating at Goodside, and the shop has an open, welcoming ambiance. It’s a great place to grab some coffee and get some work done in a positive environment. They are located at 1430 H St.
8. Identity Coffees
Address: 1430 28th St #6405
Identity Coffees is the epitome of modern coffee shops. Its design is open and airy, with an industrial decor that fits the times. Many of the seats at Identity are open-backed, which isn’t a huge deal but does affect how long we can stay and enjoy our coffee and the atmosphere before we have to move on out of sheer discomfort. It’s a shame because Identity is beautifully decorated, and the coffee is excellent.
The food at Identity is not a selling point; you come to Identity for the coffee, which is consistently excellent, albeit slightly pricey. Overall, Identity is a beautiful venue that serves superb coffee and average-quality food. We recommend you pay them a visit at 1430 28th St. #6405.
9. Tiferet Coffee House
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNSjIZ7pt6g/
Address: 3020 H St
Tiferet Coffee House is a small, cozy coffee shop that serves high-quality coffee and light café fare. If the phrase “coffee house” conjures up an image of a small, compact store in your mind, then you’re on the right track because Tiferet isn’t just small; it’s downright tiny. There is an excellent chance that you will not have a table to yourself at Tiferet no matter when you visit.
Despite the lack of seating, we love Tiferet for the coffee and treats they serve and wholeheartedly recommend you give them a try at 3020 H St. The food they have is as good or even better than the coffee, which is saying something since they serve well-above-average coffee. As long as you’re prepared to take your order to go, you won’t be disappointed with Tiferet.
10. Camellia Coffee Roasters
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNnBZt1p0IE/
Address: 1104 R St STE 150
And finally, we have Camellia Coffee Roasters. Camellia is one of those rare coffee shops that seemingly has it all. They have a delightfully decorated, welcoming shop, serve stellar in-house roasted coffee, and if that wasn’t enough, have some of the best breakfast options anywhere in Sacramento. Oh, and the staff is friendly and helpful to boot.
We can’t think of too many better ways to start our day than with a coffee and a breakfast burrito, maybe finishing off with an apple pastry—or two. The prices at Camellia are fair, and the portions are large. There isn’t anything not to love about Camellia Coffee Roasters. Make sure you check them out whenever you get the chance at 1104 R St Suite 150.
Looking for more coffee shops?
- 5 Best Coffee Shops in Fresno
- 6 Best Coffee Shops in Chula Vista, California: Great Cafés!
- 6 Best Coffee Shops in Santa Ana, California: Great Cafés!
Featured Image Credit: WikiImages, Pixabay
