Oakes Cafe

Oakes Cafe, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, United States
+1 831-459-2640
$$$ Cafe
(39 Reviews)

If you’re searching for a cozy oasis in the vibrant heart of Santa Cruz, Oakes Cafe is your destination. Nestled on the campus, this delightful cafe seamlessly blends comfort with quality, offering a range of delectable eats that appeal to both students and locals alike. With an inviting ambience, Oakes Cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s a community hub where friends convene and good vibes abound.

The menu at Oakes Cafe showcases an impressive array of offerings, but their standout item certainly has to be the **Lemon Blueberry Muffins**, which have garnered rave reviews. Customers, like Jack Hanson, “declare them exquisite,” particularly on Thursdays. For those craving something heartier, the **Manressa breakfast burritos** are a must-try. Cole beautifully describes Oakes Cafe as “where dreams come true,” and promises that these buttery, flavor-packed burritos will leave you feeling nourished and content.

The dining atmosphere is equally enchanting. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by warm, friendly staff who are known for their attentive service and genuine smiles, as underscored by Josh Petchmak's review praising their polite nature. The space is designed for comfort, featuring soft seating, ambient music that elevates your mood, and essential amenities including eco-friendly practices that make you feel good about your choices.

While there are always going to be hits and misses—like the rare off day when a cheese request isn’t quite right—overall, the customer experience at Oakes Cafe resonates with community spirit and quality that’s hard to match. As Charissa Zeigler's experience reminds us, the creativity in the kitchen can sometimes lead to surprises, but when everything aligns, a meal here can feel nothing short of magical.

Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a cozy nook to study or unwind, Oakes Cafe is your go-to spot for a delightful culinary experience that bridges comfort and quality. From sumptuous muffins to hearty burritos, it’s a slice of happiness in Santa Cruz that doesn’t disappoint. Treat yourself, and let the cafe’s atmosphere and offerings enchant your day!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

39 Reviews
Jack Hanson

14 Sep 2025

Best food on campus. The Lemon Blueberry muffins are exquisite on Thursdays.

Josh Petchmak

10 Aug 2025

Amazing service, polite and friendly staff. Food is of pristine high quality, warm and fresh. Comfortable seating and utilities. Eco-friendly recycling and trash seperation. Music that makes your day.

Charissa Zeigler

23 Jul 2025

Most of the times I ask for cheese melted on top of my rice and most of the time that happens but one time they diced up raw yellow cheese and then diced up the chicken so it was a strange and unnerving rice bowl

Cole

22 Jul 2025

Oakes Cafe is where dreams come true… and hopes are renewed. Oakes Cafe, where the Pure Leaf Sweet Tea flows like water and the manressa breakfast burritos grow on trees.

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