Wonderful people, amazing coffee. The best dry cappuccino around! How dry is it? Sahara dry! The owner, Steve, makes it feel like home. Claire is a national Treasure. Now with outside seating.

The Ugly Mug is a terrific retro coffee shop in the heart of downtown Soquel. Step inside and you’re instantly transported back in time to the type of local coffeehouse that hardly exists anymore. You’ll be greeted warmly by friendly baristas who act as if they own the place. The vibe is definitely old school, which is a genuine relief from the sanitized sameness of the big chain coffee shops. The well-worn tables and chairs are perfect for relaxing and lingering over a really good cup of coffee and maybe one of their fresh, locally baked pastries. There’s a tiny table and chairs for the kiddos, vintage board games, backgammon sets and vinyl records. This is a place to meet and hang with friends, not to sit alone and work at a laptop. Instead of being criticized for the lack of WiFi access, these guys should be celebrated for taking a risk and encouraging customers to actually talk with their fellow humans. The Ugly Mug offers standard and specialty espresso drinks, smoothies, and ice cream. There are also a few menu items it would be hard to find elsewhere, like a NY Egg Cream, a classic Root Beer Float, and an Italian Affogato. Instead of your usual latte or cappuccino, try an AlPachino (an ice-blended mocha or vanilla latte) or a Ray o’ Frickin Sunshine (soy cappuccino w/orange zest). I’m just a basic coffee drinker so these don’t appeal me, but I give this place extra points just for their creativity and wicked sense of humor! Ugly Mug Coffeehouse is located on the corner of Soquel Drive and Porter Street just a few blocks East of Highway 1. There was ample street parking and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating when I stopped by early on a weekday morning. Although I don’t live nearby, I’ll definitely make a detour the next time I’m anywhere in the neighborhood. You should too!

We stopped in after dinner and got coffee. The kids were able to order ice cream. They have a large selection of cookies with a few GF options. It's an eclectic, laid back vibe with friendly service.

I have been coming here since they first opened years ago. Still has amazing coffee and a very warm welcoming feeling.

Awesome coffee shop with the most unique types of drinks!

If you're lookin' for a killer coffee fix in Soquel, you gotta check out The Ugly Mug. They've got this epic drink called the Donnie Darko, and let me tell ya, it's a total game-changer. It's an espresso amaretto flavored coffee that'll give you a gnarly kick in the pants and make your taste buds do a little dance. The shot of espresso adds that extra oomph that us surfers need to catch those epic waves, while the amaretto gives it a smooth and sweet flavor that's just plain rad. It's a party. The Ugly Mug is already one of my go-to spots for a killer cup of joe, but the Donnie Darko takes it to the next level. And the fact that it's named after one of the raddest movies of all time just makes it that much cooler. So if you're in the mood for a tasty and energizing pick-me-up, head on over to The Ugly Mug and grab a Donnie Darko. You won't be sorry. Trust me. Best coffee shop ever!!

Unsweetened matcha latte with oat milk and pecan pai is just an amazing combination 🍵 🍰

"Ultra-conservatives please forget to vote" was on their sign outside the shop today. I am not ultra-conservative but I am anti hating on groups of people because of their politics, and even more anti creating a polarized environment in which one side, believing they are hated, return that hate and so on ad infinitum, a very familiar and damaging pattern by this point. So great coffee shop, not so great people.

Quaint neighborhood coffee shop. Good coffee, always hot. Tasty dessert too, try the brownies. Can eat inside, fun art decor.

In my opinion this is the best coffee house the most down-to-earth and most friendly people. And don't miss the atomic mochas yum yum! My daughter Junebug Bayer plays at the open Mike and it's a lot of fun ..don't miss it!!

Best coffees and teas. Try the tea latte. Tasty treats, ice cream and very friendly staff. Open every day is a big plus.

Fun, properly funky coffee shop/cafe with great service in the quaint village of Soquel. Spotted it when I passed through on my way to a friend's beach house and made a point of stopping by on my way back through at week's end. If you like a frothy mocha drink, try their house specialty - coconut oil blended with their house coffee and add mocha (or chocolate sauce for a completely dairy-free option).

Best Place Ever! Whether visiting or local if you need a smile and sense of community get your UGLY on! Everyone feels like family here! Coffee drinks are excellent! Minimal gluten free so I gave a 4. Not much my daughter and I can have but they are still top notch and will tell you if Aldo's next door is open who does carry more options and welcome you to bring it back in! We love this place!

Ugly Mug is a great local coffee shop. You will find good bites and great coffee here. Good service, friendly staff and a vary talkative owner will make you feel welcome. From a nice and relaxing fish tank to books and board games, they have some pretty unique things to keep customers entertained. I love their cappuccino, iced late and croissants.

Great coffee, batistas take the time to know you and your order. The mocha is amazing not overly sweet but just right.

This is absolutely the best coffee shop I've ever been to. Tasty beverages, joyful staff, good tunes, and a proprietor that works hard with his team and cares about his customers. Today I went in with my four year old daughter and Steve made her feel special! He introduced himself to her, complimented her owl shirt, and made silly faces with her to break through her shy entrance. He went a step above by fixing a special drink just for her, steamed milk with honey. We sat near the fish tank and ate treats, and shared about our day. Two elementary aged boys played battleship next to us, and a deaf woman told us all about her son when he was my daughter's age. "He would order his beverage and say he was Buzz Lightyear!" I've come here alone for a couple years, but this will now be our regular daddy/daughter spot.

I have enjoyed the Ugly Mug for many years. It is my favorite local coffee house. The witch hazel is a delicious treat