Lulu Carpenter's

Most stingy with their WiFi for coffee shops in downtown, but for good reason: it's the perfect studying and relaxing spot. Need to buy something to grab a new password every two hours. Great selection of teas and artisan coffees. Homely and rustic design. A very quaint and vibrant experience.

Great coffee and snack selection. Lots of tables and vaguely adequate number of outlets. Nice electro soundtrack, also nice secluded back patio area to hang out on summer days.
Can get kind of busy and sometimes there is a music act in the evening which makes working difficult.
Lovely people behind the counter.

There is brunch Sat & Sun starting at 8:00. The avo eggs Benedict was superb! The hollandaise sauce was light, creamy, and just the right amount of tang. The house donut was super fresh, delicious, and not too sweet. The salmon omelette was equally terrific. With a beverage, brunch was about $30 for two... a steal in downtown Santa Cruz! Lulu's is super cute inside and the staff was efficient and friendly. Our best dine in experience this week (vacation).

Bagels and food is super hit or miss. Sometimes there is an even amount of ingredients and freshness, sometimes there is one end piece slice of tomato, two tiny strips of onion and a sprinkle of sprouts. I'd really like these be better! Athough not the most expensive (thank you) they're not cheap by any means. Lulu's is like the only place to get a meal like bagel sandwich on Pacific Ave.
Coffee and drinks are great! Love the Bowl of soul, never too hot that I can't taste the flavor of the tea.

Sitting here listening to the fantastic live music and drinking coffee I was told by an employee that the bathrooms are closed. It is 9:30, they are still serving food, and the band is going strong. She told me to use the bathroom at the bookstore down the street. How dare they not have a bathroom for paying customers. I would recommend staying away.

Service - no. I don’t like to specifically complain, but concerned folks will not realize the experience. No greeting! Customer comes in behind us and approaches counter and she says, flatly “I’m still helping them” with a nod to us. He, embarrassed, steps waaaay back. She forgot to give us our ground coffee - we remembered and had to go back: found it still on the grinder. She reluctantly described what was in the bakery case.

😩When the barista literally <> shouts “please don’t reach between the napkins and the register!” (a four-inch space inside which are the stir sticks) you gotta wonder. I mean, Covid-safety, I understand, but 1) provide the stir stick when you pass the cup or 2) don’t scream.

Verve, across the street, should have been our choice, but the Google promised more. Try Verve.

Love it here. Best coffee, foods are great, but s bit pricey, but when you can charge your phone, work on your computer, and occasionally get live music at night, food right there is cool.
Atmosphere, attitudes, and general beingness, great.

One of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. It frequently has live jazz music, serves tea and coffee, deserts, and even recently starts serving ramens. This shop has everything imaginable, and its vicinity to cinema and bookstore serves as a great place to start the weekend's afternoon or evening.

A beacon of something actually open on a damp, chilly Christmas morning! Staff was wonderfully cheerful too, despite the busy crowd! I've never actually stopped in to the old or new place in the 30+ years I've been visiting Santa Cruz. Now I'm putting it on my list of destinations! I'm looking forward to trying my in store ground roast when I get back home.

Really nice vibe, historic landmark, coffee is great. Enjoyed full hour in morning with a local band playing classics! Will come again.