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There’s a good possibility that I’m addicted to tea and croissants but what I know for sure is that many of my greatest ideas form in cafes. I find the energy of other productive people really motivating and everywhere I go I try to find new places that not only serve excellent drinks and pastries but have an inspiring ambiance for my creativity to flourish in. ‘Café Hopping’ is a series of posts in which I share with you several cafes I’ve tried in a particular city and let you know how they were!! Cheers.  Café Equilibrium 6549 Pardall Rd B, Goleta, CA 93117 Café Equilibrium is a cute little place located in Isla Vista. They have a wide range of teas and coffees available plus sandwiches, crepes, and even gelato!! The employees are always very friendly and in relation to other restaurants or coffee shops in IV, Equilibrium is relatively quiet. It’s not the most dynamic or inspiring environment for me to work in, but if you want a quiet place to grab a snack or brunch with friends it’s a solid option. Annie’s Recommendation: Caprese Grilled Cheese with Avocado  Caje 948 Embarcadero del Norte, Goleta, CA 9311 Nothing can quite compare to Caje’s hours. The café is open until 1 AM and is, believe it or not, usually busy that late!! With free wifi, friendly baristas, and a really unique menu of teas it’s hard to find anything to complain about. One thing I will mention is that seating is fairly limited during busier hours ((ie. lunch)) or when it’s raining ((most of the seating is outside)). However, if you can find a table and have work to get done Caje is an ace place!! Annie’s Recommendations: Peppermint Rose Tea  French Press There are 2 locations in Santa Barbara and 1 in Goleta If you’re looking for something a little higher in quality and sophistication French Press is where to find just that. I feel like when it comes to their menu it’s quality over quantity. Although they don’t offer as large a range of items as the other two cafes, they are accommodating and will do their best to create whatever drink you desire. They play the best music from The Rolling Stones to Milky Chance, and the big windows, minimalist aesthetic, and intentional empty space really gets my creativity flowing. I often spend 3 - 5 hours at French Press working and to me that’s the mark of an excellent café. Annie’s Recommendation: Matcha Latte with Almond Mylk  There’s a good possibility that I’m addicted to tea and croissants but what I know for sure is that many of my greatest ideas form in cafes. I find the energy of other productive people really motivating and everywhere I go I try to find new places that not only serve excellent drinks and pastries but have an inspiring ambiance for my creativity to flourish in. ‘Café Hopping’ is a series of posts in which I share with you several cafes I’ve tried in a particular city and let you know how they were!! Cheers.  Pannikin They are located in Encinitas and La Jolla Pannikin is SO good. I love going there for brunch with friends and my sister and I used to go there for after school snacks!! It’s so classically Encinitas and definitely evokes the beach town vibe you want and expect. I prefer to go there on days where I have nothing to do so that I can just eat yummy bagel sandwiches and drink tea lattes ((Did I mention they’ll turn any type of tea they have into a latte for you?? I’d recommend trying an earl grey latte-ified with almond mylk.)). If you’re looking for some place to work though, you have many options. If it’s a nice day sitting outside is the best, but I also love the upstairs area. They are always bringing in new artists to show//sell their work upstairs and I love checking out those pieces for inspiration. There is also a pretty adorable gift shop/candy store within Pannikin that has additional workspace too!! Annie’s Recommendation: Chai Latte with almond mylk and honey  Ironsmith Coffee Roasters 92024, 458 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 Ironsmith is a newer establishment in comparison to some Encinitas classic spots, but it’s a strong competitor. The blue store front and retro-industrial interior is almost as enticing as their delicious assortment of drinks. Really fun place to before going to the beach - grab a couple of ice teas for you and your friends to-go!! Annie’s Recommendation: Iced Tea  Lofty Coffee They are located in Encinitas, Cedros, and Downtown San Diego My heart belongs to Lofty Coffee. At the end of the day, if I had to decide on one café to go to for the rest of my life it wouldn’t be such a hard choice. Lofty has the greatest vibes, greatest people, and I feel so at home there. If you’re a local, Lofty is a common place to run into old friends...and for me I’ve found it’s also a catalyst for making new one’s!! If I’m in the mood to chat I’ll sit at one of the communal tables and people around me will strike up a conversation and I’ll end up spending hours talking to them. From editing videos with friends to grabbing iced teas before sunrise for early morning ocean seshes Lofty is where all the magic begins. Annie’s Recommendation: French Toast
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