Urth Caffé in Laguna Beach is a popular coffee shop known for its organic heirloom coffees and a selection of fine teas. It has a relaxed and cozy vibe, attracting a wide range of customers, from friends hanging out to students looking for a quiet place to study. The café is also notable for its varied menu that meets different dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, with meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch.
The café has great coffee, tea, breakfast, and brunch selections, as well as its desserts. Urth Caffé is well-liked for its excellent coffee, tea, and a variety of breakfast and brunch dishes, not to mention its desserts.
It has become a favorite place in Laguna Beach, known for offering a dependable and pleasant dining experience.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy quality food and coffee in a laid-back atmosphere, whether you’re there for a filling breakfast like French toast or eggs, a light lunch, or to indulge in something sweet like pumpkin pie or a chai latte.
The Story of Urth Caffé
My countless visits to Urth Caffé have always been accompanied by a curiosity about its origins. This quaint café, which has become a staple in my routine, has a history as rich as its coffee.
Urth Caffé started in 1989, originally as a mail-order coffee business specializing in heirloom coffee types. Its founders, Shallom and Jilla dedicating years to perfecting roasting and brewing. They eventually established America’s first organic, heirloom coffee roasting company. The name ‘Urth Caffé’ reflects their dedication to the planet, blending the old Welsh spelling of Earth ‘Urth’ with the Italian word for coffee ‘Caffé’.
In 1991, the very first Urth Caffé opened its doors in a modest 300 square foot space in Manhattan Beach, California. The tiny café quickly became a favorite, and lines would often stretch out the door leading to an expansion.
My Experience Dining at The Urth Caffé
I’ve become quite a regular at Urth Caffé, particularly fond of the one in Laguna Beach, though I’ve also visited the downtown LA location.
The outdoor seating in Laguna is my favorite spot – there’s something about sipping coffee in the open air that just feels right.
I frequently have a hard time deciding whether to stay and savor my meal or get a coffee to take with me for a relaxed stroll along the beach.
From my frequent visits, I’ve found that to skip the long lines, it’s best to go later in the evening, usually after 8 pm. This timing fits well with my habit of taking evening walks by the beach.
There’s no reservation system, you have to wait in line, place your order, and then choose a table. However, you can order online and pick up the food to go. While they do offer a few tables indoors, the majority are outside, comfortably warmed by heaters.
The menu has quite the selection, and I’ve tried a variety of their offerings, from salads and avocado toast to their Margherita pizza and the hearty grilled cilantro chicken breast sandwich with pesto.
Desserts like bread pudding are also good, along with a range of beverages including cappuccinos, lattes, boba teas, and fresh smoothies. While the prices are on the higher end and the portions aren’t particularly large, the quality of the food justifies the cost for me.
I have my favorites, like the avocado toast, the tostada, the chicken sandwich with pesto, and their cappuccinos and lattes – the Spanish latte, in particular, is a treat. I also love their beautiful latte art. Each cup served is more than just a coffee; it’s a canvas showcasing the unique talent of the baristas.
There are a couple of drawbacks: the price point is high, there’s almost always a wait, and the local birds seem to have developed a taste for Urth’s cuisine as well, but these are minor compared to the quick service once you’ve ordered and the overall quality of the experience.
I keep going back to Urth, sometimes just for the coffee, which says a lot. If you haven’t been there, you should try their variety of coffees. And if you prefer going late like I do, their Italian decaf cappuccino is a good option that won’t keep you up at night.
Conclusion
My visits to Urth Caffé in Laguna Beach have always been enjoyable. It’s the perfect mix of a European café atmosphere and the laid-back vibe of Southern California that keeps bringing me back. This place really helps you enjoy the simple things, like a good cappuccino or relaxing in the sun at one of their outdoor tables.
Yes, it might be a bit pricey, and you might have to wait in line, but for me, it’s always worth it. Urth has become more than just a café for me; it’s a part of my regular routine, a spot to relax, meet friends, or just have some time to myself. It’s easy to see why it’s popular with locals – the food and drinks are great, and it has that unique Urth atmosphere. If you’re searching for a place that offers quality and a slice of local life, Urth Caffé is definitely the spot to check out.