Apparently, everyone is aware of the Golden Gate city, but there’s also a calm beach town approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of the city of San Francisco. It is Half Moon Bay. The residents of the Bay Area are possibly familiar with it as the town serves the purpose of a short getaway for them, but sadly, outsiders are still overlooking a great tourism opportunity. The city has all the attributes to be a great vacation destination in itself as it comprises so many beaches, a coastal trail, and a small-town market. Furthermore, there are many outstanding cafes, bars, and restaurants to enhance your overall experience. Here are the top cafes you must try in Half Moon Bay, California. Read along if you’re interested.
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1. Half Moon Bay Coffee Co
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The index begins with one of the most loved breakfast options in the area. It is Half Moon Bay Coffee Co, also known as HMB Cafe. This family-owned cafe is located on a busy street, near the ocean. It’s a great place to have your breakfast, brunch, and late lunches. Talking about the menu, you can order more than just coffee and egg recipes. Some of the popular items are hot and cold sandwiches, wraps and burgers, desserts, etc. You wouldn’t leave disappointed by this cafe—the service is excellent.
Half Moon Bay Coffee Co
Address: 20 Stone Pine Rd A, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Half Moon Bay Coffee Co
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 8pm; Sun: 6am - 7pm
2. Romesco Bistro & Tapas
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
If you enjoy having exotic cuisine every now and then, then you would also like this cafe. Romesco Bistro & Tapas is a Cuban and Spanish specialty diner that serves all three meal types of the day. The place is considered as a hidden gem in Half Moon Bay because it always satisfies its visitors with incredibly tasty food. From small-plate appetizers to full meal options, the staff will take care of all kinds of hunger. This venue is rather small, but you’re going to love the friendliness in the atmosphere.
Romesco Bistro & Tapas
Address: 225 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Romesco Bistro & Tapas
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 10pm; Tue: 5pm - 10pm
3. Moonside Bakery and Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fresh California Strawberries with puff pastry and custard. Our weekend Napoleans are back! #strawberries #puffpastry #halfmoonbaycalifornia #sixfifty
Posted by Moonside Bakery and Cafe on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Moonside Bakery and Cafe is a family-owned place in the middle of the city—and another highly recommended spot. You should come here especially if you really enjoy having baked treats. This cafe proudly presents itself as a European-style, full-range bakery. For the preparation, the staff only makes use of wood fire, which is the reason for the wonderful taste of their pizza and pancakes. Sandwiches are also pretty awesome here, which are made with freshly baked bread. You can also get pastries, tarts, cookies, and more.
Moonside Bakery and Cafe
Address: 604 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Moonside Bakery and Cafe
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
4. Ebb Tide Cafe
Editors Note: Establishment is PERMANENTLY CLOSED as of this writing
You may not find a more beautiful spot in Half Moon Bay for breakfast or lunch than Ebb Tide Cafe. This place is situated steps away from the ocean, and the panorama can be enjoyed from the cafe’s outdoor patio. On some days, you would see just tides and seagulls. However, dolphins and whales can also be spotted at a distance. Coming to the food menu, Ebb Tide Cafe delivers many types of coffee, soft drinks, muffins, and more. The taste of the food and the ambiance are amazing, and the pricing is just as awesome. Consider coming here on a sunny day for the best experience.
Ebb Tide Cafe
Address: 311 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Ebb Tide Cafe
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
5. Dad's Luncheonette
This unusual-looking cafe is located in the heart of Half Moon Bay, and you will definitely notice it once you pass through its street. Dad’s Luncheonette literally has a historic train caboose and a patio in a discreet corner on Cabrillo Highway. You cannot enter the wagon as it’s the kitchen. However, the patio seats are fixed just next to it. People love to click many photographs at this venue, and you can also join the club. Dad’s Luncheonette serves sandwiches, burgers, mac n cheese, coffee, and drinks.
Dad’s Luncheonette
Address: 225 Cabrillo Hwy S, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Dad’s Luncheonette
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
6. Caffe Mezza Luna
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Since there hasn’t been an Italian eatery on the list thus far, Caffe Mezza Luna would be a good choice for the category. It’s an authentic Italian breakfast and lunch place near the ocean in Harbor Village. Coming here would be a good idea for people who are yet to taste the delicious flavors on offer, as well as for those who are a fan already. The place opens pretty early and serves many types of coffee, egg dishes, and fruits. During lunchtime, you can expect panini, piadina, pizzas, and more.
Caffe Mezza Luna
Address: 240 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Caffe Mezza Luna
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 7am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 6pm
7. Cafe Society
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A beautiful Half Moon Bay Morning here on Main St. Just enough rain to freshen the day!
Posted by Cafe Society on Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Cafe Society is located on Main Street in Half Moon Bay opposite its city hall. The neighborhood is known for having many good restaurants. The cafe offers assorted flavors of bagel, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. Gluten-free and organic options are also available if you’re specific about your meal. The ambiance is really cozy, and if you could have a look at the website, you would know about the next jazz entertainment schedule, which doesn’t even require cover charges.
Cafe Society
Address: 522 Main St, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Cafe Society
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6:30am - 5:30pm; Fri: 6:30am - 9:45pm; Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
8. The Cove Cafe
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Cove Cafe on Saturday, January 25, 2020
This place is considered a hidden gem by foodies, and once you get here, it may become your favorite cafe on the coast. The Cove Cafe is a simple and sweet family-run establishment that prepares just breakfast and lunch. The dining room is spacious and shows country-style touches. Coming to the food menu, the reasonable pricing for home-cooked flavors has turned this place into a must-visit eatery. The menu is ever-changing. However, coffee and gravy meals are served all day.
The Cove Cafe
Address: 225 Cabrillo Hwy, S Suite 106C, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: The Cove Cafe
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 8am - 3pm; Mon - Tue & Fri: 7am - 3pm (closed on Wed - Thu)
9. Mavericks Creperie
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This family-owned business is renowned as one of the few cafes in Half Moon Bay that never disappoints. To earn this reputation, the management has been following two ideas—keeping the rates affordable and evolving the taste progressively. And since the cafe was started in the year 1995, it’s safe to assume that every recipe has turned to a signature preparation today. Choose from many egg recipes, pancakes, breakfast specialties, plates of pasta, sandwiches, and much more. Mavericks Creperie is open from breakfast to lunch hours.
Mavericks Creperie
Address: 146 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Mavericks Creperie
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm; Sun: 8am - 3pm
10. Granola's Coffee House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
You will notice this rustic old shack restaurant on a side of Cabrillo Highway near Starbucks. It’s a relaxing place, where the décor is low-key and the menu is low-priced. The cafe offers coffee and homemade baked goods primarily, and the most loved items are espresso, egg sandwiches, Belgian waffles, bagel, scones, muffins, and cookies. You could also ask for vegan and gluten-free options for most of these things.
Granola’s Coffee House
Address: 116 Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay, CA
Website: Granola’s Coffee House
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 6am - 1pm; Fri - Sun: 7:30am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Unwind at these cafes
Since Half Moon Bay is located less than an hour’s drive from the city of San Francisco, everyone has the opportunity to visit this beach town whenever they get tired of the cityscape. It’s a perfect place to unwind. In fact, you will notice many people coming over from the Bay Area just for relaxing and dining purposes.
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