We have quite a coffee culture here in SoCal. There are coffee spots everywhere - from well-known coffee super-chains to tiny independent coffee houses. Almost anything we do, we do it over coffee, including business meetings, interviews, studying, working remotely, catching up with friends, you name it. We love our coffee, and we know where to get the good stuff. For example, one shop is serving up some of the best coffee in Southern California, and you really shouldn’t be allowed to drive through town without stopping in.

Lucky Llama is located in a small, cheerful yellow building in the heart of Carpinteria, a laid-back beach town just south of Santa Barbara.

The interior is small but inviting, with a few tables inside and local art often gracing the walls.

The extensive menu includes all the usual coffee, espresso, and tea drinks, plus a few house specialties. In addition, it offers a variety of Acai, yogurt, and oatmeal bowls, toast and bagel creations, and an array of fresh pastries.

One of Lucky Llama’s most popular beverages is the shop’s signature Mayan Mocha. Like almost every coffee and tea beverage on the menu, it is available (and incredible!) either hot or iced. All drinks are completely customizable to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions, with a variety of non-dairy milks, various sweeteners, levels of sweetness, etc.

One of the non-caffeinated things that brings locals to Lucky Llama in the morning is their selection of Acai Bowls. By far, the most popular is the Moon Bowl, blended with peanut butter, strawberries, and bananas. It pairs beautifully with a Cappuccino, or just about anything else really.

Customer reviews seem to mention the fresh pastries as much as the coffee, and if you get here toward closing time there is rarely anything to choose from.

Tea beverages like Matcha and Chai lattes are also quite popular with Lucky Llama regulars.

Avocado toast is wildly popular in SoCal and this coffee house version known as Llama Toast is a customer favorite. There is even a gluten-free option available. A lovely alternative is the Llama Bagel with similar toppings on your choice of bagel with cream cheese.

In addition to cool logo merchandise, Lucky Llama aims to provide everything you need to brew great coffee at home, from grinders and filters to pour-over sets and French presses. Of course, they also sell the coffee they brew.

The large outdoor, pet-friendly deck features comfy seating, umbrellas, and tables. It also helps keep your little ones happy while you caffeinate with children’s tables, chairs, and toys to keep them busy.

Set back from the main drag that runs through the town of Carpinteria, this coffee house has a calm, relaxing vibe with views of a grassy field, trees, mountains, as well as the bustling town.

Lucky Llama is one place you really shouldn’t pass up. Have you been to this coffee house? What is your favorite go-to coffee (or tea!) drink? If you happen to live in the area or need to grab and go, you can see the menu and order online here. You can also follow Lucky Llama on Facebook for all things coffee! Of course, we know more than great coffee. Check out another article for a few scrumptious bake shops in SoCal.