Coffee Conspiracy

The owner and staff were knowledgeable as well as friendly, with simply some of the best tasting coffee I've ever had. Not quite sure what they did to make it so good! They offer your standard coffees as well as flavored drinks with housemade syrups. The latte is my go to for a straight forward drink, and the Shapeshift is a great flavored option. A great place to grab a coffee when you're at the mall, I'll be back!

Wow just wow 🤩 🙌 My favorite coffee spot on this side of the Mississippi! The drinks are all phenomenal. The syrups are made in house and are delicious! I love the rotating hand pour over menu, simply the most delicious cup of black coffee anywhere has to offer.

Super hip coffee shop in the Capitola Mall. A welcome break from the chains that Surround it. When the barista handed me my drink I actually said the words I've never tasted anything like it. And I've had a lot of coffee in my life. Yum! Plus the selection of delicious organic cacao chocolate bars - And even a drink that uses YES! Cacao As the main ingredient. As a final touch, the X-Files playing on a TV. Praise me back to happier days is when the only way the government could survey us with wire taps and a sketchy laundry van parked outside my house for four weeks.

This is hands down the best coffee in sc. Be mindful it is SUPER strong! It gets the job done ! Been going to this place for years! Good ppl, amazing coffee! Try 5G kills bees or the shapeshifter.

If you want an unreal coffee experience, this is the place! Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, great atmosphere, and hands down best coffee in town! 10/10 no notes!

Our family practices the “art of coffee”. We pay attention to where the raw product comes from, the coffee makers artistry, their ability to create balance. We are not “snobs” we are “admirers” to Nth degree. COFFEE CONSPIRACY is hands down, the best coffee, the best concept. NO EXCEPTIONS! What started as a middle finger to COVID lock-downs, now writes its own history. My suggestion is to question everything, be pragmatic and sip for yourself.

My favorite coffee in the land! Delicious coffee: killer espresso + creative (but never overly sweet) coffee drinks. I learn about a new conspiracy theory every time I go which sends me down a rabbit hole. Eddie + Team are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their coffee, which makes for a delish and fun experience. Ask about their origin story. Great place to come read a book, do a little work, or just hang.

The truth may be out there, somewhere among the conspiracies, but one thing's certain: great coffee is here at Coffee Conspiracy. Owner Eddie clearly knows and loves coffee. And where for me the measure of a coffee shop is in the quality of their roasts and pour-overs, he delivers a great cup! And with ridiculously cool vibes and styles too. All in all, CC has everything I love in a coffee place. Highly recommended!

I recently visited Coffee Conspiracy in Capitola, and it instantly became one of my favorite coffee spots. From the moment I walked in, the rock music set the tone--real, authentic, and full of energy. It gives the place personality and makes it stand out from the typical quiet coffee shop. Instead of feeling sleepy, the atmosphere feels alive, creative, and welcoming. The coffee itself was excellent. You can tell they take pride in what they serve--smooth, rich, and perfectly crafted. Every sip tasted fresh and high-quality, like it was made by people who genuinely care about coffee. It wasn't just a drink, it was an experience. What really makes this place special is the overall vibe. Between the great music, friendly service, and amazing coffee, it feels like a spot built for people who truly appreciate good coffee and good energy. It's the kind of place you want to hang out, relax, and keep coming back to. Coffee Conspiracy isn't just a coffee shop--it's a whole vibe. Highly recommend stopping in if you're anywhere near Capitola.

Loved the thoughtfulness that went into this cafe! As a design nerd, the branding was very on point and immersive. The rock music was surprisingly helpful to get some work done and we even asked for their playlist. We met the brand designer and I could tell how passionate he was of the cafe. Seating wise, theres some seats hugging the wall, two couches next to the windows, and a large table for group seating. The hot latte was yummy and classic, and we loved the touch of the 'red pill' (a tictac) on the side! Great stop on our drive down to Monterey.

The coffee is fine. They make their own syrups and small batch teas. I first went there to check out the Conspiracy cookies from Cracked Cookies and ordered a cardamom espresso. It was good nothing crazy but a decent cup of coffee. It is pricey, about the size of a grande for $8.00. More expensive than Starbucks, but it is local and I wanted to support them. I went again today on the way home from an appointment and left without ordering. The guy at the counter was taking orders and making the coffee, he said the rest of the team had called in sick. That isn't the issue and I can be understanding about taking longer to fill an order but what turned me off was his talk of communism and socialism as the evils of the world. Said that he has first hand knowledge from his family members that escaped Nicaragua. He seems to have rose colored glasses about capitalism that he was espousing. No thought to exploitation and corruption that leads to billionaires paying their workers subsistence wages that the taxpayers then subsidize. I am having a hard time with Starbucks due to the closure of union stores. Going to this place feels like I am supporting the same. I feel that if they got big, based on that guy, exploitation of the working class for profit wouldn't be off the table. Instead of purchasing, I went home and made myself coffee. Many other local coffee shops around that I will be supporting but I am no longer going to go to this one. I could tell the other person who had already paid and was talking to the person making the drink was also having a hard time with the politics being espoused. I may not be the only one not returning. If you choose to go, the place is somewhat dark and doesn't have a lot of seating. The coffee is decent enough.

Came here on a mid weekend morning and not too busy. There js an entrance on the outside and the inside of the mall. Inside is very clean. Ordered a couple of their flavored special drinks. I found them to be pretty good balance. The milk is also steamed well and the espresso is also great. Definitely a solid shop, wish their location was a little different but at least the parking is free and easy!

** 4.5 stars ** In a nutshell, everything about Coffee Conspiracy was top notch, including the uniqueness of the theme and service, but my favorite is the actual flavor of the coffee is phenomenal! And I'm a coffee snob! This is great coffee!! (I almost turned around when I saw that it was located at a mall, so don't be afraid! Haha.) The only reason for the half star knocked off is because there weren't a lot of seating inside. The $8 coffee price point is a little high, as well, but it's mostly that I'd like to sit and work at a coffee shop (that's my jam!), so having a place with ample seating would be preferable. Other than that, Coffee Conspiracy is just about perfect! (Tip: this is best for people high school aged and older.)

I feel like this place is trying too hard. Maybe it's just not for me. There's like five menu options for coffee, I got a basic vanilla latte, and it was not good (to me). Also, it was 8.75 for a very small cup. I just feel like it's absolutely overpriced. Maybe this place is just not for me. To be fair. I like sweeter drinks, and everything here was kinda bitter. So this may just be a place thats not for me. The ambience was pretty cool, service was okay. I would try them if you haven't, and make up your mind but I just feel like it's way too overpriced for the small cup You get.

I was immediately welcomed by Eddie and we got to chatting. Eddie is a fun guy to talk to. I feel like he's the friend you go to when you want the honest answer. No fluff. Respect on that. I asked him for recommendations on lattes (I aspire to be a pour over gal but I'm just not there yet). He recommended the Shapeshifter (rosemary) to which I said that the rosemary probably isn't my jam and he said that Simulation Theory reigns supreme by at least 4-1 over all. I gotta say that I love me some cardamom! The coffee is smooth. No bitterness and just the right amount of sweet. The balance of sweet and flavor was perfect for the cardamom latte. Also appreciate the organic whole milk. ALL OF THEIR SYRUPS ARE HOUSE MADE. Read that again. I'm not a Torani or Monin fan so when I see that extra effort to make syrups, I appreciate that. || Fun fact: syrups are easy to make at home if you have the ingredients. Constantly making lavender syrup. So good. || The ambiance inside is dark - Night Action, top secret, spy ops vibes. There's seating inside if you want chill. I love that they have merch BUT MOSTLY I LOVE... this use to be an old Starbucks. Talk about the irony. Check out their stickers if you don't get it. Would like to try the Classified next time.

Yay! I'm back again. this place is seriously addicting. Their coffee never disappoints, and the mocha is hands-down my favorite. It's rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced exactly what I need to start my day (or get through the afternoon slump). I couldn't resist picking up one of their hoodies too!!! it's super comfy and such a cool way to rep a local gem. The vibe here is always warm and welcoming, and the staff is genuinely friendly, which makes the experience even better. If you haven't checked them out yet, you're missing out. Amazing drinks, great atmosphere, and awesome merch. Support your local coffee spots. they're the heart of the community!

Super interesting concept! Coffee was really good and this was my second fav cold brew I had in Santa Cruz! A lot of locals told us this was the best coffee around.

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT: Both their Yelp and Google ads said they were open, we just drove here with a baby and found the place closed. Unapologetic staff. We don't live around so won't be coming back. They have a lame sign on their door saying they may have random shop closures. But they should update their online ads when they do, at the very least. Basic customer service.

We Went in while running errands to grab a cuppa. After listening to an uninvited well rehearsed rant about corporate coffee, employee strikes and minimum wage our order was taken. While my wife enjoyed her latte. I was thoroughly disappointed with my white mocha. I don't know what I was served but what the barista handed me was a paper cup filled with a liquid that was almost exactly,but not quite, entirely unlike a white mocha. Although they did tell me it was their version of a white mocha, I'm not sure that they know what that is. It tasted more like a watered down bitter version of the overpriced hot cocoa they used to sell at the SkyView drive-in. If they actually served something that resembled a white mocha coffee I'm sure that it would have been much less enjoyable than a luke warm glass of vinegar. Next time I'll stick with my corporate coffee thank you.

Nice ambience and such a big store! I remmeber when this store used to be a Starbucks so it was nice to see a new coffee shop in town. Service was nice, I was greeted right when I walked in the door and everyone was friendly! I ordered a cappuccino and it was pretty good! I liked how it tasted quite different from other coffee shops and had a unique espresso flavor to it.

People often go out of their way to try what is supposed to be a good spot which is exactly what I did. Unfortunately this place is closed during posted open business hours. Feeling like a trend is brewing.

As a coffee addict, I will have to say this is probably one of the best lattes I have had! Extremely creamy and rich in flavor! You can tell how much pride they take in each shot and how great of quality the coffee they use is. The overall vibe in the shop is so cool. I was intrigued by the awesome decor. The customer service was helpful and friendly. I found my new favorite coffee shop when I'm in the area.

This coffee shop is an absolute five star review. Best energy in Santa Cruz by far barista are down to earth and kindhearted people that listen to your conversation. If you have espresso machines at home definitely recommend their coffee beans. Eddie was very knowledgeable about the drinks and educational the coffee is 10/10.. I got the simulation theory. Espresso is smooth!!!! Drink was the best brown sugar I've had!!! the ambience is exceptional and unique. They definitely took their time with this place once again thank you for such a good experience and we just found our new coffee shop every time we're in Santa Cruz. -Jae & Devin

Best latte in the county! I consider myself a latte connoisseur and this is by far the place to go! They have mastered the art of the latte. And they are so friendly! The NZT-49 is so good, it has YesCacao brain power chocolate in it, which gives it a turmeric spiced flavor as well as all the superfoods and ingredients for a brain boost, lions mane, ginkgo, and more. Plus, the place is just fun vibe. Check it out!

Best coffee in all of Santa Cruz. Hands down!! You'll never find a more unique space with high quality coffee like this.

LOVE this place. Perfect stop. I had a double espresso. Came with some fizzy water and a "red pill" - a red tictac tribute to The Matrix. So fun. My girl had a cap. Both were absolutely delicious!!! Fun place to stop. Lots to look at inside. Super friendly baristas. Loved it. Will be back for sure.

The basil syrup latte was delish! Busy but not too busy, fun word game at the bar stool wall.

Local spot just off Pacific. Specialty coffee along with traditional offerings. Super friendly staff. Ambiance is casual with one chair and a small wall bar.2 Each drink was filled to the top and offered great taste and an effective caffeine fix. Give this local spot a try.

The owner was really friendly and went to lengths to be hospitable. Extensive knowledge of coffee and great Guatemalan drip. I enjoyed my espresso it was really bright and the acidity was punchy. Looking to come back for sure! They also carry Onyx Teas and brew of their coffees excited to try their pour overs in the future the whole place is well branded and the theme is minimal and dope

This is the best espresso pull you can find in Santa Cruz. The team is cool, I love the theme, and the coffee is top notch. Get the red pill and you will not be able to go back to the other generic espressos in town!!

Killer cortado, killer vibes. Awesome attention to detail.The photo speaks for itself. GREAT COFFEE!

As soon as I walked in to this shop, a warm friendly vibe encompassed my spirit. Enjoyed a delicious coffee and bought a fun sticker (I can't help it... I'm still a true tourist in local cities I've been to several times!). Can't wait to return!

This establishment exists for coffee, snobs, and that's a good thing! Why? Because there are plenty of corporate-owned and vastly mediocre coffee establishments around. The upside, the staff know every aspect of the limited menu selections. We were advised against putting milk in our special pour over coffee drink. And it was the right thing to do, not adulterate it with milk! Stunning cup of coffee. The downside: good coffee comes at a price. This is not the McDonald's "senior coffee" bargain price. You're going to pay for it, but you're gonna love every drop. In fact, we drank half of our pour overs, and saved the rest for the next day. It's that good.

On the pricier end in terms of coffee, but the presentation was great! My husband got the double expresso shot which came with a sparkling water palette cleanser, chocolate, and a red pill (cola tic tac). He enjoyed it and would definitely come back for it. I wanted to try the lavender latte (5G is killing the bees) but couldn't justify the price. Maybe our next visit.

We were welcomed by Eddie who was very hospitable and service level was excellent! We ordered the simulation theory which had the right amount of cardamom in it to complement the coffee. He explained that he makes everything from scratch and that was apparent from the first sip. There are many coffee shops and I've tried most of them, however I was surprised pleasantly by this place and recommend anyone who wants a great cup of coffee that's worth the price to try it. You will not be disappointed!!!

the coffee was rich and smooth, made in efficient time, and the staff were extremely friendly and polite. i'll be coming back for sure. the decor and seating have a very dark aesthetic which is also pleasing.

Passing by this shop in a rush but got attracted by a super chill husky. This picture is just showing that this shop does coffee and how dog-friendly it is. Yes I will come back for a cup of coffee one day and provide honest reviews.

I came across Coffee Conspiracy a few heads ago when Eddie has the cart by East Cliff - he was at the end of his day and gave me the last of his cold brew for free because he was sold out of everything else. He's got a full shop at the mall now and it's great! Coffee is as delicious as ever; sure it's a bit more expensive but you're getting your money's worth and supporting a local business. Here's what's even better! You don't have to deal with supporting Starbucks who gave its CEO a $96 million stock bonus before he fired another 1,100 employees Visit and you won't regret it!

Amazing vibes, great staff (and pup!) and delicious coffee! Highly recommend the simulation theory coffee with cardamom, one of my favorite coffees in the whole county.

I've been buying coffee from Eddie since the bike days in 2020 - love the vibe of the new location and the guy makes a mean oat milk latte! Can't beat it. Support local and come check this place out!

Very off-beat and non-commercial feeling. Cool vibes and great coffee. People were very friendly and the host dog was very cute sitting behind the cashier's counter.

Review is for the Felton pop-up location. Great Guys, so sweet. Coffee is always consistent and amazing. Highly recommend the Simulation, the cardamom on it is so good!

Tastes very much like corporate coffee... which is a trip. Also very heavy on marketing and in a mall.... Which is also interesting. This place is very faux edgy coffee place which was disappointing but the staff were really nice.

Such a vibe! The owner Eddy (Eddie?) is such a cool and welcoming guy. He interacts with the customers and you can tell he loves what he's doing. The coffee is great the "attitude" of the brand is awesome. I got the cold brew and a drip coffee. Both were great. They serve with raw milk. Great place all around.

As a self identifying coffee "snob," Eddie serves the best coffee in town. Not only does he source and roast the beans he serves, but he also makes the syrups he offers. The cacao for his mocha is clean and so tasty. He aims to serve things that wont make you feel crappy... offering raw milk or local pressed almond milk. He remembers so many folks and is fun to talk with. why buy corporate coffee when this local gem exists? (corporate coffee includes verve and c&c, and especially sbux!!) thx eddie.

A great iced americano. Lots of places can't pull an espresso shot to save their life. They get it to you fast too. Great place to grab and go.

GO. HERE. Best chai I've ever had, not too sweet and some spice. I got a "classified" next, smooth and again, not too sweet but definitely sweeter than the chai. I wish I was in town longer to try their pour overs, I have a sneaky suspicion that it would be the best cup of coffee I've ever had. Eddie and his co-conspirators (one human and one canine) are friendly and engaging, in a sincere way that I don't find so often. And there is a rhyming dictionary to peruse!

Cool place and decent coffee. I had a plain-old latte -- I'm not into all the fancy flavors. It was good, but not great.

nice to see a dedicated location. great shop. great coffee. i hope they are successful and can extend their hours. don't sleep on the pastries.

Came in this morning on our last day in town before heading back to reality. Hands down the best cup of coffee I have had in a long time. The service was amazing, music choice was on point and the caffeine level was perfect!

Santa Cruz vibes. very good coffee and tea. the Awakening (tea) awesome. good tunes, knowledgable and friendly.

Such a cool coffee shop, great ambiance and of course yummy coffee drinks that are unique and full of flavor. Definitely will be coming back here anytime I am needing a pick'me up. The service is awesome, Eddy is friendly and I enjoy conversations with him. Such a good human!

F*ck Corporate Coffee!! Loved the proprietor for his personable approach to each new face entering the shop. I had the Blue Pill (house capp) and let me tell you... something special. Go get you a cup of proprietor roasted/pulled love today

Super tasty cappucino just off Pacific right across from parking lot for easy access.

Came here yesterday while we're in town for vacation and was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the coffee here. This humble little place feels special even among the handful of quality third wave coffee shops here in Santa Cruz. I asked for an iced americano and Eddie served up his latest single origin Peru beans that he roasted himself. The level of pride he has in his craft is well deserved. Very enjoyable acidity and the aftertaste is heavenly. I was taking my first sip as I was walking out the shop, and the moment the coffee hit my palettes my body turned 180 and walked right back in to buy a bag of the roast I had just tasted so I can bring home to experiment with. I came back the next day and ordered a quad shot to enjoy at the beach. I hope to see what kind of roast Eddie will be serving when I return to Santa Cruz next time!

Yum! Coffee is expertly made, they enjoy talking about the taste notes, and they are very friendly!

The coffee at this place is amazing! Eddie makes all his syrups from scratch and puts love into every cup of coffee he pours. He uses raw local milk too! He's always fun to talk to and kind. As for the 1 Star review with the parking- there are apps you can use to pay for parking. This guy has obviously never worked anywhere that has parking meters out front. You have no idea how much change you'll go through if you give it to everyone. You might as well open shop at a bank.