Top Sonoma County Spots for Your Morning Coffee

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Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, Petaluma and Sebastopol: Taylor Lane’s origin story is just about the most gosh darn West County tale of business success we’ve ever heard. Their roasting operation began in 1993, inside an old barn on a serene 100-acre farm on Occidental’s Taylor Lane. Formerly Taylor Maid, the Sebastopol shop is a never-miss when it comes to quality coffees. Go for their lavender latte, a classic cappuccino or something with their homemade pumpkin syrup for a cozy dose of fall vibes. 6790 McKinley St #170, Sebastopol, taylorlane.com. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Taylor Maid Organic Coffee changed their name to Taylor Lane on the 25th anniversary of the company. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

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Barking Dog Roasters, Sonoma: Sonoma's Barking Dog Roasters is a no-frills, no-gimmicks place where you'll find what is arguably the best cup of coffee in Sonoma Valley. They've been roasting coffee beans the way they like it for more than 20 years, which is good news for the Sonoma locals who flock to this funky mainstay on Highway 12. Our pick for a cozy afternoon? A classic cafe au lait, paired with one of their house-made pear cinnamon muffin. 18133 CA-12, Sonoma, barkingdogroasters.com. (Courtesy of Barking Dog Roasters)

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Flying Goat Coffee, Healdsburg: Yes, the coffee at Flying Goat is good. Is it the best on this list? Maybe, honestly. But what to order? Go for the Aztec Mocha with double espresso, Valrhona chocolate, chilies, spices, vanilla, organic cane sugar, rose water and steamed milk. 419 Center Street, Healdsburg, flyinggoatcoffee.com. (Jenna Fisher/Sonoma Magazine)

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Crooks Coffee, Santa Rosa: This downtown coffeeshop is located just across the street from the Sonoma Magazine office on Santa Rosa’s Mendocino Avenue. We love their creme brûlée lattes and wide selection of pastries, plus they get extra bonus points for the shop’s airy and modern interior design. 404c Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, crookscoffee.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Brew, Santa Rosa: As the name implies, there's more to Brew than a regular cup of joe. From its rotating list of herbal-inspired lattes to its open and welcoming atmosphere to its stellar rotation of craft beers, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny afternoon on the patio reading or — as we sometimes like to do — conducting an interview. The cafe’s vegan wrap is a fan favorite around our office at lunchtime. 555 Healdsburg Avenue, Santa Rosa, brewcoffeeandbeer.com (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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For a taste of a food trend that never goes cold, order Brew's avocado toast. (Photo by Shana Bull)

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Avid Coffee, Petaluma, Sebastopol and Santa Rosa: Formerly Acre Coffee, this popular local coffee chain has a new owner and a new name. (The former ownership group operates Acre Pizza, a spinoff of the coffee business that opened early 2020). The new owner, Rob Daly, has had a lengthy career in the coffee business starting at Wolf Coffee, then Starbucks and later served as CEO of Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, so expect good espressos and more at three locations in Sebastopol, Petaluma and Santa Rosa. avidcoffee.com/locations. (Courtesy of Acre Coffee) 

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Sunflower Caffe, Sonoma: Located right on Sonoma’s historic square, this Wine Country brunch classic is — we know – not what one would describe as a coffee shop. But we decided it warranted a mention here for its perfect location for people watching (plus its good coffee!). Come for the extensive brunch menu and chai lattes; stay for the location, location, location. 421 1st St W, Sonoma, sonomasunflower.com. (Courtesy photo)

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Retrograde Coffee Roasters, Sebastopol: This Sebastopol outpost is a mainstay for West County locals who rave about the bergamot cold brew, house-made hem-coconut milk and specialty lattes — cardamom and turmeric are constant favorites. The small batch bean roastery began as a pop up at an Oakland bagel shop in the spring of 2014. In short order, the company moved north to Sonoma County, opening up its brick-and-mortar location in downtown Sebastopol. 130 South Main Street, 103, Sebastopol, retrograderoasters.com. (Heather Irwin/Sonoma Magazine)

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Sunshine Coffee Roasters, Sebastopol and Forestville: With espresso bar locations in Forestville and Sebastopol, this West County gem is a local favorite. Sunshine Coffee Roasters has been roasting small-batch, organic coffee since 2004, but has since expanded into two brick-and-mortar retail locations, where regulars sing the praises of their specialty horchata lattes and the friendly baristas behind the bar. Fancy espresso drinks not your thing? Their cold brew easily puts many big name coffee companies’ to shame. 6656 Front Street, Forestville; 1691 CA-116, Sebastopol, Facebook. (Courtesy of Sunshine Coffee Roasters)

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Cafe Aquatica, Jenner: You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sonoma County coffee shop with a better view than Jenner’s Cafe Aquatica. Situated at the mouth of the Russian River, the (surprise, surprise) aquatic-themed coffee shop has a large outdoor seating area, where patrons can sip their morning brews just feet from the water’s edge. Hungry? Their menu offers plenty of options (veggie and vegan, included!) to munch on while you take in the view. 10439 CA-1, Jenner, Facebook. (Courtesy of Cafe Aquatica)

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A brew with a view at Cafe Aquatica in Jenner. (Courtesy of Cafe Aquatica)

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