Coral Tree Cafe

University of California, Santa Barbara, Building 532, Ocean Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States
+1 805-893-4704
$$$ Cafe
(68 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Located at the heart of the University of California, Santa Barbara, the Coral Tree Café is a vibrant and bustling spot that’s perfect for students, faculty, and visitors alike. With its laid-back atmosphere and a menu brimming with healthy, wholesome offerings, this café has truly earned its place as a cherished gem on campus.

The café specializes in a delightful fusion of fresh bowls and snacks that cater to various dietary preferences, including vegan and vegetarian options. One standout dish that you absolutely must try is the Fiesta Breakfast Bowl, featuring fluffy scrambled eggs nestled on a bed of crispy potatoes and hearty black beans, all topped off with zesty pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and bright green onions. It's a meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious, guaranteed to kickstart your day with energy.

For lunch, the Arroz con Pollo is a crowd favorite. This satisfying bowl combines carnitas-style chicken with warm brown rice, avocado, jalapeño, and a drizzle of cilantro-lime vinaigrette that adds a refreshing twist. Customers rave about the Peruvian Bowl, too, featuring a delightful mélange of roasted sweet potatoes, nopales, and black beans, which brings a taste of South America right to your plate. The café’s Fries also deserve a spotlight—especially the Rosemary Fancy Fries, a tantalizing blend of garlic, parmesan, and green goddess ranch that elevates a simple side into something magnificent.

The vibe at Coral Tree Café is distinctly casual and friendly. Students often gather here for a quick bite between classes or to relax with friends over coffee—though, as some reviews reveal, the coffee might leave you buzzing a bit too much! While you might hear some light-hearted complaints about lengthy wait times during peak hours, the consensus is that the delicious food is worth every minute spent waiting in line. As one delighted customer noted, “It’s so healthy and fresh, and the workers are really nice.” This warmth and community feel are palpable, making it more than just a place to eat, but a place to connect.

Overall, Coral Tree Café is a must-visit for anyone at UCSB. Whether you’re grabbing a pre-lecture breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack, this lovely café encourages you to indulge in flavorful, nutritious food, all served with a side of friendly smiles. Make sure to stop by and experience this campus treasure for yourself!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours

Monday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Tuesday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Wednesday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Thursday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Friday

07:30 AM - 03:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

68 Reviews
Kelsey Wight

09 Aug 2025

Literally the worst coffee that I've ever had- BUT- also the most caffeinated! I was literally hallucinating in my lecture in Campbell Hall after a small cup of the light roast. I love the convenience of Coral Tree Café when I need a quick pick-me-up between classes.

Sithu Madigapola

02 Aug 2025

I love this place I used to go here so much! It’s so healthy and fresh and the workers are really nice. Since it’s a campus restaurant, though, it gets crowded and the wait time is long but ohhhh sooo worth it.

Daniel MT

10 Jul 2025

Best healthy eat on campus. Vegan and vegetarian options, too. Like this lunch bowl with quinoa, arugula, falafel, dates, hazelnuts, tahini. Amazing!!

Shruti Arya

09 Jul 2025

One of my favorite places in UCSB. I have had lunch several times here. My personal favorites are Fish Tacos and Fish&Chips.

Will Heo

29 Jun 2025

Underrated and less crowded than the Arbor. Apparently they used to have amazing grilled cheese, but I haven't seen them selling grilled cheese since covid. They have some pretty good lunch options. They close earlier than expected, so make sure they're open if you're planning to stop by in the afternoon.

Livvy

26 Jun 2025

Amazing food and drinks, good atmosphere and not expensive either!!! Really good service too! Would recommend<333

Nicole H.

09 Jun 2025

Delicious healthy food, great matcha & coffee, and amazing employees. They are the nicest and always doing thee most to get us through the day. They deserve a raise!!!

Ines Beckenbauer

02 Jun 2025

A bit underrated honestly, sure their coffee isn't amazing but it's also a great value, it costs about half of what starbucks charges for their coffee. Inside seating is usually full but outside seating is fine. What I really liked was the breakfast burrito, I'll have to try more of their food menu to make a complete judgement but the burrito was pretty good.

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