Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Coffee shop · Downtown

Handlebar Coffee Roasters

Coffee shop · Downtown

128 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Highlights

This cozy bicycle-themed coffee shop serves expertly crafted brews in a laid-back space perfect for cyclists and creatives alike.

128 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Get directions

handlebarcoffee.com

@handlebarcoffee

$1–10

@onthegrid

"Handlebar’s name comes from it’s founders shared love for cycling - they spent 10+ years as professional cyclists before joining the artisanal coffee movement! They opened Handlebar in 2011, providing Santa Barbara with a quality, sustainable artisanal coffee bar in an area of town that has become a hotspot for foodies. As with most eating establishments in Santa Barbara, they have a lovely outdoor patio that you should definitely take advantage of while you enjoy your coffee." - Amanda Proudfit

On the Grid : Handlebar Coffee Roasters

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@goop

"If Santa Barbara is Mecca for cycling enthusiasts, then Handlebar Coffee Roasters is their temple. The owners, ex-competitive cyclists Aaron Olson and Kim Andersen, took up coffee roasting (using a vintage Probat roaster, no less) after the recession put their cycling careers on hold. Fast forward a few years and their creamy capps, cold brews, and killer almond-milk lattes have made their tiny coffee shop the go-to rest stop for riding groups (the wall outside is never without a stack of bikes) and pretty much anyone looking for a quality cup of a coffee and a low-key place to enjoy it. "

The Santa Barbara Guide

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@onthegrid

"Handlebar Coffee Roasters, Santa Barbara by Amanda Proudfit. Handlebar’s name comes from it’s founders shared love for cycling - they spent 10+ years as professional cyclists before joining the artisanal coffee movement! They opened Handlebar in 2011, providing Santa Barbara with a quality, sustainable artisanal coffee bar in an area of town that has become a hotspot for foodies. As with most eating establishments in Santa Barbara, they have a lovely outdoor patio that you should definitely take advantage of while you enjoy your coffee."

Santa Barbara, California, USA

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Grish240

Google

I kept asking myself why the coffee was so bland. The team had a fun and welcoming energy. The line was long and they cranked out the orders with smiles on their faces. As an avid cyclist, I appreciated the interior design and bike-friendly vibes. The ham and cheese croissant was flaky and tasted great. But the mocha I ordered was disappointing. It was like drinking a cup of hot milk. The robust coffee flavor I expected was nowhere to be found as I sipped my drink. For a coffee shop that does virtually everything very well, it left me questioning how could they have missed on the most important part of the experience…

Cindy Marie

Google

We came to visit here for our early afternoon snacks and ordered: 2x Espresso 1x Cinnamon Roll Total: $14.16 with tips Overall, we’re very pleased with the flavor of the coffee and cinnamon roll. The kick of the coffee, the bitterness, and the sourness are just what we've been looking for—the best espresso we've tried so far compared to many others. The cinnamon roll, we thought, was amazing, too—though it can be slightly sweet to our palette, other than that, we love it. However, it took some time to prepare our espresso for both when called; my husband had to wait another 2-3 minutes for the other one to prepare. We thought it was strange to wait that long given that they have many staff within that area, roughly 8 staff. Other than that, it was a great experience with the coffee and pastry, and the ambiance was great, too.

Will Heo

Google

A great place to get coffee or get some work done. The place is usually crowded in the mornings. Ample space indoors and outdoors. The place is well lit with lots of natural light. You should be able to find some street parking without much trouble, but if you do, there are some paid parking lots nearby as well.

Ari Leventhal

Google

Great atmosphere - Monday afternoon there was space to have a table and do work. Chocolate Croissant was flaky and buttery. Espresso was bright and bitter with some good fruity notes- not completely balanced. Baristas are working on a lot of orders so the wait was to be expected the team behind the counter was on it and getting things done for such a constant rush of people. Great merch and logo design. The space is nicely laid out location with lots of tables and spots for chatting or working. Beautiful light and great location across from the historic el Presido park.

Frederic B

Google

FEB2025: a must-visit coffee shop if you’re in town. We loved coffees and the bagels 😀

Steve L

Google

One of two locations in the Santa Barbara area (the other is “uptown” on De La Vina, which includes their coffee roasting operation). Handlebar coffee is a popular destination for locals, including those who prefer to work in the environment of a coffee shop. I find their coffee to be excellent, not too strong but certainly not weak. Their espresso drinks are expertly made. Service is excellent; the staff is always friendly, quick, and willing to make subtle adjustments to items if requested.

Taylor Marks

Google

This is my go-to coffee shop even though it’s a little further than the one by my apartment on the other side of state. Love that my dog is welcome and there are treats and water for her. Pretty sure the milk is organic which is a nice touch. Everyone is friendly, including the patrons. I’ve tried the other places and this one is a cut above.

Kirsten Alana Photography

Google

The kind of coffee shop I'd frequent regularly if I lived in the area. I appreciate how early they're open since I am an early riser and need coffee right away when I get up. The staff were friendly, the selection of pastries is excellent, the coffee tastes fantastic and the interior is cool. It's also large which makes me think even when it's busy, there should be seating for everyone. Though it wasn't crowded when I was in to order takeaway coffee.