Peaceful, down to earth, authentic and distinctive. These are all ways to describe the coffee shop hidden on California Avenue: Backyard Brew. From the art-covered entrance alley to the customer-made notes covering the walls, Backyard Brew is enticing and unlike any other coffee shop around. Along with the serene outdoor vibe, the pastries and drinks are both excellent and unique, making it a great go-to spot for a nice study session or for a releasing diversion from the demands of everyday life. The menu ranges from numerous different flavors of lattes, to a large variety of flavorful pastries. This local coffee shop is enjoyable and versatile.

Coupa Café is an eccentric family-run coffee shop with two different locations around downtown Palo Alto. It has a colorful, cozy space characterized by welcoming furniture and a snug fireplace with an airy, lush outdoor seating area. These aspects make this café both a popular sit-down and grab-and-go coffee shop. The beloved small chain is a perfect place to study, have a meeting or catch up with friends. The menu sits on the pricier side — $10 to $20 for food and $4 to $8 for drinks — and the actual coffee is not high quality. However, the pastries and food menu are inviting and the location and setting are very delightful. This local coffee shop is cozy and comforting.

The outdoors, Italian-style seating of the University Avenue café, Café Venetia, resembles a beautiful scene in Venice, Italy. When sitting amongst the charming red tables, eating a delicious pastry and sipping coffee out of a small mug, one could transport themselves from California to the striking streets of Italy. In addition to its illustrious setting, it also has later open hours, giving it, unlike most other coffee shops in the area, the perk of extended hours. Their coffee is one of the best in town, and the rich hot chocolate is unbeatable. They also offer a wide variety of delicious pastries and chocolates, which — when paired with the drinks and the café itself — are worth the price.