Primo Passo Coffee Co

Primo Passo Coffee Co. is on a sunny corner of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. It's bright and minimal with warm wood, bistro tables, bar stools and a few outdoor tables on 7th Street. There's no wifi, on purpose, so it's more social. Mornings bring the post-beach, surf and bike crowd, and lines are common.

The cappuccinos are a highlight, the Ethiopian pour-over gets a lot of mentions, and the cold brew is a favorite. There are teas, house-made vanilla and hazelnut syrups and rotating pastries. You can buy beans, and they'll grind them for your brewer.