Santa Monica and Venice Beach have long been at the heart of surf and skate culture, where innovation and rebellion collided to form what we now know as modern skateboarding. From the legendary Dogtown Z-Boys to the vibrant skate and surf scenes that still thrive today, the area’s history is deeply rooted in counterculture, creativity, and community. Dogtown Coffee, located in the iconic Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions building, stands as a tribute to that era, blending the past with the present in the best way possible—with great coffee and the best breakfast in Santa Monica.
The Rise of Dogtown & the Z-Boys
In the 1970s, a group of young surfers and skaters known as the Z-Boys emerged from the streets of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, redefining what was possible on a skateboard. Inspired by the aggressive, fast-paced movements of surfing, these skaters took to the empty swimming pools of Los Angeles, carving deep turns and aerial tricks that had never been seen before.
The Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions shop became the birthplace of this movement, providing custom surfboards and later skateboards that helped push the limits of the sport. What started as a local surf shop quickly became legendary, giving rise to a team of young, daring skaters who would go on to influence generations.
Dogtown Coffee: A Tribute to a Cultural Icon
Fast-forward to today, and Dogtown Coffee sits in the very same building where Jeff Ho and the Z-Boys once crafted their boards and changed skateboarding forever. More than just a coffee shop in Santa Monica, Dogtown Coffee honors this legendary history while offering a welcoming space for locals, skaters, and visitors alike to fuel up with some of the best coffee and breakfast in town.
From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the essence of the past—the laid-back, rebellious energy that made Dogtown a cultural icon. The walls and atmosphere pay homage to Santa Monica’s skate history, making it a must-visit destination for skateboarding fans and coffee lovers alike.
Skate Culture Meets Coffee Culture
Skateboarding and coffee have more in common than you might think. Both thrive on creativity, community, and the need for fuel to keep going. Dogtown Coffee isn’t just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s a hub where skaters, surfers, artists, and locals gather to share ideas, experiences, and, of course, great food and drinks.
If you’re heading to Venice Beach Skate Park or spending the day cruising through Santa Monica, a stop at Dogtown Coffee is the perfect way to start your morning. Whether you need a strong Salty Dog Iced Coffee to kickstart your ride or a Classic Burrito packed with organic eggs, white cheddar, and avocado, we’ve got the fuel you need to keep moving.
The Best Coffee in Santa Monica for Every Skater & Surfer
What makes Dogtown Coffee stand out? It’s our commitment to quality, history, and community. We proudly serve some of the best coffee in Santa Monica, crafted from locally roasted beans for the freshest flavors. Our menu features a variety of options to keep you energized, whether you’re heading out for a surf session, a skate run, or just a laid-back day by the beach.
Customer Favorites:
- Salty Dog Iced Coffee – Our signature 24-hour cold brew with caramel and sea salt foam.
- Chagaccino – A unique espresso blend with chaga mushrooms, cacao, and cinnamon.
- Organic Matcha Latte – A smooth, lightly sweetened pick-me-up for those who love tea.
- Caramel Mocha Latte – A sweet, indulgent drink to pair with a morning burrito.
Pair your coffee with a Munchies Burrito, Acai Energy Bowl, or a Main Street Slider, and you’ve got a meal that’ll keep you going all day long.
Dogtown Coffee: A Community Hub
At Dogtown Coffee, we’re more than just a coffee shop in Santa Monica—we’re a part of the culture that made this area legendary. We keep the spirit of Dogtown alive not just through our location, but through the community we build, the history we honor, and the quality coffee and breakfast we serve every day.
Whether you’re a skater, surfer, local, or visitor, Dogtown Coffee is a place to gather, refuel, and experience a piece of Santa Monica’s iconic history. Stop by, grab your favorite coffee, and soak in the legacy of Dogtown—where skate culture meets coffee culture in the most authentic way.
Visit Us
Dogtown Coffee
2003 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
📞 (310) 310-3421
🌐 dogtowncoffee.com
Come experience the legacy, the history, and the best coffee and breakfast Santa Monica has to offer!