I discovered Cajé in Isla Vista when I was a teaching assistant for the Freshmen Summer Start Program (FSSP) at UCSB. Cajé has a streamlined menu that includes coffee based drinks, smoothies, and customizable bagel sandwiches.
When I meet with students in the summer or colleagues year round, Cajé is my default coffee shop that captures the essence of the Santa Barbara fast casual food scene. I tend to order beverages with floral notes since I appreciate complex combinations of aromas, textures, and colors.
- Chunky avocado toast with sliced cherry tomatoes and a splash of balsamic vinegar
- Soy honey lavender latte (non-dairy) topped with a rosetta
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- Açai bowl topped with sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, granola, manuka honey, and micro coconut dust
- The Works bagel
- Cajé bowls and bowls to go
My ideal brunch included a small honey lavender latte and a modified (vegan) version of the Works bagel: onion or everything bagel, avocado and edamame mash, heirloom tomato, red onion slices, lemon juice, and cracked pepper.
Cajé will always have a special place in my heart since it was one of the first places I visited in Isla Vista that had incredible coffee. The location was perfect since it was a short stroll away from UCSB campus, but felt like a world within itself. The outdoor seating was perfect with the year round, mediterranean climate in Santa Barbara.
Lilly C. Lew Ph.D. 