Gnarwhal Coffee Co.

3101 Main St Unit D, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States
+1 424-268-4000
$$$ Coffee shop
(268 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Gnarwhal Coffee Co. fits neatly into the Santa Monica-Venice stretch as a lively coffee shop where local rhythm and serious caffeine culture intersect. Nestled on Main Street near the bustling border of Venice Beach, it’s the kind of spot where early risers and remote workers can find their groove amid a steady flow of neighbors ranging from beachgoers to local creatives.

The space feels bright and open with seating options both inside and on the sidewalk, inviting people to settle in for a quick espresso or a slower morning. On busy weekend mornings, the shop fills up quickly, sometimes leading to a bit of a wait, especially during peak hours. But many deem the pause worthwhile — the focus here is on coffee that leans toward stronger, bolder flavors, catering to those who appreciate a robust cup. The cortados and cappuccinos show attention to balance, while the cardamom latte and matcha options highlight a willingness to play with subtle spices and alternative tastes.

Pastries like the pistachio and mushroom cheese croissants add to Gnarwhal’s appeal as more than just a caffeine pit stop. These baked goods feel thoughtfully chosen for those who want a satisfying bite alongside their coffee, making this a spot where casual brunchers and midday snackers overlap effortlessly. The salted caramel cookies also stand out as a sweet, slightly indulgent treat.

The vibe is friendly without being overbearingly hip, with baristas who seem genuinely engaged when you ask about drinks and loquacious enough to gauge your taste preferences. Restroom access is customer-only, which might shape some visitors’ plans if they’re just passing through. Service can slow down at busy times, especially when the crowd is waiting for their morning fix, but many locals accept this as a sign of quality brewing rather than a flaw.

For visitors wondering when to swing by, late mornings on weekdays or early afternoons during the week tend to offer more seating and quicker service, while weekend mornings capture the community energy. If you’re a coffee enthusiast who appreciates a slightly stronger extraction and diverse menu, Gnarwhal Coffee Co. offers a solid spot to savor a well-crafted drink, catch up on some remote work, or enjoy a pause before or after a stroll along nearby Venice and Santa Monica hotspots.

Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

268 Reviews
Arkady Borkovsky

09 Jan 2026

A pleasant place, great location. Nice staff - Shy was very helpful and professional. Average coffee (I had a breve to go) - stop by for one if nearby, but it is not a destination place. The coffee is quite strong — eg much stronger than the one at Intelligentsia I head earlier today. (Restrooms for customers only)

Natalia Cruz

18 Dec 2025

Nice little coffee shop near Venice Beach. They had a nice menu with a variety it coffee, tea, and treat options. In the shop they had some searing and a nice bathroom. I got a cereal milk matcha, which was very good and not too sweet. The service was also excellent and the batista were good with questions.

NICK MENNELL

07 Dec 2025

Four Stars - Caffeinated Excellence with a Side of Wait Time Gnarwhal Coffee is proof that good things come to those who wait. And wait. And sometimes wait a little more while staring longingly at the espresso machine. But HERE’S THE THING: unlike my Ojai Burger experience where excellent service couldn’t save a tragic patty, Gnarwhal’s coffee is SO GOOD that the wait becomes a mere character-building exercise. I ordered a latte and when it finally arrived, I understood. This wasn’t just coffee - this was art. The kind of art that makes you forgive the fact that you considered just going home and making instant. The baristas clearly care deeply about what they’re doing. You can see the concentration, the precision, the love. They’re not just making coffee; they’re performing tiny caffeinated miracles, one cup at a time. The vibe is chill, the space is cool, and honestly, the wait gives you time to really appreciate the fact that you’re about to consume something special. The fifth star is being held hostage by the speed of service, but everything else? Chef’s kiss. Would I come back? Absolutely. Would I bring a book? Also absolutely. If you’ve got time and taste buds that deserve respect, this is your spot.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Dude

18 Nov 2025

In A Nutshell: -Gnarwhal Coffee is a 100% top-rated coffee shop located in Venice. -The drip coffee alone is superb in taste & quality. -I highly recommend it if you consider yourself a coffee aficionado. -I also enjoyed their toasted beef pastellilo, which flaked with each bite. Overall, this place is booming so don't be surprised if you see a line out of the door & it's also a mecca for remote workers.

Yü Wu

30 Oct 2025

This popular coffee shop between Santa Monica and Venice was packed on Sunday morning when I visited it. I enjoyed the convivial atmosphere, and bright space. There are small tables both inside and outside the shop. Service was friendly, typical California style. I had a cortado and it wasn't bad. I just wish there was more complexity to the taste. I was attracted by the pastry case and had a croissant, especially because it's from a wholesale only bakery. Sadly it was not good—soft, damp and no flakes. The taste was on the sweet side.

Aziza Kasenova

15 Oct 2025

Nice place, chess club brochures and the chess itself. The coffee is good, but not many people can fit in there

Grazhel Moreno

08 Oct 2025

Came in to kill some time & do work; wifi is solid. Enjoyed the cardamom latte, it was delicious. It got pretty crowded during peak early morning hours but that’s to be expected. Love the aesthetic/vibe. Dog friendly.

MkMiamiRider

25 Sep 2025

Great corner cafe, I was just passing by and decided to step in and I am so glad I did… I ordered a cappuccino and it was perfect, the coffee tasted amazing wow! I also ordered the banana bread with chocolate chips and it was moist and so flavorful. Beautiful relaxing place in a great corner!!! The staff were so amicable and helpful I totally recommend stopping and savoring a coffee here!

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