Simple Cafe creates uncomplicated deliciousness for breakfast and lunch

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Mixed berry scones, vanilla cake pops, chocolate banana swirl loaf slices: These are just some of the fresh baked goods that catch customers’ eyes, noses, and stomachs when they walk into Simple Cafe.

Pastry chef and day-to-day manager Jennifer Guerra said Simple Cafe isn’t just another coffee shop. She tries to provide a menu and an atmosphere that differentiates Simple from the crowd of cafes in Santa Maria.

Baked goods like scones, muffins, cookies, and brownies are Guerra’s specialty. Along with the usual plain bagel, Simple Cafe also offers a jalapeño cheese bagel, which Guerra said she makes in-house and includes scrambled eggs; sharp cheddar cheese; and bacon, sausage, or ham.

That’s not all. Simple Cafe also serves empanadas from Buena Onda in Santa Barbara. Guerra said the five flavors of stuffed pastry are: ground beef; shredded chicken; hungo—cheese and mushrooms; a vegan option that includes vegan mozzarella, quinoa, and spinach; and a Buen Dia, which consists of bacon, egg, and cheese.

Always proud to serve local food, Simple Cafe’s coffee comes from Coastal Peaks in San Luis Obispo.

Guerra said Simple Cafe recently started serving Virtū LA’s protein bowls as well. She said her favorite bowl includes dragon fruit, chia, plant-based protein, and coconut cream with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and grated coconut shavings on top.

“We believe in simple, quality ingredients,” Guerra said. 

For the non-coffee drinkers, Simple Cafe offers a variety of beverages, including hot chocolate, chai, crème frappes, matcha, lemonade, and iced tea. 

In March 2024, Simple Cafe opened its doors at 3546 Skyway Drive, and Santa Maria residents couldn’t seem to get enough. So, last November, Simple Cafe opened a second store at 1414 Miller St.

Located inside The Collective, the Skyway Drive spot—known as the express location—offers a great space for business meetings and casual hangouts, Guerra said. For guests into sports, she said the TVs at the express location provide “sports bar atmosphere” where they can enjoy a treat while watching a game. 

“That one’s a little bit more to-go, but it’s also great for larger gatherings because there are community tables that sit 10 or 12 people,” Guerra said. “If you’re meeting a big group, it’s a great place to meet and have coffee.”

“I know we call it the express location, but there’s a ton of seating there,” said Matt Ladin, who owns Simple Cafe in partnership with Guerra.

The Miller location, on the other hand, offers customers a cozy corner workspace in the heart of town.

Whether guests want to write, study, read emails, or just relax, the open layout provides the perfect space that isn’t overwhelmingly loud or dreadfully quiet.

“Miller is a full-service cafe,” Guerra said. “We serve breakfast and lunch. It’s a little bit quieter-paced.” 

Guerra said their breakfast burrito—which includes bacon or sausage, potatoes, cheese, and egg served with a house-made salsa—is the most popular morning selection. 

For lunch, Guerra said customers can choose between turkey, ham, or chicken on sourdough, a hoagie roll, or in a spinach tortilla wrap. She said the most popular wrap is the chicken bacon, which includes sliced grilled chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon served with a side of ranch dressing.

The breakfast and lunch options are only served at the Miller shop, but Guerra said the express location will sometimes have sandwiches for special events like Super Bowl Sunday. 

Both locations are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Miller location is closed on Sundays, but the express space is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Simple Cafe also offers catering for local events and nearby apartments and schools. 

“We don’t want to do 1,000 things,” said Ladin, who’s also the operating partner for The Collective. “We want to have four or five items that we do better than anybody.”

Staff Writer Reece Coren urges you to share your favorite local place to sit. Send tips to rcoren@santamariasun.com.

This article appears in May 22 – Jun 1, 2025.