Cold Water Coffee in Pacific City: Coastal Coffee Done Right
Tucked just off the beach in Pacific City, Cold Water Coffee is the kind of place that feels like a local secret—until you realize every surfer, dog walker, and camper in town already knows about it. With its laid-back atmosphere, excellent espresso, and prime location, this coffee shop has become a staple for both locals and visitors.
Whether you’re starting your morning with a beach walk or need a caffeine boost after hiking Cape Kiwanda, Cold Water Coffee offers everything you need to fuel your day—good coffee, fresh pastries, and genuine coastal charm.
Where Is Cold Water Coffee?
Cold Water Coffee is located just a short walk from Cape Kiwanda and Pelican Brewing, making it a convenient and peaceful stop before the beach crowds roll in. It shares a building with surf shops and local businesses, giving it a relaxed and community-oriented vibe.
Address:
6345 Pacific Ave, Pacific City, OR 97135
Parking:
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building and along nearby streets. It’s an easy walk from many of the vacation rentals and campgrounds in the area.
What Makes Cold Water Coffee Special?
1. Small-Batch, High-Quality Coffee
At its core, Cold Water Coffee is about simple, great coffee. They brew small batches using locally roasted beans and maintain a consistent quality across espresso, drip, and specialty drinks. Whether you prefer a classic Americano or a creamy oat milk latte, you’ll find something worth sipping.
Coffee Highlights:
Expertly pulled espresso shots with smooth crema
Consistent milk steaming for cappuccinos and lattes
Cold brew and iced options for warm beach days
Seasonal specialties like lavender lattes or maple spice
2. Coastal Atmosphere with a Minimalist Aesthetic
Cold Water Coffee isn’t trying to be flashy. The interior is clean and minimalist—wood accents, soft lighting, and just a few seats. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over your drink without pressure, or grab something quick on your way to the sand.
You’ll often hear indie folk music playing softly in the background, and the staff are always friendly, offering recommendations if you’re unsure what to try. The aesthetic is both modern and relaxed, like everything else in Pacific City.
3. Fresh Pastries and Local Goods
The menu includes a rotating selection of fresh pastries, often sourced from local bakeries. You might find buttery croissants, breakfast muffins, or even seasonal quiches depending on the day. Many items are made in-house or sourced from nearby artisan kitchens.
You’ll also spot a small selection of local products for sale—things like small-batch granola, handmade mugs, or locally roasted coffee beans. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir that supports the local community.
4. Walkable to Beach, Trails, and Surf
One of the best things about Cold Water Coffee is its location. It’s within easy walking distance of some of Pacific City’s top spots, including:
Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
The beach and Haystack Rock viewpoint
Surfboard and fat tire bike rentals
Tide pools and dune hiking areas
That makes it an ideal first stop before a full day of adventure—or a calming reset after coming down off the dunes.
5. Pet-Friendly Patio
Traveling with your dog? Cold Water Coffee has a dog-friendly patio with outdoor seating, water bowls, and plenty of shade. Many guests stop by post-hike or post-beach with their pups in tow, making this a great place for dog lovers to relax.
What to Try
If it’s your first time visiting, consider one of these popular choices:
Oat Milk Latte: Creamy, smooth, and consistently balanced
Cold Brew: Bold but never bitter, perfect for warm coastal mornings
Honey Cinnamon Latte: A local favorite with just the right sweetness
Butter Croissant: Flaky, golden, and baked fresh
They also serve seasonal drinks that rotate throughout the year—think pumpkin spice in fall, citrus-infused espresso tonics in summer, and warming chai lattes in winter.
When to Visit
Cold Water Coffee is busiest in the early morning hours, especially on weekends. If you want a quieter experience, aim to visit just after opening or mid-morning on a weekday. It’s also a popular stop for people leaving town after a weekend getaway, so expect more traffic on Sunday mornings.
Accessibility and Amenities
Seating: Limited indoor seating; outdoor patio available
Wi-Fi: Not advertised as a work café, but good for a quick check-in
Restrooms: Available on-site
Kid-friendly: Yes, with juice boxes and muffins popular among younger visitors
Dog-friendly: Outdoor seating welcomes dogs
Tips for Your Visit
Go early: Pastries sell out fast, especially the croissants and muffins
Bring a reusable mug: They’ll gladly fill it, and it helps reduce waste
Ask about off-menu options: The baristas are happy to customize your drink
Pair it with a beach walk: Grab your drink to go and watch the waves roll in
Why Cold Water Coffee Belongs on Your Oregon Coast Itinerary
Cold Water Coffee doesn’t shout for attention—it quietly earns its place as one of Pacific City’s best local gems. It’s the kind of spot that captures the spirit of the Oregon Coast: low-key, welcoming, and grounded in quality. Whether you’re chasing waves, hiking sand dunes, or just need a quiet moment before the day begins, this coffee shop delivers.
Come for the espresso, stay for the sense of place. In a town known for big views and bold beers, Cold Water Coffee proves that even the smallest stops can leave the biggest impressions.
