Riptide Cafe - Arcata

#15 - Mexican - Arcata, Cafe, American
Menu
Full menu with pictures, prices and categories.

Riptide Cafe

Riptide Cafe
4.2 / 5 (2835 reviews)

Menu

On this homepage, you will find the complete menu of Riptide Cafe from Arcata. Currently, there are 19 menus and drinks available.

Riptide Cafe, located in the charming town of Arcata, CA, offers a delightful American dining experience, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 stars. This inviting cafe welcomes guests daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch. Whether you're looking to savor a meal on-site or prefer the convenience of their drive-through, Riptide Cafe is ready to serve you. For those interested in checking wait times or reserving a table, feel free to call (707) 442-8528. Plus, if you're curious about different culinary options, don’t miss out on exploring menus from nearby restaurants like Oriental Buffet and Subway. We’d love for you to share your experience with others—leave a review and join the conversation!.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Violette

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★ 4.2 / 5 from 2835 reviews

Nestled near the coast, this café offers a mixed experience. Many praise its flavorful espresso, unique syrups like lavender, and satisfying offerings such as bagel sandwiches and Mexican mocha. Friendly, attentive staff and a welcoming atmosphere earn commendations, with some customers appreciating personalized service. However, long wait times and occasional order mishaps—such as iced drinks served hot or mischarged bills—dampen the experience for others. Coffee quality varies, with some drinks lacking expected richness. Overall, this spot shines with its delicious specialties and charm but could improve consistency, speed, and customer care to fully satisfy its patrons.

Quickly gave me my order, flexible sweetening options (I used stevia), friendly service, and great coffee!

Cute little drive thru, walk up coffee spot. Line takes awhile but so does quality coffee ??

madison-g-cactus868
25.01.2024

Always welcoming and delicious! A fantastic way to kick off my mornings!

violette-kerluke
03.04.2025

My partner ordered a 12oz Americano for $3.50, but we ended up paying $10 because we were shortchanged from a $20 bill. We noticed the missing $5, which seemed to have accidentally gone into the tip jar along with the $1.50 tip we left, but our inquiry didn’t help. Overall, it felt like we were ripped off by Riptide. I don’t think we’ll be returning, and if we do, I won’t be paying with cash again. The coffee was decent, but definitely not worth $10 for a 12oz cup.

anabel11
03.04.2025

I also ordered a white chocolate mocha on my last visit, requested it iced, but ended up with a hot one instead. I didn’t make a fuss since I was running late and just accepted it. Again, there was no apology for the mix-up. When the coffee finally cooled down enough for me to drink, it was a huge disappointment. It tasted burnt, and the creamer seemed off. I couldn't taste any white chocolate at all—it was just like coffee with milk, not a white mocha. Honestly, I’m surprised to see a line at this place. Both the coffee and food are subpar, and customer service needs improvement. As a coffee shop, a smile and a cheerful greeting could go a long way in making the experience more enjoyable.

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