The Waiting Room

Wood burning stove in the corner, records playing, games stacked messily in vintage wooden shelves. You’ll immediately feel welcomed at this locals coffee shop and like you are part of the Mendocino community. Oh, and an incredible pastry case with something new every day, sweet baristas and most importantly, delicious coffee.

The Waiting Room is part of the Cafe Beaujolais family, a lovely French inspired restaurant that’s been operating since 1968 though the building dates back to 1893. It’s changed hands a few times but the family running it now has created a fantastic bread program throughout the three restaurants: Cafe Beaujolais, The Brickery, The Waiting Room.

All three restaurants are tucked in a small street towards the back of town. Like most of Mendocino, they’re connected by small garden paths that make you feel like your meandering through the village in a dream state, sweet smelling flowers blooming on all sides, glimpses of the ocean if you turn slightly left or right.

You could eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in this little corner and have a delicious day, but if you’re only in town for a limited time start your day with a cortado and seasonal pastry at The Waiting Room and you will be off to a very good start.