As I just rolled into Carpinteria after a lengthy drive on the PCH, I chanced upon an intriguing sight outside of Island Brewery – a petite sign with the words ‘Rooster Coffee’ on it. Like a hidden gem, tucked away in the less-trodden paths, Rooster Coffee presented itself. To be honest, if it had not been for my much more observant wife, I would have walked right past it.

Rooster Coffee, an adorably quaint setup, was no more than a coffee cart nestled on the deck patio of a surf shop. Simplicity at its finest, the coffee cart bore no extravagance but donned some seriously high-end equipment. The magic unfolds only from Tuesday to Saturday, 7 am to noon, the cart’s ‘open’ sign will fill to ‘closed’ on Sundays and Mondays.

Stepping up on the wooden deck of the coffee cart you are surrounded by lush greenery. The patio was a sight to behold, offering a view of the brewery and park just beyond the railway tracks. Sort of captures the Carp scene, wouldn’t you agree?

The coffee cart was helmed by a young woman, a temporary custodian of the place while the owners were off vacationing for a week or so. Friendly and knowledgeable, she was quite the barista. When asked for a cortado – that delicate balance of espresso cut with a small amount of warm milk to reduce the acidity – she didn’t miss a beat.

Now, making a good cortado is almost like performing a symphony, and let me tell you, our lady here was a pro conductor. The result was a cortado done to perfection – harmoniously balanced, irresistibly smooth and creamy, and served at just the right temperature – not scalding hot like some of its less refined cousins. 

All in all, Rooster Coffee was a delightful find in an unlikely place. A small, unassuming cart, serving up coffee that would make even the snobbiest coffee connoisseur nod in approval. While the owners are undoubtedly lucky to have such a competent hand at the helm during their absence, I consider myself the luckier one for stumbling upon this coffee treasure.

Rooster Coffee, I tip my hat to you! You can bet your beans I’ll be coming back for more. So, for those out there exploring the nooks and crannies of our city, keep an eye out. Who knows, maybe your coffee compass will lead you to Rooster Coffee too!