Coffee Houses in Willits, California

So, where in Willits can you sit down for that special cup of coffee? You could go to Safeway and buy a cup at the Starbucks kiosk, but you can do better than that. Starbucks doesn't have indoor seating, their menu is limited, and their price is a bit higher than their competitors. There are four places in town where you can sit down inside to a latte', a mocha, or just a good cup of Joe and they are all worth the experience. If you are headed through town and going west to Ft. Bragg, drive just a few blocks north of the Highway 20 turnoff and check out these local jewels.

The first one you will find is A Taste of Paradise Juice & Coffee House at 349 S. Main St. You'll recognize it by the beautiful murals of birds, jungles, and volcanoes painted in various places on the outside with the largest mural gracing their covered patio. Paradise is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. and on the weekends from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. They have a drive through window next to a few parking spaces; otherwise there is always room to park on the street. Inside you'll find 8 tables and counter seating for 7, while the roomy outdoor patio has 4 more tables to accommodate the smokers and to enjoy on a pleasant day. More murals decorate the inside walls in a very open setting. Paradise drinks include a wide selection of specially mixed coffee drinks, iced or hot, along with fruit and veggie juices, and delicious smoothies. The price of the drinks range from $1.50 to $4.95 and are mixed and served by a friendly staff. They also have good deli sandwiches made to order, a small selection of baked goods, and a daily soup. Their Wi-Fi is free and fast, you simply have to request the key from the ladies behind the counter.

The next in line is JD Redhouse and Company at 212 S. Main St. This new fashioned mercantile store has an ice cream counter (with chocolates, bagels, and other goodies) where you can order up your favorite coffee drink for prices starting at $1.50. Six tables, free Wi-Fi, an open atmosphere, and good shopping make it a great place to hang out. They are open seven days a week from10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. When you park in their spacious parking lot make certain to look at the huge mural that dominates the side of their building. Local artist Malachai Schindel outdid himself with a panorama of the Mendocino landscape from the inland valleys to the Pacific Ocean. JD Redhouse is also a good place to stop for pet supplies, clothes, hay, and knickknacks.

The next stop on our tour is the newest addition to the list. Mendonesia Café at 3 S. Main St. is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. On Sundays they open at 10:00 A.M. and close at 9:00 in the evening. From time to time they are closed for private parties or concerts which take advantage of their well equipped sound system, small dance floor, and grand piano. They often have scheduled, or impromptu, live music. Otherwise the staff chooses from an eclectic collection of music from French soul, to Latin tango, to Eighties grunge, and beyond. Their menus are still written in felt tip on poster board and offer coffee drinks from $2.00 to $4.50 along with smoothies, milk shakes, and fruit and veggie juices (all ranging from $5.50 to $7.00). They have hot and cold sandwiches (I'm particularly fond of The Willits, a grilled ham & cheese on whole wheat) along with a selection of sweets that makes choosing difficult. There is always something new, but I am hooked on their 100% Vegan Pineapple Walnut Carrot Cake with Tufutti Cream Cheese Frosting. That name is too long to say by my mouth, I just call it Vegan Decadence. There are 7 individually decorated tables and soft chairs and couches besides. The atmosphere is set off by the black molded ceiling tiles, the brick wall, the safe in the back used as a storage area (the building was originally the Bank of Willits), and the art from local artists displayed on the walls. Their Wi-Fi is free and fast and the atmosphere is friendly. Parking is either on the street on in a small lot about one-half block south of the Café (which is on the corner of Commercial and Main, right at the heart of downtown Willits).

The last stop on our tour (but by no means the least) is Hava Java at 35 E. Commercial St., just around the corner from Mendonesia. Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and on weekends and holidays from 7:00 A.M. to noon, Hava Java is where to go to meet your neighbors. They have 5 tables and 4 counter seats tucked into a small area and the conversations range from every side, one to the other. They feature Reunion Island Coffee (Fair Trade Organic) and have a good selection of specially mixed brews. Their prices range from $1.50 to $4.75 and also include smoothies and teas, though the menu states that "all prices are subject to tax or bad attitude adjustments". The counter is decorated with bumper stickers displaying a good deal of attitude, which is also given in a friendly way by the staff. Bagels in a wide variety are offered, and their Bagel with egg and cheese makes a very good breakfast. Parking on the street is limited, but the lot just south on Main St. is always available.

If you are looking for a good cup of coffee and want to drink it on the run, Willits also has two locally owned drive-through coffee shacks. In the south part of town there is Brewed Awakening at 1437 S. Main. In the north part of town there is Mary Jean's Drive Thru Coffee in the 100 block of N. Main.

Take the time to stop and smell the coffee!