The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the palms are swaying in the ocean breeze. It's a perfect Santa Barbara afternoon. Everyone is zipping past in convertibles or on beach cruisers, undoubtedly racing to another fabulous destination. But you, you're beat. You've explored the Santa Barbara Mission, picked up some fresh fruits at the Farmer's Market and now...

Well, let's face it, you need a coffee.

Latte me at it! (Get it?) — Photo courtesy of thepinkpeppercorn

And not just any coffee. Coffee that tastes good. Coffee that was made fresh for you, when you ordered it, while you patiently waited to hold a piping hot, perfect cup of delicious, liquid energy in your hands. Or maybe a cold cup. Cold coffee can be good, too. We don't judge here at 10Best.com.

Here's where you get this magnificent miracle in town: The French Press. A place where the baristas are serious, and the drinks are too. Coffee does not contain flavored powder additives. Espresso is prepared to order. Syrups are crafted from scratch by hand. Everything at The French Press is made with the express purpose of tasting good, and they've usually got a line out the door to prove it. 

Silly looks aside, baristas at The French Press are serious about coffee. — Photo courtesy of The French Press

And the super duper extra good news? They just opened a second location. So whether you're soaking in some culture at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art or doing a little boutique shopping on lower State St., there's now a French Press location just steps away. Ready and waiting to serve you a coffee (or tea) and perk you up (or calm you down)!

The new location on Cota St. the night before it opened for business. — Photo courtesy of Julia Mayer