Cloud Forest Cafe has deep red walls covered with local art. The menu chalkboard is a work of art itself, proclaiming espresso drinks, paninis, and smoothies in bright colors. Sometimes photos and paintings on the walls are supplemented by ceramics or sculpture exhibitions between tables. Small, sunny tables allow for outdoor seating, and tall windows let in the sunlight and show off planters of bright flowers.
Cloud Forest offers free wifi, mellow new music, and a variety of low-cost snacks. It’s one of few Davis eateries that sell affogato, handy for those who crave a combined sugar-and-caffeine buzz. The menu boasts several more special espresso drinks, such as London fogs and pecan pie lattes, alongside hot teas, iced teas, fresh juice blends, and Italian sodas. While lunch options are limited to paninis and salads, options range from the vegan delight, which is stuffed with vegetables, to the Cache Creek caliente, with roast beef and homemade chipotle sauce. Breakfast options include fresh pastries, fruit and granola cups, and breakfast paninis (served until 11:30).
Cloud Forest is a study hub, hosting students who set up their laptops and camp out. Cashiers greet visitors buying their third latte with understanding smiles. Bicyclists and office workers pop in for a quick coffee or lunch. An out-of-the-way bulletin board announces local art, theater, music, and comedy.
Sitting in the bright, quiet café, watching people jotting in notebooks or tapping on laptops, surrounded by happy music and local artwork, gives one a sense of being on creative fertile ground: people are getting things done here. Employees aren’t especially chatty, and few loud conversations take place. The ethos of Cloud Forest seems to be more like Field of Dreams than bustling, quirky cafes like Delta Venus—the owners have built a peaceful, open, artful place, and customers come to make their own magic happen.