Cool Cafe

328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
$$$ Cafe , Californian restaurant , Restaurant
(87 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Cool Cafe, nestled conveniently within the Cantor Art Museum on the enchanting Stanford University campus. This delightful café offers a true haven for art lovers, students, and visitors looking to relax and refuel after a day of exploration. With its ample outdoor seating and a serene atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind while treating yourself to delicious meals and refreshing beverages.

At Cool Cafe, you'll find a menu that showcases an appealing selection of dishes and drinks, perfect for a midday break or a leisurely weekend outing. Indulge in popular picks like the gourmet burgers—praised by customers as among the best in their class—served alongside crispy chips. Those looking for lighter fare won't want to miss the highly regarded beet and feta salad, bursting with sweet, tender beets and generous portions of creamy feta cheese, making each bite a flavorful experience.

For those with a taste for beverages, the café has thoughtfully curated a wine and beer list. Savor a glass of Tangent 2011 Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp texture and hints of fresh-cut grass, or indulge in a flavorful Manifesto 2010 Chardonnay, which presents ripe apple and tropical fruit notes that pair beautifully with the café's dishes. If you prefer a cold brew, try the refreshing Sierra Nevada Crystal Wheat or the delightful Almanac Beer Company Honey Saison from nearby San Jose.

The atmosphere at Cool Cafe complements its offerings perfectly. With large windows providing views of the beautiful Stanford campus, this café creates a bright and inviting space that's ideal for both intimate lunches and casual meetings. The dedication of the staff shines through in the reviews, with patrons noting their kindness and accommodating service. As one customer successfully noted, “The food is much better than your average fair,” making this café a standout option, even amidst a university setting known for its premium pricing.

While some reviews mention that the prices can be on the higher side, patrons continuously affirm that the quality of food and experience outweighs the cost. “It's worth it,” says Coy Tran, who appreciates the café’s dedication to serving fresh, high-quality ingredients. With menu highlights paired with a pleasant ambiance and exceptional service, Cool Cafe is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a refined yet approachable dining experience on Stanford's campus.

In conclusion, whether you're visiting for the art, the food, or the tranquil surroundings, Cool Cafe offers a unique blend of flavors, warmth, and community spirit. Next time you find yourself in Stanford, make sure to take a break from your adventures and indulge in a tasty meal at this charming café.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves coffee
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

87 Reviews
The Foodie Architect

02 Sep 2025

Convenient location right after you get out of the museum. Food is good and outdoor seating is lovely.

Mark Micchio

01 Sep 2025

Great food at decent prices in the Cantor Art Museum. Both the burger and the chicken sandwich were among the best sandwiches of their type that I've ever had. Quick service. Nice view out the wall of windows to the campus.

Mariel Camargo

31 Aug 2025

Cute cafe on Stanford’s campus. I loved the ample outdoor seating options! I got a burger which came with chips. It was good, but the burger patty could have used a little more seasoning in my opinion. The burger was also a bit pricey for the portion size you are getting, but that’s Stanford generally, so do not hold them against it. Staff is very kind & accommodating.

Kimmi Tyler

20 Aug 2025

The food is much better than your average fair but even accounting for the quality, prices are crazy. $13 for a hot dog and chips, $15 for a burger, no sides, and $9 for a mug of soup. It's a nice Cafe with phone chargers and an outside patio but it's worth eating at Stanford Shopping Center or downtown for a better deal.

Coy Tran

18 Aug 2025

Love their beet and feta salad-huge sweet fresh chunks of beets and generous serving of feta. Coffee was great and a nice selection of wine and beer. As expected it's a bit expensive but worth it.

Rob-Bob Ceglinski

19 Jul 2025

Can never go wrong seeing an exhibit at Cantors Museum. The Cool Cafe is the restaurant in the museum and is worth your time getting a nosh. Good flavors and nice menu.

Join the Cool Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.