The Ugly Mug
The Ugly Mug is a beloved coffee house on Soquel Drive in the village of Soquel just outside Santa Cruz. Founder Steve Volk opened it in 1996 inspired by the beatnik cafes of the past and it has hosted a Monday open mic since 1999. Today it is also one of the Central Coast's favorite listening rooms for intimate acoustic concerts.
Atmosphere and Vibe
The Mug captures the spirit of a 1990s coffee house with eclectic decor collected over the years and comfy spots to hang out with friends. Volk says coffee keeps the doors open but the real mission is human connection and that shows in the warm supportive crowd.
Coffee and Food
The cafe serves carefully sourced coffee along with pastries breakfast sandwiches and quiche. Locally baked croissants and kouign amann are popular with regulars.
Monday Open Mic
The Ugly Mug Open Mic runs every Monday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Names go into a hat for a lottery draw and each performer gets two songs or 10 minutes. The room is acoustic only with no amplification so it is ideal for unplugged guitar voice and spoken word. Music poetry originals and covers are all welcome and the event is all ages.
- When: Mondays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Sign Up: In person lottery
- Format: Two songs or 10 minutes
- Gear: Acoustic only with no house PA
- Ages: All ages
Concerts at the Mug
The Ugly Mug books ticketed evening concerts by singer-songwriters folk and acoustic artists. Past shows have included touring songwriters and local favorites in an up-close setting.
Good to Know
The Ugly Mug is at 4640 Soquel Drive in Soquel California 95073. Call (831) 477-1341 or visit cafeugly.com for the concert calendar.
