Sin of Cortez
2290 Esplanade, Chico, CA
Crema's Take
“This cash-only Chico institution pairs genuinely excellent espresso drinks with an impressive kitchen that takes breakfast and lunch seriously, earning consistent praise for fresh ingredients and creative offerings like tamale breakfasts and mimosa flights. The vibe is unhurried and welcoming—a genuine third place where locals and visitors linger over coffee and pastries, though you'll want to arrive early on weekends when the line can stretch past 30 minutes. Fair warning: bring cash or hit their on-site ATM, and expect your latte to arrive in a drinking glass rather than a traditional cup, which somehow feels part of the charm.”
What to expect
Google Reviews
Extremely high quality food. The food at Sin is amazing. From the coffee, to the breakfast to the artisanal lunches, all the dishes are amazing. All of the ingredients are very fresh and of extremely high quality. The servers are very friendly and the service is amazing. The owner is local and a very nice person. They also have a drive through if you want to get a coffee or drink to go. If you are looking for an amazing local place, Sin of Cortez is a must try.
Bring cash or check. Credit cards are not accepted. It's been awhile — back in the day I hit them up when they first opened on Nord Avenue and liked the food and the mochas. I was stoked to see they were still in Chico and had moved out to Esplanade. Some other changes — the menu is MUCH easier to read, the logo has been updated, and I don't think they are getting their coffee from the roaster down in San Diego anymore. They still do a great cook on breakfast potatoes. That being said I was bored with the "Dragon Potatoes". It read really nice — slow-roasted carnitas (tender, fat rendered nicely), crispy rosemary potatoes (perfect), black beans, jack cheese, jalapenos (not many), sour cream (decent amount), avocado sauce (not much), cilantro and Roma tomatoes. Get some drizzle bottles and kick up the seasoning a bit. Also, the cornmeal pancakes ran a bit dry so as much as I want to love Sin of Cortez (service was great, venue was nice, parking good) the food didn't do it for me and the house coffee did not encourage going back for a refill.
Sin of Cortez has lots of delicious options for drinks and food. My tamale breakfast was perfect. I also had a café latte. The Cafe latte was served in a drinking glass. I'm not a fan. I don't mind a glass mug. For hot beverages i prefer a cup or mug. My husband's regular coffee was good ,severed in a cup. Also CASH OR CHECK ONLY. There is a ATM in thr restaurant
Cash only restaurant - ATM on premises. We’re out of towners and a friend said this is a must go to spot. I really liked it here. The mimosas flight was huge and very good flavors. My coffee was picturesque! The pancakes I ordered were perfectly cooked as well. Our server was so sweet and patient as we are slow eaters and the restaurant was very busy. Definitely a place to check out.
If you are hungry, arrive early. The wait was about 35 minutes on a Sunday. Our waiter, Tanner was awesome. He was friendly, knowledgeable about the food and drink menu, he bussed our table along the way (no dirty dishes piled on the table) and was all around attentive. The food was delicious. We had a breakfast sandwich, hash n potatoes, and strawberries and cream pancakes. Pancakes were huge, moist and fluffy. The rosemary potatoes were a hit with everyone and I loved the rosemary toasted bread. The mimosa flight was just what we needed, being our 1st time there it made it easier to identify our favorite. They were all good but the Brazilian and the pomegranate ones were our favorite. The house mimosa is perfect if you're on a health kick (it has kale) The down side - cash or check only (there's an ATM w/ $2 fee inside), no Tabasco, and my Sunnyside up egg's yolk was almost completely cooked through. I'd definitely recommend you check it out.
Crema Reviews
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