Old Soul Co., located in Midtown Sacramento just off 20th Street, is where you’ll find seriously good coffee and pastries made fresh daily. The space has this warm, lived-in feel—exposed brick, natural light, plenty of seating—and the staff actually knows what they’re doing with espresso machines and sourdough. They bake everything in-house, so you’re getting croissants and bread that were made that morning, not shipped in from somewhere else.

The outdoor seating area is where you’ll want to plant yourself with your dog. It’s right there on the sidewalk, so there’s plenty of foot traffic and things to watch, which most dogs appreciate more than you’d think. You can have your cortado and almond croissant while your dog hangs out on the concrete next to you. The staff doesn’t make a fuss about dogs—they’re clearly used to them and unbothered in the best way. Fair warning though: Midtown can get pretty sunny in the afternoon, so if you’re going midday in summer, grab a spot under whatever shade is available or stick to early morning visits.

The neighborhood itself is walkable and dog-friendly. You’re close to McKinley Park if you want to combine a coffee run with actual exercise. The vibe here is genuinely local—you’ll see people working on laptops, meeting friends, stopping by on their way somewhere else. It’s not trying to be Instagram-famous or overly polished, which is exactly why it works as a place to settle in for a bit.

Come earlier rather than later if you want the full selection of baked goods. By afternoon, some items have already sold out, which tells you something about how good the food actually is.