30 Of The Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

by Maria Haase

San Diego has endless fabulous coffee shops serving premium brews in every corner of the city, so you’ll never be too far from a good cup of joe when you need your caffeine fix.

Whether you’re looking for specialty coffee or searching for the best ice-cold brew in the city, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve compiled a list of the top coffee shops in San Diego that will impress even the fussiest coffee connoisseurs.

Group of people cheers-ing coffee cups. Coffee Shops San Diego.

Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

San Diego Locations: Waterfront, Liberty Station, La Jolla, Little Italy, Morena Blvd, Torrey Pines, Encinitas, UCSD
Website

The fantastic award-winning Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has become an institution in San Diego, with locations all over the city, including Liberty Station, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Little Italy.

Each branch has a chilled-out vibe, stylish decor, and mouthwatering coffee.

You’ll have your pick of a range of single-origins and blends, with unique offerings like the half-decaf/half-regular roast for when you want something a little milder.

Communal Coffee

San Diego Locations: North Park, South Park, Oceanside
Website

Another local chain that’s become a hit with locals and tourists is Communal Coffee, which has several locations in San Diego, such as North Park, South Park, and Oceanside.

Before we get to the coffee, we have to mention the decor in each branch. These cafes double as florists, so you’ll find gorgeous arrangments and plants that complement the bright white and wooden interior.

You have to try their lavender or vanilla lattes, which are insanely tasty, but their cold brew is pretty amazing, too.

James Coffee Co.

San Diego Locations: Little Italy, Escondido, Bankers Hill, North Park
Website

What started as a Little Italy haunt has expanded to Banker’s Hill and North Park and is only continuing to grow.

Their beans are roasted on-site, so it’s safe to say these guys know a thing or two about top-tier coffee, though they’ve also gained a reputation for their chai lattes.

Each location is understated and laidback, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snatch a table outside in the sunshine.

Mug full of espresso with espresso art sitting on espresso machine.

Scrimshaw Coffee

Address: 5542 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 501-2355
Website

If you’re around the El Cajon area, don’t skip out on Scrimshaw Coffee.

The team at Scrimshaw Coffee roasts their own coffee and serves up some heavenly brews, including super sweet Vietnamese coffee and smooth cortados.

You’ll also find an excellent selection of sandwiches, bagels, and baked treats should you get a little peckish.

Genteel Coffee Co.

Address: 2603 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 786-6142
Website

Located on University Avenue, Genteel Coffee Co. is a trendy, industrial-style cafe with talented baristas and a friendly atmosphere.

With varieties from the likes of Kenya, Colombia, and Guatemala, you’ll have the chance to sample some incredible roasts.

Among their most popular drinks are orange and cinnamon-infused lattes and their tasty drip coffee.

Plenty of iced and milk teas are available for any non-coffee drinkers in your gang.

The WestBean Coffee Roasters

San Diego Locations: Bankers Hill, Liberty Public Market, Bay Ho
Website

The WestBean Bankers Hill and Morena Boulevard stores are some of the trendiest spots in town.

All of the classics are on the menu, but their espressos and lattes are long-time favorites.

This San Diego coffee shop doubles as a busy breakfast haunt, offering everything from flavorful acai bowls and turkey sandwiches to classic eggs on toast.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

San Diego Locations: North Park, South Park, Normal Heights, Golden Hill, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Garden Grove
Website

There’s no better combination than a cup of coffee and a fresh donut, which is exactly what Dark Horse Coffee Roasters do best.

This cozy spot has both indoor and outdoor seating in many of its seven locations, which you’ll find in the likes of Chula Vista, La Mesa, and Normal Heights.

You’ll catch most customers opting for tasty iced coffees and sugar-coated ring donuts, which happen to be vegan.

Photo Credit: Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Holsem Coffee

Address: 2911 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (855) 923-3770
Website

At Holsem Coffee on University Avenue, it’s all about a minimalistic interior, fairly produced coffee, and unique flavors.

The likes of orange cappuccinos, strawberry-infused lattes, banana bread cold brews and are big hits at Holsem Coffee, making it a hard-to-beat coffee house for those looking for something quirky.

Flights of different coffees are also available if you fancy a mini-tasting session.

The Forum Coffee House

Address: 4340 Genesee Ave UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (619) 317-8066
Website

It’s impossible to decide whether the coffee or the pastries are the highlight at The Forum Coffee House.

This Clairemont cafe has an impressive drinks menu featuring drool-worthy crème brulée cappuccinos, mint cold brews, and Earl Grey lattes.

When it comes to the food, you’ll be treated to the likes of orange and cranberry donuts and smoked salmon buns.

Ryan Bros Coffee

San Diego Locations: Barrio Logan, City Heights
Website

This locally-owned chain of San Diego coffee shops looks like an all-American eatery with its red brick interior and vibrant ambiance, but it happens to have some of the best coffee in the city.

You can find Ryan Bros Coffee in downtown San Diego, San Marcos, and along University Avenue, serving up Mexican mochas and caramel lattes alongside breakfast burritos and fish tacos.

Hawthorn Coffee

Address: 3019 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 542-9221
Website

Thanks to the variety of single-origin varieties and blends on offer, coffee lovers have been flocking to the family-run Hawthorn Coffee for some time now.

Their team of small-batch roasters provides high-quality coffee day in and day out at this University Heights hotspot, but the likes of their matcha lattes and iced teas are just as delightful.

Two iced coffees on table in coffee shop. Best Coffee Shops in San Diego.

Spill The Beans Coffee & Bagels

San Diego Locations: Gaslamp, Seaport Village
Website

Both the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village are home to branches of Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels.

Each of their coffee houses is beautifully decorated with modern interiors and is the perfect place to watch the world go by as you sip on blondie mochas or creamy cappuccinos.

Be sure to try their popular build-your-own bagels.

Heartwork Coffee

Address: 3993 Goldfinch St, San Diego, CA 92103
Website

Heartwork Coffee in Hillcrest gets its coffee from James Coffee Co., so every visit guarantees you a top-tier brew.

In addition to premium brews, this java houses an attentive team of staff and dreamy vegan pastries to its name. All of which have made it one of the most beloved cafes in the area.

If you like what you’ve tried, grab a bag of their beans to recreate your favorite drink at home!

Revolution Roasters

Address: 1836 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (760) 529-9736
Website

Revolution Roasters will be your go-to location when you’re in need of a pick-me-up in the Oceanside area.

Ethiopian, Mexican, and Colombian beans are just some of the options you’ll be able to choose from at Revolution Roasters, where you’ll always find a fantastic vibe and talented baristas.

Come hungry and try one of their toasts, which tastes even better than it looks!

Coffee mug on table in brightly lit coffee shop. San Diego Coffee Shops.

Lofty Coffee

Address: 90 N Coast Hwy 101 STE 214, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone: (760) 230-6747
Website

Carlsbad, Little Italy, and Solana Beach are just a few of the pockets occupied by Lofty Coffee.

As delicious as the coffee is here, you’ll be equally impressed by the food on offer.

Avocado toast, superfood bowls, and French toast are all up for grabs at Lofty Coffee. Not to mention, sweet treats like matcha donuts and salted caramel cookies.

Mostra Coffee

San Diego Locations: Carmel Mountain Ranch, 4S Ranch, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest
Website

Mostra Coffee started out as a stylish and sleek cafe in Bernardo Village but has opened up branches in 4S Ranch and downtown in recent years.

Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the campfire mocha and the crème brulée cappuccino, or go caffeine-free and try their ube latte or vanilla steamer.

Do as the locals do and order online in advance to beat the queues.

La Clochette Du Coin

Address: 4680 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 412-5558
Website

Fuel up for a day of Pacific Beach surfing at the gorgeous La Clochette Du Coin.

Regardless if you’re into straight-up espressos or you’re always looking for something new to try, La Clochette Du Coin has plenty of options. Their menu features the likes of Viennese coffee, elderflower lattes, and more.

Be sure to check out their mouthwatering brunch menu while you’re here.

Flor & Seed Coffee Roasters

Address: 3985 Harney St D, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 917-9079
Website

Sample some of the tastiest Mexican coffee in San Diego at Flor & Seed Coffee Roasters in Old Town.

Not only is this cafe super-adorable, but the owners strive to source their coffee beans as ethically as possible, ensuring farmers are paid fairly for their produce.

You can’t visit Flor & Seed Coffee Roasters without trying their dulce de leche latte, which is even better than it sounds.

Caffè Calabria

Address: 3933 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 683-7787
Website

Ask any local for the top coffee shops in San Diego, and you’ll likely hear Caffè Calabria mentioned.

Considering its North Park location and the quality of the roasts, Caffè Calabria is very reasonably priced.

Possibly the only thing as superb as their coffee is their pizzas, though their collection of espresso cups is also pretty remarkable!

The Coffee Method

Address: 4993 Niagara Ave # 107, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 224-6404
Website

We’re heading back towards the beach this time and over to Ocean Beach’s The Coffee Method.

This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop places a big focus on organic, fair-trade products, and the team here has a passion for premium brews and roasts.

The Coffee Method is tucked inside a flower shop, so it can be tricky to spot!

OB Beans Coffee Roasters

Address: 4879 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (949) 216-0155
Website

Just a few steps from The Coffee Method is OB Beans Coffee Roasters.

This hippy hangout is always brimming with people socializing, studying, and working, giving it a relaxed and mellow vibe.

Most importantly, the java here is top-tier, from their drip coffee and cold brews to their hug-in-a-mug mochas.

Portal Coffee

Address: 1495 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (916) 718-2606
Website

There’s nowhere better to enjoy a cup of joe on a sunny day than at Portal Coffee in Little Italy.

Often attracting large crowds, you’ll need to get here on the earlier side to indulge in one of their pastries, as they tend to sell out within a few hours. However, the specialty coffees are available all day long.

Portal Coffee is renowned for its lattes, including orange and rose vanilla alternatives, as well as essentials like americanos and flat whites.

Craft Cafe By Mingei

Address: Balboa Park, Plaza de Panama, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website

Looking for a caffeine boost in Balboa Park? Craft Cafe By Mingei will hit the spot.

This coffee house has a lovely shaded outdoor patio, which is an ideal place to chill out when you need a break from the sun.

Take your pick from coffee, tea, smoothies, salads, and sandwiches, and refuel before you continue crossing sites of your Balboa Park to-do list.

Pink Rose Cafe

Address: 8209 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 208-4805
Website

When you picture an Instagram-worthy coffee shop, it might look a little like Pink Rose Cafe.

Sitting pretty in the heart of the lovely area of La Mesa, the Pink Rose Cafe serves up raspberry mochas, matcha lattes, and lemonade alongside cinnamon rolls and pancakes in a flower-filled dining area.

This place fills up pretty fast, so be prepared to get here early on weekends.

S3 Coffee Bar

Address: 6225 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (619) 693-5333
Website

Another aesthetically pleasing but slightly less pink cafe is the S3 Coffee Bar in Mission Valley.

Everything is immaculately presented, from the pastel-colored mermaid toast with blue and pink cream cheese to the sprinkle-covered rainbow latte, and the vibe is always great.

They also offer some less colorful but equally tasty dishes like grilled cheese, chicken and pesto melt, and granola bowls.

Garden Coffee

Address: 2611 Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 500-8004
Website

The picture-perfect coffee shops continue with Garden Coffee, an exquisite little hideaway nestled at the back of a store.

As the name suggests, the patio area is a garden filled with vivid green plants and rustic furniture. Here you can sip your coffee in the most peaceful and inviting setting.

Garden Coffee is situated in the Old Town, preparing freshly brewed coffee that you can enjoy from a mug of your choice.

You can even order flights made up of coffee, teas, and lemonades when you just can’t decide what you’re in the mood for.

Portside Coffee & Gelato

Address: 2614 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 814-8081
Website

Coffee and gelato? Yes, please!

Portside Coffee has two locations between the downtown and Point Loma shops, both of which boast spectacular views over the harbor.

Heaps of tempting gelato flavors like hazelnut and pumpkin pie are available, but the coffee is the real star, especially the caramel lattes.

A relatively small coffee shop, Portside Coffee is quite simple to find as it’s built into an old yellow shipping container.

Monkier Coffee Co.

Address: 2860 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (619) 255-9118
Website

The chic yet casual Monkier Coffee has become one of the best-loved cafes in the Liberty Station area.

A super-cool atmosphere, impeccable coffee, and hearty breakfasts are just some of the reasons why Monkier Coffee has made it onto everyone’s list of can’t-miss cafes.

While you can’t go wrong with any of their menu items, the breakfast sandwich, veggie melts, and Hawaiin lattes are particularly delectable.

Superbloom Coffee & Juice

Address: 2688 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: (858) 201-7551
Website

A cute coffee kiosk set up overlooking Mission Bay, Superbloom Coffee & Juice might just be among the best-located coffee shops in San Diego, CA.

As well as all the classics like americanos and drip coffee, Superbloom has a delectable menu of toasts and paninis that you can nibble on from one of the picnic tables along the waterfront.

The vibe here is always easygoing and is even more charming on a sunny day.

Zumbar Coffee & Tea

Address: Encinitas, Torrey Pines
Website

Both Encinitas and Torrey Pines are home to a branch of Zumbar Coffee & Tea, a cafe dishing out top-quality brews made from their house-roasted beans.

Although the coffee shop itself is a low-key, no-frills spot, the team at Zumbar puts their heart into every cup, and you’ll likely see the coffee itself being roasted on-site.

Better yet, the prices are very competitive, especially considering the high-grade coffee on offer.