Best Coffee Shops in San Diego, California

September 19, 2018
8:21 pm

BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN SAN DIEGO

San Diego is the classic Californian city with attention to some of the best aesthetics and unique food offerings across the country. This list gives you a good look at our favorite coffee shops with fast casual brunch, donuts and of course amazing roasting capabilities to get your morning started. If you see one we missed, let us know! We are always looking for new options to test out. Enjoy our list of the best coffee shops in San Diego County.

COMMUNAL COFFEE

My natural instinct is to be persuaded by aesthetically pleasing shops, but this one is backed by a total package. Communal Coffee isn’t just your average shop, here they offer fresh flowers, gifts, clothing and more making it a one-stop-shop for all the fun things you need. This one is made for anyone who likes a hearty coffee with casual eats that taste good and are good FOR you. The charming aesthetic is just a bonus here.

LOCATIONS: North Park, South Park

DRINK RECO: Iced Lavender Honey Latte or any of their seasonal picks

FOOD RECOS:

Savory: Veggie Bagel Sandwich
Fresh: Protein Bowl or Avo Toast
Sweet: Cinnamon Crunch Toast

BETTER BUZZ

Better Buzz is staple throughout San Diego County and is one worth raving about. With more than 10 locations throughout the area, you are sure be around one of the shops no matter where you stay. You can even get a tour of their roasting headquarters in Vista. The food and coffee here are some of the best I’ve had in the city. You can’t miss this notorious coffee shop in San Diego.

LOCATIONS: Miramar, Escondido, La Jolla, Pacific Beach Grand, Pacific Beach West, Pacific Beach East, Hillcrest (flagship), Encinitas, Fashion Valley, Point Loma, Mission Beach, San Marcos

DRINK RECO: Your go-to coffee classic

FOOD RECOS:

Savory: Better Breakfast Sandwich
Fresh: Avocado Toast
Sweet: Islander Açai Bowl

HOLSEM COFFEE

One of the best shops with finely roasted coffee in San Diego. Holsem pays close attention to its roasting, with a nod towards the next generation of brewing and preparation with wholesome ingredients and a focus on what’s next. This spot also serves up wine, beer and other spirits.

LOCATION: North Park

DRINK RECO: The Woods Latte (iced, always)

FOOD RECOS:

Savory: Gouda Grilled Cheese or Prosciutto Gouda Artisan Toast
Fresh: Ancient Grain Morning Bowl
Sweet: Buckwheat Granola + Yogurt

COFFEE & TEA COLLECTIVE

Coffee & Tea Collective is all about aesthetic and its merchandise follows suit. The food, coffee and tea options are unique and fun with some of the best tastes in town. The East Village location is also partnered with Juice Saves for an additional option to kickstart your morning.

LOCATION: North Park, East Village

DRINK RECO: Batch Brew (changes seasonally, has some unique flavors mixed in its brew)

FOOD RECO: Veggie Bagel

MONIKER GENERAL

Moniker General is a hybrid of home goods and culinary wisdom, and it tops the charts in both of its categories. What’s better than a place to grab a morning cocktail or coffee AND shop? It can’t be named. This one is perfect for pre-hike fuel before heading to Point Loma’s coastal trails.

LOCATION: Liberty Station (Point Loma)

FOOD RECOS:

Savory: Turkey Bacon Avocado Sandwich
Fresh: Toast Flight, so many good options (my picks: All Hands On Deck, Hunky Dory, Show A Leg)
Sweet: Simple Yogurt Bowl

BUMP

STEADY STATE ROASTING

COPA VIDA

THE GROUNDS BEAN BAR

Although this one isn’t located in the most frequented parts of San Diego, it is still a favorite on our list. Mostly because of its coastal aesthetic, laid back atmosphere and simple coffee and food options. This one is pretty close to Mission Beach, so if your day entails a stop there, this would be a great way to start it.

LOCATION: Crown Point

DRINK RECO: Salted Honey

FOOD RECOS:

Savory: Breakfast Sandwich
Fresh: Grounds Avo Fancy Toast
Sweet: Almond Chia Toast or the Granola Bowl

JAMES COFFEE CO.

James Coffee Co. is a punky, grungy coffee joint with unique roasting in house at its flagship shop. And its not just a coffee shop, there’s a barber shop and salon, card shop, home goods, supply store and more. Good to note, the only breakfast items served up here are pastries & quiche.

LOCATIONS: Little Italy, Downtown, Bankers Hill

DRINK RECO: Your go to coffee drink

S3 COFFEE BAR

This reco strays away from the norm, S3 offers up some of the coolest and most unique coffee beverages around. Their food is a highlight here too.

LOCATION: Mission Valley

DRINK RECO: If its the weekend, the Rainbow Latte is a must. Or if you’re lucky, they might even have their 24k Cappuccino available which, yes, has 24k gold.

FOOD RECOS:

Fresh: Avocado Toast (highly ranked in San Diego)
Sweet: Zucchini Walnut Bread

DARK HORSE COFFEE ROASTERS

Another well established roastery in the San Diego area is Dark Horse. This one specializes in not only incredible coffee, but also serves up Vegan donuts and snacks.

LOCATION: Normal Heights, North Park, La Mesa, Golden Hill

ORDER THIS: Vegan donut of the day and your go to coffee order