15 Best Coffee Shops In San Diego, California

Best coffee shops in San Diego

The beautiful coastal city of San Diego is known for its sunshine, its ocean vistas, its maritime features, and its culture which is steeped in a deep and rich history. 

There is no doubt that San Diego is a beautiful city, one that would be perfect for vacationing or visiting if you haven’t been before. 

If you are thinking of making your way to San Diego, then you will want to know where some of the best places are to grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee.

With this in mind, we are going to be taking a look at a mixture of fifteen cafés and coffee shops that are definitely worth a visit. Let’s get started. 

Best coffee shops in San Diego

1. Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Pannikin is a chain café that has three different locations throughout San Diego, and it is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee (or tea if that is your preference). 

The aesthetics of this café makes it stand out from your run-of-the-mill Californian coffee establishments, as Pannikin features a classic English tearoom theme with wooden furniture and a homely, cottage-like vibe. 

Pair your tea or coffee with some tasty baked cookies or a bagel to complete your café experience at Pannikin Coffee & Tea. 

Address: 510 N. Highway 101, Encinitas CA 92024 (click for map)

2. The Grounds Bean Bar

The Grounds Bean Bar is another highly pleasing coffee shop aesthetically, being one of the prettiest choices for a coffee establishment.

However, it is more than just appearances with The Grounds Bean Bar.

 Despite being a smaller choice, this coffee bar features a range of tasty traditional coffees as well as some more contemporary, interesting concoctions.

Such as their turmeric latte. This variety is sure to offer something for coffee lovers of all kinds.

Address: 1571 La Playa ave San Diego, CA, US 92109 (click for map)

3. Mostra Coffee

Mostra Coffee is a shop that is locally owned and operated, but one that can easily appeal to San Diego locals and tourists alike. 

There are three locations to be found in San Diego, with each one serving up coffee creations made from coffee beans that have been sourced from around the world, such as from the Philippines. 

Address: 12045 Carmel Mountain Rd UNIT 302, San Diego, CA 92128 (click for map)

4. Ryan Bros Coffee

Ryan Bros is a coffee shop that has been around for a long time in the San Diego area, having been established by the titular Ryan brothers- Tom, Harry, and Carmine- way back in 1994.

They are well known for serving the largest collection of cold nitro coffee to be found in the California area, which is perfect for that hot California sunshine!

Ryan Bros offers twelve different flavors for their coffee, which include classics such as mochas and vanilla lattes as well as multicultural twists, such as the Mexican mocha. 

Address: 1894 Main St. San Diego, CA 92113 (click for map)

5. Scrimshaw Coffee

If you’re looking for a coffee shop to sit back and relax with some light snacks along with your caffeine, then Scrimshaw Coffee is the place for you. 

Scrimshaw is an establishment that prides itself on providing deliciously rich locally roasted coffee as well as craft beer and natural wines.

Making it a great option for those looking for some variety in terms of drink choices. 

Address: 5542 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 (click for map)

6. Zumbar Coffee & Tea

The boutique coffee roasting company that is Zumbar Coffee & was founded back in 2003 and has since grown to include two retail coffee cafés. 

Zumbar is very much an artisan choice of a coffee shop, with a dedication to crafting only the finest coffees out of the best possible beans. 

This is another San Diego coffee shop that purchases its beans from producers around the world to create a multicultural taste with every cup. 

Address: 10920 Roselle St #106, San Diego, CA 92121 (click for map)

7. Bing Haus

Bing Haus is a unique choice of café/coffee shop due to the unique coffee and ice cream pairings that they offer!

This makes it a great choice for those who have a penchant for the sweet frozen treat.

But also for those looking to try something a little different in terms of a snack to go with their coffee. 

As well as various coffees and a choice of soft serve or rolled ice cream.

Bing Haus also offers a selection of snacks with East Asian inspiration, such as mochi doughnuts and patbingsoo. 

Address: 4425 Convoy St. Ste 216, San Diego, CA 92111 (click for map)

8. Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Ironsmith is a thoroughly modern choice of coffee roasters, in terms of both their aesthetics and their means of coffee production. 

The coffee shop uses coffee roasters that are digitally monitored, which allows for consistent roasting that is precise every time.

This contemporary roasting method matches the equally modern interior decor of the shop perfectly.

Making for a coffee provider that not only creates delicious coffee but is also reliable and willing to embrace new ideas when it comes to coffee production.

Address: 458 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas California 92024 (click for map)

9. The Forum Coffee House

The Forum is a popular coffee house with students thanks to the comforting and relaxing atmosphere, making it the perfect place to study, work or just chill after a hard day. 

The coffee at The Forum is made from Café Moto beans, which create a rich and delicious coffee blend.

They also have a range of different coffees available, though they specialize in lattes and are known for their gorgeous latte art. 

Address: 4340 Genesee Ave UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92117 (click for map)

10. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

Dark Horse is a small batch roaster that can be found in four different locations throughout San Diego, though they also have locations in Hawaii, Orange County, and Truckee. 

As well as a range of coffee blends- from regular Americanos to intriguing combinations such as their Salted Maple latte.

Dark Horse has a strong sense of community and offers a relaxing hang-out spot that is sure to appeal to coffee drinkers of all ages.

Address: 310 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (click for map)

11. Communal Coffee

This unique combination of a flower shop and a coffee café is the perfect spot for those who enjoy some colorful plant life in their surroundings!

Not only are the flowers a nice touch to the decor of the café, but they are also available to buy.

There are three different San Diego Communal Coffee cafés, each with a unique design and a wealth of coffee kinds up for grabs.

Such as cold brew concentrates, latte flights, and simple batch brews. 

Address: 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (click for map)

12. Santos Coffee House

Santos Coffee House offers delicious coffee featuring beans that are roasted weekly.

This is a great spot for relaxing with a cup of joe, and you are sure to find the coffee that suits your personal tastes the best thanks to their range of options. 

From simple hot coffees to espresso drinks, there is something for everyone here.

Their signature drink is called the Flying Nun and is made up of three espresso shots along with steamed milk and condensed milk.

The drink is then topped off with a generous helping of caramel sauce and whipped cream, making for a decadently delicious burst of caffeine!

Address: 3191 Thorn St, San Diego, CA 92104 (click for map)

13. Caffe Calabria

Caffe Calabria is not only a coffee house, it is also a bar and a pizzeria, making it a great choice when it comes to a family outing or a spot to get a bite to eat and some coffee with friends who might have different tastes.

The coffee roaster is the main event at the Caffe Calabria though, acting as the heart of the café.

They offer fresh pastries to enjoy with your hot drinks, as well as paninis, which are sure to go down a treat. 

Address: 3933 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (click for map)

14. The WestBean Coffee Roasters

The WestBean Coffee Roasters became well known for their unique and refreshingly tasty mint-infused cold brew coffee, but their other coffee options are equally delicious!

The variety that WestBean offers is pretty impressive, from regular classic drip coffees and flat whites to unique specialty lattes, such as their decadently sweet honey cinnamon latte. 

Before being committed to full production roasted, WestBean thoroughly trials their coffee beans so that the public only gets the best-tasting coffees possible. 

Address: 4140 Morena Blvd., Suite A, San Diego, CA 92117 (click for map)

15. Lofty Coffee

Another community hub coffee shop, Lofty Coffee was once a small individual shop that- since its inception in 2011- has expanded to four separate locations.

They also have their own production facility where the beans for their coffees are locally roasted, and the accompanying pastries are homemade and baked from scratch. 

Their sunny San Diego locations combined with their freshly made coffees and the choice of pastries makes for a coffee shop that is well worth a visit if you find yourself in the area. 

Address: 97 N Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA. 92024 (click for map)

Final Thoughts

So there you have fifteen of the best coffee shops and cafés that can be found in the ocean-adjacent city of San Diego!

Whether you are looking for a place with a wide range of coffee and snacks or a more simple, traditional coffee shop or café.

Hopefully, you will be able to find the right place for you with our comprehensive list.

Check out the best coffee shops in California in the other Californian cities we cover.

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