San Diego honestly has some of the BEST coffee shops! If you’re new around here, then let me just say I am a coffee fanatic. And not in a “loving coffee is just a cool thing right now” kind of way, but in a legit, you need to know how to pour a decent latte for me to be impressed kind of way.

 

So basically, shortly after moving to San Diego, it became my obsessed to find the best coffee shops in San Diego.

 

Guess what? 

 

I succeeded. ?

 

I am very excited to say that San Diego’s coffee scene is on point. As the San Diego Caffeine Crawl of 2017 summed up, “it isn’t sunshine alone that makes San Diego’s coffee and tea culture so fantastic”. You’ll find that many coffee shops in San Diego take great pride in the coffee they serve, and even roast their own beans in-house. 

 

I tried as many San Diego coffee shops as possible during my time here, and I’ve meticulously put together this list of the best coffee shops in San Diego. I must say, there are so many great options, it was extremely hard narrowing it down.

 

Normally that might be frustrating, but when it comes to coffee, let’s just say it’s a good problem to have. 😉

Hands Down the 10 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

 

1. Caffé Calabria – Google Maps

 

 

Located in trendy North Park, Caffé Calabria has a very European/Italian appeal going for it. The beverages are well poured and the food options are equal in quality. Caffé Calabria takes great pride in roasting their own coffee beans, and you’ll notice that many coffee shops around San Diego also serve Café Calabria beans.

 

Personal fav: Caffé Viennese latte, which is a cinnamon and honey latte.

 

 

2. Café Virtuoso – Google Maps

 

Don’t be fooled by outward appearances. The location, and even the coffee shop itself, is not exactly impressive. But you know what they say, never judge a book by its cover. After making my way over to Café Virtuoso, I have since returned many times for its delicious coffee nectar. Café Virtuoso also roasts their own beans, and they make a strong effort to make sure everything is 100% certified organic.

 

Personal fav: Salted Caramel Latte – but I also loved the Peanut Butter Latte!

 

3. Elixir Espresso & Wine Bar – Google Maps

 

 

At the Elixir Espresso Bar, every beverage is brewed and poured with care to create the perfect…elixir. There are four locations around San Diego, and each have a nice upscale and sophisticated draw to them. They are also known for their crêpes, which I find pairs nicely with coffee. 🙂 Elixir uses Caffé Calabria roasted beans for their beverages.

4. James Coffee Co. – Google Maps

 

 

Located in Downtown’s Little Italy, James Coffee Co. is the brainchild of former guitarist and band member David Kennedy, from Angels and Airwaves. Besides creating great coffee, they also roast their own beans (both single origin and blends). There’s also a shop where you can purchase anything and everything coffee-related, and they even offer coffee classes!

 

 

5. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters – Google Maps

 

 

Dark Horse has a funky, hipster type of vibe. They roast their own beans in house, which you can also purchase. I have to give props for this creative concoction; the Salted Maple Latte. I love salt, I love maple, and I love lattes, why not combine it all together? 🙂

 

 

6. Holsem Coffee – Google Maps

 

 

Holsem Coffee is an open spaced and beautifully decorated coffee shop. It’s perfectly located in the heart of North Park. The clean and minimalistic look will make you not only order a tasty latte, but wanna Instagram it, too! Here you can enjoy creative concoctions like the “La Vie en Rose” cappuccino, which features rosewater, rose petals, honey, and cardamom. Holsem Coffee also roasts their own beans.

 

 

7. Copa Vida – Google Maps

 

 

Copa Vida has multiple locations, however my favorite is downtown’s East Village. Here you can enjoy your coffee while taking in the buzzing urban locale.

This location has a modern aesthetic with an open and sophisticated feel. Not only can you enjoy a great cup of coffee, but breakfast and lunch is available as well. Copa Vida roasts their own beans, which you will notice is commonly served at other local cafés.

 

8. Lofty Coffee – Google Maps

 

 

Both of Lofty Coffee’s locations, Solana Beach and Downtown, have a great ambiance and excellent style and décor. This shop is also a proud coffee bean roaster, and I personally loved the Salted Caramel Latte!

 

9. Bean Bar – Google Maps

 

 

Bean Bar owners Sandra and Jason hail from the Pacific Northwest, and seem to have brought their love for excellent coffee to sunny San Diego. The wooden wall art behind the espresso bar and the colorful chalk art, immediately makes this East Village find your favorite local coffee shop. Bean Bar serves their beans from 49^th Parallel located in Vancouver, Canada. Bean Bar’s unique personal touch is that they actually make their own syrups.

 

 

 

10. Café Moto – Google Maps

 

 

And finally we have Café Moto. This café is located in Barrio Logan, and has a very industrial looking décor. As you wander through the back shop you’ll find that Café Moto roasts their own beans. You’ll see them out on display, and they even provide sample brews for you to try.

 

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best San Diego coffee shops! I guarantee no matter which coffee shop you decide to go to, you will definitely find something yummy and tasty.

 

If you’re headed to San Diego, then keep reading!

 

Going to San Diego? Check out these popular posts:

• San Diego’s Most Instagram-Worthy Spots
• 20 Things to Tick Off Your San Diego Bucket List
• A Guide to San Diego’s Best Beaches
• 5 Authentic Mexican Street Tacos in San Diego

 

 

Like this post? Pin it for later!

 

Over to you! What do you think is the best coffee shop in San Diego?