…Looking for the best coffee shops in San Diego? This is a list of must visit coffee bars when you’re in the area. Some of my favorite san diego coffee shops and cafes!
Can you believe we’ve been San Diego residents for almost four years already?!? When we first moved here, I missed our familiar good coffee spots back in Los Angeles. I had my favorites and the best places to grab a coffee all over the city up there. And as a coffee lover I knew I’d need to find some down here. So, I did a little (ok a lot) of research and started exploring. My mission? Was to find the best coffee shops in San Diego. And, man did I find some great ones (and bonus they’re in great places to visit).
It’s been so much fun to visit different San Diego neighborhoods, and to find unique coffee shops in each of them. San Diego is an amazing town with strong local businesses and everyone has their favorites. I got so many cool recommendations for great local coffee shop options.
My favorites? Some are in tiny neighborhoods, some are housed in larger malls or tourist areas (believe it or not, I even tested the coffee shop at the San Diego Safari Park during our Roar and Snore sleepover). But the one thing they have in common? Theirdelicious coffee and food options! And they all made it into my list of the best coffee shops in San Diego.
If you are visiting San Diego from out of town either for an adults only trip, or a trip to San Diego with Kids ….. I can guarantee one of my favorite coffee shop locations is perfect for you.
The Best Coffee Shops in San Diego
Moniker Coffee (Liberty Station, Point Loma):
Liberty Station is one of my favorite places to spend time on the weekends. And when we started going? I got a LOT of messages suggesting that we stop by Moniker Coffee and I’m so glad we did. The coffee shop is a great spot to work (they’ve got really cool communal tables) and the vanilla lattes are delish! Another tip?
They always have a seasonal special along with regular espresso drinks (right now it’s a lavender latte and it’s AMAZING!) plus the pastries are divine (they do tend to sell out fairly early in the day…..so keep that in mind). This is a great option for visiting with kids, since you can pick up your coffee and some baked goods to go while you wander Liberty Station. It has some great large grassy areas for kids to play (and even a miniature golf course).
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters (four locations: Normal Heights, North Park, Golden Hill, La Mesa):
I stumbled upon the North Park location of Dark Horse Coffee Roasters totally by accident. It’s on the same block in the heart of North Park as my hairdresser and I just wanted to grab a latte to bring with me to my appointment one morning. Well the coffee? IS AMAZING. In fact, it might just be my favorite of all the san diego coffee shops.
The North Park location is small (a tiny counter and a few tables), I’d say it’s more of a grab and go type of place. But literally, some of the best coffee I’ve ever had (they’ve also teamed up with a couple local beer breweries so keep your eyes open for those). Bonus tip: after ordering your coffee or cold brew…..walk up the street to Verbatim Books. It’s the perfect place to browse.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (La Jolla, Bressi Ranch, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, Morena, Pacific Beach):
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is pretty much a San Diego institution. These small locations are in great areas if you are visiting from out of town (the La Jolla cafe has a great location) and the Gold Digger (a honey flavored latte) is amazing. Suggestion? Order one of their delicious drinks from the cafe and then walk to the beach to see if you can spot the sea lions.
House of Black Coffee (Sabre Springs):
I discovered this local spot recently and their specialty coffees? Are DELISH! They have fancy drinks inspired by different local San Diego neighborhoods. My personal favorite though? A King Slayer. It’s espresso with steamed cinnamon milk and agave syrup. If you’re in the area and looking for a great local coffee shop , this is wonderful option.
Better Buzz Coffee (Pacific Beach, Point Loma, San Marcos, Mission Beach, Fashion Valley, Encinitas, Pacific Beach West, Pacific Beach Grand, Hillcrest, La Jolla, Escondido):
I absolutely love better buzz coffee roasters . They are a total San Diego staple, have adorable decor at all san diego area locations, and fun creative drinks. If you visit any location in the summer, the Ice Blended Coffee is AMAZING. And year round? I love the Honey Latte (try it with oat milk, it’s perfection).
Lofty Coffee:
There are a couple of lofty coffee locations ( Encinitas is the original and is walking distance from our favorite Moonlight Beach). Lofty Coffee does great coffee and tea drinks, but my personal favorites? Their specialty coffee drinks. The Lofty Style NOLA is my go to: it’s cold brew with chicory, mint and vanilla. I get it with oat milk). Absolutely delicious and goes perfectly with an ocean view .
San Diego Coffee Shops: Feedback
So what do you think? Are you a San Diego local? Visit often? What’s missing from my list of the best coffee shops in San Diego?
