To me, coffee is more than a beverage it is a religion. I take my coffee seriously and as a San Diego resident, I have scoured the entire county over the last two decades searching for the absolute best cup coffee. Therefore, this list is all about the almighty coffee. It’s not necessarily about the ambiance or if its the trendiest hang out in San Diego with cute beverage names, it’s about getting the very best tasting coffee San Diego has to offer. If you are serious about coffee, then this is your list. I promise if it is on this list you will not be disappointed.
Cafe Moto
Address: 2619 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Website https://cafemoto.com/
Phone 1-800-818-3363
Cafe Moto is my personal favorite, The coffee here is outstanding and the shop is overlayed with a vintage cafe motorcycle theme. Since I am both a lover of coffee and motorcycles what’s not to love here. In the front, Cafe Moto has a trendy cafe serving many coffees, espressos, and deserts. In the back, they have a warehouse where you can sample different coffees and teas and purchase them if you like. Great atmosphere, great coffee. It’s hard to beat this place.
Communal Coffee
Address North Park 2335 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104
South Park 2335 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92104
Website http://www.communalcoffee.com/
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Communal Coffe is a quaint little spot that wins on ambiance. They have deliciously crafted coffees and beverages and recently, added a second location in South Park. The vintage trailer concept is retro and comforting and it is a great place to go if you are meeting someone or intend on having long conversations.
James Coffee
Address 2355 India Street San Diego, CA 9210
Bankers Hill 2870 Fourth Ave, Suite 107 San Diego, CA 92103
Website https://jamescoffeeco.com/
Located on India Street in Little Italy and is huge for a coffee shop with tons of room. The building houses the James Coffee Co. coffee shop and roaster but is also home to a few boutique shops all under one roof. I personally love the industrial feel to this place and the wide-open feel. Don’t forget the coffee is good too.
Lestats Coffee
Address 3343 Adams Avenue, San Diego, CA 92116
4496 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92116
1041 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Website https://www.lestats.com/
Lesats has 3 coffee houses in San Diego, one on Adams, one on Park and the other in Hillcrest so no matter what part of town you are in you will be relatively close to a Lestats. The coffee is freshly roasted the space is warm and cozy and it smells fantastic in there.
Cafe Virtuoso
Address 1616 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
Phone (619) 550-1830
Website https://cafevirtuoso.com/
Cafe Virtuoso is an industrial set up located a few blocks north from Cafe Moto. It lacks the ambiance of some of the other shops but the coffee lacks nothing. Many different espresso shots and many different flavors of coffee set this place apart from the others.
Bird Rock
Address
2295 KETTNER BLVD
SAN DIEGO, CA 92101
Website https://www.birdrockcoffee.com/
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Bird Rock now has several locations around San Diego. Make sure you check their website for locations near you/ Bird Rock has an awesome atmosphere with a trendy layout. They only buy seasonal coffee and roast five days a week to ensure that their coffee is always at peak freshness and it is very good. Try the fig spices espresso.
Dark Horse
Address Address: 3260 Adams Ave San Diego, CA
Website https://www.darkhorsecoffeeroasters.com/
The original Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights and they now have several other San Diego locations. Dark Horse may be the coolest, vibey coffee spot in San Diego with their casual, industrial-inspired design and laid-back local feel.
Moniker General
Address 2860 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Website https://monikercoffee.com/
Moniker General is not only a coffee shop but it is a store that sells fashionable goods and there is even alcohol on the premises. You are getting it all here. It is the only place I know of where you can get a coffee, a beer, a surfboard, and a pair of sunglasses. This is a super trendy spot and unique as any shop you will ever see.
