Top 10 Best Coffee Shops in San Diego

To all my fellow coffee addicts, I gift you this thoughtful compilation. Many hours of intense study and sipping went into the creation of this list. It was a hard job, but I was honored to do it. Here it is San Diego, your Top 10 Best Coffee Shops.

*No Ranking. Coffee shops are listed in no particular order*

Cafe Bassam San Diego EatSD

#1 Cafe Bassam, Bankers Hill

Like transporting back to the 1920s when piano bars and saloons were the shiz. This vintage-inspired spot reminds you of grandpa’s tales and silent films.

3088 5^th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
www.cafebassam.com

#2 Pappalecco, Little Italy

The cherished project of Italian brothers and home to the most underrated delicacy known to man (or at least to EatSD)—the affogato, shots of espresso draped delicately over creamy and rich gelato. Molto bene!

1602 State Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.pappalecco.com

#3 Caffe Calabria, North Park

Another delicious adventure with Italian roots. You’ve probably seen Caffe Calabria’s fine roasted beans take over coffee pots and market shelves all over San Diego.

3933 30^th Street
San Diego, CA 92104
www.caffecalabria.com

#4 Cafe Mono, Mission Beach

What cultured coffee snob doesn’t want a little art with their latte? Café Mono is the place to find cool foam art—even a bunny may appear in your mug! Pair your frothy beverage with a hearty acai bowl, topped with fresh berries and granola.

3833 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
www.cafemonosd.com

#5 Lestat’s Coffee House, Normal Heights

It’s open 24 hours and has abundant plush couches and over-sized Victorian chairs. Exhibiting diverse art and hosting nightly performances at its next door concert venue, Lestat’s is an art/music/coffee/hangout nucleus.

3343 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
www.lestats.com

#6 Better Buzz, Pacific Beach

Home to the Best Drink Ever. No really, that’s its name. In layman’s terms, it’s a Vanilla Americano. Very strong, sweet and absolutely delicious. It can only be described as “the best dri…”—ya, you get it.

1909 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, CA 92109
www.betterbuzzcoffee.com

#7 Espresso Mio, Mission Hills

Hidden on a quiet neighborhood street, this cozy coffee shop has a refined interior and one very special nook—a back outdoor patio that overlooks a small canyon. It’s the perfect place for sipping their tasty French Vanilla Latte and enjoying some quiet time.

1920 Fort Stockton Dr
San Diego, CA 92103

#8 Influx, Little Italy

The sort of place that makes you feel more sophisticated than you really are. Influx serves up a taste of modern design, divine blended espresso drinks and killer sandwiches on soft focaccia bread.

750 West Fir Street
San Diego, CA 92101
www.influxcafe.com

#9 Rebecca’s, South Park

Scones, scones, scones. I know, this is supposed to be about coffee, and I won’t neglect the fact that they make my favorite cup in South Park, but it gets so much better when you pair it with a fluffy, steamy scone in awe-inspiring flavors like banana chai or pear ginger and homemade strawberry jam.

3015 Juniper Street
San Diego, CA 92104
www.rebeccascoffeehouse.com

#10 The Living Room, La Jolla

Saltwater breeze, ocean views…and now serving hookah? Did we mention a full bar? ‘Nuff said.

1010 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
www.livingroomcafe.net

Tags: Coffee

About the Author

Ashley Shafer is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur and proud “foodie”. She has made consuming/writing about food and coffee her favorite pastime. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Biola University, where she wrote restaurant reviews for her school newspaper. She has brewed up frothy goodness at three different coffee shops and currently works in the communications industry. LinkedIn | Twitter