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    Cafe 86

    3.9 (276 reviews)
    Closed 12:30 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Cafe 86 Photos

    Business Info

    CAFE 86 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe 86

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    Menu
    India T.

    Had a craving for halo halo and wanted to check this place out since they had different varieties. I was in between the upside down halo-halo but chose the mais con yelo since I really enjoy sweet corn desserts but rarely see them. Overall, it tasted okay, but I wished that you were able to customize it somehow (i.e add jellies, change slush flavor, etc). Maybe I could have asked but what made it challenging was that the menu did not clearly show everything they had to offer or it was hard to decipher which price went with what item. The cooler was pretty good and it was part of their $3 drink specials. Keep in mind though, it was not advertised, I just happened to know because I almost did an online order and saw it. I plan to go back and try some more things but there really needs to be more transparency about the menu and the prices clearly displayed.

    Shirley M.

    Came for $2 teas on Cafe 86 day 8/6. The teas and the ube cheesecake were so good. Highly recommend giving this place a try.

    Ube Monster and Ube cheesecake

    We saw the Cafe 86 LA location in a news clip, and it reminded me that there's one closer to us. I've been to the Mira Mesa location before, but this was my first time at this one. My husband and I both love ube, and Cafe 86 is known for its variety of ube desserts. It was fairly quiet when we visited on a Saturday afternoon. Since we had already eaten lunch, we decided to stop by for dessert. The inside was pretty nice -- I especially liked the lighting, which gave the place an industrial vibe. There were couches and tables for seating, making it feel comfortable overall. We were greeted by a younger employee who could've been a bit more energetic and welcoming. The dessert case also looked a little sparse and underwhelming. My husband ordered the Ube Monster shake, and I got the ube cheesecake. The shake was pretty good, though not as creamy as I expected, and I wished the ube flavor was stronger. The ube cheesecake, on the other hand, was fluffy and not overly sweet, which I really liked. It also had a thick cookie crust that was delicious. Still, I would've loved a more pronounced ube flavor in that as well. I'm a huge ube fan, and when I make ube desserts at home, I usually add extra flavoring to really make it stand out. Overall, I'd come back again. Next time, I definitely want to try the flan!

    Eric S.

    Café 86 is that spot. I'm just glad they exist they've saved me from showing up empty-handed to way too many family parties. Their pastries is Gooey, moist, and dangerously good. Perfectly sweet, the upside down halo halo... it's a beautiful, icy masterpiece. I tell myself I'll try something new, but nah I always come crawling back. Bomb every time.

    Ube everything.
    Jharvis L.

    Chill staff, comfy tables and chairs to do writing, music that's not too loud, and great coffee and pastries. I tried the ube butter bar which was tasty, light, and just the right portion. My latte was the perfect temperature and the espresso didn't taste burnt, so it was just the right pull. A simple, quaint place that's close to home and very comfortable. It's a top fave already, and I'm looking forward to coming back and hanging out.

    Menu
    Steve Y.

    Got the Upside Down HaloHalo today for my wife. We were supposed to share it, but she drank 90% of it. Drats! Next time, I'm getting my own!

    Inside
    Regine A.

    If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further. Cafe 86 has you covered. With a plethora of Ube dessert options, you're bound to find something that satisfies your taste buds. I opted for; an iced Ube latte (yummy, sweet but not too sweet.) I didn't really taste coffee, but it was still delicious. What I love about their desserts is that they aren't too sweet. My favorite that I ordered was the Ube crack cheesecake. All the other popular items were sold out by the afternoon (2 PM). Get here early if you want to try their popular items. The inside is cute and modern. There's lots of seating available, and free wifi as well. Service was great. The men who served me from the counter were extremely friendly and answered questions I had about their drinks. Will definitely be back with company. :)

    Treat refrigerator and menus.

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    1 month ago

    Very good drinks and halo halo and tasty treats! The service was okay. Very warm place to hang out with friends or study.

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    1 year ago

    Drinks are bad, place is so dirty, even the employees are rude! Crazy what's happening here!

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    1 year ago

    Food, service and ambiance are great!!! I love their desserts as well! Will come back again!

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    1 year ago

    Great local option! Came here for a refreshing drink and left completely satisfied. We will be back to try some more items from the Menu.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Cafe 86 Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafe 86

    Are there any gluten free items on the menu?

    Not so sure. I'd call the store. Cheers

    When does this open?

    Our official opening date will be Nov 17 2019

    When will you open on east Palomar?

    It looks like they will opening this Saturday, November 16, 2019.

    Are they open already?

    NO we passed by today

    When is your Chula Vista location going to open?

    It looks like they will opening this Saturday, November 16, 2019.

    Omg are you guys opening soon? You're the same bakery that has the ube pop tarts?

    Yes the same bakery and yes and it looks like they will opening this Saturday, November 16, 2019.

    View All 11 Questions

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    Yaqui Coffee House

    Yaqui Coffee House

    4.4
    (195 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    I've driven past this coffee shop for years and finally decided to try it. The inside was decorated…read morecute with a rustic, desert vibe. There's indoor seating with chairs & tables as well as comfy chairs. The outdoor seating is covered under umbrellas. I got a matcha with almond milk and added lavender. It was an average matcha, nothing too special. Maybe I should have chosen a different add-in flavor. They made my drink within minutes so service was great! I'll definitely give this place another shot. Gotta support our local coffee shops!

    After seeing this place raved on TikTok I wanted to get it to try myself. The parking is decent…read more When I went in the staff was quick to greet me and asked if I had any questions. I took a look at the menu and decided on getting the Matcha Meets Fresca and chilaquiles. The Matcha was actually pretty good. And the Chilaquiles were decent however I can tell the green salsa is not a fresh salsa. I also did not care for the chicken. It tasted like pre-cooked chicken that had been warmed up. The chips were very crispy however. I think it's a great option for folks in the area, however I would not return given it's not located in my community and can find not your preferred closer to me. There were folks in their meeting and working and although it may be a little noisy, it is a great option to work from. They also have tables outside which I found were nice and provide a more quieter space

    Photos
    Savory crepe
    Savory crepe
    Matcha Meets Fresa
    Matcha Meets Fresa
    Ube Dream and Mayan on Wheels

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    Ube Dream and Mayan on Wheels
    PAVARAGA Hawaiian

    PAVARAGA Hawaiian

    4.7
    (715 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    A weird experience but the effort is appreciated…read more Came in one weekend out of convenience, we were driving around the area and my gf highly recommended it. We parked and noticed nearly all the lights were off. The pastry cabinet was empty, the tables were taped off. But people were inside and customers were in line. Emotions and energy were low, it was quiet and dim vibes all around. We walk in and see just one man working the cashier and making the drinks. He looked puzzled, a bit lost. We get in line behind someone ordering 4+ drinks and see that this guy didn't really know how to make the drinks. He was misplacing the ingredients and wasn't fully confident operating the payment system. The back counter was cluttered with miscellaneous gadgets, appliances, and syrups. It took nearly 20 minutes for the customer in front of us to get from ordering to receiving their drinks and we just watched in slight awe. The guy was apologetic and upfront, he was trying his best in a bad situation. They made some small talk and hinted that they were closing due to supply chain disruptions in Hawaii. I feel for them and wish them well. The coffee itself was ok. Flavor was decent but somewhat unremarkable. They offer different caffeine levels, up to I think 400mg in a drink. I just got the 200mg coffee. Don't know if I just built a tolerance but I fell asleep right after. We did want a pastry but with the baked goods cabinet empty, we weren't sure what they had left to offer. There was a long sign listing everything sold out between the pastries and coffee flavors. Overall the experience was odd and left a slightly bitter emotional taste in my mouth. They've acknowledged that they weren't in the best condition at that point and I do feel unfair to judge them at their worst. If they turn it around, I'm opening to revisiting. But for now, I don't feel compelled to go out of my way for it.

    Some special cafecito to start our day. Hawaiian style!!…read more You know it's good when you sip your drink and it takes you back to Hawaii.... * Hawaiian Host (Level 3) * Dirty Taro Latte (Level 2) This place has been here since 2016. I cant believe we just heard about them now..... We're most definitely coming back. They also have a location in Mira Mesa that we want to try (larger menu). ALOHA!! #DiningWithTheAndersons #HawaiianStyle #IslandVibes

    Photos
    PAVARAGA Hawaiian
    PAVARAGA Hawaiian
    PAVARAGA Hawaiian

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    Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

    Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

    4.4
    (134 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $

    In the heart of the downtown Chula Vista area, this coffee shop is right in the middle of various…read morewalkable shops and brunch places to explore. I was in the area so we thought we'd hang in the area for a bit. There's a parking garage just behind it. I ordered the salted maple and it was delicious. Slightly sweet from the maple but not too sweet. The latte is creamy and you can really taste the quality coffee. Staff were really friendly and helpful with recommending this option, as it was my first visit. The merch was really cool too, I could've spent all morning here!

    Locations like these always lose a point for parking in y opinion. Finding parking is a mission,…read morebut on top of that, you have a limit on how long you can stay. I go to coffee shops in search of good studying locations. I enjoy a nice drink with a small breakfast or pastry. They only had two options for food. A plain bagel with cream cheese or a breakfast sandwich. The applewood bacon sandwich was really good. The spot itself was calm. However, the chairs were really uncomfortable. I would not recommend if you have wider hips. The booth tables had better seating options, but the tables were very low. I had to move locations because the outlet closest to the window did not work. Overall, the food was okay and the vibe was calm. One thing I would like to add is the customer service was fine however, the employees were really loud and obnoxious talking among themselves. Cussing repeatedly and talking about intimate life situations.

    Photos
    Double-shot 12oz Americano
    Double-shot 12oz Americano
    Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
    Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

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    Cafe 86 - desserts - Updated August 2026

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