Really great selection of teas and wonderful atmosphere. The people here are super friendly and helpful. I will be back. Thanks for a wonderful experience. read more

This coffee shop is really beautiful. I like coming here to study and enjoy the atmosphere. I got a dirty hot chai latte. I usually get iced, but since it was a little chilly, I went with something warm. The girl with the dark hair at the front was very nice and helpful. I might have seemed a little unsure when ordering, so I apologize if that came across, but she was patient and recommended the hot chai, and it turned out great. Overall, a good experience and a nice place to come back to!! read more

My friends and I love this place. Super beautiful antique European style cafe with so much charm. Owner and workers are so personable, it feels like a little escape to another world. One of my favorite cafes to work on my laptop or anything in the evenings. Its just drinks and treats right now, no savory food. Also YOU MUST TRY THE CHAI - get it hot and I get it with oatmilk. Its magical, and basically uncaffeinated. I got it the first time I went with a friend and we were dreaming about it after, I literally get it every time I go now. Super sweet though so if you don't like it try it half-sweet (still decadent). read more

Cafe Bassam - Tea assortment - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Came here for tea and ended up staying most of the day reading a book. The tea selection is amazing. I tried multiple ones, hot and cold. What was fun was the same hot tea tasted different when it was iced. Also had an espresso that hit the spot, along with a croissant. One of the best I've ever had, it was huge and perfect with my tea. I'd definitely want to try the carrot cake next time. The atmosphere is very charming with lots of antiques. There is sitting inside and out. Nice location. I took a walk in balboa park after. The staff was also very sweet and accommodating. If I didn't live out of town this would certainly be one of my favorite spots in San Diego. If you love tea, this place is worth trying. They had so many varieties and you could choose between hot or cold. I'll be back! read more

Cafe Bassam - Rose tea with a croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

It's tough to find a late night coffee spot in San Diego and yet here lies cafe bassam, a true gem that offers coffee/teas/ & wine and they stay open till 10pm every day (and 11 on weekends). If you're going for wine, I suggest buying a bottle (more worth it than to buy a glass). Tea wise I really enjoy their tea lattes. My personal favorite is an earl gray tea latte or a London fog. I also love their ginger tea by itself! They also offer cake by the slice. Both the chocolate cake and carrot cake are delicious. The last time I was there, the owner my dog a treat and was super sweet overall. Plus the staff is always really friendly. I adore bassam and recommend to any vintage lover/ or someone seeking a late night study spot to check it out read more

See all

This place is so classy and gives the feel of being in an antique store. They have coffee, tea, cigars, and wine. They also have desserts to enjoy. I really liked their dining area. It is very unique. I felt like I was in a museum. My hazelnut latte was absolutely delicious and I also had one of their chocolate wafer cookie type things. Such a treat. read more

See all

I first came here several years ago and remember not really liking the coffee back then. I decided to give it another shot today, and I'm honestly glad I did. The place looks a lot different now in a good way, it's more updated and polished but they've still managed to keep the original vibe, which I appreciated. This time I actually really enjoyed my latte, and I thought it was pretty cool that they serve the coffee in wine glasses. I ordered at the counter, they brought the drink over to my table, and I paid at the counter before leaving, which made everything feel relaxed and easy. Overall, it ended up being a really nice spot to sit, read, and get some work done. read more

See all

I've walked by this spot a bunch and never stopped by until the other day-- and I am glad I did! The hibiscus orange tea was about $7 and it was delicious. They have such a comfy and cute ambiance that makes it a perfect place to get some work done! The barista was also nice & attentive. I'll definitely return and try more teas :) read more

Cafe Bassam - Hibiscus orange tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

A cute little coffee house in Banker's Hill. According to the signs, it's the first coffee house in San Diego! There's a wide selection of coffee and teas. If you order them to drink at the coffee house, they come in these giant wine goblets! It's a fun way to enjoy a little caffeine pick me up (although not super practical because it is hot so you have to hold the cup strongly by the stem). I got a latte with almond milk - it was standard but nothing special. The vibes are great for relaxing, working, or studying! read more

See all

We loved this cafe, they had friendly service, indoor seating & it was a great place to sit & hang out. It was near our hotel & we came by every night. They have so many teas to choose from as well as coffee, wine, beer & desserts. I really enjoyed the hibiscus tea. Will definitely return the next time we're in the area. read more

See all

There's nothing quite like an iced dirty chai in a wine glass. I wish they served food but this is such a great spot to drink a good coffee and work. read more

Cafe Bassam - Dirty chai - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Quirky, Cozy, and Full of Personality This was my first time visiting Café Bassam, It's close to some of my favorite walking routes, and the moment I stepped in, I was struck by the ambiance -- a mix of gothic charm, herbalist apothecary, coder's hideout, and sweet old grandma's living room (in the best way possible). I ordered an iced Mexican mocha and an iced oatmeal latte. The Mexican mocha was rich, chocolatey, and perfectly spiced -- a definite winner. The iced oatmeal latte, however, was unfortunately very sour. I couldn't tell if it was the bad oat milk or the espresso, and though I would have mentioned it, the staff were extremely busy, so I let it go. Even with that small hiccup, Café Bassam left a great impression. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit! read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

​I love coming here at night--the vibe is so chill and feels exactly like kicking it in your living room with friends. Their drinks and cakes are excellent. Finding a late-night spot with great sweets and a relaxed atmosphere is rare; this is easily one of San Diego's best hidden gems! read more

Cafe Bassam - Regular cheesecake, carrot cake, lime cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Love all the selections of loose leaf tea, but I'm surprised there's not even one white tea among the lot. I chose a green pomegranate tea and it was quite nice, it smelled great. They've got a counter full of tasty, looking cakes and pie slices, the girl that works there told me that they are sourced from a local bakery. But they do have a cinnamon twist that they make in house and it's amazing. I didn't get a photo of it before it went in my belly. The interior is cute and classy in the hodgepodge kind of way that tea shops are that is so endearing. It's a little stuffy in there, but a nice atmosphere and very clean. Great classical music playing. read more

Cafe Bassam - Huge selection of loose leaf tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

IG @allysxn.eats | dark interior and a lot of teas, old fashioned type of decor, which is not my typical preference of coffee shop vibe but pretty unique! we got the cappuccino, mexican hot chocolate, and red velvet cheesecake - all of which were pretty good but didn't blow me away. read more

Cafe Bassam - IG @allysxn.eats - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

A Timeless Gem Where Details Meet Perfectly Simple Coffee This is a classic, old-school coffee café that reliably delivers. Places like this are rare nowadays, and it's the kind of spot that feels both antique and cozy-definitely worth bringing a date or a friend for a meaningful, undistracted conversation. The furniture and décor stand out for their craftsmanship and history. Nothing minimalistic here....every cabinet, chair, and display has detail and character, with carved initials hinting at stories from the past. The setup almost makes you feel like you've stepped into the wooden-paneled living room of a cognac-drinking Dr. Indiana Jones, planning his next expedition. I ordered an iced black coffee and some cookies, and the simplicity of the experience is exactly what makes this place special. The teas are fresh loose-leaf and plentiful. The staff is helpful and polite, which makes everything run smoothly. Overall, it's the kind of place that rewards those who notice the details-a quiet gem with charm, substance, and the perfect atmosphere for a real conversation. read more

See all

amazing tea shop with unique blends that you can sample/smell and make into a latte or refresher. i ordered the rose hibiscus which was yummy but i would for sure want to try the other flavors as well. the workers were very kind and tea was freshly brewed right in front of me. i really love the vintage-style jazz vibe they've created through the decor and even music choices. very studyable with wifi and seats. i love that they also close late. will definitely visit again! read more

See all

Worst iced coffee I've ever had! It was basically all milk! Super expensive too! The place is super dusty and just feels not clean! Wouldn't recommend! read more

It's my second time here and I've never been disappointed. It's a cozy, unique cafe that prides itself on amazing tea blends. Both at night and during the day it's quiet and not too rowdy. A great place to do work or have a chat with friends. The inside seating has a 75 min time limit, but no time limit outside. The drinks are fantastic, most ranging at 7.50, which is not too far from major coffee chains and the drinks sizes are worth the price. read more

Cafe Bassam - Cheesecake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Stopped by Cafe Bassam for a quick drink and a bite. We ordered a matcha latte and a regular latte--both were served in wine glasses, which was kind of cute but also a little random. The regular latte was fine, but the matcha had almost no flavor and just tasted like iced milk, which was disappointing. The shop itself is definitely the highlight--filled with antiques, quirky decor, and a huge selection of teas. I also ordered a small slice of cheesecake, which was decent but nothing to rave about. The total came out to $27, which felt a bit steep for what we got, but I guess you're really paying for the ambiance and the location. Cool spot to check out once, especially if you're into vintage vibes. read more

See all

We were visiting San Diego and were staying nearby and noticed the appealing tables and umbrellas. It looked inviting. We went from a modern street side cafe to an interior filled with fascinating antiques. We were fortunate to meet the owner. He was so kind and engaging, but at the same time didn't pester us. The cafe mocha was incredible... like the most luxurious desert. Best we have ever tasted. read more

If you love tea or have a friend that loves tea, come here! They have a lot of fun teas to choose from. I don't drink coffee, but it is probably good here and they have all the normal espresso drinks. The desserts do not disappoint. All have been very good. Sometimes we sit in the cute cafe, other times walk around west balboa park, hillcrest, or bankers hill. It's near some of the bridges walk. read more

Sooo disappointed. After seeing all the pics on Yelp of Baklava, we naturally assumed that they had this there. We walked in, were told they don't have it anymore. Settled on lemon cake (which was soft and good) and the chocolate cake (which was expensive and dry as dust). If I hadn't paid $11 for that little slice of cake I wouldn't have eaten it, but choked it down anyway. Sorry, never again. read more

Cafe Bassam - Very dry chocolate cake. Not worth the $$ investment. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

What a great ending after a beautiful dinner. Stopped by @café Bassam for tea and desert. The ambience is warm and welcoming, the culture antique decor and the service was exceptional. The tea selections is in abundance to meet all your taste buds expectations. read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

If Sherlock Holmes ever swapped his pipe for a cappuccino, Café Bassam in Banker's Hill this would be his haunt. Walking in feels like stumbling onto a Victorian detective's living room--eclectic antiques, and walls lined with curiosities. The vibe wants you to stay awhile and most do. Depending on the time that you arrive you may not even get a seat but you definitely can enjoy your drink and go. If coffee is not your thing, enjoy the delightful treasure trove--teas for days. The staff? As chill as the jazz softly playing in the background. Seriously, come for the caffeine, stay for the charm. Café Bassam isn't just a coffee shop--it's a whole vintage vibe. Parking: One hot parking meter mess Accessibility: It's tight inside but you can receive proper service read more

Stumbled on Cafe Bassam while hunting for a quiet spot to unwind in San Diego and I'm so glad I did. The antique European vibe inside and out is full of charm. Instant favorite. The barista was warm and personable. It felt like slipping into another world for an hour. Classy and cozy and has that antique shop feel in the best way. Loved the mix here. Coffee and tea alongside wine and dessert. It's a grown‑up hideaway you don't find often. The dining room is a gem. Unique pieces everywhere. I honestly felt like I was sitting in a museum. Such a treat. Beautiful atmosphere and an escape I'll keep coming back to. Five stars. read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This was a spot on my San Diego cafe passport and was excited to try it out since I love Vietnamese iced coffee and that was the recommended beverage!! The vibe inside gives old book store but in the best way, I can see it getting busy with people doing work and just sitting and chatting on the weekends The initial color threw me off but this is definitely one of the best Vietnamese iced coffees i have ever had!! I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be returning read more

Cafe Bassam - Ice Vietnamese Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I kept coming here because of nostalgia. Cafe Bassam used to be great when it was a smoke shop/cafe on Broadway Ave. The drinks are mediocre. A large iced latte or mocha have ONE shot of espresso. At the counter there's always a snobby girl who acts like she's too good to be there. read more

In my never ending quest to seek out and experience local spicy chai I happened upon Cafe Bassam, a kitschy corner cafe with all the charm of antique mall or vintage estate sale decorations. Loose leaf teas are displayed proudly in the center of the room so I was expecting a gem of a find! What I discovered, on the other hand, was yet another disappointing cup of overly sweet powdered chai. The server was super sweet and the shop had a fun vibe, but in the end the chai is not up to par. read more

Looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, my boss and I stopped by Café Bassam--and we're so glad we did. The moment you walk in, you're greeted by a warm, eclectic vibe and an impressive tea selection displayed across a massive wooden table in the center of the café. You can actually walk around it, take in the aromas, and explore the variety--it's a tea lover's dream. We were helped by Victoria, who was incredibly kind and made a few great suggestions for us. Once we chose our teas, she got to work preparing them while we wandered around, admiring the cafe's unique decor--it's one of those spots where every corner has something interesting to look at. The patio area also caught our eye--spacious and inviting, perfect for sipping something warm while people-watching along the sidewalk. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay long this time, but we'll definitely be back to try some of the cakes and spend more time soaking in the atmosphere. Between the thoughtfully curated tea and coffee selection and the sweet staff, Café Bassam is a gem we'll be returning to soon. read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The most incredible chai latte you'll ever have. It almost is like they slightly blend it. It's the perfect balance of spices. Staff are quick and always friendly. Love it here! read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

The real joy of a fresh bakery with the latte in the morning or afternoon. Besides all the hand mixed loose teas, fine wines, international wines and fine cakes for the perfect date read more

See all

I came here because it was listed as a good place to study, but unfortunately not the case. It's dark and most of the outlets don't work, they're plastered up. It was also too expensive. The white mocha latte was good but $8.50 was too much. read more

Step into Café Bassam, where the décor alone feels like it could write a novel about your life while you sip your coffee. Nestled in a prime spot, it's the perfect launch pad for a leisurely stroll afterward--if the caffeine doesn't have you power-walking like you're late for a meeting. Now, let's talk coffee: strong, unapologetically bold, and likely to wake you up before your alarm does. If you like your coffee to have a personality, this is the spot. Service is consistently good, even though the staff sometimes looks like they're playing a caffeine-fueled game of musical chairs due to being short-staffed. Mistakes happen (they're human, not coffee robots), but they always make it right. You'll leave with your caffeine fix and your faith in humanity intact. Don't miss it--this café is a vibe. read more

Cafe Bassam - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Good: large selection of teas, and really good as a latte or loose leaf. The antique atmosphere makes for a nice place. Bad: bad if you're trying to avoid second hand smoke -- they have cigars so people are occasionally enjoying them outside. Also, I was really disappointed that they didn't have real French croissants given that it's advertised as a French cafe. read more

Cafe Bassam - Croissant and rose black tea latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Service was amazing! I was being taken care of by a young lady who despite handling some clients who were a bit rude with her she still preserved a smile and good manners with everyone!! Also the coffee is really good! read more

It's okay. The interior is beautiful and the tea containers are really cool (you can open them to smell the teas). The coffee drinks that we got were mediocre (white mocha and vanilla lattes). I got the vanilla latte and a slice of cake which totaled $18, which meant the slice was $11-12. The only thing worse than not having cake is spending a lot on cake that is meh. Service was great and it is a great place to sit and admire the design of the shop. read more

The thing I love most about this place is its true individuality. Step inside, it's like a vintage Victorian museum, super unique and artsy. There's a huge selection of tea with tasty and yummy desserts. Coffee and drink options are unique and delicious. Nice and friendly environment where you can take a book and enjoy a beautiful afternoon. read more

See all

A quaint cafe near Balboa park. Grabbed a quick iced coffee on a slow Sunday and stayed to enjoy the eclectic decor. Iced coffee was very good. This would a great spot to catch up with some friends or get some reading done. read more

Cafe Bassam - Iced Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Really cute and quaint bakery and coffee shop. Has an adorable ambiance with great music. The aesthetic feels like your both either an old library, antique thrift store meets grandmas house. There's different beverages to choose from along with food. We got a chocolate cake and a carrot cake. They were both really good! The carrot was 9/10 would get it again! read more

Cafe Bassam - Carrot Cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all