Cafeina is a cozy, small spot with big personality! The decor is stunning, especially the vibrant sugar skull mural, and the music is always vibing. You can even see their coffee roaster right inside the shop. They have an awesome selection of coffee, refreshers, and non-caffeinated drinks, along with a few select pastries. The Iced Cajeta Latte is a must-try--rich and caramel-based, but perfectly balanced and not too sweet. They also had me try their cold horchata, which was delicious! The staff is great, service is super fast, and while it's street parking, it is absolutely worth the stop. Highly recommend! read more

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If you're looking for a Latin American-themed cafe, this is the place for you. An impressive mural featuring a calavera running along one of the walls prominently embraces Latin American heritage. Service was quick and friendly. No complaints here. I ordered a hot Mazapan Latte. I first noticed how smooth the coffee was. I immediately got the feeling of being wrapped in a cozy blanket. This was quite a comforting drink. I then noticed the nuttiness of the coffee. Presumably, the Mazapan aided in providing that flavor profile. I love nutty coffees, so that combined with sweetness automatically made this drink a winner to me. If I'm in the area, this might just be my go-to coffee shop. I look forward to my next visit! read more

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Love this spot, coffee is great and the back patio is such a nice place to hang. Service is friendly, greeted upon entering and helped answer questions. I love their conchas and got the taro concha warmed up. The mazapan latte was also delicious with mazapan pieces inside. Their menu is extensive and they roast beans and sell merch. I'll definitely be back. Street parking and indoor and patio seating in the back. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Concha and mazapan latte - July 2026 - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Vibes are nice here! Beautiful indoor and outdoor patio area. Street parking - was able to find a spot - really enjoyed my cajeta (kind of like caramel?) iced latte. They also don't charge for oat or almond substitute milk (love that). They roast their own beans in house as well. Service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and kind. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Cajeta latte - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cafeina Cafe has that local gem energy. The kind of spot where the vibe feels personal, not corporate. Met Andrew during my visit and he was super friendly, laid-back, and clearly cares about the space and community. You can feel it in the way people walk in and everyone seems to know each other. I tried the Taro Concha and the Iced Mazapán Latte both absolutely hit. The concha was soft, lightly sweet, and not overly heavy. And the mazapán latte? It tastes like childhood nostalgia but grown-up and caffeinated. Creamy, nutty, and just sweet enough. read more

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They have street parking around the block. The parking lot across from them is for the store connecting the lot and not public parking. The cafe looks small but they have a large back door sitting area. Their menu changes and they no longer have ice cream so no affogato available. They have a coffee roaster inside but it wasn't being used when we were there so I am not sure when they roast them. Their coffee was strong and flavorful. I got their lavender latte with oat milk and you can definitely taste the lavender and the coffee aroma. Service was quick. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Lavender latte with oat milk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I stumbled on this gem a while back, and honestly, I'm so glad I did! I got hooked fast. This place has easily become one of my go-tos when I need a coffee that actually hits. I've tried a few different drinks here and definitely need to branch out from my usual Mazapan Latte, but it's hard when it's that good. I've had it both iced and hot - both are a solid 100/10. I've been in my "hot coffee era" lately, and the hot one just hits perfectly. The Mocha Mexicano? Bomb. 10/10. The Colombiano Latte? Also super good if you don't like sweet. I've even brought coffee from here for friends, and they can vouch - the Mazapan Latte is always a hit. What I love most is that the drinks aren't overly sweet, and they've got just the right balance of coffee flavor. I usually add an extra shot, but even without it, everything tastes smooth and well-balanced. The employees here are the best! super friendly, patient, and always down for a quick chat. It makes the whole vibe even better. Plus, definitely check them out on TikTok - their videos are funny, creative, and honestly what made me want to come in the first place. The vibe online matches the one in person: fun, cool, and full of personality (plus, amazing coffee). Inside, it's nice and spacious with plenty of room to sit and chill and the outdoor seating's great, too. All around, Cafeina is one of those spots that's easy to get hooked on - amazing drinks, chill atmosphere, and genuinely great people behind the counter. read more

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Came on a weekday morning and it was so nice and chill. Decided to try the cafe de olla this time half sweet and it was delish. Still sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Was able to order it to drink there and they served it in a cute mug. Service is so friendly here as well! read more

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This Mexican cafe has been here for six years. This is what I would call a hidden neighborhood gem. It's located on 46th street on the side of the super market off University Ave. it's all street parking. We ordered: Horchata latte- the horchata is premade with milk and they just add coffee. Keep this in mind if you can't have diary. Mazapan latte - had tiny nutty bits of the mazapan. We loved both of our drinks. Espresso was bold, I used oat milk on the mazapan for the creaminess. We wanted to try their bakery items but none was available. They changed bakery vendor and in transition until further noticed. There's a cozy small patio in the back. Much more quiet in the back than in the front. The prices on the menu are for the 12 ounce. Add 0.50 if you want the larger size. read more

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I absolutely love coming to this cafe. I get the mazapan latte iced with oatmilk and it hits every single time!! Definitely the best Mexican cafe in the surrounding area imo. Service is always great, drinks are consistently delicious. I drive 20 minutes just to come here. I highly recommend trying it out read more

I moved away from San Diego, but came back to visit this week, and one of my must-stop coffee spots is Caféina. I was disappointed to see they discontinued the rose latte, but the honey lavender they now offer is an absolute delicious replacement. I love their lattes they're full of flavor and perfectly balanced with no bitter espresso. I brought my dog along, and the sweet barista offered my dog a pup cup, plus they have a cute patio in the back. Thank you Cafeina! Did I mention their Lavender syrup is homemade? read more

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I've been here a couple times and it's always been a wonderful experience. Staff were super friendly and helpful, and the place itself has a cool front area plus a back patio section. Ended up with a season drink which was an iced pumpkin chai which was delicious. Thank you! read more

Cafeina Cafe - Iced pumpkin chai - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Andrew(The Owner) took my order personally. I wanted something light on sugar, so I got the Cold Brew De Olla, which has hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. It didn't have the normally overpowering bitter taste of a cold brew, but gentle subtle taste. The ambience was amazing, great shade in their patio area. Only difficulty was parking, but that's hardly the establishments fault. Overall great place to study and get some work done. Hidden in the city heights area! read more

Cafeina Cafe - Cold Brew De Olla - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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* Mocha Mexicano - 8/10 * Mazapan Latte - 8/10 * Ube Concha - 9/10 (best concha we have ever had, but the ube flavor could be stronger. would def come back for this!) read more

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I'd give Cafeina Cafe a solid 3.5. Mind you I did come later in the day around 3pm and all of the pastries were already sold out. I loved the ambiance here though, the back patio was so nice and filled with plants and mirrors. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The only reason I gave Cafeina cafe a lower review was because I personally didn't like my latte (horchata latte) and was underwhelmed by their menu. I've been to many Latino owned cafe shops in San Diego and I didn't think there was anything special on their menu here. I do think if they had pastries available still my review would be better but that is my own fault for coming late in the day. Overall a solid cafe in the heart of city heights, will definitely try again (earlier in the day) but for right now I stand with my 3 star review. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Outside - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Came here with a group of friends on Sunday! We parked about a block away, but there were some spots in front as well. Despite the parking situation, they have a lot of inside seating and outdoor (back) patio seating! Sadly, their specials were no longer available (I saw a cherry mocha type of special, but the owner said it ended in February). But they had their popular drinks with the star next to them! He mentioned his favorite latte, but there was a sudden burst of noise behind me and I had no clue which one he was talking about. Too bad! I could have tried something new. I remember he mentioned the Mazapán Latte which is based off the Mexican candy. I believe it's a bit nutty and that's not really my vibe. Next time, I think I'll give the Cajeta Latte a try (I just looked up the translation for Cajeta it says Mexican Caramel). I went with the Iced Honey Lavender Latte, 12 oz $6.50 -- this latte tasted so good! It was the perfect amount of milk and espresso. The lavender wasn't overpowering and the honey was fragrant too. I loved the ice that they used because it was so clear and solid! 5/5 My friend had a Hot 12 oz Canela Y Miel Latte (Cinnamon and Honey), it cost $5.50 -- he enjoyed this! This is a local cafe within City Heights. I love how the owner, Andrew, is supportive of other businesses in the area who have been impacted by the on going construction on University Avenue. The cafe has a great interior lay out for grabbing a coffee-- I love the seating and the big open window that allows the sunshine to come through. The espresso bar (where you pick up your drinks) is clean and organized. And if you go out to the patio in the back, there's two large picnic style tables available to sit. Even a really small one for your kids to sit at! The sunshades and the mural adds bursts of brightness and color to the place. I really enjoyed spending time here with my friends! I would most definitely recommend this spot. Will be coming back! read more

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(10/10) Cafeina Café never disappoints! I've been here at least seven times, and it's easily one of my favorite spots in San Diego. I always get the Colombiano iced coffee -- hands down one of the BEST iced Colombian coffees I've ever had in the city. So smooth, rich, and perfectly made every single time. I also tried the concha bread, and wow... it was so soft, fresh, and absolutely perfect. I highly recommend getting it! If you're looking for amazing coffee, delicious pastries, and a place that stays consistently great, Cafeina Café is the spot. 10/10! read more

Cafeina Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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They have great customer service and their coffees are the perfect sweet but not too sweet 10/10.

I was recommended this coffee shop because it's a small business. Decided to try it out The coffee shop is cute, modern/hip kinda vibes, nice it has a back area to catch some rays, I'd say this is a cool kick it spot in city heights. Although parking sucks and coffee was okay, not the best! Service was also good and friendly, read more

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Their coffee is soo good! Also the staff are so friendly. I get the mazapan latte it's so yummy. However, there is limited seating inside. They also have a really cool mural inside, it's seems like a nice place to study. Would definitely recommend! read more

Nice ambience. The matchata latte was delicious. I thought it may be too sweet since horchata can be super sweet but it was perfectly balanced and still had the nice nutty notes from the matcha. The staff were also super friendly. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Matchata - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Cafeina is such a gem of a neighborhood spot. One of those places that just feels good the second you walk in. The owner and staff are always super welcoming--there's a real sense of community here that makes it more than just a coffee shop. The coffee? Always on point. Smooth, rich, and made with care. Whether you're grabbing your usual or trying something new, it's hard to go wrong. And pro tip: do not leave without getting a concha. Seriously. It's practically a ritual at this point. If the weather's nice, the back patio is a must. Chill vibes, plants, and a beautiful mural that makes it feel like a little escape right in the city. Support local, drink good coffee, and treat yourself to something sweet--Cafeina nails it every time. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Iced Americano, Iced Vanilla Latte, Concha - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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The coffee didn't hit like I thought it would at least my drank didn't and I can't even blame them. I grabbed the cajeta latte for my wife and the Buenos Dias for myself I like strong coffee but when they said it was mixed with horchata I thought it would be a little sweeter and I should've asked so that's on me. Other then that the spot is very chill it's in the neighborhood I went to school at go Hoo-Ryde, I also grabbed a raspberry poptart and a black berry gallete they were good and complimented the coffee well. Next time I will give it a taste and asked for alterations if applicable. read more

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Okay, I don't even know where to start, the horchata cold brew here is it. It's incredibly smooth, not too sweet, not too heavy, just perfectly balanced with that creamy cinnamon-rice flavor melting right into the coffee. Every sip felt like a little treat. Absolutely delicious, one of the best drinks I've had in a long time. The staff were super chill too, no pretentious coffee shop energy here, just good vibes. Made the whole experience even better. I will 100% be coming back for more. Already thinking about my next order. Do yourself a favor and get the horchata cold brew, you won't regret it! read more

Excellent coffee, friendly service, and plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. I appreciate how they have shade sails in the backyard. This is a simple place without may food options - I only saw a few sweet breads available. read more

Great coffee spot! Indoor and outdoor seating. The owner is super friendly. Plus WiFi makes this a good place to work if you're looking for a new place to check out. I think they have breakfast on weekends but check the menu/instagram. They have special events throughout the year to support the local community which makes this place even better! I've been here during an after hours event and the vibe was great. People supporting each other and knowledge sharing. Plus the owner made special non caffeine drinks. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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The horchata latte is AMAZING. Nice hint of cinnamon in the hot and refreshing as iced. Had to try both because ... por que no los dos. My pup also enjoyed her pup cup read more

Cafeina Cafe - Pup cup and hot horchata - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Hidden gem!! A bit hard to find parking but hassle is worth it! Awesome coffee, great service. Good atmosphere overall read more

I have had my eye on this coffee shop for so long, and am so glad that the wait was worth it! I ordered their horchata latte and the ham and cheese bagel sandwich. To start, the horchata latte wasn't too sweet which I enjoyed and highlighted the coffee notes really well. The ham and cheese bagel was delicious, the whole seed mustard grains and the red onion slices worked wonderfully to balance the sweet flavor from the ham. The spot itself is beautiful, with a gorgeous Día de Los Muertos mural, and a lovely patio near the back. Parking isn't too difficult to find (although you might have to park further down the street if the spots up front are taken). Highly recommend and I can't wait to go back to try more of their coffees! read more

Cafeina Cafe - Ham and cheese bagel - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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I stopped by Cafeina Café in City Heights after seeing their funny TikTok videos. If you're from city heights, you know we've been dealing with the longest construction ever and it's affected many small businesses around. Seeing their videos prompted me to stop by! While the drinks we ordered weren't totally my vibe, the customer service was great! My uncle ordered the Cold Brew de Olla, and when I mentioned I'm more of a caramel macchiato girl, the barista went above and beyond to custom-make an extra drink just for me--which I really appreciated. That level of care and attention doesn't go unnoticed! What really stood out (besides the customer service) was their back patio area. It's such a vibey, aesthetic little backyard--perfect for sipping your drink, reading a book, or just hanging out with friends. It's cozy, shaded, and definitely gives you that relaxing, tucked-away feel right in the middle of the city. Even though I didn't fall in love with the drinks I had, the welcoming atmosphere and the team's willingness to go the extra mile would definitely bring me back to try something new. If you're in the area (it's tucked behind Thor Billiards next to Supermercado Murphy's), it's worth a visit--especially if you love supporting local gems with great service. read more

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Fellow Yelper Yo G. told me about this place like years ago and I must've had my head under a rock! They've been here for five years!!! I work up the street! But seriously, this is a hidden gem and for all the right reasons. It's hip and cool, and I loved how the young girl played Depeche Mode's Violater, on vinyl, on the turntable! Love it! They have the most unique coffee drinks, and I decided on the horchata latte. This was sooooooooo good! I had it iced since it was a nice summer day! They also have some interesting baked goods. I ordered the purple concha, which turned out to be ube. He: Do you want me to heat it up? Hecks yeah! Normally I don't but warm, this was the way to enjoy it! The inside is pretty chill to relax and I didn't know they had a patio. The staff is really friendly and I'm glad they open early. Great place to come to! Again, it's a hidden gem and it's cool that the community is supporting them! Lots of workers coming in! read more

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I've been to this place a few times throughout the years. I've had their Afogato and Cajeta latte. Recently I decided to try their honey lavender just to switch things up. I think I should've stuck to my usuals. I think the lavender was a bit too strong and I generally like lavender drinks. I think this one wasn't for me. The staff is always nice, customer service has never been an issue. The mural is very impressive, I do recommend the Cajeta latte. I've noticed there aren't too many coffee shops that offer this flavor so I'm always excited when I find one that does. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Art - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Discovered an absolute gem in City Heights. I love the space they designed. The coffee was delicious, and the cheese pastry was the best one I've ever eaten. I'm talking it was VERY good. I want to come again when they are serving breakfast. I would expect this to be the best place for the vibe and delicious Mexican cuisines read more

Cafeina Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Great coffee and yummy pastries. A hidden gem in City Heights. They host cool events from time to time and give back to the community!

They stopped making my fav , strawberry matcha ): The barista made me something similar super happy , I love their customer service read more

Cafeina Cafe - Wicked theme drink - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I love this place! They play great music that sets a nice vibe, but it's not too loud--perfect for enjoying your coffee while working or reading. Parking can be a bit tricky, but since it's in a neighborhood, you can usually find street parking nearby. The outdoor patio is well maintained and a great spot to sit. I had the cajeta latte with oat milk and it was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend this spot! Always a friendly staff read more

Cafeina Cafe - Marzapan iced latte - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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The colombiano latte has the crisp coffee expresso with cinnamon touch. And the cajetta latte is balanced with the perfect sweetener. read more

Cafeina Cafe - (Top) Cajetta latte and a colombiano latte (bottom) - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

BEST MEXICAN MOCHA! I'm a coffee snob and love to try new places when I travel. This place is a gem.

I've been going around San Diego trying to find my favorite latte. I'm not a coffee connoisseur by any means. But I have driven around quite a bit just to find places that satisfy my craving. I just know what I like something not overly sweet with a solid coffee taste. Parking is tight in the neighborhood. The cafe felt very warm and welcoming; I feel a lot of times coffee shops and workers are pretentious. The workers here were so sweet. They suggested one of their most popular, mazapán latte and it didn't disappoint. I ended up buying a bag of beans which also came with a free 12 ounce drip or cold brew. Very reasonably priced for both the beans and the latte. For a 16 ounce I paid 6.50 with oat milk. I will definitely be recommending this place and bringing my boyfriend with me next time. read more

Cafeina Cafe - Mazapán latte w oat milk - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Service was really friendly and helpful with recommendations. Ordered the drinks for here to enjoy on the back patio which is dog friendly. Definitely will come back read more

Cafeina Cafe - Outdoor patio - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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