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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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
service is fast, coffee is good and affordable, lots of seating to work from home, and overall i had a great experience.
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.
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?
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!
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!
* 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!)
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!
(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!
4 years ago
3 years ago
Had the perfect latte and pastry combo. Horchata latte and vanilla concha. The latte horchata, coffee and sugar flavors were in perfect harmony. Never had such a balanced beverage before. Almost always lattes and fraps way to sweet or coffee to strong. The concha was so different then the usual dense hard ones usually get at a Mexican bakery. The outer shell was consisted of very fluffy powdered sugar that was delightful with the fluffy pastry. Very nice rise on it. Not dense at all. Was so perfect with a horchata latte. Will have to come back to SD to get this again. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
Love coming here Definitely not in my neighborhood but worth the drive. If you get lucky you will see the masterpiece that is the "catrina" concha but I always come for the afogato Mazapán ice cream with espresso shot - can't go wrong A San Diego must & staple in the community. Great chill atmosphere and their back area has a reading area with books to check out while you are there. read more
4 years ago
Cute little cafe in the city heights area. Came here with some friends for a quick hangout over coffee. The interior art on the walls were beautiful and all through the shop, they had little touches of mexican art and decor throughout the shop. I was really torn in between the mazapan, cajeta, and machata but ended up going with machata cause it was a mix of horchata and matcha which i both love. It was really refreshing and not too sweet at all. My friends got a machata and horchata latte and a pastry to share. It wasn't too loud in here and they have more seating in the outside patio. I want to come back so I can try the other flavors I was interested in trying. read more
Is it this place good? Yes. Is it stellar? No. The parking situation isn't the best, but they do have 15 minute parking up front for to go orders (which is all that's available during COVID). I enjoyed their coffee and pan dulce, but if I am being honest it wasn't anything spectacular. It was good coffee and I would come back to try the ice cream for sure, but it wasn't amazing. Maybe somewhere between good and amazing. Good +. The mazapán Coffee wasn't entirely dissolved or mixed in properly which created chunks at the bottom, instead of flavor throughout. Also, the horchata coffee tasted very much like cold brew with a splash of horchata. Honestly, I am not sure what horchata coffee should taste like, but I expected it to be milkier or sweet. I also really want to mention the straws. They use paper straws. The straw completely went soggy after like 10 minutes... maybe less. It closed on itself. We had to use our own straws to be able to drink it. I am all for being eco friendly but there are better quality straws out there. Lastly, the staff member who helped us was friendly and personable. He was able to offer the best assistance. We appreciate the coffee! We hope to return soon and try the other items on the menu. read more
Business owner information
Andrew B.
Hey Pedro! We do appreciate your kind words and a great review! For…
4 years ago
The drinks here are delicious. I believe all of their pastries are vegan as well but they have amazing mexican specialty coffee drinks and the cafe itself is beautiful. Highly recommend here! read more
7 years ago
Love the vibes here. It is locally owned and the decor is cool. We met the owner when ordering. He is very cool and you can tell he has a great passion when he talks about coffee. Parking is limited but we had no problem finding something right in front. The flavors offered are some of my favorite. My boyfriend got cafe de olla and if you're Mexican it really reminds you of coffee at your grandma's. I ordered a Mexican mocha which I love! I've only been able to get it in old town before so I'm really excited I found it here. We sat down to enjoy our coffee and saw some local musicians setting up. I'm guessing they were getting ready to perform during the day. The owner asked of we wanted to join the email list and we did. He said they notify us about other events. The next one is a taco company next weekend. A free taco with a cafe purchase. I will be there ! read more
Business owner information
Andrew B.
Hi Candace! We hope you had your chance to get free tacos ! Thank you…
3 years ago
This place is a City Heights gem! I found street parking just fine and walked around the corner to Cafeina Cafe. It's a little hidden but you can't miss it once you start walking. The aesthetic is vibrant and fun and they offer many different drink options. I went with a hot chai latte and a vanilla Concha. My drink actually tasted like fresh chai tea instead of sugar like many other coffee shops. I ordered my drink with almond milk which I would highly recommend. The Concha was seriously delicious and fluffy! I forgot to ask where they get them from so I'll have to remember to ask the next time I visit. I highly recommend sitting in their patio because there are many seating options and shaded areas. Overall, I had a great experience and will definitely recommend this place to friends and family! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
Came here to get some work done and loved the atmosphere, cool hand painted murals on the wall and a lovely outdoor area. I ordered a honey lavender latte with oat milk that was so good! As I was on my way out I went to the bathroom and spilled about half of what was left in my cup I tried to pick up as much as I could but let the employee know either way so it wouldn't get sticky or anything. The employee was so kind and understanding and even offered to remake me the same or another drink :). He suggested I try the honey rose latte iced and loved that one too! I would definitely come back again and take advantage of the shady outdoor seating on sunnier days read more
Gentlemen at the register was SUPER kind/patient and answered all of our questions, not knowing about the traditional flavors it was helpful to have it explained. The insides are beautifully painted and have plenty of seating, free WiFi and a bathroom (super important when it comes to drinking coffee lol). Parking: street only, next to residential area so it was tough. Green 15 minute parking out front. Canela & Miel: honey cinnamon. Okay, a little sweet. Loved the cinnamon. Cajeta: Caramel. Okay, but too sweet, more creamy than I'm used to. Friend liked it. They offer alternative milks at 50 cents which is a great value compared to the usual 75 cents+ I see. Yelp check in to save $1 on speciality drinks. They have a rewards system with points and free drinks if you like them and want to come back. Overall wouldn't be back due to parking, location, drinks weren't as strong as I'd like and it was pretty hot inside with the doors open/not a comfortable place to stay for that long. read more
Business owner information
Andrew B.
Hi S L.! Thanks for the review! Great feedback! We appreciate you…
The young man who owns this coffee shop sure makes some tasty coffees. Using Jame's Coffee Roaster, he are sure not fail, and simply succeed with the Mexican twist he adds to the establishments coffees. I had a cafe au lait and a "concha" or Mexican sweet bread warmed up. The coffee was on point with a smooth and slight creamy appeal from the streamed milk but with a good robustness from the roast. The concha was nice. It could of been heated just a tad more but other than that it was tasty and had a soft texture. I would like to see them acquire solid mugs soon and offer some savory baked goods as well. The place offers a good amount of seating inside and outside seating. read more
Business owner information
Andrew B.
Hi Jack! Thank you for your review! We appreciate all your feedback!…
2 years ago
Fire! Got the Colombiano latte. Bomb! Got the Ube concha. Fire! Highly recommend this place. Isn't the biggest and kinda hidden and secluded but worth it. Great service too. read more
1 year ago
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5 years ago
Great coffee, my Mexican Mocha was full of flavor. You really taste that Cafeina. Much better than Starbucks I really recommend this Coffee Shop. I can wait to see them in Eastlake area!! read more
1 year ago
5 years ago
Overall Impression: Like everyone else has already mentioned, this place is amazing. The only "critique" that I have is that parking is difficult to find. :) But everything was pretty top knotch. +1 stars Quality of Food: I ordered an Earl Grey Lavender Latte. It tasted creamy and none of the tastes overpowered one another. I love how all the flavors are rooted in the Mexican culture and I was excited to go back and try some flavors. +1 stars Price for Food: Normal coffee prices. About 4-5 dollars for a drink. I would rather support a small business than a big franchise like Starbucks, even if I could get "stars" than a deal from Starbucks Location/Ambience: When I first arrived, I wasn't impressed. There were no tables or chairs inside (probably due to COVID) and then I noticed that there was a doorway to the back go coffee shop and it was sooo cute! It has chairs, painted skulls, and a great cafe with vibrant colors that made it very relaxing to sit it. +2 stars Staff/Service: The day I went it was a one man show. The same guy took my order, made my drink, and handled other customers simultaneously. Through all of this, it never appeared that he was stressed out. +1 stars read more
5 years ago
5 stars all the way! It's very easy to see why this place is so popular. The staff is awesome, the decor is gorgeous, there is plenty of outside seating, and the coffee is delicious. We got Cafe de la olla and cajeta both were delicious. If you live in the area or just passing through like us check this place out. read more
3 years ago
The baristas are super friendly, I asked for a recommendation and he suggested the colombiano coffee. It was delicious!! Great vibe, cute location, nice art on the walls. Definitely coming back. read more
5 years ago
I very much love this place. I've been a handful of times by now and have to say that every time I have something from here, I leave happy. Their pan dulce is always fresh. The conchas are the best I've had! I've tried a few different things here but the mazapán latte is my absolute favorite ! Every sip was delicious with the small pieces of mazapán mixed in. I've had the Mexican mocha too and that was pretty good with oat milk. I've tried a few other options but the mazapán is my ultimate favorite. Ice cream here is a must too! Mazapán of course! The customer service here is great and the baristas are patient when I have no idea what to order. I've ordered over the phone right at opening and my drinks were ready upon my arrival which was really nice ! read more
3 years ago
Yummy icecream and espresso AND free pupachino with doggy treat topper give it a try for sure! Super cute setting! read more
3 years ago
Great, unique flavors, served by friendly baristas! Comfortable atmosphere, plenty of seating and great merch for sale. Nestled in a residential neighborhood, you have to find street parking, but worth the task. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
PROS: Mazapan latte CAJETA LATTE HORCHATA LATTE Brew James coffee Next to a grocery store Conchas Amazing service :) CONS: Parking is a pain! Love this place! ANDREW is the owner, and he's very cool :) since Covid, we've been here maybe 2-3x a month, so you can tell how feel about their coffee. Go check out their Instagram and while you're at it, go buy some coffee there too!! read more
6 years ago
Amazing place. It was my first time coming here and oh boy! They have the best coffee ever. Very authentic coffee formulas, you don't get that anywhere else. But let's talk about my whole experience. Parking can be a little bro hard but it's worth it. The place itself is so amazing. They have a lot of decorations , the walls are painted very unique. When I went it was before Halloween and they already had altar de muertos. And a lot of cool as decoration everywhere. The customer service is exceptional. The guy was very friendly, polite and very helpful. He answered all my questions and concerns. And we had a really good conversation. For drinks I ordered the famous mazapán coffee drink and let me tell you!!! It was phenomenal! So delicious, very rich in flavor, you could taste little crumbles of the mazapán. So delicious!! The other drink I got was the pumpkin spice latte. Very different from Starbucks or any other local coffee places. They actually do have their own unique formula and you can taste it. My mom loved it. Now taking about their bakery!! The conchas are delicious very soft and rich in flavor. I also got a cheese bread and it was amazing. Overall great experience and can't wait to come back soon! read more
5 years ago
Great little cafe with a cute little patio, yummy coffee, drinks, pastries & amazing staff! COVID19 safe Thank you, I will be back I had to get a to go drink to help support local youth community, Reality Changers, in City Heights a Non-Profit working with our youth in the community read more
If you haven't been here yet come check out this cool spot. POC owned and operated. Can't say Chicano or not cuz I don't know the owner Andrew that way. But I could assume he's Chicano. Bottom line is they have the bomb ass drinks. He adds horchata or mazapan flavors to some of his unique drinks. If you are over the tired old drinks from stalebucks then come here. Locally owned and operated small business. Stalebucks don't need your money. Keep your money local. And what better place to support than a spot in the East Side. Get you some speciality drinks and quit playing foos. read more
Business owner information
Andrew B.
Hey Able! Thanks for the review! We appreciate you encouraging others…
2 years ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
More info about Cafeina Cafe
4011 46th St
San Diego, CA 92105
City Heights
Directions
(619) 861-2104
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.cafeinacafe.com
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Ask the Community - Cafeina Cafe
Do you have oatmilk and air conditioning?
They have an oat milk sub for drinks. Don't seem to have AC but they keep the doors open which means there's a constant breeze (they also have outdoor seating)
Is this a good place to come and work on my laptop for a few hours?
Yes. Not very crowded and I've seen a few people on their laptops. They have only like 5 tables inside and a patio area so space seems limited.
Will you be open on Thanksgiving and/or Black Friday?
Hi there! Yes we will be open today regular hours!
Do you guys have vegan options?
Hi Stephanie! We have Non-Dairy options for our drinks and also Non-Dairy Options for our Ice Cream! Hope this helps! Thank you!
Can you make all of the specialty drinks dairy free?
Hi Brenna! Yes we can! We offer Coconut, almond and soy as non-dairy alternatives. We also offer non-dairy flavors for our ice cream!
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Cafeina Cafe - cafes - Updated August 2026
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