Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve

    4.8 (98 reviews)
    Open 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve Photos

    CARGO CAFE - LA JOLLA RESERVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working

    You might also consider

    More like Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve

    Recommended Reviews - Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lorenzo W.

    COLD BREWS & CALM! I absolutely loved my visit to this floating coffee shop. I was experiencing interview anxiety and this place really helped me refocus and settle down. The hustle and bustle is real, it's important to stop and enjoy the scenic delight that is La Jolla Reserve. The little body of water and a cup of coffee were a perfect combo for an overcast day. I recommend a small Cold Brew if you're looking to taste test. Prices are a little high, but this is a trendy place in La Jolla, so I'm not shocked. My only complaint was that they ran out of ALOT of food items. It was too early to be out of stock tbh. I'd recommend coming in the morning so you can enjoy a table by the water's edge. Many tech bros and professionals visit this spot, most keep to themselves, but you'll want to beat them to a seat! If you don't manage to sit near the register side of the shop, there's seating across the water with views that are just as good. Additionally, there's grassy areas surrounding the reserve for "picnic" seating. Free WiFi is available, check the front counter for the login info. I parked in La Jolla Reserve's main parking structure when I visited, I was given validation for an hour by Cargo Cafe.

    Latte
    Jasmine C.

    Had an amazing experience. I happen to be in the area and got to check it out. The service was amazing and got to meet the gm there and she was so sweet. They have monthly flavors based on the season and I got the cold brew with a mango cold foam and I truly enjoyed it. They have multiple locations and would definitely suggest checking it out.

    Jenny K.

    They remade my flat white bc the decaf version i ordered was too bitter for me. They were super friendly. The sitting area is the best with a waterfall in the background.

    Latte to go
    Mel H.

    Just had coffee and pastry. Latte was pretty good and they also sell pastries and sandwiches, snacks etc. located within business area of La Jolla. A little bit hard to find. Atmosphere is relaxing with mini waterfalls and rocks. Nice to sit and relax with coffee. Server was friendly enough. You go to the counter and wait for your coffee and/or food when done. You can park in the garage and they validate for 2 hours.

    Seating area overlooking water
    Sydni S.

    Cargo Cafe is a cute spot hidden away in a business park in the UTC area. They have free parking for an hour if you validate your ticket. The layout of the shop is really nice, but it is all outdoors so might not be the best for a cold day if you're looking for a place to work. I came in around 8:30 am and they didn't have any food yet, but said they were making it. It was the day before a holiday weekend when they're going to be closed so I believe that's why they weren't stocked up which is totally understandable. I got an iced latte with oat milk and honey and it was very good! I would definitely come back when I'm in the mood to try on of their sweeter fun drinks.

    Raspberry Cream Matcha
    Aly T.

    I came here for their raspberry cream matcha and the "lake" view/ambiance. Loved the drink (very sweet cold foam btw) and the environment! Came here to get work done and enjoy my morning and wasn't disappointed. It wasn't busy at all when I arrived at 9 but got busier soon after. Parking is a bit tricky because they only validate an hour, but seems like a really good quality cafe with good eats/drinks! Luis was very friendly and kind along with the rest of the staff, and the service was fast which I really appreciated!

    Lupita C.

    Yum! We had an amazing experience at Cargo Cafe, we visited the La Jolla location however they have many more ! This is definitely a nice coffee place! The ladies here are so friendly I recommend an empanada it's filled with cheese spinach and tomato. It was delicious!

    Monique A.

    beautiful spot, very study-able with lots of food options. also very kind workers :) I ordered the espresso based drink but they also have spring specials like a key-lime matcha and earl gray cold brew. i for sure have to come back to try more

    Acai bowl
    Salman S.

    A cute spot nestled between corporate buildings near UTC mall in La Jolla. Quiet and tranquil with a small lake/pond as a background to where you sit. We had a coffee, matcha latte and shared an acai bowl. The coffee and matcha were good but not outstanding. The acai bowl was also decent. If you're in the neighborhood and want a nice quiet serene place to sit and relax and have a bite to eat or drink, would recommend it.

    Iced caramel Dulce latte

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jaclyn T.
    191
    49
    2

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Stephen W.
    70
    155
    56

    3 months ago

    Hardly a "cafe". They don't offer alternative milks. You are limited in what you can customize. It's more or less a bar than anything else.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Leticia B.

    Leticia B.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Service was friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is amazing and convenient to where I live.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aly T.
    4
    36
    31

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Great coffee taste and sweet staff. Clean location and Not ever too busy. Right under my office

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Good food good bakery items and the drink was well made. Really good ambiance too. Quick service

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    They were so quick and the coffee was so delicious will be back for sure. I got a chai

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Salman S.
    21
    267
    950

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Great coffee!! The location and the people I get to go with make this an absolute can't miss!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    This is a hidden gem. A wonderful place to chill and enjoy a coffee by a gorgeous water feature.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    The Enlightened smoothie is actually delicious. Great working environment too, very enjoyable

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zana K.
    188
    287
    1104

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Beautiful scenery, very friendly staff. Lots of seating space. Would definitely come back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mammee C.
    356
    48
    62

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Great ambiance. Great service. Great coffee. Can't ask for much more. Parking is a bit funny at first. Just a heads up

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Super cool ambiance and vibe. Lots of food options as well. Would definitely visit again!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yousef G.
    23
    42
    33

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve

    I know this is in a business park / office complex. Is there free parking for folks wanting to visit the cafe?

    Good Morning Johnny, Cargo Cafe La Jolla Reserve has gated parking operated by Ace Parking. It is free for the first 15 minutes. For our customers that our offsite and just… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve

    special shoutout to Luis, the manager, he always has a great attitude & creats a beautiful atmosphere!

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Parfait Paris - Interior

    Parfait Paris

    4.6(154 reviews)
    0.6 miUniversity City

    Small bakery located at UTC MALL. Servers are really friendly and made great recommendations. I got…read morea few pastries to share and we all loved them. My favorite was the yuzu meringue pastry which was nice and tart. For savory, loved the chicken Chipotle crepe. Great spot for a quick lunch in between all your shopping.

    TLDR - All style, some substance. Everything from the exterior to the foods exudes a beautiful…read moreaesthetic but the quality aside from looks does not justify the price when there are comparable and more price appropriate dessert/sweets/cafes within a 2 minute walk Parfait Paris is an adorable patisserie/cafe at the utc Westfield. The staff is friendly, anything you buy looks gorgeous and the inside is immaculate. Ambience 9/10 Lunar New Year Croissant Described as a croissant filled with sesame and almond paste, this is a good but not great croissant. It has the layers, it has the chew, but it's no better than a croissant you would get at a number of other bakeries in the area. But those other bakeries are charging $4-7 instead of $10! The almond and sesame flavors were both very subtle and make me believe there is just a very minimal amount used in the recipe. Would not recommend even as a chewy over crispy croissant guy. 5/10 Creme brûlée latte Pretty much what I wanted without description. Creamy, noticeable but not overpowering vanilla flavor, and a lovely burnt topping for bitter balance. The coffee still comes through meaning this is a well crafted latte, not a dessert. This one actually comes at a pretty decent price too. 8/10 Yuzu & lime tart Their take on meringue pie is composed of a graham crust, yuzu mousse, and a meringue topper with a circle of lemon curd gel. To my taste, there is too much sweet on this plate, needing some balance of tart. But the textures of each component were on point: fluffy meringue, thick lemon gel, dense crust, and substantial yet airy mousse. Torching the meringue at home added a bitter element which I think made the sweetness more palatable. Would have liked the citrus to be more present. 5/10. All in all I would choose other sweets shops at most shopping centers than return here but for drinks this is a pretty good option.

    Photos
    Parfait Paris
    Parfait Paris
    Parfait Paris - Iced Berry Matcha is soooo gorgeous! And yummy!

    See all

    Iced Berry Matcha is soooo gorgeous! And yummy!

    BenGong's Tea

    BenGong's Tea

    3.8(318 reviews)
    0.4 miUniversity City
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    10 years in business

    I've been missing milk tea so much while on a work trip, so when I realized there was a Ben Gong…read moreTea near UTC, I had to stop by! There's actually one closer to where I live, but they don't have either of the flavors I tried here, so I was especially excited to order the jasmine snow pear latte and Matcha Coconut, with different toppings. Pear tea is on sweeter side so if you don't like sweet stuff so 50% was perfectly sweet for me. Matcha coconut 50% was not sweet at all so if you like drinks on sweeter side, maybe full sugar might be better. And I loved both drinks! This was my first time at the UTC location. It's inside the big UTC mall, which reminded me a little of South Coast Plaza. Just a heads-up: there was quite a bit of traffic getting in and out of the parking area. The cafe itself is more of a quick in-and-out type of spot, with no seating inside. But the staff were really nice, and the drinks more than made up for it. Both were so good that I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in the area. I'm honestly just wishing the Ben Gong Tea near me carried these two flavors too!

    Pros: The place is really pretty. I loved the wishing tree where you can write a little wish on a…read morebookmark and hang it up. The dragon, phoenix, and alligator designs are beautiful and give the place a very enchanting vibe. The guy who took my order was also super friendly. Cons: The service on the second half was abhorrent. I ordered their golden sesame slush and waited about 20 minutes. When I finally went up to ask about it, the young girl working there looked at me like I had personally ruined her day. I showed her my ticket and indicated that I was waiting for my drink. Without confirming anything, she slid a pink drink that was already on the counter toward me. I was confused, but took it outside anyway. Checked the label. Wrong drink. So I went back inside, only to see that my actual drink was just then being made. I saw that people who ordered after me had already gotten theirs. My flabbers were officially gasted. The drink itself was pretty good, although it melted rather rapidly in the August heat. The customer service at the end was.. like stale bread. Hopefully, it was just one off experience, because the place itself is really cute. I may try another location someday.. if I can find the courage.

    Photos
    BenGong's Tea
    BenGong's Tea
    BenGong's Tea

    See all

    Cargo Cafe - La Jolla Reserve - coffee - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...