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    Drift Cafe

    4.7 (276 reviews)
    Open 6:30 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Business Info

    DRIFT CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Drift Cafe

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    Anita M.

    Great location right in PB next to Duck Dive. Good variety of standard brunch options and coffee drinks. I ordered the breakfast burrito with bacon. It came out in decent time, had good flavor and was a big portion size. I might come again to order this item though felt the bacon was lacking. Price was $16 since I added bacon. I liked the flavor of the peppers in it. It's a cute spot & more casual. Parking will be challenging as it's in PB. Service was decent too - pretty standard for a casual spot. You'll order at the counter and seat yourself. I do feel the girl at the counter could have been friendlier. Mostly indoor seating, there's a couple tables on the sidewalk though. It's maybe not as cute as other cafes like Palmy's, but still ok!

    Michael B.

    This probably ranks in the bottom third of coffee shops I've been too. The shop itself is cute. It has a handful of tables that can fit maybe 20 people inside. There's a small counter where you can order. Great floral design on the wall. But that's where the nice things I have to say ends. We were just walking by and saw it and decided to give it a shot. We were met by the barista who mumbled what you want and when we asked for a moment, just blankly stared at us. We ordered the Cherry Almond Latte which on first taste wasn't bad. But started to taste less like fruit and nuts and more like cough syrup. While the colors are beautiful, there was a lot of dishes left on the tables along the right wall. Perhaps those people just got up and finished and they had time to bus it. The bathroom was also pretty bad as well and desperately needed to be serviced. All in all. Probably wouldn't come back. It is locally owned so that is a plus.

    Mexican mocha!
    John W.

    Mexican mocha! Courteous staff, quick service, clean space! If you're looking for a cool space to chill close to the beach or to get some remote work done, this is your place in Pacific Beach!

    Mushroom and Spinach Scramble
    Kayley C.

    This is a great casual breakfast/brunch cafe. The place has plenty of seating and is less busy than other spots in PB. The service is quick, but the food wasn't anything special. They have tons of vegan/veg options which is great.

    Tomato Toasty
    Raquel D.

    Tomato Toasty with bacon. OH MY GOD. So delicious, cashew cheese is on point, AND they cut it into the shape of a heart.

    Lox & jalapeño bagel, mocha latte, breakfast bowl
    Jennifer T.

    First time coming here and won't be the last. Java Earth is my jam but this is really good stuff. Look at the coffee art ! The food was amazing.

    Blackberry matcha and Hawaiian latte
    Nancy G.

    Small, cute café that's great for a quick bite. I tried a few items and overall had a good experience. The breakfast bowl was fresh and refreshing, and the French toast was made perfectly. The avocado toast was a bit mediocre, but the tomato toast was actually really good. I also had the matcha blackberry drink (seasonal, I think), and it was so good--definitely a standout. I didn't try my friend's Hawaiian latte, but she really enjoyed it. Nice spot for a casual breakfast or coffee stop.

    Vegan Burrito
    Sandra T.

    Delicious vegan burrito! It is probably one of the best I've ever had. The portion was good size to share.

    Daron C.

    there are many coffee shops in Pacific Beach and what they serve for food varies I go to different ones for different things but if you're looking for the best a size You can't beat it I always have peanut butter... it's really big too...Acai Bowl

    Marcus C.

    enjoyed honey lavender latte! cute little spot very convenient to where we were staying!

    Cold brew with cream & cold foam

    Coffee quality is incredible. I got a cold brew and the beans were very quality, and easily one of my favorite coffees i've ever tasted. Highly recommend.

    Kaloni S.

    It's a super cute coffee shop! Parking on the street or residential area. The decor inside is super cute and there's plenty of seating. My picture didn't save of the inside :( but it's definitely a cute cozy vibe. Service was quick and efficient. Food and drink review: Chocolate croissant: (4/5) It wasn't as soft as I hoped for, but simple and hit the spot. Iced matcha chai: (5/5) Deep matcha flavor but well balanced with the chai! Iced chai latte: (5/5) Sooo delicious! Perfect blend of flavors and not too strong. Roo bru? (Not sure the name. It's not coffee but some sort of coffee alternative). (2/5) it's definitely an earthy/dirt-like flavor even with some sweetener. We wanted to try it, but def wouldn't order again!

    Bacon cheddar quiche
    Emily K.

    This was a solid breakfast spot in Pacific Beach! I went around 9 on a Friday and it wasn't super packed, could be a good place to work remote as it's pretty lowkey and quiet! Good ambiance. I ordered the bacon cheddar quiche which was good. It has a puff pastry crust which I thought was kind of an interesting change from a typical quiche crust! It came with a side of arugula and strawberries which was a little funky - could have maybe used some dressing. Service was awesome!

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    10 months ago

    Really good coffee and pastries, really nice vibe. Comfy great local spot. Dog friendly.

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    1 year ago

    Decided to try based on reviews. The breakfast burrito was great and the chai was as well

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    Drift Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Drift Cafe

    Hi! I'm planning my sister's bachelorette party and trying to find coffee shops near the Air Bnb and this one popped up. She is allergic to gluten. Do you guys have yummy…

    Hi Jillian, we have gluten free options on our menu. I could also make something special for you ladies if you wanted to pre order for the day. When are you all in town?… Read more

    View All 2 Questions

    Magic Market - Hmmmm...

    Magic Market

    4.2(43 reviews)
    0.3 miPacific Beach
    $

    I have lived in PB for about 5 years now and am sadly moving away... Without a doubt the thing that…read moreI will miss the most is MAGIC MARKET! In a time when its hard to afford a small business anywhere, they not only run a local corner market with everything, (including toilet paper)... but do it with competitive prices. Their wine & beer selection is excellent. The deli is fantastic! Personally, I think the real Magic there is the people who own and run it. They are friendly to everyone and quickly develop a report with their return customers. I can't tell you how many times I have gone over and asked for something ridiculous, and magically it appears. I will miss this place profusely and I truly wish there was a Magic Market on every corner, but I doubt it could ever be reproduced. :) P.S. Mike S. is either a liar or an a**hole because if he's shopped there as many times as he claims he'd know that they would go out of their way to be as helpful as possible in every way to anybody... with the possible exception of huge jerks. And if he is so petty, that he has enough free time to get pissed off and go out of his way to complain about $1 worth of roast beef, who cares.

    There is a short nondescript male who works in the afternoon.. he is rude, condescending and if you…read moretry to cash a small lottery ticket in (under $100) he always says he doesn't have cash.. I purchase my tickets here and by law anything under $600 must be paid to me one way or another. Third time this a~hole has done this!

    Photos
    Magic Market - When you're glad you only have a mouse problem

    When you're glad you only have a mouse problem

    Magic Market
    Magic Market

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    Big Jims Roast Beef - Tips baby!

    Big Jims Roast Beef

    4.7(380 reviews)
    0.3 miPacific Beach
    $$

    James (Big Jim) is super friendly and knows how to make a sandwich…read more Steak bomb is plentiful and full of flavor. The cheese and bell peppers our fav parts about it. It's packed with meat and we like the bread he uses Junior beef is also packed with meat, it's messy w/ bbq sauce. This was really really good. Can't wait to come back

    Big Jim's Roast Beef in Pacific Beach delivers the kind of sandwich that lingers in your mind long…read moreafter the last bite. Quite honestly, this may be one of the best roast beef sandwiches I've ever had. The bun is exceptional--flavorful, soft, and structurally perfect for the sandwich it holds. The roast beef is sliced paper-thin, cooked beautifully, and layered with an ideal balance of lean meat and richness. Every component feels deliberate. What truly sets it apart is the flavor pairing. The zesty house sauce brings a bright, tangy punch that plays perfectly against the mellow bite of the horseradish. Nothing overpowers; everything complements. It is a sandwich built with restraint and confidence. Beyond the food, Big Jim's has the kind of charm that makes you want to stay awhile. The service is friendly, the experience is quick and easy, and parking nearby makes stopping in refreshingly convenient. In fact, I had to go back two days later because I couldn't stop thinking about it. Big Jim's earns 5 stars without hesitation. There is real passion behind this product, and it shows in every detail. From the first bite to the last, the bun-to-meat ratio is spot on--satisfying, easy to eat, and expertly composed. This is roast beef done right.

    Photos
    Big Jims Roast Beef - Counter

    Counter

    Big Jims Roast Beef - Super beef

    Super beef

    Big Jims Roast Beef - The big beef very good got it without the barbecue sauce I recommend getting barbecue sauce on the side

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    The big beef very good got it without the barbecue sauce I recommend getting barbecue sauce on the side

    PB Market and Deli - Breakfast burrito with chicken

    PB Market and Deli

    4.5(96 reviews)
    0.3 miPacific Beach
    $

    I had heard great things about the deli on Cass St before but I'm not a big sandwich person so I…read morewas always hesitant to try it. Tonight I came home and had no food so I thought, let's give it a try, when I looked up their menu I discovered that they do more than just sandwiches! Wraps, salads, paninis and even breakfast! Because I'm not a big sandwich person, I opted for a wrap. The Southwest Chicken wrap. You get the option of what kind of wrap so I chose the sun-dried tomato. Because I knew I wouldn't eat it all in one sitting I asked for the ranch dressing on the side when I called it it. The lady who answered said, no problem, we'll have that ready in 6 minutes! Amazing! I was starving so this was great news. When I walked in she had it ready for me and then all I had to do was pay at the register. Now for the taste, wow. At first I thought this was going to be a cold wrap with like cubed chicken. I was pleasantly surprised when I felt a warm bag. When I open the wrap it had little grill marks on it, they press it in the panini and warm it up! It made it 10x better and the chicken was warm too and sliced. Avocado, lettuce, cheese etc. yum! I can't wait to eat the other half tomorrow. Oh, and they give you a nice size pickle spear to go with it. I will definitely be back!

    One of the best stores I've been to, they have such an amazing deli in there with great choices of…read moreoptions to choose from. They also have a great variety of drinks and grocery items, such an amazing store.

    Photos
    PB Market and Deli
    PB Market and Deli - Turkey, bacon and pepperjack with added avo

    Turkey, bacon and pepperjack with added avo

    PB Market and Deli - Menu

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    Menu

    Wayfarer Bread & Pastry - My personal fave - fig and vanilla tile

    Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

    4.5(1k reviews)
    1.2 miLa Jolla
    $$

    The only reason I'm giving this a 5 star and not a 4 star is because they have an efficient order…read moreahead system through their website. Based on other comments and the AI summaries I saw on Yelp and Google, it was recommended that I order ahead which is exactly what I did and it was a fairly easy and a quick system. It looks like their weekly menu keeps changing which is a both a good thing and a bad thing because you get to try new things but may not always get to eat your favorites again. I pre-ordered on a Thursday for a pick up on Friday and they were already out of their seasonal Black Forest Bun which sounded delicious. After scrolling through the menu multiple times, I decided to get the Pistachio Strawberry croissant and the Kouign Amann. When I arrived at the store, I immediately noticed the pre-order pick up window and was so glad that I wasn't standing in what seems to be on atleast a 25-30 line which I though was crazy for a weekday morning. The staff that gave my order was so friendly and it was so quick. What's great is they hold your order for atleast 24 hours in case you're unable to pick it up. There is some seating in the patio but honestly it's not meant for sitting and enjoying the pastries because there aren't really any tables but only seating. So it's best to pick up and take it home or eat by the beach which is what I did. The place is cute with a lot of plants and good vibes though. Since they don't warm up the croissants , I was worried that it wouldn't taste good while eating it at the beach but I was absolutely wrong. The Kouign Amann was okay, I'd give it a 4/5. The Pistachio Strawberry croissant however, was so absolutely delicious I'd give it a 5/5 even though it wasn't warmed up, it had the perfect amount of sweetness. It's easily one of the best croissants I've ever had. Overall this place has absolutely delicious pastries, but I'm not sure if I'd stand in a 30 mins line, maybe 10-15 mins, so good for them to have the pre order system.

    Heard many testimonies of the wonders of Wayfarer, so this was a must-see on our San Diego…read morestaycation day trip. Turns out it was just as whimsical and quaint as the name of the bakery would make it seem, from the pet freindly atmosphere to the passion fruits hanging from the overhead trestle! As a tip, order ahead for pickup! Wayfarer opens its doors at 8 am, with online pickups avaliable as early as 9 - 9:15am. We walked right up, passed the already growing line, and enjoyed our breakfast. Truly the only way to skip waiting in line; going early won't cut it! We got three different croissants, as well as a baguette. Can't go wrong with the original, but the standout (to me) was the almond, with a crunchy top and stuffed with almond filling (think marzipan!). Perfectly balanced, and the almond, nor the sweetness, was not too overpowering. The Kouign-Amann had a crunchy, sugary shell. Almost like a creme brulee topping on a croissant. Sticky, but so delicious. Also shoutout to the baguette! One of the best I've had. Next time I'll have to bring some fruit, cheese, and honey. Wayfarer's vibes transported me to a community garden in Santa Cruz, and the tastes and techniques to Europe. Good thing it's inconvenient to get here from UC San Diego or else I'd be here much more often.

    Photos
    Wayfarer Bread & Pastry - Inside

    Inside

    Wayfarer Bread & Pastry - Almond croissant and burnt honey fig tiles

    Almond croissant and burnt honey fig tiles

    Wayfarer Bread & Pastry - Mushroom Danish

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    Mushroom Danish

    Drift Cafe - coffee - Updated June 2026

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