GEM Coffee

4.8 (105 reviews)

Coffee & Tea

Closed • 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

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GEM Coffee - a woman holding a cup of coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Iced Lavender Latte, $6.89 with whole milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Behind the bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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GEM Coffee - Food - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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GEM COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Dogs allowed

Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - GEM Coffee

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Reviews With Photos

Shannon H.

This place is a sleeper hit! The coffee is great and they have good local pastries, but they also have so many cute things to shop - records, local kids books, gifts, dog treats and more! They also have a couple of free bins with donated stuff from the community, and give out free bottled water to anyone in need.

Myphuong L.

Nested on a busy street in between Vietnamese shops, I always thought this was an Asian cafe but it's not. It's such a cute urban cafe. Parking may be difficult on the street. They have a small lot. The menu is also small. They offer food such as bánh mì that's from Paris Bakery. They sell their own coffee grounds. They also feature items from local artists and retailers like books, candles, tshirts. We ordered a lavender latte and matcha. There's only one size and let me tell you, the coffee is strong! Definitely worth your money and great quality drinks for such a limited menu.

Gene L.

Stopped here after visiting a friend in Talmadge and craved an iced coffee, and met Marlyn, the owner of this cute coffee shop for over 4 years. I got the iced turmeric chai, so good. The location is great, with a 15 minute parking spot in front! Check them out, love the fun pink decor. The service is fantastic, she is so friendly.

Wendy R.

I've been coming here for about 5 years regularly. I'm a local neighbor in Talmadge. Marlyn, the owner, runs a fabulous cafe and does lots of service for the community. Not only is the coffee delicious, but everyone who works here is super friendly and accommodating. I love supporting Gem Coffee, my local cafe.

Danny W.

Gem Coffee is an absolute paradise for coffee lovers. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The coffee at Gem Coffee is simply outstanding. They have a diverse selection of beans sourced from the best coffee-growing regions, ensuring a rich and flavorful cup every time. Whether you prefer a bold and robust espresso shot or a smooth and creamy latte, their expertly crafted beverages never disappoint. Each sip is a journey of complex flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving for more. The baristas at Gem Coffee are true artisans. Their skill and passion shine through in every cup they create. From meticulously pouring latte art that resembles intricate masterpieces to expertly extracting espresso shots with precision, their dedication to their craft is evident. Watching them work is a visual delight and adds an extra layer of appreciation to the coffee-drinking experience. One of the things that sets Gem Coffee apart is their commitment to customization. They understand that every coffee lover has unique preferences, and they go above and beyond to accommodate them. Whether it's adjusting the strength of your brew, offering a variety of alternative milk options, or adding flavors and syrups to create your perfect concoction, they ensure that your coffee is tailored to your exact liking. The atmosphere at Gem Coffee is cozy and inviting, providing the ideal setting to savor your favorite coffee. The comfortable seating, warm lighting, and soothing background music create a relaxing ambiance that makes you want to linger a little longer. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends, curl up with a book, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility with your cup of joe. In summary, Gem Coffee is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. With their exceptional coffee, skilled baristas, customizability, and welcoming atmosphere, they have created a haven for those who appreciate the art and science of a perfect brew. Whether you're seeking a morning pick-me-up, a midday treat, or an evening indulgence, Gem Coffee is the place to satisfy your coffee cravings. Last, bring your dogs for a puppaccino. My dog goes crazy for them and the staff is amazing.

Kim P.

Wonderful neighborhood coffee shop! GEM coffee offers a remarkable coffee experience with exceptional quality and a welcoming ambiance. Give GEM coffee a try for a memorable coffee adventure.

Sign that reads "Try our Rosemary Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice" with a hot Americano drink and an iced Rosemary Cinnamon drink.

Christina G.

My favorite things to order at Gem's are Lavender Latte and Rosemary Cinnamon. The staff here are so attentive, caring and knowledgeable. I also appreciate the outside and inside seating options to accommodate whatever coffee vibe you are seeking. Thank you Gem Team! Keep doing what you are doing.

This is my everyday local coffee spot! Marlyn the owner is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable of her product. Cortado is my go to drink. Gem offers oat and almond milk options. One of my favorite sweet treats is the mocha latte! The cocoa powder is ground fresh per order from larger cocoa pieces. The mocha was topped with cinnamon and more cocoa nibs! Excellent coffee!

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Jace I.

131

2 years ago

This place is a hidden Gem! Great vibe, very friendly and accommodating service, and amazing coffee! There's also a cute boutique inside. Highly recommend. Also a nice outdoor patio and nice place to socialize. read more

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Sophie B.

2 years ago

I stopped by yesterday for a meeting and we sat on the nice patio (umbrellas are provided) and enjoyed a really good cappuccino, in a real cup (not paper!) It was lovely, and Marlyn was very welcoming and friendly. We even had a nice conversation with the gentleman ahead of me in line. It's the type of place where you can get human interaction and it felt really good. I recommend this place without any hesitation! read more

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Bonnie K.

Elite 21

822

151

3 years ago

Excellent coffee. I got the iced Vanilla Latte and it wasn't overly sweet. They had quality ice also. The owner was super helpful and suggested some awesome local restaurants to try out as well! :)) read more

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Ghazal E.

2 years ago

I love this coffee shop. The owner and employees are very friendly and welcoming, but their homemade syrups are the most wonderful yummy secret to their drinks. It's not too sweet, just the right amount and the coffee is delicious. Their honey latte and lavender lattes are the best. read more

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Farzad M.

319

2 years ago

Great tasting coffee, amazing customer service, been going to this coffee shop for 4 years and love it! Owner is an amazing person to chat with , very nice and comfortable place to relax and work read more

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Lilah O.

4 years ago

Delicious af coffee, wonderful service! I was so sad that the coffee only came in 1 size; it was that yummy! read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender latte with almond milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Sara C.

286

209

297

4 years ago

Hidden Gem! Sophia was really nice and knowledgeable with the coffee. Cute little spot, I enjoy the greenery. What makes this place unique aside from the excellent service is the great in-house syrups. I tried the Lavender Latte one of their biggest sellers! Don't sleep in this little cute place! read more

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Chrissy F.

Elite 19

250

242

4 years ago

First timer. Cute spot! Customer service was 10/10 I had the matcha and it was delicious ! I very much enjoyed it for having only had matcha a few times at another location. Definitely would like to come back again for it read more

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Diana P.

3 years ago

This place truly lives up to its name. Gem is a fantastic gift to the City Heights neighborhood. The owner, Maryln, is so kind and thoughtful. She is involved in community organizing and she often collaborates with local businesses. Everything is made with love and care. I have no idea why you would choose a Starbucks or any other place when we have this Gem right here in our neighborhood! read more

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Jon W.

120

3 years ago

Extremely rude, aggressive and unfriendly staff. You're better off taking your business to Cuppa Cuppa Coffee just a short drive north.

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Carlos M.

111

5 years ago

I consider myself a coffee snob, and out of the last 20 coffee shops I have been to this is the best latte I have had in a loooong time. I recommend the honey latte with oat milk. read more

GEM Coffee - Honey Latte w/ oat milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Lizz J.

148

3 years ago

Delicious coffee, friendly service. I absolutely love the Lavender Latte with oat milk. I have been obsessing over it. Go get one! It's the perfect amount of sweetness and flavor. read more

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Cindy W.

Elite 24

312

282

479

5 years ago

It's all in the name. This is such a gem of a place. We visited early Sunday morning, and even though we were super groggy, (owner) Marlene and (barista) Brianna immediately gave us is such a good vibe. They are definitely up and coming, and have such heart and interest in enriching the City Heights community. Highly recommend stopping by to support and chat. Also Brianna makes a fabulous vanilla latte. Cheers! read more

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David Z.

2 years ago

Nice people The chai latte was fantastic it had an amazing taste, and the customer service was amazing. I felt like I was being served in a timely and well manner. read more

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J H.

2 years ago

Coffee is good nothing special, portion is on the smaller size, I'm guessing 10oz and with the ice maybe like 5oz of product.

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Karen P.

4 years ago

Lavender almond milk latte was great! I normally do not like warm drinks but this is the 1 exception to that. The lavender taste is not overwhelming at all. Some places make lavender drinks that taste like perfume, this was not the case here. There are a few inside tables and some outside tables/chairs as well. Everyone was really nice. It seemed that most people are return customers. Street parking was pretty easy. We parked going towards the houses, away from El Cajon Blvd. read more

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Stacy C.

Elite 25

241

6 years ago

I was bummed when one of my favorite coffee shopped shut down due to the pandemic, surprisingly I stumble upon GEM while YELPING! To my surprised, this adorable, chic yet homie place not only have an amazing welcoming barista, Manny, the coffees were of qualities! I have tried the lavender and vanilla! Impeccable and delightful! Most importantly, they make their syrups in house and with one sip my friend and I were able to tell this was a place we will be going quite often! Wish they have more parking lots but, for coffee lovers, this place is totally worth it. In addition they help local farm sell beautiful bouquet of flowers which you can either pay via Venmo or cash to the venue. Overall, my friends and I will be returning to this establishment! So happy it's much closer than La Jolla read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender and vanilla - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Ashley P.

3 years ago

Such a cute place with great coffee. Owner is super nice too! Will definitely come back!

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shu n.

2 years ago

Really love the coffee and you could just test how good it is, really love the service, really nice people, really easy to talk to, and it really not that much which it really nice. read more

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Kalie R.

624

6 years ago

My boyfriend and I stopped into town for the weekend and found this gem!! We ordered the pour over and the lavender latte and absolutely loved it ! The place is also super cute and trendy.. you can also pick up some fresh flowers and items while you are there! Highly recommend read more

GEM Coffee - Pour over & lavender iced latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Hoa N.

109

372

6 years ago

Love Love Love their lavender latte coffee, vanilla latte coffee and honey latte!!!!! Delicious, full of flavor and coffee is supurb! They make all their syrups in house. If you love coffee must try here. They are new but really know how to make coffee! Customer service is A+. Manny was so friendly and welcoming!!!! Thanks for opening your beautiful business read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender and vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Fresh flowers - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Manny best customer service and makes suburb coffee! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Cally I.

4 years ago

Obsessed! Best chai ever!! So glad they have oat milk since I'm vegan. YAYAY!! :)

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Chip B.

4 years ago

Coffee was great. The way they recycled old oat and almond milk cartons as coffee carriers was clever!

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Bailey J.

6 years ago

Lavender latte is so good! Brother got the honey latte and loved it! Such a cute shop! The owner is great! read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Lucy C.

4 years ago

Great little coffee shop. It truly is a Gem. If you live in Talmadge, it's an easy walk. Briana and Sophia were friendly, positive, bright and energetic! Great service. Love this place! read more

GEM Coffee - Gem Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Lisa B.

5 years ago

Just realized a short time ago that this cute and clean coffee shop was a block away! I tried their pour over coffee which was very smooth and very strong and did the trick to pep me up for the day. I also had their homemade cheesecake yummmmmm the baristas are very nice too! read more

GEM Coffee - Pour over coffee yumm - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Gavin K.

6 years ago

Beautiful shop, fast friendly service, and most importantly, delicious coffee. I had an Americano that had a full, robust taste while still being super smooth. Fresh flowers and some handcrafted clothing available for sale inside the store. I'll be back for more. read more

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Aubrey A.

427

6 years ago

Wow! What a treat! Got the honey latte and HOT DIGGITY so smooth and delicious and not too sweet-which is hard to find with flavored lattes. We moved to Talmadge from Northpark and have been missing all the sweet coffee shops in walking distance but today we stumbled upon this GEM! We will have to make it a regular field trip. Looked like they had parking spots and were dog friendly :) read more

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Mai V.

4 years ago

I got an iced matcha latte and the barista offered to add some lavender syrup & it was sooo yummy!!! They also have amazingly healthy plants. Would definitely come back :) read more

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Zeinabu D.

6 years ago

Excellent iced chai latte and lavender latte! Very clean and friendly service. Support your local businesses! read more

GEM Coffee - Delicious lavender latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Joseph C.

6 years ago

Just stopped by this morning for an iced lavender latte with oat milk. It's already finished!!! Very very friendly ladies. The owner, her name was Marlene if I remember correctly, was so sweet and even asked for my name. This is a new business for her and I hope it does well since the coffee is great and so is the space/team. They gave me their recommendations so I'll definitely be back to try the other latte flavors! I felt that they handled safety protocols appropriately (distancing, minimal contact/touching things, etc.). read more

GEM Coffee - Enjoying what's left of my iced lavender latte from the safety of my home. (: - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Akeela B.

6 years ago

Best local coffee shop in town! Super cute vibe ! Hand pressed espresso shots, loose leaf chai tea . It's perfection in a cup read more

GEM Coffee - Best dirty chai ever - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Parking & Perfection - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Charlene D.

288

6 years ago

Been wanting to check out GEM for a while and finally got a chance to. Cute place with plants and good coffee. Love that they get fresh flowers from Pixca Farm, another local business. Got myself an iced lavender oat latte and it was delicious. The lavender had the perfect floral sweetness without being overpowering and the espresso was dialed in just right. Always tip your baristas and support your local small businesses, they're doing the lord's work! read more

GEM Coffee - Iced and hot lavender lattes. Beautiful latte art by the amazing Manny! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jeff Y.

3 years ago

Visiting from out of town, owner was very nice and hospitable, decor was cute and the large tables were a plus, along with the plentiful power outlets for a traveling band trying to charge up for the day. The coffee was delicious! Hope to come back soon. read more

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America V.

5 years ago

Cute small shop! The barista was the sweetest. They use coava roasters which is the best, and they measure out all their espresso shots I got a small vanilla oat latte and it was delish. read more

GEM Coffee - Iced oat quad shot latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jason B.

4 years ago

I love this place just wish I had more time to socialize there.:) A great place to meet nice people and the barista s are awesome happy friendly helpful and above all, will remember you :). Keep up a good happy place in this neighborhood:) Jason read more

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Breanne P.

210

6 years ago

Love me a good Iced Lavender Latte really great coffee... smooth, rich, powerful coffee flavor. The real deal. The lavender wasn't over bearing but a nice flowery herbal touch. nice decor, modern, lots of plants inside :) clean, quick, nice service. Just wish the drink was bigger bc although I savored it, I drank it too fast lol. Great job GEM! I'll be a repeat customer for sure! :) a true Gem of a coffee shop in City Heights. read more

GEM Coffee - Cool circular building...can't miss it :) ! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

GEM Coffee - Bench outside/ outside sitting area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quentin B.

4 years ago

I am so impressed by Gem! The staff is so kind and friendly. Not only that but they are true coffee baristas! I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the skill, detail and precision with the preparation of my drip coffee. They also taught me a bit about how I can do it all home too! 100% recommend to any coffee snobs ;) read more

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Joe N.

4 years ago

I went to this place again on Sunday with a dear friend who had recommended. The owner was there and made me feel as if I knew her from the past. She was very welcoming. You have to try the pour over coffee!!! Super smooth. read more

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William R.

6 years ago

I have a beautiful day with this coffee shop. The waiter served the best and tasty coffee that I was looking for my entire life. I stayed a couple of hours in their shop, and I noticed that the place was clean and beautiful. Overall, it was a very good place to visit when I needed coffee. Thank you! read more

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Page 2 of 3

4412 Euclid Ave
San Diego, CA 92115
City Heights
Directions
Visit Website
http://www.gemcoffeesd.com

Hours

What time does GEM Coffee open?

GEM Coffee opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.GEM Coffee opens at 8:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does GEM Coffee close?

GEM Coffee closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sat 7:00 AM - 2:00 PMSun 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Payment methods

Does GEM Coffee take credit cards?

Yes, GEM Coffee takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does GEM Coffee have catering options?

Yes, GEM Coffee does have catering options.

Does GEM Coffee have a drive thru?

No, GEM Coffee does not have a drive thru.

Indoor Amenities

Does GEM Coffee allow dogs?

Yes, GEM Coffee allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does GEM Coffee have bike parking?

Yes, GEM Coffee has bike parking.

Does GEM Coffee have outdoor seating?

Yes, GEM Coffee has outdoor seating options.

Does GEM Coffee have parking?

Yes, GEM Coffee has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is GEM Coffee wheelchair accessible?

Yes, GEM Coffee is wheelchair accessible.

Does GEM Coffee have free WiFi?

Yes, GEM Coffee has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

GEM Coffee is NOW open! We are a specialty coffee shop in the Talmadge community. We are committed to delivering quality coffee and focus on quality products. We are dedicated to the San Diego community in providing an exclusive coffee experience.

History

Established in 2019.

Gem Coffee started as a small coffee cart we would serve coffee at different community events around San Diego. You could find us from anywhere from farmers markets to swapmeets fueling the community. We opened our brick and mortar in the Spring of 2020. Although we offer a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, we also provide an unforgettable coffee experience. So whether you're stopping for your morning coffee, lunch, or an afternoon snack, we've got you covered!

More Info

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GEM Coffee Reviews in Other Languages

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Cafeina Cafe

If you're looking for a Latin American-themed cafe, this is the place for you. An impressive mural…read morefeaturing 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!

Vibes are nice here! Beautiful indoor and outdoor patio area. Street parking - was able to find a…read morespot - 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.

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Behind the counter

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De Corazon

4.9

(52 reviews)

1.2 mi

I finally got to try this place and was not disappointed! The outdoor setting is airy and…read morewelcoming. The eclectic art and decor pays homage to Mexican-American culture and provides a warm, colorful atmosphere. Pros: tasty coffee, fair pricing, friendly customer service, welcoming atmosphere Cons: limited parking, limited sizing options All in all I was very happy with my experience at De Corazon (even went back the next day!) and pleasantly surprised to see that they partner with Burritos De Tu Madre -- which offer tasty pre-made mini burritos to accompany your cafecito. Support local. Support family. Support De Corazon.

Found this cafe while browsing nearby coffee shops on Yelp. While we found a spot rather quickly,…read moreparking can be a challenge depending on the time of day. This space sort of feels like a open garage or like extension of a house. Not a bad thing, I kind of like it, open space. Lots of interesting art and they had a cool mini vending machine with snacks. We got the Banana Mocha latte and an iced Chai. The employees were very kind and even brought out our drinks to where we were sitting. The drinks tasted awesome and I definitely want to return to try out more drinks.

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Breakfast Burrito and Cortado

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Chelado

University Coffee

Found this cafe a few months back just driving down University. They have a simple menu with…read moredelicious coffee. We have had Angel's landing, Chai latte and the Mexican mocha. All drinks have been wonderful. The cafe is a medium size with lots of sitting area, restroom, a mini community library. A good place to work. The service is always delightful.

Welcome to the neighborhood! University Coffee is a new local coffee shop with plenty of street…read moreparking and a great corner location. The coffee quality is solid, and they offer pastries and some food items as well. I love that they have a community board and different seating areas to choose from. The workers are super friendly, which always makes the experience even better. A cute, easy neighborhood spot to grab a drink and hang out.

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Pumpkin chai latte - double shot

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Seating

Torque Coffee

4.8

(158 reviews)

1.5 mi

The interior has depth, low-top and hightop tables, and is colorfully eclectic…read more Staff were helpful and friendly with my order FOOD Creative, flavorful options with Empanada: filled with savory beef and peppers Flaky pastry: Cheese and Berry filling Waffles: love the addition of berries I definitely need to drop by again. The drinks look super unique!

Came here again on a Sunday for a meet up. Line wasn't long at all, I get nervous ordering as many…read moreothers do. So, I forgot to mention the size I wanted, which is 10 oz. The lady working automatically put in 16 oz since I didn't specify. I would have liked if she asked me. And I also thought that they let you choose between 2 diff beans in the latte, but then again she didn't ask so maybe that was just a one time thing (the time I went with my brother, there was flavor profile breakdown and all that). Anyways, I got the $8.89, Iced Vanilla Lavender Latte with dairy milk. They don't accept cash unless they can around the number up (I guess maybe if you order non dairy milk it will come out as an even number? Idk). I think the price is not worth the quality that you receive. It was mainly milk and couldn't even taste the espresso. A very very faint lavender taste. I think they need to rework their vanilla lavender syrup, maybe look into some culinary grade lavender as that is super fragrant. Whatever they use or the ratios doesn't come through at all. Another thing I wouldn't recommend ordering is the matcha. My friend ordered his with a little bit of sweetener and he said he couldn't taste the matcha at all, and it just tasted like milk. It was disappointing. However, my other friends, rave about Torque Coffee saying it's one of their favorites. If you tend to order espresso, pour overs, cold brews, & sparkling espresso drinks -- Torque Coffee is a spot to come to. In addition, I think the owners are really nice and they do think of their customers. I saw that they added more seating and benches outside their space. And I believe the owner brought out extra chairs and a table for us to sit as more people started to arrive. They even had a little bowl of water for dogs. The interior had some things moved around and it felt more spacious! I think if you DON'T order lattes and matcha, this spot is the place to go for you.

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Ordering station

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Yohed Coffee

Cute local Ethiopian coffee shop; we got an iced coffee (5/5 on flavor, good size 14 or 16oz) a…read morecappuccino (not recommended; 3/5 super milky no foam) and a chornake puff bread pastry which was a delicious treat to share. The person behind the counter was really friendly and the walls had lots of cute art, there was plenty of seating inside and a soccer match on TV. Also nice is a 15 minute parking spot outside for grab and go.

If you're looking for legit "small batch" coffee, this is it! Dave is one of the most welcoming…read morebaristas around and very kind hearted. Their coffees are imported straight from Ethiopia and he roasts them in-house. Small batches at a time, you can even watch him doing his magic on some visits. If you really want to enjoy the coffee and its notes and flavors, please drink it black. Don't add sugar or milk please....its disrespectful to the coffee roaster Swing on in, have a good chat and sip away!

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Parabola Coffee Roasting Co

Great first experience here at Parabola. We got a Cajeta Mexican Mocha, a cortado, horchata cold…read morebrew, bacon egg and cheese bagel, and a slice of chocolate walnut loaf. Everything was delicious. Aesthetic and vibe are great, for a Monday morning it was quiet and perfect for working with great music playing quietly. Will definitely be back soon! P.s. they have a bidet!

A decent little coffee shop in Normal Heights. It's a small indoor space with street parking only,…read moreand fun fact -- it used to be a plant shop before becoming a café. They still keep a bit of that charm with cute little gifts, merch, and bags of their own roasted beans available to purchase. They offer matcha, and I love that they have soy milk and oat milk alternatives. Nothing wild or over‑the‑top here -- just a solid, simple coffee shop that does the basics well. The employees were very friendly, which always makes the experience better. A nice neighborhood spot if you're in the area.

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Honey Almond Latte- raw honey, almond extract + espresso. Iced or hot!

Mint cold brew

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A latte in the hand is better than two in the bush.

Lovesong Coffee

Went there first time on a Saturday Noon. Good amount of customers, and the wait wasn't long…read more Friendly staff, very clean interior, good selection of items, and outdoor tables. Hazelnut latte was great. I'd go at least an hour earlier next time.

Cute coffee shop in north park. Have a cool stadium style seating section in the back corner along…read morewith indoor and outdoor table seating and bar top seating. Loved The Bees Knees coffee I got - perfectly balanced and delicious flavors. Parking is going to be street parking which can be tough depending on when you go but it's worth a stop in no matter what. They also have a little shop section with snacks and alternative drink options.

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Bodhi Boy (lavender matcha)

Old West Latte

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Bodhi boy matcha and evergreen!

Saigon Coffee

Hands down the best vietnamese coffee in San Diego. There is no equal. The service here is always…read moretop notch. Employees are very friendly and greet everyone who comes in. The menu is very simple and straight forward. The coffee is brewed fresh daily in their multiple drip pots which explains why its so delicious. Seating inside the shop is very limited so if you get there at rush hour, you might struggle to find a spot. Overall ambiance of the shop is relaxing though. A great place to come and read a book or chat it up with friends. If you want authentic vietnamese coffee, look no further than Saigon Coffee

What a cute little shop with the absolute SWEETEST workers. It's been a few months since I first…read morestopped by and I'm finally writing a review, but I still remember the worker's sweet smile. I overheard her cheerfully explaining the menu to different curious customers who needed a little more help finding what to get. I'm very familiar with the different types of drinks you'll find in a Viet cafe and they have a pretty small menu with all the favorites. I got the Hanoi Egg Coffee! It's sweet, strong, and incredibly creamy. I absolutely love Vietnamese egg coffee and order it pretty often, and this one is just so delicious and well balanced. Saigon Coffee is for sure a stand out for delicious coffee!

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IG: happyfoodietown

BANANA CLAUS ! 7.8/10

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10:30ish am on a Sunday morning... the line does move fairly quickly.

Delah Coffee

This was my first time trying this place and the baristas were very welcoming when I first walked…read morein. I had asked if they were able to make a spanish latte x pistachio latte and even though they had never heard of it before, they were open to give it a shot. They were overall very nice even when one of the baristas handed me my drink she said I hope it's amazing! You could tell whoever made it, made an effort to make sure it was good! I wish I got her name down but hopefully next time i'll see her! It ended up being so amazing 10/10 I will definitely be back and bring my friends!! Also very well priced for how much you get!!

For the drinks, food, & decor, I would have given 4/5, but our experience was left to be desired. I…read moretried it for the first time this week and liked it so much I went a second time with my wife a couple days after. Almost all the tables were filled when we came in on a Friday afternoon. We saw who we assume is the owner go up and talk to every table and appeared to actively avoided our's. It's hard to not take it personal since we were the only openly queer family at the cafe. Hot pistachio latte: 4/5. I appreciated that the pistachio did not taste burnt. It tasted well roasted, but wish it was a smidge sweeter. Iced pistachio latte: 5/5. Once mixed, this latte was delicious. The pistachio flavor was so strong and was very tasty. Double pistachio baklava: 5/5. Delicious and liked the pistachios being so finely chopped. Strawberry honey cake: 3/5. The sweetness level and texture was perfect, but it tasted like artificial strawberry. It's a solid place, but the management really turned us off.

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Scrimshaw Coffee

Had a group meeting in the area, I saw a coffee shop across and figured trying to get some work…read moredone. Here was my experience AMBIANCE Parking: Street parking and neighborhood parking. It can get pretty busy so come early to prep. Seating: Chill plenty of seating both inside and outside. Good for small groups with room for about 30 people. Vibes: Welcome to Normal Heights nothing too flashy, just plenty of local eateries and businesses. The spot itself is relatively clean, modern, pretentious. I dig the 90s house music in the background. This seems to be a trusted neighborly coffee shop with students are working, friends are catching up, and regulars seem to know the staff by name. It helps there's a pizza shop next door as well. FOOD / DRINKS Cherie Amour (Recommend) Delish. A latte with housemade cherry and almond syrup, and if you get it iced, it comes topped with a little cold foam. I dig the sweetness and the fruitiness of the cherry, it balanced out the bitterness of the coffee which was pretty cool. CUSTOMER SERVICE Friendly and welcoming. Sara helped contribute to the neighborhood feel of the place and made the experience easy and enjoyable. TL;DR OVERALL 4.5 Stars. Good coffee, reasonable prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. I know there are plenty of coffeeshops in SD but this is a cool neighborly one. It doesnt seem like a trendy place but a place more in community and steady service. Till next time, Scrimshaw! TIPS * Try the seasonal drinks--they get creative.

It's been over 8 years since I've last came to Scrimshaw Coffee & Wow! It seems like they extended…read morethe menu as well-- as they have lots more food options & from what it looks like natural wine and beer too...which is interesting for a coffee shop. They are connected with the business (Love Letters Pizza) next door with an arched wall. The interior has changed, they now have new seating and they painted the walls different color. The tables are a little wonky, but I appreciate the fake marble top they got on it. It looks classy from a far with the interior lighting. I sadly missed their May Special, Blueberry Malt Latte! I love anything malt, so sad it is already gone (it's June now lol). They dropped their summer specials on their Instagram and the first one looked incredible. This was their version of an Aussie classic, they call it "Mont Blanc." It consisted of cold brew with orange syrup, topped with a vanilla-orange cold foam, finished with grated orange zest and nutmeg. I would never order this again, personally. I usually love vanilla orange in my coffee/espresso drinks, however this one really missed the mark for me. The orange tasted too forward and slightly bitter. Even the first sip from the lid, I knew I wouldn't be able to drink this down (I don't like wasting drinks or money). I offered it to my mom, who usually enjoys this sort of flavor profile as well, and it was a huge miss. She couldn't drink it either (nor could my brother who also ordered the same one as me). Within 10 min of driving with it, it had separated and looked very unappealing. Next time, I would maybe request their tangerine cold foam on a regular iced latte. I finally love citrus with my drinks-- maybe this one would be more up my alley. Or wait another month for different specials. Since it's been a while, I would love to come in the day time-- we came around 5:33 pm ! They close at 6pm which is pretty cool since most coffee shops close at 2-3 pm. The workers were very kind and welcoming despite us coming near closing time & the music was very nice. They have a handful of interior seating and outside seating as well! Despite the one drink being terrible, I wouldn't write them off for that -- they have a large menu and lots more for us to try! Come swing by!

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Latte by the Window

Hot Chocolate by the Window

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Latte with a View

Malibu Farm

4.5

(2.2k reviews)

5.6 mi

Leo was a phenomenal server. We are in town from Cincinnati and he made us feel at home in San…read moreDiego. Thanks for the great service, Leo!

Vanessa was our server and she was the best! She made great recommendations for brunch on Sunday…read more Great vibes, food was amazing, staff was so friendly! Matcha tiramisu was 10/10!

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SPACIOUS and CLEAN !

Lobster sliders

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Strawberry Matcha Latte

Born & Raised

we came here for my friends 30th birthday and hour server honestly made our experience! the vibes…read moreand atmosphere are 10/10 but Marie went above and beyond to make my friend feel special and we couldn't stop laughing and enjoying her company! The service was 1000/10 and we can't wait to come back

Food was out standing, had a beef Wellington and the portion was more than enough. The service was…read moreover the top. We had a really good waitress, Maria was her name. She was very kind and respectful...she needs a raise for sure. The ambiance was very picture perfect I would come here again

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View from our table

Dirty hash browns with trout roe, chives and crème fraiche

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BURGUNDY SNAILS BONE MARROW & TOAST

Izola

Family-owned & operated

LGBTQ friendly

Food was fantastic, the Gruyère sourdough was . Angels service was great, he was kind and attentiveread more

Wow! A truly amazing bakery. The croissant is buttery and flakey. Easily one of the best croissants…read moreI've ever had. The quality of the pastries and welcoming atmosphere make this place worth visiting over and over, if only I live in San Diego Thank you, Bess, for your kind help. You're awesome!

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Iced Coconut Cream Latte: espresso with condensed coconut milk and topped with the most luxurious version of coconut cold foam. Luxurious!

IZOLA Carnitas Croissant: A tribute to the flavors of Mexico and a warm thank-you to the flavors that inspire us from across the border.

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IZOLA croissant. Crispy exterior, pillowy inside. 3 day process. Hand-made with organic flour, grass-fed milk, butter from Normandy.

Hinar Dessert Bar & Cafe

I have been here many, many times. Metered parking along the street. Staff are friendly and try to…read moremove through the line quickly. This is such a cute shop with inside and outside seating. There is a small amount of seating near the windows but more outside around the back. Went on the holiday weekend and it took about 40 minutes to get through the line (started outside on sidewalk) to get my drink and cake slice. My favorite thing here is the lotus biscoff cheesecake $12. Their biscoff matcha is just okay. Note, they charge $7 for their matcha and then charge additional for biscoff, milk preference and foam. The orange blossom latte is good but very sweet. Their drinks run on the sweet side. Be sure to ask for half sweet if needed. I saw so many people ask for their drinks to be remade because it was too sweet and it really impacted the workers. I have tried some other desserts but just wasn't a fan. Will stick to the biscoff cheesecake.

I had an incredibly rough day and was looking forward to treating myself to my favorite dessert…read morefrom Hinar--the Biscoff cheesecake. Before driving over, I even called the store to make sure they had it. To my surprise, someone actually answered, confirmed they had one slice left, and even offered to hold it for me. My mood instantly changed. After the day I'd had, I was genuinely excited and headed there immediately. I arrived less than 10 minutes later, only to be told they didn't have it after all. To make matters worse, they claimed they don't even hold desserts for customers. It wasn't just disappointing--it was incredibly frustrating. If they couldn't hold it, I would have understood. But giving me false hope and having me rush over for nothing completely ruined the experience. What was supposed to be a small bright spot in my day turned into an even bigger disappointment. Unfortunately, this experience has left such a bad impression that I won't be returning. There are plenty of other bakeries in the area, and I'll be looking forward to trying those instead.

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Inside

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

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White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

Labora - Kearny Mesa

I went here yesterday and not sure who it was didn't get his name but he was super nice and told us…read moreto leave a review~ I told him I had heard this was the best place in town and was excited to try it as a first timer....safe to say it was worth it ! Definitely recommend coming here. :)

The matcha was amazing and the staff were very friendly! The sweetness on the matcha was perfect…read moreand the environment was very clean.

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Scarlet 3

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Between Us

I've had Between Us on bookmarked ever since it opened! This brunch spot in North Park serves up a…read moremenu of fusion brunch options with Japanese and Filipino influences. I was nervous about coming without a reservation, but my husband and I arrived early and were able to grab a spot at the bar no problem. We started with the beignets that can either be served sweet or savory. We opted for the sweet which came with a sesame and matcha dipping paste. They were fresh and clearly made to order! They were a great start! For entrees, I got the Japanese curry and my husband got the duck and waffle. The curry was so good! I loved the whipped egg on top. It was so light and fluffy. The portion was huge and I was able to take about half of it home for a second meal. I was full from the delicious brunch, but still ordered a matcha to go. It was the only thing that I thought wasn't so great. I didn't love the matcha and the strawberry puree was a little too chunky for my liking. Everything else was great though! Prices here are pretty steep, but the food does taste good!

The beignets came out piping hot and fresh! The dips were…read moregood. The black sesame flavor was much more pronounced than the matcha. I honestly couldn't really taste the matcha much. I kept thinking a lemon or strawberry element would brighten it up nicely, and even a little salt could have made the flavors pop more. I feel like the texture of the dip should have leaned a bit more foamy for easier dipping. Duck Confit The duck was incredibly tender with crispy skin. I also loved the chili oil and felt it added such a nice kick. The passion fruit sauce was interesting and creative, but a bit too strong for my taste and overpowered the dish a little. I actually think a simple maple syrup would've worked better here. The waffle itself was decent, though I wish it had been crispier and had a bit more flavor on its own. Curry Hamburger The egg was light and nicely cooked. The curry leaned pretty salty, but it was smooth and flavorful. I really enjoyed the rice - it had a smoky, earthy flavor from the mushrooms that added a lot of depth. The hamburger patty helped balance out the saltiness well

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