I visited Higher Grounds Coffee + Cafe in Kearny Mesa for the first time on Monday, and I'm honestly blown away that I didn't know this place existed -- especially since it's less than a 15 minute walk from my office! The vibe is warm and inviting, the staff is friendly, and the food... incredible. I ordered the Black Bean Burger, and I can confidently say it's the best one I've ever had. Perfectly seasoned, great texture, and super satisfying. As soon as I got back to work, I couldn't wait to tell my coworkers about this hidden gem. I'm already planning my next visit. If you work or live anywhere nearby, do yourself a favor and check this place out! read more

Stopped by mid week around noon time for a quick coffee run. Ordered Horchata under Specialty coffee (but it's a latte)? Anyway, sub for oatmilk. Also ordered a side of fries, idk :P Both iced latte and fries very good. They were more on the wedge side but very crispy and hot. They have an array of food and smoothie selections. Staff was extremely friendly. All areas were very clean. Would definitely stop by if in the area again. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Menú - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is my go-to spot since I work near by. Pricey but everything is a step above quality wise. Friday pizza specials are the pro-tip

I work right next door to this café, and I must say I really enjoy having lunch here. I've tried multiple dishes, and I've had very few complaints. The cheeseburger was just a cheeseburger--nothing special. The chicken sandwich is made with real chicken breast, but the chicken itself doesn't have much flavor. My favorite dishes here are the carnitas tacos, steak with potatoes and veggies, and the California burritos. I've also tried the turkey sandwich with avocado, which is freshly made, but it could use a little more turkey. Everyone here is friendly, the service is fast, and the place is very clean. read more

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So I had an appointment at this complex taking longer than expected. I walked in not knowing what to expect. I was debating between a burrito and a sandwich. The lovely employee (didn't catch the name) suggested I could combine the pozole and a sandwich. I found a seat and my meal was brought over. The pozole toppings were cabbage, cilantro, a lime wedge and little square pieces of tortilla chips. The pozole (green with chicken) was delicious! It had a little spicy kick. It was thick and perfectly balanced and now I'm a fan of the little chips! I consider myself to be a pozole connoisseur and hands down this is the best green pozole I've had in the US or Mexico. It completely outshined the grilled cheese sandwich which was also very good. What a hidden gem. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Outside sign - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Staff tried to sign with me which always 100% makes my day and their sandwiches are delicious. Their lattes with oat hits the spot. Don't let the hospital scare you away, if doctors and nurses eat here you know it's fresh, delicious and healthy read more

I was there early in the morning approximately 8 AM very friendly staff, excellent breakfast sandwich one of the best I've had right next to the Garfield KP read more

Man, I had a California burrito from the place and it was one of the best burritos I've ever had and I'm not even a Cali burrito kinda girl. The carne was seasoned and the fries were crispy. I will say the guacamole/avocado was a tiny bit overpowering as it tasted like it had lime in it but it's still a 10/10 for me. The service was great and food was made quickly as busy as it was and came hot as well. Service was friendly too and their ingredients are fresh. My first time here, I actually had a Berry Nice smoothie and it wasn't anything to write home about but maybe the food is! Also, that place is wayyy larger in the inside than it appears from the outside. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - California Burrito - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Tried this coffee shop for the first time since it's close to my work, and I'm so glad I did! The vibe is great with both indoor and outdoor seating options, perfect for relaxing or getting some work done. I ordered the freshly pressed orange juice--super refreshing and clearly made to order. I also had the grilled chicken sandwich on sourdough bread, and wow, the bread was perfectly crunchy and flavorful. On top of that, I got an açaí bowl topped with coconut flakes, peanut butter, and banana--super healthy and really hit the spot. The menu is packed with a variety of options, so I'm definitely coming back to try more! read more

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Today I stopped by higher ground coffee before I went to physical therapy at kaiser . They have their own private parking lot and you're not supposed to park there if you are going to kaiser but I went there and then I moved my car to the kaiser parking lot afterwards, which was kind of hassle, but I do understand. The coffee shop has great indoor and outdoor seating. They have a very wide variety of menu items and also things you can just grab and go. The guy who worked there was really nice. I got the turmeric latte with oat milk and I asked for no pepper and no ginger because sometimes you get those and it just burns your throat like crazy. I loved my turmeric latte. It tasted so good. I was so happy that I went there. I do wish that they had more pastries. They didn't have any out because they were closing in 10 minutes but he said they did have some chocolate croissants, almond croissants, and a chocolate bread. I don't really like croissants (Sorry French people) but just the latte was perfect. I highly recommend going. They have two locations so if you're going to kaiser for physical therapy it's perfect and then there's one on Frost Avenue also. Check out my YouTube video so you can see the place in action! Thanks for liking, sharing, and subscribing. https://youtu.be/H9oWMvZ8kV4 read more

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First time customer. Cute place with lots of plants! I ordered a plain bagel with cream cheese, specifically requested the bagel to be extra toasted... it wasn't. The Mexican Cofee was pretty good! Highly recommend it. read more

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The staff at higher grounds are very kind and always willing to accomidate my request. Food is great and full of flavor !

This place is really good and staff is great. I'm surprised that the coffee and sandwiches are actually high quality. I got the Maui coffee & Mexican mocha - both solid. can't believe this is a hospital cafe!! I wish they had this in my area. A 1000/10 read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Breakfast - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Stopped here for a small coffee while waiting for a relative at the hospital for a procedure. This coffee shop is very large inside and if you needed to get work done while you wait there's plenty of spots and Wi-Fi. The coffee I ordered was really good, and they also have food. There are couches and TV inside. The gentleman who helped me was very polite and quick with the service. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Menu - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Still a great place for lunch It's now been open for a little while now and their food hasn't wavered. Still great quality and delicious tasting food. I still love getting their blackened chicken sandwich with bacon. Definitely stop here for lunch if you need your sandwich crave fix read more

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I came here for the first time a couple weeks ago. I did not realize it was next to Kaiser. I'm not a fan of the hospital setting, so I wouldn't have come if I had known. Nonetheless, I had a nice experience. There is indoor and outdoor seating. There was a lot of people during the time I went, and most of the people appeared to work at Kaiser. The cashier who took my order was super friendly. I ordered their chicken California burrito and liked it. It was a good size. I think this is a good place if you're ok with hospital energy. read more

Food is great and fresh. Maddy and Jordan were very kind. Service with a smile! Maddy always remembers my name. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Salad - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

Delightful & totally unexpected culinary experience while visiting Kaiser, where I enjoyed, perhaps the best Chorizo Burrito with red sauce & Avocado aïoli I've ever had, and my wife, the Avo-Toast with crispy bacon. The coffee was delicious, both light & dark brews of the day. Afterwards, my wife, who just had surgery, enjoyed a warmed, lemon curd muffin that she loved. I engaged with the owners, who were Uber communicative & very friendly! We won't need a medical procedure @ Kaiser to come back! read more

I wanted to try a new spot for my mobile office of the day, and I'll tell you, this place hits a home run in every possible way! First, the staff were great, I met Alex one of the owners, and he was the friendliest guy. Adrian, the gentleman ringing me up, was super upbeat and friendly. They recommended the classic bacon and egg sandwich on a brioche bun, so of course I took their suggestion. On the outside it doesn't look like much, but let me tell you, they use fresh and high quality ingredients. The bacon was cooked to perfection, and their house made aioli was phenomenal! It's a perfect well balanced, savory breakfast. This place has Wi-Fi, a wide seating area indoors and outdoors, chill music, and a wide selection of coffee and drinks. Perfect for my fellow remote workers. read more

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So I'm here waiting for a friend to come out of physical therapy in the Kaiser Permanente building. And I saw the sign 'Higher Grounds' I like that. I am having the lavender infused honey latte with soy. It is so freaking yummy. Now I get to sit here at the outside Cafe with the waterfalls inl the background and the bamboo breaching the stones all around me. Very good landscaping read more

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Great food but no vegan options. I'm not vegan but I like having lots of veggies in my diet. Everything I've had has been good but not vegan friendly. read more

I've only tried a couple items at Higher Grounds Cafe and so far, so good. I had their pistachio matcha latte, both hot and cold, and it was so yummy! I also tried their California burrito and that was also good - crispy fries on the inside and tasty meat. Their red salsa that came with the burrito was not the best I ever had but it was good. The employees are always really nice. I'm looking forward to trying out more items. read more

Was in the area and needed something that was not a salad. At first, the turkey pesto sandwich was appealing but I hadn't had an artichoke sandwich and loved it. So much that I didn't take a picture since I was so hungry and had time constraints. Popular place, excellent service; casual and workplace eatery. read more

Ended up checking this place out after a doctor's appointment next door with no expectations, and WOW I WAS SURPRISED! My iced vanilla latte was perfect, and the food was great! We got the breakfast burrito and bagel sandwich, and they were excellent! I will be coming back! read more

The employees are very friendly and nice. I really love how it's conveniently next to the Kaiser building. I take my mother to many doctors appointments there. We have been curious about this place and we were very excited to try out this cute cafe .The turkey avocado sandwich we had , had 1 piece of turkey on it . For the price you pay 1 piece of turkey was very disappointing. I will say their onion rings are five star hands-down. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Turkey avocado sandwich - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

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Their service was amazing. Very patient and super kind. Made suggestions and explained the menu. I ordered their Maui Latte (iced) w/almond milk and 1/2 sweet - it was the best part of my day. SO GOOD. I'll be back every chance I get when I drive my friend to her doctor's appointments read more

I can't say enough great things about higher ground and the quality of their coffee and their food. I just drove here all the way from El Cajon to enjoy another avocado toast and an Americano. I usually come when I have a Kaiser Appointment right next-door but today it just sounded really good and sure enough it was fantastic - their service, their food and their coffee are consistently fantastic. Knowing that I can park close for two free hours and enjoy time in a lovely setting is another big plus for this location! Having both REI and Roadrunner Sports just down the street makes this a really convenient café to grab a coffee or, like today an avocado toast too, before shopping. read more

This was my first time here at Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe. I had the Breakfast Burrito with bacon and a small cup of black coffee. The burrito was a little bland. Not even the salsa helped. Nice park like setting. Service was okay. read more

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Amazing food and a homemade Aioli that would make an old car tire taste great! The staff are amazing as well as they are super nice and friendly. The area inside and out is spacious and really comfortable! There are a few TV lounge areas, bistro tables, and some great outside seating options where you can relax, enjoy some coffee, or take a meeting. read more

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This office building cafe is like finding a freak basketball player in some small town in the middle of nowhere. You can't believe something so outstanding is content to exist in a really small bubble. Higher Grounds is a fantastic food option, period. I had the chicken birria taco special today and thought it wouldn't be out of place at Javiers in UTC mall where they would be 2x the cost. Honestly it was the best tacos I've had in ages. I've also sampled the smoothies which are incredibly tasty, and the sandwiches which are tasty and nicely portioned. I can't actually comment on the coffee as I don't drink the stuff, but Higher Grounds should be on your radar, it's worth driving to it's somewhat odd location to sample the food. Could not recommend this highly enough! read more

Was in the area looking for a breakfast sandwich and coffee and found this place! I'm looking for Guy Fieri here because this is FLAVOR TOWN! I ordered the Bacon/Egg/Cheese on a brioche bun. Wapita Slap that was good. Make sure you ask for the Aioli sauce they have too. Place is super clean, and there's plenty of room to sit back and enjoy your food. They even have an out door patio area!! Do yourself a favor and go try this place out. I will be back for sure!! read more

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I just stopped in for a coffee and... there was their Chicken Verde Pozole - OMG! That was so delicious. I got some more Togo to share at home tonight. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Chicken Verde Pozole - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

What a great cafe. Very friendly service and a great selection of food and coffees. Highly recommend coming here Ic you're in the area (even if you don't have to be/drop someone off at Kaiser!) read more

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I didn't have time to stop and grab my usually Starbucks and breakfast so I saw this place and thought why not. I knew nothing about this place and didn't know what to expect and to my surprise it was amazing! Avocado toast is my morning ritual so when I saw they had it on the menu I had to try it. OMG it was perfectly toasted sprinkled with I want to say feta cheese and juicy tomatoes. Then... I look at the coffee and I'm picky because I'm used to my keto coffees, keto cold brews, and sugar free Starbucks. Well... they have this huge beautiful menu of different coffees. Again, preferably ordering sugar free drinks I wasn't sure which would work. To my surprise they said they could turn any drink on their menu into a sugar free/keto style drink. I went for the salted caramel one and it was perfect! They were friendly, helpful and saw my excitement to learn of all the sugar free options so they were very excited for me to try. read more

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The food is always amazing Everytime I go, their customer service is great, they are so friendly and greet us with a smile and the overall atmosphere is so cozy and warm. They play great music and have plenty of space to sit indoor or outdoor! read more

Great drinks.. esp the vietnamese coffee. Gota a free banana pudding bread. The best I ever had in my life!!!

High quality food and customer service! Everyone that walked in was greeted. I'm kind of indecisive but gentleman that helped me by giving me some recommendations! While I waited for my order the staff knew almost everyone that was coming in seeing how their day was going etc very caring. read more

Iced americano and cold brew were both 95% ice. Even before the ice melted, the coffee tasted bland, basically just water. Even the color was just light brown, like milk tea read more

Great spot. One would never know about this spot unless you needed to be in the medical center, but mannnn is this place legit. I'll go out of my way to come here moving forward. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Breakfast sandwich with Serrano aioli - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California

I'm having the artichoke melt today, and it's delish! My pistachio latte is so good, too! This place never disappoints me. read more

Higher Grounds Coffee Cafe - Cafes Near Me - San Diego, California