Popped in here to grab some food to go while helping a friend who had a newborn. I had the lake salad which was awesome! My friend has the tossed salad & tuna melt (nursing mom's have to pile on the calories!) She said it was perfect. The sandwiches were fresh and huge! And I particularly loved the hibiscus tea - big fan! Sweet little spot with yumminess to go or eat in. The staff was pleasant and very helpful - especially with my big order! Just go for it! You'll be glad you stopped in. read more

I quickly became a fan the first time a friend took me to Influx. Liked it so much, I called another friend to meet us there. We sat and talked and ordered different kinds of teas. Tonight, however, was disappointing. I stopped by to quickly purchase desert for myself. Eyeballed the lemon bars in the display case and ordered one to go. $3.50, I believe. Got home, bit into a hard, dry bar. Huge disappointment. I called Influx, spoke to Sean (I think that was his name), and told him my bar didn't taste fresh (tried to say it nicely). Sean said, "Well, we make everything fresh every morning." Then he was silent. I had hoped he'd offer to exchange my bar for something else in the morning, or that he would at least offer an apology. Nothing. Only very firm silence. That was an even bigger disappointment than the lemon bar. Very nice ambiance. Convenient location. But that experience left a bad taste in my mouth. No way I will ever go back. read more

Just eh. Every time. The glass area for food never looks appealing and staff are never very friendly. Due to location near school I end up here a lot for coffee and a study spot away from campus. read more

Terrible service! Just went by and tried ordering a latte. The girl said that she couldn't make it because she already cleaned her espresso machine. Granted the place was closing in 6 min but I worked for Starbucks for almost 3 years and we always left one open until close while we cleaned the other machines. I'm on vacation just trying to get a pick me up...I'm going to have to pass on this horrible place and go to Dark Horse instead for the rest of my vacation. read more

Great place to get a bagel and egg sandwich great and friendly service. Quuck too! I higly recommend for breakfast and lunch

First time in this cute coffee shop and definitely will be back!! Food was delicious and my coffee was amazing ! Kate was really nice and helpful with recommendations and Nestor was super nice tuning back and forth getting a few things I wanted ( I'm a complicated customer sorry :P) So definitely the spot for coffee and a quick bite if you're in the area read more

My favorite coffee shop/cafe. Coffee is very good and cheap (1.50$ for a good nice size cup of organic coffee?!), sandwiches and bread are amazing (The Turkey 2 is the literally one of the best turkey sandwiches I've had). Apart from the great food and drinks, the main thing that sets this place apart from other coffee shops is the ambiance. Its always very relaxing inside, a perfect place to study etc. They also have really good playlists which play at the perfect "background music" volume. Staff is always very friendly. What more can you ask for? Only MINOR issue with this place is the outdoor patio section. Its really small and awkward (the one in Little Italy is better), granted they do make the best of the space they have. read more

Can't say much about their food (never had any). Don't care much for the drinks either. Could be the drinks that I've tried, but a couple times the guy taking my order was pretty rude (maybe because I don't look like I belong inside that coffee shop), he talked to me like I was an idiot because I said, 'macchiato'. He responded with, "This isn't Starbucks." Really?! I'm not even a Barista and I know that macchiato is not JUST a Starbucks drink, its a word smarty! BUT!!! THEY HAVE THE BEST CUPCAKES I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE, HAHA. Red Velvet Cupcakes and Carrot Cupcakes are THE BEST! read more

First time I went I had their blackberry muffin, and I'm not kidding when I say that it was probably one of the best muffins I've ever had in my entire life! Usually I stop at the muffin top, but when I discovered the delicious whole blackberries in the middle, I pretty much inhaled the whole thing. Tried their bread pudding and it was pretty good too, and their oatmeal was just okay. I haven't had any of their other food, but with muffins like that I'll definitely be back! read more

Best cafe in San Diego! The coffee is fantastic and the staff is very friendly and prompt. Nice atmosphere to chill, or read. Great breakfast and lunch items. Clio is my favorite barista! read more

OMG i want more cupcakes. I tried a red velvet and the chocolate cake and they were amazing. I get sprinkles all the time in Arizona(and by get I mean i get some for my gf who occasionally gives me a bite). The red velvet was so good and the strawberry on the top was one of the best I have ever had. The chocolate was good as well but a little too sweet when compared with the same one from sprinkles and the frosting was too thick and gooey. I have to say the red velvet may be the best single cupcake i have ever had. Worth the visit by far but go early in the day as it seems these little gems are sold out by dinner if your thinking of the after dinner dessert. read more

Since moving to Golden Hills, Influx has become my go-to choice for a quick pre-work breakfast or a midday weekend pick me up. My latest discovery is the breakfast bowl with brown rice, spinach, scrambled eggs with your choice of cheese, and your choice of bacon, ham, or veggie sausage. They can also make it with tofu, if you so desire. It's tasty and feels much more healthy than a burrito bomb or carb heavy bagel. Having said that...before I discovered this, I usually ordered the spicy vegan, a plain or everything bagel with spicy hummus, tomato, and cucumber (hold the red onion). For coffees I usually opt for a light roast when I'm going hot (even the medium roast is a bit too strong for me here) and iced coffee over cold brew (although it's delicious and I love it, it's quite a bit more expensive than the regular iced, so I'd rather just make my own at home). I like that Influx offers a variety of milk options, including coconut milk which you don't see everywhere. The staff are always friendly and helpful, too! read more

The bagel w/ lox and cream cheese at Influx is BOMB. I like how it's really minimalist looking and white with splashes of color. Always a chill spot to hunker down w/ my laptop and zone out to get some work done...or run into old people from high school who you haven't seen in 10 years! :-) read more

Everything I've had at Infux has been incredibly good. Today, I went there for lunch and had their Feta #1 sandwich (eggplant spread, feta, veggies, on fresh foccacia). On other visits, I've had a chocolate croissant (heaven in pastry form) and freshly baked scones and muffins. I think what sets this place apart is the onsite bakery. Unlike other coffeehouses, nothing ever tastes dried out or verging on stale. Other things to love about this place: real mugs, glasses, and dishware if you're eating "for here;" a counter staff that's friendly and efficient (they never let a table sit messy for long); and a neighborhood that is cool without trying to be. I'm giving Influx 4 stars rather than 5 because the furniture is looking a bit shabby -- the white chairs in particular could be replaced or freshened up. read more

3 THINGS: #1) Baked Tofu Vegan Sandwich = delicious. Soft bread, tasty tofu, delicious aioli. I love the curried tofu one too, but the simplicity of the baked tofu is what wins me over. #2) Iced Chai, made with real chai tea and PRE-brewed so it doesn't melt all your ice when it's poured in the cup (PET PEEVE). With coconut milk....it's a dream. #3) Can we all just take a minute to talk about how wonderfully sweet and smart and lovely all the women that work here are? Don't get me wrong, I much appreciate the tatted* up guys making my sandwich*, but these ladies hold it down at the barista/register stations. I'll battle for parking so I can say hello to them, because it brightens my day. *Is it cool to say "tatted" anymore? I'm not sure. Maybe that makes me uncool. The point is, tattoos. And black t-shirts. Always. \m/ **To avoid sounding like a sexist jerk, I come here in the morning, so the guys are never working up front, and always doing food prep in the back. There are also women working in the back, and they are also included in my gushing praise. read more

This was a pleasant surprise. Great cappuccino and the food was good as well croissant scramble - the croissant was excellent and eggs were fluffy. The ingredients were fresh and you can tell read more

Influx is the good ole' neighborhood cafe when you're sick of forking your money to the establishment- i.e. Starbucks. This is a great place to grab a coffee & go (as it's right off of the major freeways) or sit & enjoy your day in a calm, serene cafe tucked in between the homes of Golden Hill. There croissants are delicious but they sell out quickly on the weekends so I suggest getting their early! read more

I think I would have really liked this place if I didn't get the worst food poisoning of my life. I got the arugula salad with chicken added. They had just made the chicken and it looked cooked. I thought I was super lucky too because they had just made it fresh before I picked it up. So I don't know if it was the arugula that they didn't wash or the chicken that was no good. Needless to say it doesn't really matter at this point since it totally ruined my Friday, Saturday, and partial Sunday. I would definitely beware of their salads. I have heard their sandwiches are great, but I probably will never know. Not worth it to risk my heath and get sick again . There are way too many great places to eat in San Diego that have way better food hygiene and safety! The employees that work here need to pull head from sphincter and look at what they are doing!! YOU GET PEOPLE SICK WHEN YOU ARE LAZY AND DON'T PREPARE FOOD CORRECTLY!!!!! read more

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

This place is perfect for getting your work done. The vibe is chill, its quiet, simple and aesthetically pleasing. The mozz 1 is bomb and their coffee is PERFECT every time. It's totally hipster central but who cares. Ignore them, they're pretending to ignore you. I love influx. read more

OK maybe I'm missing something here. Went here for late breakfast/early lunch. Got a plain bagel with hummus, wife got plain bagel w/ cream cheese and coffee. 4 other people in the place and waited 10 minutes for them to toast the bagels and meager amountof spreads on top. That is too long. Also no croissants left at 12:30? And only plain or everything bagels? And in the display case in front, 4 cupcakes, a few brownies and some bags of chips? Very sad display. Next: atmosphere. None. No art. No local artwork. No neighborhood photos. No plants. Nothing. Do they have dance classes there at night? A big empty space, not much variety, no croissants after 12;30, only 2 types of bagels and not cheap. I say no mas y no bueno. read more

This review is not for the staff or the food and drink this review is for the owner. I have been coming to this coffee shop for over six years and I have always brought my dogs inside and so does everyone else. There are always dogs inside! Golden hill is a very dog friendly neighborhood! Today I went in and I was told by one of the girls that the owner wanted to tell me that my dogs are no longer allowed. Mind you I have been coming here for over six years and I've never had a problem, my dogs are very well behaved all they do is sit and we wait. I find it ridiculous that the owner has seen me in there with my dogs and never has said anything about it. But today I go in and instead of the owner saying something she has one of the poor girls that loves my dogs tell me. What a coward. I am sad to say I probably will never be going back, if you do not except my dogs then you do not get my business. I guess I will be going up the hill to Krakatoa's. At least there they except my dogs and are friendly and the owner is not a coward. Also I will be telling all my friends with dogs about this! read more

Very cool coffee shop with strong coffee which I love, Cafe Moto brand. And they have fresh brewed decaf... yay... rare find nowadays. I like to order a half caf most times. They have delicious huge croissants (often gone by afternoon). Their pastries/sweets are typical diet-busting, weight-inducing delicacies. If you want to eat healthier or vegetarian you can go for a sandwich, a veggie bowl or salad. I have always enjoyed the food here too. This was my neighborhood coffee place for 5 years. Over the years I kind of bonded with the the owner and a few staff, getting into enjoyable conversations. Half my visits I would sit with my laptop and get work done, half the time I would just grab coffee. Half the time I found easy parking right in front and half the time I had to park a block away because parking was tough. FYI: This is a review for before COVID-19. I loved going to Influx for so many years so wanted to share a positive review here. read more

They have the best bread pudding made with their leftover pastries. You never know what it will be but it has always been wonderful. Great coffee plus well made salads and bagels. Always a must visit when I am in San Diego. read more

Influx - Bread pudding, berries & whipped cream - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Great little coffee spot in Golden Hill. The coffee always hits the spot, and any food ordered is brought out in a very timely manner. Staff is always friendly and willing to help in any way they can read more

The first time I went to this cafe, I couldn't find the cupcakes. Did they just not have them that day? Who knows! But I was so sad since everyone had reviewed them so highly. But 6 months later my sister went there and they had cupcakes! I have to say their red velvet cupcake is my favorite so far in SD. It is exactly like red velvet cupcakes should be: moist, intense coco flavor, excellent cream cheese frosting, and affordable. I seriously crave these things and I hope to go back soon and check out more of their cupcakes and baked goods! read more

Spotless clean, spacious, very comfortable for wheelchair users since it is so minimalist place with almost no furniture. I would like to see art on the walls, that would be a great place to expose local talent, but I guess won't match with this clean-hospital look and feel. Coffee was just ok, served in a huge mug. Smaller is prettier, I want coffee, no soup! Free wi-fi attracts many students, but is never crowded like Starbucks. read more

Okay, so I'm a bit surprised. This joint is a bit out of the way where you would otherwise find it. It's more of a neighborhood joint than a terrorist...oops...tourist hot spot. The food? Wow. Pretty good. The coffee? Pretty good. The outside seating? Smell of urine and flys galore. Inside seating? Can you kill the AC please? I would go again IF I were in the area AND craving a well made coffee. read more

The awesome: The vegan & spicy vegan bagels sandwiches. Spicy vegan uses spicy hummus, the regular uses regular. Comes w/ tomatoes, onions, cucumbers. So good! The spicy one is my fav. I think there are jalapenos in the hummus, but it's not too spicy at all (I'm kind of a wimp, but I love it). The blood orange iced tea is also great. I tried this at the other location a few days ago, and knew I wanted the same thing at this location. The not-so-awesome: The seating situation & smokers on the patio. Not necessarily Influx's fault, but maybe they could consider making the patio non-smoking to help out those of us who just want to sit outside on a gorgeous day & enjoy a meal with our pooches. Just a thought... Also, there's a missing chair at one of the tables (as I noted in my quick tip) which could easily be fixed it seems (they are plastic chairs). Maybe it just went missing? I have no idea, but nevertheless it posed a problem for my husband and I this morning (because we had our dogs, we couldn't sit anywhere but outside). We ended up asking for our food to go (after ordering it for "here") and I felt bad, but what was I supposed to do? Plus, like I said, EVERYONE on the patio was smoking except us, so it was quite disgusting out there. So... the atmosphere is like 2 stars, I've definitely experienced better. But the food is probably 5 stars, so I'll be generous w/ 4. We'll be back for to-go orders in the future (or at least we'll go to the Little Italy location, where I've never seen anyone smoking [honestly!]). Luckily there's an off-shoot of Balboa park pretty close by off 25th that was nice for an impromptu picnic today... read more

Thank God I found a place with good coffee. I've gotten into the habit of walking/driving there before work and getting my iced coffee fix with soy! Mmmmm.... I tried their oatmeal with bananas and almonds. It was decent, not my favorite though. But their sandwiches... Oh baby! I'm in love with their mozz sandwich. The foccacia bread is really tasty. it's just got that perfect blend of fluffiness and spices. Mmmm... I'm not a huge fan of the decor, but everyone there is always nice, so I guess I don't have much to complain about. :) read more

Fantastic coffee and delicious tofu sandwich. I love studying here during the daytime. At night, there aren't too many lights so it's hard to study. I love this place. Only wish I could live here! Plus, the coffee is organic and everything but the bagels is made on sight! Yum! read more

Influx - The couches and the only wall of stuff - aka of eclectic local events! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I do not like the little Italy location of influx, it feels much more rushed {still good coffee} something is missing from it compared to the golden hill location especially considering you can get MUCH better coffee if you just walk down the street at James. That being said, I LOVE the golden hill location of influx, i love the community wall, I love the food menu {especially the cranberry muffins!}, I love the fresh flowers on the counter, I love the coffee! read more

I've visited only this particular location. Whenever I need to get things done or want to meet someone right outside of downtown, this is the spot for me. The cafe is located in an older house and has good cool ac. The staff is friendly and the food is good. I go with the Turkey 2 which has pesto on focaccia bread. The mozzarella 2 also a great option. I usually only have chai tea so I can't comment on the coffee or breakfast items. The place has good seating area and outdoor space. Street parking only but easy to find spots. read more

Influx - Turkey 1 pesto on focaccia... Iced chai latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Cute little coffee shop with a good variety of coffee, tea and grub options. Some patio space if you're lucky enough to snag a seat. I got a Viet coffee. Was strong, just like it should be, but didn't have enough condensed milk. Still yummy. I need to come back and have a sandwich or a scone. Staff friendly and helpful read more

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

Eh. It's ok. Certainly very popular, but it's also a bit overpriced. Bagel (topped w/ peanut butter and slices of apple) + cup of coffee = $6.50, plus $1 per refill on the coffee. Pretty damn good bagel, though! Great place for hipster-watching, too. That's all I got on this one. read more

My favorite sandwich place in SD. Hands-down. Decor is minimal, coffee is strong, sandwiches are damn good. It's a great place to grab lunch to go, or stay and chat with a friend or read a book if you can find a free table. Orders come up fast if you're in a hurry, but there's no pressure to leave if you can fit yourself in between all the yuppie bloggers huddled against the wall on their laptops. read more

The Best! No...THE BEST red velvet cupcake I have ever had! Yes I agree the cake was pretty dense but it just made it seem a little more like a little cake. The frosting was amazing! So much flavor without being overly sweet! I especially loved the california strawberry on top!! The chocolate one was good but nothing over the top! Seeing I'm a huge cupcake fan-sprinkles especially! This definitely gives them a run for their money!! The only reason they don't get a 5 star from me is that they were out of all of their cupcakes the first time I went in there and I had to go back the next day on my way out of town! read more

My sister-in-law is a regular here and is always raving on this place. So I finally tried today and was very happy. Turkey sandwich #2 cookie and drink for $10. Yummy delious bacon on that sandwich. Yes I will be back read more

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

I've come here twice for lunch and both times I left feeling satisfied. Not exactly ecstatic, but not disappointed either. The decor is a bit bleak for my taste, though I'm sure the simplistic aesthetic would appeal to those who stop by for some study time and appreciate the lack of visual distractions. My sandwich, Mozz 1, was pretty tasty, though there was a bit too much of the mozzerella and not enough tomato or vinaigrette to balance the blandness of the cheese. Service was friendly, but considering that my boyfriend and I were the only ones in line and it took over ten minutes to get our sandwiches, I was a little antsy by the time they were ready. I kept myself busy looking through the vast collection of business cards and flyers in the meantime. Overall, decent food and pretty chill atmosphere. Not the type of place to go if you're so hungry you'd kick a puppy to get to some food, though. read more

Free wireless internet is what drew me back to Influx after many years since I had moved from the lovely little community of Golden Hill. Unfortunately, for Influx, it's free internet allows me to yelp them on the spot. So to the review.. I needed breakfast! I was confused to see the glass display completely void of food items, but pleased to see that sitting on top of the display were an assortment of standard but well-sized pastries (eg, danishes and muffins).....until....Until I see a big fat fly trapped inside the display case on top of the larger main display case. Of course, I changed my mind about ordering a pastry out of there, but when I kindly pointed it out to the young man behind the counter, he simply waved the fly out. In the summertime they have a hard time keeping flies out (though I didn't see any real attempt at managing the flies). When I sat down with my (instead) bagel and glass of OJ, I was constantly fighting off flies. Yah, it was pretty annoying and gross. Also, the furniture seems pretty worn and icky. Wireless internet is slow/weak. Bottom-line, besides being overpriced, this place just isn't all it's cracked up to be. read more

I like their strong and petite cups of cappuccino, refreshing iced coffees that are reasonably priced, and their sinfully indulgent red velvets cupcakes. What I do not like is the snooty attitude from the tall blonde guy behind the counter. I'm sure he is the single offender, because the rest of the staff seem really nice. read more