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We decided to stop by James Coffee this morning to try some coffee. We got in around 9:30a and there wasn't too many people but the line did form after we got in. I noticed people tend to order ahead here so maybe you want to do that too. We got a Neapolitan and a Coffee Soda. The Coffee Soda was 2 shots of espresso, vanilla and sparkling water. It was definitely interesting. The Neapolitan was pretty good. It was chocolate and strawberry syrup added in to a latte I think. I also had oatmilk instead of regular milk. There is outdoor seating but the shop faces East so the sun is shining down pretty bright in the morning. It was really hot for San Diego today so we decided to take our drinks togo.
Ah yes, came here for another photowalk and I was pretty excited going into James Coffee. I have great memories with my dad and friends here. And to emphasize they do not have interior seating only outdoor seating. They have about 3-6 tables and new umbrellas that provide shade to the metal tables & chairs. Everyone shared the tables which was nice! They don't allow dogs inside, unless of course it's a service dog. I patiently stood outside the door as I saw that the interior had a good amount of people inside already (like 5-6 people). After the crowd of people left, I came in and the air didn't feel inviting. It felt tense and I felt rushed by the man at the register. I honestly didn't even read the menu because of his stare and just went with an ($6.50) Iced Vanilla Latte with Whole Milk. He didn't question what size I wanted and I forgot to ask, so I assume they only have one size for iced...16 oz? After paying, I wanted to wait inside but he said to wait outside and they would call our names. I'm not sure how they thought that would work out-- since there's no speakerphone outside where we can hear their voices amplified. And since they wanted the door closed (because of their AC) it is REALLY difficult to hear, you only hear the names briefly when the door is opened (by someone entering). After waiting quite for my name to be called (I heard nothing), I went in and my coffee was sitting at the edge of the bar along with three other drinks. The name wasn't written on the drinks so I wasn't sure which it was, but one of the baristas asked and told me which one it was. By then the drink was a bit watered down, so...it was ok-- at least the vanilla bean syrup had good flavor. Check out my pic from 11 months ago of the vanilla bean latte and then look at the one I got today lol. Brought it out, took some sips and remembered to snap a photo. The one thing I hate is watery lattes. I also want to say that they offer online pickup orders for this location and my friends drove down from 40 min away~ after placing their order and when they got to James Coffee they were told that the baristas canceled the order because of the large influx of people outside. I don't think that was right of them to do, I mean you offer this service and they drove from far away to get their items, and it's canceled? With no warning or heads up-- it was pretty messed up. I know Bankers Hill, is one of their smaller coffee shop locations, but for the most part, we are patient as we realize that most places aren't accustomed to having so many people come by at once. My friend mentioned that the baristas were complaining about everyone in line. Hearing that makes me sad and wish I went to another coffee shop instead. Kindness goes a long way. I usually like James Coffee, I would recommend going to their other locations for better service and quality drinks! I like 30th Street & if they are open by now, Little Italy is lovely as well. If you're in Bankers Hill-- there's plenty of other coffee shops in the area to try. (:
This was a very cute place. I was staying at the inn in the park, which was a few blocks away. I woke up in the morning and wanted some coffee, so I found this little place. I'm glad I did because it's really cozy. It's a small coffee shop with no indoor seating, but they do have outdoor seating, which is nice. I enjoyed a delicious vanilla latte. I also had a breakfast bagel that was flavorful and satisfying. The gentleman inside was very nice. The place was really cool, and I loved the design, especially the owl. So if you're in the mood for a quick coffee to go or a little breakfast snack, they've got you covered. Definitely give them a try. I'll definitely go back when I visit San Diego.
Happy they have glasses to reduce waste, and even metal straws! Prices were a bit high, but the honey cinnamon coffee with oat milk was pretty good. They only have outdoor seating available, but it is nice and was in the shade when we were there. Service was friendly and helpful, and there is street parking nearby.
On a sunny day this is a great spot to swing by for a coffee. On recommendation from the barista we got an iced honey and cinnamon late and it was good. At first I was worried that the honey might be too much since it is a strong flavor but it worked well in the background. Im always a big fan of spices in my coffee so cinnamon was a nice touch. The seating could only fit a few groups but it was pretty empty so it wasnt an issue when we went. Another bonus is that they have glass and metal straws on request. Parking isnt too bad either since the edge of the park has a decent amount. Overall it was a pretty good spot.
Came here in the morning before my wife's dental appointment across the street. I usually come here while she's at her appointments and it's usually pretty pleasant. Monday when we came by the person working must've had a long night or wasn't feeling well, which is fine and understandable. But I wasn't thinking anything until my wife said something and really didn't want to buy anything anymore. It kind of made her not buy anything and I ended up just getting something. So I guess feeling that early in the morning wasn't a god way for my wife to start her day. My matcha was kind of warm not hot and I forgot what type of pastries we got but it was hard. I normally sit out side people watching but wife didn't want to stay there after that. I would've gotten some merchandise cause I have always wanted some from this place but after that experience might not be going here anymore. There's another coffee shop down the street.
This is on me for getting a matcha latte at a coffee shop but the matcha wasn't strong at all. It was very much green tea flavored milk. At least it wasn't sugary sweet. Nice staff and decent outdoor seating.
Came here to grab a quick coffee to-go and got their dirty chai latte (hot). The drink was good, the service was quick, and the space was unique. This coffee store is a coffee stand in the center of the building, with other businesses around. There's ample sitting inside, but it wasn't too busy when I came. I was probably in and out of here in 15 minutes. The staff was nice and helpful, and there is a restroom available. It's located like 15 minutes walking distance from little Italy, so it's a nice walk to do if you want to wander the area a bit.
We decided to stroll around Banker's Hill and my wife was craving coffee so we stopped at James Coffee. She ordered the iced Mexican mocha which was good, but nothing special in her opinion. Was a really trendy and cool spot with outdoor seating which we appreciated. Perfect place to grab some caffeine and walk around the neighborhood to experience the mini mansions and bridges. Highly recommend taking your coffee and walking over the Quince Street Bridge and the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. You won't regret it!
We look for a new coffee place every weekend, and this weekend we decided to walk the area around Balboa park. A quick look at the map search found James Coffee. Simple in the very best way. Definitely a place where community members frequent. We were inside for about 10 minutes and 3 regulars walked in during that time. They were known by name and regular order. I appreciate that the people at the business work to create community. Espresso was fantastic. I had the cortado and my wife the hot latte. Very enjoyable. Seating outside was nice. We will be back the next we are in Bankers Hill area.
Every time I'm in the San Diego area, James Coffee Co. is how I get my morning fix of delicious pastries and coffee. Any branch will do as they have six locations now! Came on a Sunday morning as they were opening and they said they didn't have ingredients to make my usual iced Mexican Mocha. A little disappointed, but all of their coffees are great, so I'll always have a substitute. On this visit, it was an iced Americano. Tables available to sit outside. This location is one of their smaller ones. The baristas there were the sweetest, kindest people and were extremely apologetic for not having ingredients to make what I wanted. Thank you again guys for the great coffee! Definitely helped for the road trip back to Los Angeles. read more
19 days ago
1 year ago
We decided to stop by James Coffee this morning to try some coffee. We got in around 9:30a and there wasn't too many people but the line did form after we got in. I noticed people tend to order ahead here so maybe you want to do that too. We got a Neapolitan and a Coffee Soda. The Coffee Soda was 2 shots of espresso, vanilla and sparkling water. It was definitely interesting. The Neapolitan was pretty good. It was chocolate and strawberry syrup added in to a latte I think. I also had oatmilk instead of regular milk. There is outdoor seating but the shop faces East so the sun is shining down pretty bright in the morning. It was really hot for San Diego today so we decided to take our drinks togo. read more
1 year ago
Ah yes, came here for another photowalk and I was pretty excited going into James Coffee. I have great memories with my dad and friends here. And to emphasize they do not have interior seating only outdoor seating. They have about 3-6 tables and new umbrellas that provide shade to the metal tables & chairs. Everyone shared the tables which was nice! They don't allow dogs inside, unless of course it's a service dog. I patiently stood outside the door as I saw that the interior had a good amount of people inside already (like 5-6 people). After the crowd of people left, I came in and the air didn't feel inviting. It felt tense and I felt rushed by the man at the register. I honestly didn't even read the menu because of his stare and just went with an ($6.50) Iced Vanilla Latte with Whole Milk. He didn't question what size I wanted and I forgot to ask, so I assume they only have one size for iced...16 oz? After paying, I wanted to wait inside but he said to wait outside and they would call our names. I'm not sure how they thought that would work out-- since there's no speakerphone outside where we can hear their voices amplified. And since they wanted the door closed (because of their AC) it is REALLY difficult to hear, you only hear the names briefly when the door is opened (by someone entering). After waiting quite for my name to be called (I heard nothing), I went in and my coffee was sitting at the edge of the bar along with three other drinks. The name wasn't written on the drinks so I wasn't sure which it was, but one of the baristas asked and told me which one it was. By then the drink was a bit watered down, so...it was ok-- at least the vanilla bean syrup had good flavor. Check out my pic from 11 months ago of the vanilla bean latte and then look at the one I got today lol. Brought it out, took some sips and remembered to snap a photo. The one thing I hate is watery lattes. I also want to say that they offer online pickup orders for this location and my friends drove down from 40 min away~ after placing their order and when they got to James Coffee they were told that the baristas canceled the order because of the large influx of people outside. I don't think that was right of them to do, I mean you offer this service and they drove from far away to get their items, and it's canceled? With no warning or heads up-- it was pretty messed up. I know Bankers Hill, is one of their smaller coffee shop locations, but for the most part, we are patient as we realize that most places aren't accustomed to having so many people come by at once. My friend mentioned that the baristas were complaining about everyone in line. Hearing that makes me sad and wish I went to another coffee shop instead. Kindness goes a long way. I usually like James Coffee, I would recommend going to their other locations for better service and quality drinks! I like 30th Street & if they are open by now, Little Italy is lovely as well. If you're in Bankers Hill-- there's plenty of other coffee shops in the area to try. (: read more
Business owner information
James C.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful experience with us!…
This was a very cute place. I was staying at the inn in the park, which was a few blocks away. I woke up in the morning and wanted some coffee, so I found this little place. I'm glad I did because it's really cozy. It's a small coffee shop with no indoor seating, but they do have outdoor seating, which is nice. I enjoyed a delicious vanilla latte. I also had a breakfast bagel that was flavorful and satisfying. The gentleman inside was very nice. The place was really cool, and I loved the design, especially the owl. So if you're in the mood for a quick coffee to go or a little breakfast snack, they've got you covered. Definitely give them a try. I'll definitely go back when I visit San Diego. read more
21 days ago
Happy they have glasses to reduce waste, and even metal straws! Prices were a bit high, but the honey cinnamon coffee with oat milk was pretty good. They only have outdoor seating available, but it is nice and was in the shade when we were there. Service was friendly and helpful, and there is street parking nearby. read more
On a sunny day this is a great spot to swing by for a coffee. On recommendation from the barista we got an iced honey and cinnamon late and it was good. At first I was worried that the honey might be too much since it is a strong flavor but it worked well in the background. Im always a big fan of spices in my coffee so cinnamon was a nice touch. The seating could only fit a few groups but it was pretty empty so it wasnt an issue when we went. Another bonus is that they have glass and metal straws on request. Parking isnt too bad either since the edge of the park has a decent amount. Overall it was a pretty good spot. read more
Came here in the morning before my wife's dental appointment across the street. I usually come here while she's at her appointments and it's usually pretty pleasant. Monday when we came by the person working must've had a long night or wasn't feeling well, which is fine and understandable. But I wasn't thinking anything until my wife said something and really didn't want to buy anything anymore. It kind of made her not buy anything and I ended up just getting something. So I guess feeling that early in the morning wasn't a god way for my wife to start her day. My matcha was kind of warm not hot and I forgot what type of pastries we got but it was hard. I normally sit out side people watching but wife didn't want to stay there after that. I would've gotten some merchandise cause I have always wanted some from this place but after that experience might not be going here anymore. There's another coffee shop down the street. read more
2 years ago
This is on me for getting a matcha latte at a coffee shop but the matcha wasn't strong at all. It was very much green tea flavored milk. At least it wasn't sugary sweet. Nice staff and decent outdoor seating. read more
Came here to grab a quick coffee to-go and got their dirty chai latte (hot). The drink was good, the service was quick, and the space was unique. This coffee store is a coffee stand in the center of the building, with other businesses around. There's ample sitting inside, but it wasn't too busy when I came. I was probably in and out of here in 15 minutes. The staff was nice and helpful, and there is a restroom available. It's located like 15 minutes walking distance from little Italy, so it's a nice walk to do if you want to wander the area a bit. read more
We decided to stroll around Banker's Hill and my wife was craving coffee so we stopped at James Coffee. She ordered the iced Mexican mocha which was good, but nothing special in her opinion. Was a really trendy and cool spot with outdoor seating which we appreciated. Perfect place to grab some caffeine and walk around the neighborhood to experience the mini mansions and bridges. Highly recommend taking your coffee and walking over the Quince Street Bridge and the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge. You won't regret it! read more
2 months ago
6 months ago
7 months ago
6 months ago
2 years ago
We look for a new coffee place every weekend, and this weekend we decided to walk the area around Balboa park. A quick look at the map search found James Coffee. Simple in the very best way. Definitely a place where community members frequent. We were inside for about 10 minutes and 3 regulars walked in during that time. They were known by name and regular order. I appreciate that the people at the business work to create community. Espresso was fantastic. I had the cortado and my wife the hot latte. Very enjoyable. Seating outside was nice. We will be back the next we are in Bankers Hill area. read more
3 years ago
It was so quiet this morning (around 8:30 a.m.) that you could hear a pin drop. The cashier was nice but reserved, and I wish I'd been asked what kind of serve ware I wanted because I assumed I'd have to say "to go" and was planning to eat on the patio. I got the Ham and Cheese Bear Claw and a Chai Latte, both of which were incredible. The pricing is good as well, which is nice given the location. There isn't any indoor seating and there are about 4 small tables on the patio. It's peaceful and I imagine would be conducive to focused work or reading, though it isn't overly comfortable seating. I like that this company is rated ocean friendly by Surfrider and that disposable serve ware is compostable - even the coffee lid. read more
10 months ago
1 year ago
Coffee was great, hence the 3 stars. But unfortunately my bagel had pieces of paper inside :( read more
4 years ago
I stumbled upon this place after a trip to the airport and fell in love! I am never in downtown because parking is the hugest pain but I got super lucky and found a parking spot on the street nearby on a Friday around 1pm. Busier times and weekends, parking is probably going to have you circling a lot before finding a spot. At first I was confused when finding the place as it's kind of in this small indoor plaza with other venders but once walking in you will find it as it's right in the center. There is some seating available but not much. I wouldn't recommend studying here. I love this place though because of their jars. They use both plastic and glass bottles. They don't charge you a arm and a leg for the glass jars though as do some other places which is nice. I'm not too sure if you can bring it back and reuse it but I would come back regardless. They also give you a little cup holder thing for your glass jar! read more
3 years ago
Business owner information
James C.
Thank you for sharing your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you…
1 year ago
1 year ago
If you want to go to a coffee shop that doesn't make you feel happy to be there, go here. After the reviews, we were excited to go here but quickly felt so unwelcome by the barista. We asked about the bagels and asked for a recommendation for a spread and she said she wouldn't give us one in saying "no" (?). Then said rudely to wait outside and I'll call out for you. We waited on patio and the barista never came out and called? Just really weird energy. Good coffee and a good bagel but a really bad vibe and attitudes. Go down the street to another shop who'll be happy you are buying a $6-$7 latte from them. read more
This is one of the 4 other James Coffee locations in SD. It's right next to Extraordinary Desserts and is much smaller than the one I've been to in Little Italy. There's limited space inside leaving the outdoor patio space the only option for seating. The menu remains simple and at reasonable prices. My boyfriend got their coffee + soda and I got a vanilla latte. It was made well although I didn't taste much vanilla. The pastries looked delicious although I didn't order any. More of a quick stop for coffee, however, they have all your essentials for your caffeine fix. Overall, nothing too particular stuck out to me. The staff was super friendly and welcoming! read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
This is a micro operation here. They make a great cup of coffee. Strong and tasty. Support local! read more
Business owner information
James C.
Thank you for your feedback and kind words! We're thrilled to hear…
1 year ago
omg the iced vanilla latte with oat milk here is H E A V E N L Y! It's such a smoooooth coffee and not overly sweet. I've ordered both decaf and caffeinated espresso shots in my lattes and legit it tastes the exact same. There is no difference in taste which is a plus! There isn't seating here, it's more like a grab-and-go coffee shop. I personally would grab coffee from here and enjoy a walk around balboa park or somewhere else in the area. They have a glass exchange program where you pay for a glass mason jar (they don't have paper cups) and you can bring it back and get a new glass each time you go. The problem is if you go here spontaneously and you don't remember to bring your cup, you have to pay for a new one each time lol. The customer service here is great, the baristas are super friendly and quick. Overall great place for a great cup of coffee! read more
Staying close by and wanted to enjoy a coffee. James Coffee opens early so I stopped by and enjoyed a cup of coffee that the barista said was a single-origin. Enjoyed quite a bit. Felt almost like a pour over, which is usually my go-to. This place definitely has an appreciation for good coffee and I was definitely in love. I also grabbed a sparkling water. The barista was very welcoming and friendly. We conversed for a bit and she gave me recommendations, which I appreciated as a local. I will be back! read more
Cute little coffee shop close to Balboa Park. This is a good place if you want to grab a cup of coffee on the go, but it's not really made so you can bring a laptop there to study for a long time. It's outdoor seating only and the chairs are pretty hard. I find their house black coffee too acidic for my taste but when it's in a latte form, it's better. Parking can be a nightmare since it's paid parking only. read more
1 year ago
6 years ago
Drinks: Iced Latte was great with the oat milk with good ice (that matters!). It was a good roast. I want to support small businesses and this is a great coffee shop. FYI, they have this new glass program. You pay for a glass, and then you exchange it each time you go there (they give you a new clean glass). There's no option for paper/plastic cups. Parking: As of 2/2021, there's a lot of construction going on, so there is parking but more limited. Depending on when you go, there are metered parking so you have to pay. Ambience and Decor: Not that it matters too much since this review is written during covid, but it's more of a order and go type place. No seats. It's a small shop. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
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More info about James Coffee
2870 Fourth Ave
Ste 107
San Diego, CA 92103
Banker's Hill
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(619) 343-1477
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https://instore.jamescoffeeco.com
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Is this a good place to study?
Not a good place to study due to lack of space. No indoor seating. Outdoor seating is limited.
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