AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER Lofty Coffee is perched on a hill at the edge of Encinitas, overlooking Highway 101 as it winds past sweeping views of the Pacific on its way toward Del Mar and Torrey Pines. SLOW DOWN AND BREATHE It's the kind of place that naturally slows you down--an easy morning or afternoon refuge where expertly brewed coffee, refreshing drinks, and thoughtfully made treats invite you to linger. FEED YOUR SWEET TOOTH The glass case greets you like a siren song, filled with organic and indulgent pastries whose aromas are as irresistible as the sandy beach stretching just across the street. FUEL YOUR BODY And it's not all sweets. Lofty also serves hearty, satisfying food that actually fills you up and delivers on flavor for more discerning tastes. FEEL THE COASTAL VIBE You'll find yourself among locals and travelers alike--many of whom wish they lived here, in the kind of coastal town that Lofty helps make feel like home. And, Parking and service are above average for the area. read more

I climbed a big hill in the heat to get to Lofty Coffee, so by the time I arrived I had some pretty lofty expectations. Given its history starting as a small cafe, I was expecting something with a little more charm, but it gave me more polished coffee chain vibes than I expected. Maybe they are going for organic Blue Bottle energy, but it did not quite get there for me. Coffee was fine, but overall it was a bit of a letdown. read more

Super tasty iced mocha. Loved the ambiance here. Perfect spot to grab some caffeine and enjoy the sunshine. read more

Lofty Coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Recently diagnosed with a life-changing deal, I'm suddenly That Person looking for food that meets my restrictions. I do my best to find places that have menu items in place that work already. In this case, I was visiting the area briefly and spotted this local favorite. Great find! Kick-ass staff working their butts off to get food out fast and to order, decent seating, good food and coffee that was a treat! I started across the street at this venue's roasting house because their locale looked nicer, more spacious, further from the road, but their breakfast menu is different. Rather than asking for special treatment there, I walked across the street to the corner café. The only change-up I had to make was swapping out bread for GF. No problem whatsoever. Was going to read, but locals were friendly and social, fine by me. Learned about the area over breakfast, got a little peaceful reading in over the last of my coffee, and now I'm off to adventure as recommended by locals I met here. Though they weren't chatty (No shade! Fine! They're at work!), I can't commend the staff here enough. Tip well. Tip often. read more

Lofty Coffee - I changed up the toast to a GF variety with no problem. - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Baristas are friendly and make a dayum great java. The spot has an amazing perch. Breezy, relaxing, sunny, inviting, transcendent. Visit, sip slow, unwind before your day begins. Set your tastebuds aloft on a flight of richly brewed coffees. This is the place to start your day. Take care. read more

Lofty Coffee - Trendy industrial anesthetic. - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I met a friend here the other day for coffee/tea. I like that they offer both inside and outside seating. I ordered the hibiscus and lemongrass tea, and although I thought the presentation was cute, the tea was very disappointing. Very little hibiscus or lemongrass taste, and not sure if my cup wasn't cleaned well, but kept tasting something else. My friend enjoyed her Turkish latte and pastry. We sat at the counter so we kinda got a 1st hand look at how they prepare everything and I kinda wish I didn't. While my friend was chatting, I couldn't help notice how one of the baristas kept touching his face,and wiping he's nose with his bare hands. At 1st I was like ok, he'll wash his hands before making any of the drinks, but when I saw he didn't and kept touching his face and continuing to make drinks I got grossed out. I told my friend who then saw it too, and we got up and left. I don't get why it's hard to wash your hands, I'd say wear gloves...but sadly people don't consistently change them and would do the same thing in the gloves. Since it's definitely sick season, I have to say I probably will or be returning to the location. read more

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Lofty Coffee is the perfect mix of good vibes and great coffee. Smooth espresso, amazing pastries, and a cozy atmosphere -- great spot recommended by a friend after a quick surf sesh. read more

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Cold brew was good with the foam mixed in, but I don't think I'd like to pay $9 for coffee. The sandwich was tasty, however I do think it would be more complete with onion. I did not enjoy their egg tart at all. read more

Lofty Coffee - Oven Roasted Turkey & Avocado Croissant - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Stopped by this little coffee shop right along the coast in Encinitas, and it was busy -- always a good sign. I'm not a regular coffee drinker (and only really like it cold), but I got an iced coffee here and it totally hit the spot. It had just the right amount of flavor without being overpowering or bitter. I also grabbed one of their salted chocolate chip cookies -- wow. Soft, rich, just the right balance of sweet and salty. Definitely one of the better cookies I've had in a while. Even with the crowd, the vibe was laid-back and beachy. A great little stop if you're in the area and want a quick treat with a view. read more

Lofty Coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Another one of my favorite places! Can't go wrong also love their iced tea!! Their cedros breakfast is my favorite but any of their pastries are SO good omg they have this lemon cookie soo great. read more

Lofty Coffee - Cedros - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

A really expensive small acai bowl full of granola and half rounded small scoops of acai. The texture of acai brought me back to Hawaii, delicious but not enough. read more

Lofty Coffee - Açaí Bowl - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

Lofty Coffee Rostery is perched above West Coast Highway in Encinitas. Very original tasting espresso at a reasonable price and you get a complementary glass of sparkling water! The espresso was more on the fruity side of the flavor spectrum rather than the nutty side, which is not my thing, thus the four stars. Great service, atmosphere, read more

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Lofty coffee always has the freshest coffee. My favorite drink is the Aztec mocha, and just their plain black coffee is fantastic. The baristas are always welcoming. read more

Coffee stop at the onset of an LA road trip. The healthy line across the street and promise of identical forms of caffeination sans food items have transplanted us into line at Lofty Coffee Roasting Works from Lofty Coffee Co.. My copilot is ordering and I'm on deck. "I'd like a Turkish Coffee, please." "We don't do that over here." My turn... "I'll take a small mocha, to go." "We don't mochas on this side." "Okay, your menu says you have cappuccinos over here, I'll take one of those to go." "We don't have to-go cups. We believe that people should sit outside and enjoy their coffee." Tasting notes: the single origin garacha has hints of melon and bullshit. Cliff Notes: Lofty expectations met with disappointing results. read more

Another great coffee place to experience!!! Rich and creamy!! Great staff and nice location!!Parking on the street! A lil hidden gem!! read more

Lofty Coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

Rey nice location walking from our hotel 5 minutes excellent coffee dog friendly ,nice service by friendly employees read more

Lofty Coffee - Latte - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

The matcha is mid and they intentionally don't have outlets for doing work. Will never go back and would never recommend.

Great spot to lounge at and do work. I recommend the mint mojito one of favorites made with fresh mint and great lighting with open windows

The perfect coffee shop. What more could you ask for. From the iced lattes to macchiato, breakfast sandwiches, everything is solid here. read more

Lofty Coffee - Drip coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

Got to come here for the first time with my friends! I had a cup of decaf coffee twas very fruity and cool experience! I like the vibe of this shop on the slight hill top! Friendly staffs are ready to serve you! Keep up the good work! Cheers read more

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Always chill, always good food & drink - I get the matcha late & it's a spot I recommend for networking meetings or for friends to meet up :). read more

I normally don't like to buy coffee because I don't think it's worth the price when I can make some at home, but this place completely changed my mind. Not only was the coffee phenomenal, but the prices were also super reasonable. I'm still thinking about the coffee and I visited on Saturday! I always get the same thing at any coffee shop--just a plain iced americano with a splash of oat milk--and this one just really stood out. It was so good I finished it within 20 minutes. I'm definitely going to buy some of their beans next time I visit because it was just that yummy. The service was also really good. A sweet blonde girl took my order, and she and the other guy working there got my coffees out super fast. The place was super cute inside and has some seating outside on the corner, which will be perfect for when the weather is nice. I will absolutely be going again next time I'm in the area! read more

Service was ok, chai was ok, didn't really taste like anything and it had a strange aftertaste. It almost tasted like sugar free

Chef Niki and her team make fantastic pastries and brunch items here! I enjoyed the hummus avocado toast with fresh daikon radish on top and farm-fresh tomatoes, I love that they source their produce from local San Diego Farms. The salted caramel latte was superb! Outdoor seating is plentiful with plenty of places in the shade on a hot day. read more

Lofty Coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

This is where I go when I have to charge my car in the AM. The food menu is all very good. The place is always crowded. Coffee is great. It's a little expensive but it's worth it every now and then. Their breakfast sando comes with a ketchup jam which is a little sweet. Everything I've had here is good. Lots of seating in the front and back. Dog friendly. No complaints other than prices are a little steep. read more

Ordered 4 coffees and they were all delicious! The Açaí Bowl is by far the best I've ever had and the lemon cookie was beautiful and tasty. The staff could be a little friendlier but that may be the vibe they're going for! read more

Lofty Coffee - Lavender Latte - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

My bf got a cloud coffee and it was amazing. I ordered an almond milk latte that tasted like burnt water. Would not recommend getting the almond milk latte Fast service and ample seating. read more

Great food , the taste of juice, bread and everything is amazing, location is great and staff are friendly and helpful . They have a great almond butter, decently going back to buy more read more

Go-to spot for coffee and to sit and work!! They have the nicest staff and a lot of seating. Highly recommend salted caramel latte with house maid almond milk! The matcha donut is also amazing read more

The vibe and coffee and teas and pastries are all so good here! A must try! Order the Egg Tart! housebreweed Chai Tea latte (w/oat) is on point too! read more

Lofty Coffee - House-brewed iced chai tea latte w/oat and a yummy egg tart! @ojbaylen - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

Excellent coffee, good selection of pastries, and nice atmosphere. I very much enjoyed my iced latte. Pricing is reasonable. Don't expect to get a parking spot in their private lot. Love that you can walk to moonlight from the coffee shop. read more

Sea salt latte was really good with oat milk. Nice coffee fix! (Parking structure available under the building) read more

Lofty Coffee - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Waited 15 minutes after receiving stone cold eggs which I I returned. Finally arrived but My husband has already finished his coffee and açaí bowl. Not a good experience. May have let it go but did not get the impression anyone cares. read more

Lofty Coffee is superbly located - walk in the front and walk out the back to the beach. Even though there was a line, it went relatively fast. There were several friends meeting friends here, and chilling out in the warm morning sun. It is dog friendly. In fact, people inline were helping someone else's dog to the watering bowl on the sidewalk. Our Iced Coffee Mocha was rich, cold and refreshing for a walk on the beach. read more

Lofty Coffee - Inside store - baked goods - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Yummy spot for coffee! The interior is really cute and I could see myself chilling here or studying if I lived nearby. I got the vanilla latte and it was not too sweet which I liked but if you like a sweeter latte it might not be for you. Or you could just ask them to add more sweetness. My bf got the cloudy with a chance of cold brew and it was also really delicious! They also had pumpkin version of the cold brew drink that I didn't get to try this time but would def try next time! read more

Lofty Coffee - vanilla latte and cloudy with a chance of cold brew - Desserts Near Me - Encinitas, California

As a coffee lover, trying new spots is super important to get a variety of locations you enjoy! Tried this location for the first time and i'd say the coffee was overall good! the prices are on the higher side for the nitro but tasted great. Vibe wise, the baristas were nice but not willing to strike up a conversation. Speed was great and their merch is nice as well. read more

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Dropped by before walking to the beach just a couple blocks away. Lots of seating inside and outside and free water at the side. The girl at the counter was so sweet when I asked about two of the drinks I was deciding between. She couldn't remember the ingredients for them off the top of her head and that's fine but she really took the time to find them and read them for me from their book and I honestly really appreciated that. I used to work food service and sometimes we don't remember everything but I like that she bothered to find the answers for me. She gave me two small cups to try both and filled them so generously I had my sister try them with me. It was the Hibiscus Punch and Blueberry Green and both were so refreshing but I went with the hibiscus for simplicity. We also tried a poached egg platter and this jalapeno cheese bread? Not sure what the name was but great service, great food/drinks! Will definitely come back before another beach trip. read more

Great coffee and pastry choices. Lots of gluten-free options and very tasty. The coffee was very smooth - my favorite!

Lofty is a great spot for a laid-back morning. The matcha was refreshing, and my wife and I enjoyed the acai bowl and the Carlsbad poached egg plate--both simple, clean, and packed with delicious flavors. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared without being over the top. If you're looking for a relaxed vibe and healthy options that actually taste great, Lofty's got you covered. read more

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- WORST YELP REVIEW EVER - The worst Yelp review ever. So how bad did you expect? Makes no sense and not so clever, Just continues on, unchecked. Speaks not of value, size, or shape, Nor that of taste buds smitten. Surely you won't like its pace, Its form, its style, or rhythm. No pics or clips, or even quips, You won't be moved or inspired. No fine prose of amazing sips, A total waste of words retired. A dud, a flop, a total spew, Don't even try to commend it. Try to ignore this f'd up review, I promise I won't be offended. A worse review was never written, So l'll not whimper or whine. Won't get butt-hurt, stung or bitten, I'll just do better next time. Yet when I pull my thoughts together, Something does traverse my mind. Might there be some hidden treasure, within these vomit projectile lines? Pro tip: This review could easily be improved by deleting all the words above and adding new ones... but first I'll energize myself with a Lofty fresh-roasted pour. Whether in Carls, Encineato, Solana B, or Lit Italy... never had a bad coffee or bite. All open 7am to 4pm daily. read more