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    Subterranean Coffee

    4.6 (27 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    SUBTERRANEAN COFFEE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Cortado and Pumpkin Loaf
    Jack M.

    Hello Subterranean Coffee Shop La Jolla! After a successful run in North Park for many years, Subterranean Coffee has opened a small shop in La Jolla at the International Shops. I stopped in for a cortado and some conversation, but I also landed a bonus because Subterranean's local artisan baker arrived and delivered freshly baked goods. On of those goods was a delicious pumpkin loaf, so I just had to have a slice. The cortado was very well done and quite delicious. It was also also a little larger than most. The pumpkin bread slice was amazing. It had a great pumpkin flavor and was super soft and moist. The little coffee shop offers some inside seating and a pleasant little shaded patio out front. Gene, the owner is super down to earth and appreciates those old vinyl records. You got love a person who appreciates those old school records.

    clockwise from top left: Subterranean Bowl (acai), Latte, and Brie Toast.
    Nancy I.

    Hard to find. But once you find it, there are some great vibes from the curated music to the chic wallpaper. Little decor touches like the record player and black stand-up bass hanging from the ceiling are sure to draw you in so that you can either sit outside in the cute little arcade (architectural term not video game house) or inside with the live edge counter. The personable staff is sure to make your order with care. There are a lot of smoothie options and baked goods in both GF and standard varieties. The coffee was okay, but what I found notable was the quality of the Lox. Really, the Lox are a level up and perhaps the best thing there (and I tried several items). The acai and pitaya bowls were both beautiful with rows of fruit carefully placed on top of the frozen layer. Word of warning, Apple Maps will take you to the alley behind. Instead, plan to take a few passes up and down Prospect before finding a parking space a few blocks away. You will pass other coffee places, one in the same block, and while the people watching directly on Prospect might be better, there is something to be said for walking through little arcades of shops to make it to a hidden cafe where the people care and play good music.

    Keila P.

    Really unique coffee selection. We got the white blackberry mocha and it was great! Good flavor pairings, lovely customer service, and staff was eager to assist. They had a chess table inside and we took a moment to play for a little bit. It is a smaller spot, so it is more of a grab and stroll in la Jolla. Service was quick. Thank you!

    Lox bagel
    Joy E.

    After walking the beautiful La Jolla Coast Trail and conquering the many steps in Sunny Jim's sea cave, we decided to check out this local coffee shop/cafe which was a short walk from the Cave Store. We were immediately welcomed by a nice gentleman (maybe the owner?) who was super friendly and quickly took our order. Place was clean and cozy (heater was toasty!) with a super cool vibe. We ordered a lox bagel, an acai bowl and a Laura Palmer. I enjoyed the acai bowl the most - I would come back just for that alone! Oh yeah... and he gave us a free ube cookie to sample! YUMMMM!! Service was great, food was delicious and the friendly neighborhood cafe vibe was on point. When in the area, will definitely be back! *Sorry, I didn't ask for your name but if you're in the Mira Mesa area and wanting that Filipino sisig, don't forget to try R&B!

    Melissa B.

    This is a cute little smoothie shack in South Park! I got the pitaya bowl and it was huge and very filling. Tons of peanut butter on top and it was fast and easy service. Some outdoor seating available for when the weather is nice. No indoors or outlets if you're trying to work but a good place to stop for a bite!

    Janet E.

    Definitely check this place out!! Serious good coffee - like next level coffee. I ordered a simple iced vanilla coffee mostly to wake up but I loved it from first sip. The shop is adorable as well. I was sad that I didn't have time to post up for a few hours. The friendly owner, Gene, explained the brew process of this Colombian flavor. Such a rich, smooth flavor. Skip Starbucks if you're in the area. Go local!!!

    Breakfast Sandwich + White Strawberry Mocha

    I ordered the iced white mocha strawberry latte and breakfast sandwich. Service was fast and food is yummy-- good portions for the price :-)!

    Bree B.

    Loved Subterranean Coffee! The aesthetics were great, absolutely loved their coffee, and their food so yummmm! Make sure to try their acai bowls. Best I've had! Service was also incredible will definitely go again!

    Sipping our hot lattes while walking around La Jolla!
    Lesley M.

    I'm giving this a five star review because the guy that helped us that day in that cute little coffee shop was really sweet and gave us a lot of recommendations of places to go to. We didn't get his name, but I just wanted to say thank you!!! And for the actual review of the place, the drink that I got was honey lavender latte (hot). I honestly don't remember the exact name of the drink, but it has lavender flavor and it was good! I definitely recommend this place! Check it out if you're in La Jolla Village!

    Great food and premium blended coffees and vegan options . Hidden gem , off of Prospect Ave , at the end of a long, narrow and very beautiful European style patio. Turn into patio between Blue and Lobster West off of Prospect, then continue to the back of the patio. It is behind La Vita Dolce Restaurant. It is the same friendly owner as the north park subterranean. Give them a try!!!

    Veggie Bagel, cream cheese,avocado, tomatoes, onion.Owner Gene added red pepper hummus, too!  ( note to self for next time )

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    10 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    Exellent drink... excellent service from aliyssa. This is a small quaint shop.. will defintely come here again

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    Gene P.

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    3 years ago

    Love their coffee, açaí, and smoothies! My go to is a brown sugar latte and citrus spinach smoothie

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    3 years ago

    Coffee is delicious. Siamese basil smoothie is on another level. Will definitely be coming back to check more of the menu out.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Friendly service and great cortado. Definitely one of the better coffee shops in La Jolla. Worth a visit.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great location, even better açaí bowls! Very friendly staff! My go to coffee shop when in La Jolla!

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    Subterranean Coffee - acaibowls - Updated June 2026

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