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The Template

4.6 (196 reviews)
Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Template Photos

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THE TEMPLATE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Template

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Reviews With Photos

darnise p.

Is it a coffee shop? A book store? An entertainment venue? Seems like a little bit of all three with cozy seating; a stage; standing pace to enjoy the show. Barista was friendly and courteous. BLOOM! If you need a spot to host an event I'd say check them out

siri g.

This is your classic OB café, and I mean that in the best possible way. The staff is incredibly warm and welcoming, and the space itself is super cozy, instantly making you feel right at home. There are tables set up for studying or working, along with comfy cushion-style seating that's perfect for relaxing and hanging out. It really feels like a community-focused spot, great for group meetups and they even have a small podium stage, which adds to the charm and makes it feel like a hub for local events. I ordered a croissant and a latte, and both were delicious. Highly recommend this place, and I'll definitely be back.

Victoria S.

I completely fell in love with this place. I was in San Diego for work and decided to explore a part of the city I'd never been to -- and thanks to The Template, I found my new part of San Diego. This spot is so my style: eclectic, creative, and full of personality. The space felt instantly welcoming, like you could just exist here and be yourself. The barista was friendly and kind, and the whole vibe felt genuinely inclusive. I had that immediate feeling of "oh... I'm home." I'm already planning to come back next time I'm in SD and build my visit around stopping here (and exploring more of the neighborhood too). If you love unique spaces with soul, this one is special.

Chris F.

I stopped by after having lunch nearby. The shop has a very unique and funky vibe. I ordered the large cacaoffee which came out to a little over $9 after tip. The coffee had good flavor and a hint of spice which I thought was interesting. I would probably try a different drink if I stopped by again.

Melissa S.

Such a vibey and spacious coffee shop! It was a nice day to check out the beach but also had to get work in. Love that they have lots of seating for one to work, read or chill with friends. I had their indie elixir, so good. Love that they have yerba mate on draft. It's also so close to the beach if you want to hit it after.

HIBISCUS KISS
Jiansen W.

The Template is a cafe serving up a different experience here with music, classic/on tap/steeped caffeination, fancy schmancy lattes, groovy libations, elixirs, kava, and pastries and tasties. AMBIANCE Hipster, eclectic, psychedlic. Jesus Gonzalez and Shanti Vibrations played music reminiscent of folk rock with the improvisations of jazz. SERVICE Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable. Patrons order at the counter, and staff bring orders to table. DRINKS 5/5 Rose Cardamom: Rose syrup, cardamom, 2xEspresso, whole milk 4.5/5 Hibiscus Kiss: hibiscus tea, rose syrup, agave. Initially too sweet for me but over time the melted ice helped dilute the concentration. PARKING Street-side and lot

Inside
Ryan F.

Needed a quick coffee and stumbled into this quirky shop. So many things to look at while you're waiting. I got the salted caramel ice latte and hit the spot. The person working behind the bar was very friendly and informative about their menu. Will be back to check out more unique drinks

Kaloni S.

My friend and I were looking for a new cafe to try and stumbled upon this one. The pictures on yelp looked a lot different than the cafe itself. We personally didn't want to sit inside and drink/eat because it felt dirty and crowded with furniture. The staff were nice and made our drinks quickly. When we went the espresso machine was broken so we couldn't order any lattes. I wouldn't personally come back here. There are lots of other cafes out there. Food/drink review: Matcha: (2/5) I had high hopes when she was mixing the matcha, but once she poured it over ice it was literally all milk. I wouldn't order again. I actually threw more than half away. Bagel: (3/5) Plain bagel with cream cheese. The bagel tasted old and dry. I also couldn't finish it.

"Dog With A Pearl Earring" (except it just fell off).
Fergalito D.

Delicious coffee that does not taste like burnt charcoal (unlike a certain Store-Buicks place that took over the world right before The Musk did. They beat him to it. Now the good news. There's a roomy child (as long as they''re well-behaved, and dog friendly (They are free to behave as they wish) coffee place right near the beach in beautiful Ocean Beach. There are loads of tables of various sizes for groups, the occasional stoner whose coffee was deactivated by all the THC in his body (This is not a scientific fact, it's just fun hogwash). The woman behind the counter curated my coffee as if it were preparing for The Met Gala. She presented it beautifully and I purchased a fresh sinfful, filthy delicious perfect blueberry muffin. I was in heaven for a good hour. I didn't want to leave but I had to go to an appointment. that I didn't want to go to. (Does this ever happen to you ?). It's the questions that drive me mad, "Sir, how much alcohol do you consume in the average week ?" I acted stupid, "What - can you explain that another way ?" "When do you drink alcohol in a week ?" I replied "Whenever it is offered to me." You should have seen her face.

12 oz latte
Sam C.

Good strong coffee with lots of space to hang out and chill with your drink. The restroom is dark and the lighting changes mood colors to give off an Alice in Wonderland trippy dream vibe.

Cozy interior
Brian B.

I love this place so much! I popped in here to read my book and enjoy some coffee and it was amazing. As other reviews have said, ECLECTIC is a great way to describe this place. The decor, furniture and vibes are fun, unique, and creative. It's such a fun spot to hang out. Today is my first time but I will definitely be back! Service was great and I like the option to pay for a coffee refill at a cheaper price. You just don't see that everywhere I have been reading a new book on one of the couches here for over an hour and have been really enjoying my Saturday afternoon! Apparently they also live open mic and live music throughout the week so I plan on returning for that as well :)

Dance floor, lights
Tysheena J.

The Template was the perfect venue for my Bratz themed 30th birthday party last weekend! The vibes were absolutely immaculate and that night was a dream come true! Parking can be a little scarce since it's near OB but that's like anywhere in SD--just keep circling the block and something will eventually pop up or use the lot next door. I can't help but thank Marie enough for helping me plan and prepare for the party. I chose to have a cash bar which made having to bring my own drinks in less complicated. MJ, the bartender that night, was amazing and mixed up some delicious cocktails for us! Micah ensured the lights and music were a constant the entire night by setting the perfect mood for us. If you want to dance the night away in the coolest cafe turned event space in San Diego, I highly recommend you book The Template for your next event!

Huns N' Roses
Olivia B.

This place is sweet! The coffee is delicious. There were so many options to choose from so I asked for a recommendation. The barista recommended the Huns N' Roses for a hot drink and the Salted Maple Latte for iced. I went with the Huns N' Roses and it did not disappoint! Not too sweet and the rose flavor was subtle enough to taste it but not overpowering. I can't wait to come back to try the other lattes. The vibe of the place is awesome too -- really cool set up with vintage decor and a slapping playlist! Good place to study too.

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

10/10 go to this place. Great vibes. Super unique. Awesome baristas. Definitely hits when you've got a fat hangover.

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4 years ago

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4 years ago

Amazing commUnity hub!!! Kind humans... delicious beverages... amazing music... creative space!

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

Great drinks, kind staff, groovy vibes. They have alternative milks and they do great event nights.

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4 years ago

Unique syrups such as rose and lavender, with a great variety of coffee drinks. A hidden gem

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4 years ago

Love this place to work out of. When it's nice out on the weekend it's really sweet to see people jamming and singing!

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4 years ago

Delicious coffee and awesome strange objects and sculptures. Menu said 4.50 but my coffee was 6.50 somehow

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4 years ago

Had the salted maple latte, so delicious. Back again to try other drinks. Highly recommend! Also has different milk options to be inclusive!

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4 years ago

Awesome drink selection and groovy decor! Great spot to hang in ob. Lots of activities like yoga and improv classes offered here too!

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5 years ago

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5 years ago

Yummy coffee, great people and art! I love this little escape for hanging out and writing. Beautiful creative indoor / outdoor space :)

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3 years ago

Best coffee joint in town. Only complaint is the baristas and customers are all too sexy and it distracts me from drinking my coffee.

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4 years ago

Coffee is alright, kinda pricey, but atmosphere is cool and hipster. Good study spot with spacious lounge and plugs in the wall

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3 years ago

Really unique look on the inside, great service. This is what a cafe should look like

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4 years ago

Today, I visited the template to study and get some coffee. I tried for the first time the matcha rose and it was so good!

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4 years ago

So yummy! Got the nitro cold brew with vanilla and it was a hit! Great staff and WONDERFUL environment!

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

Great place to hang and drink coffee. They had some live music going on the day I decided to post up and it was a really good vibe.

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4 years ago

The ambiance is wonderful. Funky environment in a really good way. Tried the green tea and it is very refreshing

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5 years ago

This is my favorite coffee shop in all of San Diego. Great coffee and great atmosphere. I love the art and the music and great people!

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5 years ago

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Page 4 of 5

Ask the Community - The Template

Review Highlights - The Template

Feel-good and Kava drinks, (get them made with oat milk), which makes this place better than your standard java joint.

Mentioned in 12 reviews

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Café Tropics  - Mermaid açaí bowl ‍

Café Tropics

4.4(167 reviews)
1.8 mi
$

Cafe is cute with socal style decor. The young lady at the front counter was nice. She did…read moreeverything from greeting, cashier, making coffee to serving food and coffee. I ordered a blue paradise açaí bowl to go. We waited 30 min for it even when the place was not busy. The bowl was solid. If you don't mind the wait, this can be a pleasant spot close to the beach.

The good: The vibes in here are spectacular. The decor is…read morereally fun and trendy. The vintage couches, the bar area, the lawn games and the spacious room make this place a great hangout spot. They have outdoor seating as well. They are located next to the beach so it's a nice spot to get a refreshing dessert or breakfast before heading to the beach. I got the tropics bowl and enjoyed it as a healthier dessert option. The bad: I ordered a kombucha but they didn't have anymore. The acai bowl was good but not the best I've ever had. I wish there were more topping offerings but I think I've been spoiled by acai places like Blue Bowl that have endless toppings. The cashier wasn't particularly friendly or welcoming. The interesting: I noticed several people here getting work done on their laptops. We originally went to another acai bowl place before this one but the wait was long and the worker used his bare hands to hold fistfuls of unwashed fruit so we came here instead. How they made their bowls I am unsure because it wasn't viewable.

Photos
Café Tropics  - Strawberry & Almond Toast

Strawberry & Almond Toast

Café Tropics  - Mermaid Bowl, Mission Possible Panini

Mermaid Bowl, Mission Possible Panini

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Lazy Eye Coffee

Lazy Eye Coffee

4.6(137 reviews)
1.3 mi
$$

Lazy Eye Coffee was hands down one of my favorite coffee stops in Mission Beach! I'm OBSESSED with…read moretheir Banana Bread Latte. Served hot or cold this is amazing & a must try. The shop has a super laid-back vibe. You order at the window & there are a couple of tables on the sidewalk if you want to hang out for a bit, but it's definitely more of a grab-and-go coffee spot. Service is friendly & don't let the line scare you away, it moves fast. If you're in Mission Beach & looking for a great coffee come here!

Don't blink or you'll miss this teeny, adorable coffee cart…read more My fiancé and I were craving a cup of coffee after a leisurely stroll along Mission Beach on a random Saturday morning....where to go that isn't Starbucks? Lazy Eye to the rescue! Lazy Eye is sandwiched between two buildings with one table out front. It's a to-go place. When you're that close to the beach, who wants to be inside anyway? While they do offer regular brewed coffee, I'm pretty certain their specialty is all the delicious frou-frou coffee drinks. I usually don't go for them, but today, I was in the mood for it. Their milk chocolate mocha with light ice was delicious It made me very happy and our pup was super happy with the treat they gave him. They have a small bakery display which I passed on since we were getting brunch soon, but I'm sure there's something for everyone there. This location is open 7 days a week- 6:30am-1pm. Limited street parking as expected...it's Mission Beach. 5 stars! Check them out!

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Lazy Eye Coffee
Lazy Eye Coffee - Front

Front

Lazy Eye Coffee

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Olive Cafe - Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Olive Cafe

4.3(933 reviews)
2.5 mi
$$

I really enjoyed this place. My coworkers and I came here after a volunteer event and we were…read moreworried about finding parking, but luckily, there's a parking lot down Santa Clara Place. I suggested this place because they have pastries and looked like a good brunch menu. It has a nice outdoor patio which was perfect on a beautiful beach day. I ordered the chilaquiles and requested if I could have any chorizo. It's not listed as an option, but I saw that they had it on other menu items. The chilaquiles is made with a red salsa, and you can ask for their house salsa on the side. The eggs come scrambled, plus a side of sour cream and avocado. I really enjoyed it. It had just the right amount of spice. I also ordered an iced soy milk pistachio coconut latte and I couldn't leave without trying their pastries. I ordered a chocolate croissant and a chocolate chip & blueberry scone. They also offer day-old scones for $2, which I love that they offer to reduce food waste.

The location is a block away from the beach. I arrived this past Friday and well... got a parking…read moreticket for street sweeping.. so fyi to anyone wanting to visit on Tuesday and Fridays 8-10am is a disaster to find parking as the whole street applies to this. Anyways, the viral banana bread latte I thought would be house made syrup but unfortunately it was the standard syrups torani. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. I got a bagel with cream cheese, eggs and sausage. Lost a point because of the syrup and the parking situation. The place was busy at 8am on Friday so prepare so that on any given time.

Photos
Olive Cafe - Fireplace

Fireplace

Olive Cafe - Breakfast Burrito with Gluten Free tortilla

Breakfast Burrito with Gluten Free tortilla

Olive Cafe

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The Template - coffee - Updated July 2026

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