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    The Template

    4.6 (196 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Template Photos

    Business Info

    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

    "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.

    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.

    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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    Page 2 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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    Lazy Eye Coffee

    Lazy Eye Coffee

    4.6(135 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    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!

    Don't miss this little hole-in-the-wall spot. It's the perfect place to stop if you're walking…read morealong Mission Beach and want a good coffee break. The staff here are incredibly kind and personable. They make everyone feel like a regular, even if you are just visiting the area. One of the best parts is their creative latte menu. The flavors are made in house and they rotate them seasonally, so there's always something new to try. I had to go for the banana bread latte because it sounded so unique, and it was amazing. Seriously so good and perfectly balanced. Such a fun little pre beach walk coffee stop with friendly staff and creative drinks.

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    Lazy Eye Coffee
    Lazy Eye Coffee - Front

    Front

    Lazy Eye Coffee

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    The Template - coffee - Updated July 2026

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