Had a sandwich and an ice-cream. Sandwich was good but ice-cream was SUPER! Very cozy place, would definitely come again next time I am in the area. read more

Good. Local. Coffee. Joint.

Very cool hang-out. Staff is very cool. Crowd is a mix. Young to old. Some study, some work, some socialize, and some just kick back. read more

great atmosphere, beautiful indoor and outdoor areas, baristas are always so helpful and friendly, free wifi is always amazing and if you don't know what to get the baristas are super creative with their recommendations. Their chocolate flour cake is the best i've ever had! read more

The atmosphere certainly makes this a place to visit. We stopped by on a weekend, and the inside decor was not what I was expecting - very casual (as one fellow Yelper commented: worldly). I saw a handful of people with their MacBook's out and working, some couples enjoying their coffee, and most of the tables were filled with the elder crowd playing chess. I thought I had walked into an old Cuban cafe. The coffee was good - I got a Café au lait. However, the customer service needs some fine tuning. I walked in with a couple in front of me and it took over 15mins to order and get my coffee. There were two girls working the coffee machines and the cash register, but two/three people emerged from the back. I overheard one of the gals that was handling the flow of customers tongue-lash the other employees, so that made me feel a little better. Definitely give this place a try, relax and enjoy the coffee. read more

Love this place! I've been here a few times now, and I've never had a complaint. It's the perfect spot in the heart of Carlsbad Village to come work on your laptop or read a book with a cup of something wonderful :) My favorites are the Cocoa Cafe (half black coffee, half hot cocoa) and the iced Chai - drinks that are too sweet drive me nuts, and these are just right! My boyfriend also got a half a pound of French Caramel coffee beans from here recently for $6, which is a little pricey compared to buying beans at a grocery store but it was so worth it. Just a tiny hint of caramel flavor (which is good!) and the smell is amaaaazing. Only reason I'm docking Vinaka a star is for the food. I rarely ever order bagels or cookies when I'm at a coffee shop so this doesn't bother me, but my boyfriend has gotten a few snacks here that just didn't look appealing. Not bad, but very basic. I'm a baker so I appreciate more unique baked goods! For drinks though, this place is golden. read more

Love this cafe, best service in town. The coffee is delectable and the fact that a coffee shop has such amazing ice cream is crazy!

Just went here for the first time and had a late lunch. The inside is fairly spacious, but it is bizarrely located right next to the noisy Peabody's, which is totally different vibe and crowd. The guys behind the counter weren't exactly friendly, but they were fine, and it was a quick wait to receive our food. I had the Greek veggie burger, which comes wrapped in flat bread. It was so delicious, but just be warned that the bread will crack in half, and tzatziki sauce will attack your hands and lap. The sandwiches come with regular Sun Chips as well, and I had the iced tea, which is average but tasty. The one thing that annoyed me was that they charge $1 to add avocado to the veggie sandwich, when almost all the other sandwiches (turkey, etc.) come with avocado for the same price... So you pay more to have no meat. I hate when places do that. Otherwise, great food! read more

While visiting Carlsbad to see an art show, we stumbled across this little gem hidden in the inner courtyard of a shopping plaza - thanks to Yelp - and were pleasantly surprised. Both the Mexican Mocha and the slice of cake I ordered lived up to expectations. However, the real highlights here are the old school ambiance and the secluded location with terrace seating facing a fountain. Next to Vinaka Cafe is a Japanese sushi bar and on the ground level below you'll find Coyote Grill, a popular dining spot with occassional live music petformances. read more

My previous review was a good one, however a coffee shop that has THE WORST internet (goes out at least 2 times an hour) deserves a bad review. Also, this place needs to up their design game. I hate to be harsh, but it's so dated & with a fresh coat of paint and some new art, it would do wonders. Everything in here (including the extremely worn out plastic cups) are just so overused & old. I feel like the owner simply doesn't put money into updating it because of all the loyal Carlsbad customers that have been coming here for years. Also, ventilation needs help. Even during the winter the inside of this place is HOT. I really want to continue to visit Vinaka, so pleaseeee do some updating. We would all appreciate it. read more

Whether you're a local looking for a place to study and catch up with friends, or a tourist seeking a place to wind down, Vinaka is the place for you. This quaint coffee shop is full of tasty treats, freshly brewed coffee, and good vibes. The baristas make you feel welcome and at home while making lattes so creamy and heavenly that the last sip is heart wrenching. This place is perfect to focus and get work done, with the mesmerizing hum of the coffee grinder creating a perfect symphony with the quiet chatter of conversation. If you're looking for an environment that truly captures the essence of Carlsbad Village, you'll find yourself here. The overall atmosphere of this coffee shop just can't be beat therefore I highly recommend Vinaka Cafe as your new coffee+chill destination. read more

Tried this local cafe for the first time, won't be coming back anytime soon. Was craving a chai latte, Starbucks was right there for an easy fix but Starbucks isn't the same as local coffee shops chai. So she mentioned vinaka cafe, WORST chai ever. It was way too sweet. I asked for a 24oz, which was basically all ice and chai poured in with milk. My friend asked for almond milk and they didn't even change her drink they were just like "it's too late" and gave her regular milk anyways. The workers all gave us attitude. Not a fan of this local carlsbad cafe. read more

This is my go to spot for working and meetings. The food, coffee and service are all pretty good. My favorite place to sit is outside on the benches. On the summer evenings it has a Hawaii feel to it. read more

My number one complaint is that they no longer make people give collateral for the bathroom key. My second complaint is that they actually cared enough to listen to frivolous complaints of ridiculous reviewers that would actually complain about having to give collateral for a bathroom key. And now, there's no bathroom key. Why, because people aren't responsible and need to leave collateral for bathroom keys. If you want a nice environment to enjoy coffee, tea, a sandwich, or snack come to Vinaka. If you need pee leave your car keys and bring back the key. If you don't like that, too bad. read more

Stopped in one morning before meeting with friends. Was overlooked while trying to place my oder during high volume but the girl who saw that came in and assisted me. I love a barista who can have a conversation. She understood my complicated drink order and brought it to my table in a flash. There was also a lot of comfortable seating everywhere inside and out. The iced esspresso i ordered was alright but I drowned it out with sweetener anyway. If I live close, I'd be here often. read more

Always love the vibe here and everyone is so nice. Great Coffee and I am a total coffee snob. Try it, you will love it!

Vinaka Cafe is a great place to visit. I usually go there to meet friends or colleagues to chat over coffee. There is free wifi. The coffee is good. They do offer a variety of drip coffee, which is what I usually get. They also do have a food menu, but it's not extensive. A few salads and sandwiches. They have a great bagel and lox plate too, the portion size is huge. The few sandwiches that I have tried there have been really good though - particularly the breakfast croissant with bacon, egg, and cheese :) There's plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, but it can get kind of loud inside when it's busy so if the weather is nice, try for a table outside. read more

I am here now for the first time and for sure not the last! I was only planning on getting a cup and leaving but the place is so welcoming and makes me want to sit down and work or even just contemplate. This reminds me of the old school coffee shops, full of personality (this was before Starbucks was around) where people come to study and connect with others. The vibe is just awesome! read more

Being new to the area I was thrilled to find my caffeine fix at someplace other than that devil, Starbucks. In all seriousness, I worked for 3 years at a cafe back in Amherst, Mass., "Rao's," and it had the same feel of Vinaka. That quiet cafe buzz, the warm surroundings, the eclectic mix of people, the great and fair-priced coffee and drinks. I am just so relieved that there are still independent, non-corporate, non-expensive places for us to find out there. 11/2007 EDIT - I took one star away because in my MANY hours in the last few weeks spent at Vinaka (I have a lot of reading to do) I've found one complaint, actually, one-and-a-half: 1) The majority of the staff (both guys and girls) aren't all that friendly. I mean "customer service" - serving the customer - is they're JOB, they're supposed to be good at it. I've worked in customer service industries for years and years and it's always been #1 priority. 2) I've smelled this sweet, sickly smell and it weirds me out! It almost smells like puke...I don't know WHERE it's coming from. 4/2/2008 EDIT: I'm giving back a star!!! I met my current boyfriend at Vinaka's almost 2 months ago :) read more

Good coffee and great location. Front counter girls are always friendly. I bring my daughter here on the weekends and we talk outside and order bagel egg sandwiches. The one thing I don't like about this place is how dog friendly they are only because my daughter really wants a dog and begs everytime we are here... read more

Chill little cafe with a nice mix of indoor/outdoor vibe with the garage door-like opening. Had a double latte, and it was good! Nothing really to complain about. Saw that they had ice cream too, but I had only stopped in for a quick drink. read more

I've heard good things about the ice cream here, but that's still on my list of things to try here. I've only ordered tea, because this is my go-to place to catch up with friends after a hectic weekend and re-hash the best parts. Good tea and good service. When you can get a booth, it's awesome. Go closer to 8pm and it'll be less crowded. We closed out the place at 10pm once, so just be mindful--it's not a late night place. I have some friends who complain about the crunchy vibe, but I don't mind it. I've never been annoyed by others' conversations. I'm a little tiny bit older than their regular crowd, but there's usually some eye candy showing off his arm tatts. Plus the art they have on their walls is hilarious. If you want to use the bathroom, you have to exchange some collateral for the key. I gave the barrista my Epinephrin pen (this was at 9pm. Also it was just the first thing I pulled out of my purse), and he goes, "Is that wise?" I replied, " Do you think I'll run into some bees on my way?" The other guy at the counter snorted. Adorable. read more

Latte was awesome! I got the large, it was enormous and soooo good. I love the outside seating. Also great when they have all the doors open which gives the impression of being outdoors even when you are inside. Desserts, have had mixed luck with them. They usually have several cakes to choose a slice from. Last time I had the Cookies n Cream cheesecake, and it was not very good. Kind of rubbery texture. Other desserts I have gotten have been much better. read more

Always got a sweet treat and a chai tea whenever I frequented here. If it weren't for the fact I came here so frequently to meet with friends and acquaintances, I'm not sure if I would return on my own. There have been times that staff was very stand offish or rude for no actual reason, but it happens. I'd come here to get some homework done occasionally as it is very easy to avoid distractions in the calm and cozy atmosphere. Beautiful art for sale from local artists on the walls. The quote of the day was always an interesting little gimmick to look over while having a nice cake or ice cream. read more

I've been coming here since the day I was born, and my experience has changed with it over the years. When I was little we'd go for the ice cream, later I'd go for a cheese bagel with cream cheese and tomato (only $2), when I was in high school I'd go to sit out side and be cool, and now I just stop by when my home internet is broken and I need to do something online. It's gotten SO much better since they banned smoking outside. The dirty grungy highschool kids would sit outside and smoke cigarettes and drink coffee with older ones who could buy them alcohol at Pig Liquor or deal them drugs. Now it's just old people and it's nice to go sit in the corner sometimes and drink tea. read more

Pretty disappointed with the Chai Tea Latte, didn't have enough spice, tasted very watered down Service was weird...they can make some drinks blended and some drinks only over ice? That doesn't make any sense! If you have the vitamix sitting on the counter and you're customer asks for blended don't tell them "you can only pour it over ice". Time and money waisted when Starbucks was right around the corner!! read more

The spirit of Carlsbad. Cool atmosphere and good coffee. Free wireless. read more

We visit this place at least 3 times a week and we love this place. We like to order their awesome veggie sandwich and their selections of coffee are outstanding. It is true that Starbucks is across the way but we like supporting our local coffee shop! Two thumbs up! ^...^ read more

I love this coffee shop, the food, the environment, the coffee. I could spend all day there getting work done it's great! But I didn't give 5 stars because the staff is not very hospitable, they are not mean per say but they are not nice. read more

Came here during the art fair for an ice coffee. Any time I can opt for a local coffeehouse, rather than corporate coffee, I welcome it. The cafe takes up a large open space on the second floor of a shopping center, just above the Coyote Bar & Grill. What a welcome oasis. There's an open air balcony where you can enjoy your drink and people watch. The staff were friendly and the coffee was nice and strong. I'm not big on fancy espresso drinks but there were plenty to choose from, if you are so inclined. read more

Vinaka Cafe is a cute and cozy little spot tucked away in a strip mall. We did not order coffee or food here, so this review is just about the ice cream. Ice cream is definitely awesome, and I loved that it came from a local creamery. Service is really friendly, and the place offers a good vibe. read more

Stopped by here for some coffee and wifi. It was a pleasant and I like how it was open with lots of natural light coming in from the outside. The staff was OK. One thing I remember is restrictive signs around the establishment. I don't remember what the directions were, but they just weren't welcoming. I guess I'd come back if I'm ever in the area and need a place to chill for a while. read more

Good coffee. Good location. Good times. replace your cow milk with coconut milk. Highly recommend.

This place is a cool lil spunky place to grab an early morning coffee or a breakfast croissant. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The staff are super laid back and are always on point. I love the fact that you have the old timers who hang out there, drink there coffee, and battle it out on the chess board. This spot is located on the second floor of the village and has easy access to other lill stores. read more

Coffee, ice cream and snacks? Yes please... The coffee is good and not brewed incredibly strong like the big chain types. The ambiance is really laid back, a throwback cafe that oozes Carlsbad charm. It sits on the 2nd floor near the Crossings and Submarina. They have seating inside, but spending the day outside is always better on a sunny Carlsbad day. There is only a small food menu, just enough choices for a quick lunch. The best part of Vinaka has to be the ice cream: This might be some of the best ice cream. E-V-E-R. No joke, I have had about 10 different flavors here, and they are all awesome. Favorite is the peanut butter variety, which I wished they made a permanent fixture. The good thing is that they will always have at least one that you will like, I promise. An awesome spot to get away from the bars just yards away, cram some last minute studying in, or meet up with friends to catch up. I'm a fan. read more

Been here a couple of times. It's not a bad spot. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be a coffee house or a cafe as people treat it as the former and it resembles the latter. It doesn't have the, "cozy, I-could-sit-here-for-hours" type feel for me, however, with the TVs and brighter color scheme. The food is pretty decent and well priced. If you're looking for a spot to hang that isn't a chain (Starbucks, Peet's et al) then I recommend this joint. Not a ton of seating, so be patient. read more

I ended up moving away and I'm in town visiting. Of course I had to stop by and grab a vanilla latte and a pastry. I still love this place. They had their big side door open and the place was full..just like I remember it. I eyed the cakes and tarts, but stuck to my guns and made off with a day old small pastry, which was still delicious and discounted. I miss this place! read more

Vinaka Cafe - My 16oz vanilla latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

This has been my favorite coffee shop in North County SD for years. The coffee here is fantastic (their blended drinks are bar-none) and the staff is genuinely sweet. Not in a slap-on-a-customer-service-face-because-i-have-to way, but genuinely good people who are glad to have you there. The ambiance is cool, comfortable, and welcoming. It's a great spot to come by yourself to get work done, hang out with friends, or have lunch with coworkers. A great place to be a regular :) read more

My friend brought me here for breakfast and I still can't forget the breakfast sandwich that I had here... quite literally one of the most YUMMY breakfast sandwiches I had! A flaky croissant filled with egg, ham, avocado and provolone cheese.. I can definitely eat this everyday! Add a cup of coffee and the nice laid back ambiance at either its indoor or outdoor seating and I feel like I can be there all day! It's too bad there's nothing like this in LA.. otherwise, I'll probably be paying them a visit everyday! Nice, friendly service. My girl likes the cafe latte here. Parking was plentiful.. and they are located upstairs. Credit cards are accepted. read more

Vinaka is an expression of gratitude in the Fijian language. And I was thankful for finding this quaint, homey cafe in Carlsbad Village with free WIFI. A few words I would use to describe Vinaka Café are: worldly and travelled, storied and cultured. Patrons feel like nomads, even for a little while, who are making a short stop on their long journey. A world map, old post cards, homey glass cups, used mahogany wood reinforce this nomadic feeling. The drinks itself are simply acceptable. Though the drinks grow on you with each slow sip, it is nothing more. My friend ordered the iced chai tea with almond milk and it resembled a light (read: healthier, not as sweet) horchata with hints of chai, nutmeg, and cinnamon. She admitted the drink grew on her though, but would have preferred an iced Mexican latte. I opted for the iced mocha latte, which was espresso, chocolate, and almond milk subbed for milk. My choice was a decent one in that it was not overly sweet and surprisingly just the right balance of espresso and chocolate. Had I known the chocolate was simply chocolate syrup, I too would have ordered the iced Mexican latte instead. I'd say Vinaka Café was a good pit stop to recoup for a couple hours before my scheduled appointments, catch up on social media, and converse with an old friend. However, Starbucks is within walking distance in the same plaza (unbeknownst to me until after), and that will probably be a safer bet and cheaper choice. read more