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

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

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

Greek Garden Burger on a pita was superb. Added bonus: got to sit next to Santa Claus! read more

Vinaka Cafe - Busy front counter, few open tables; signs of great eats! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I'm normally in the mood for a hot chocolate but today wanted to "branch out" to suttim different.I decided on the chai tea latte-warm, tasty, just sweet enough and delicious. Cant go wrong with a breakfast croissant sandwich either. Friendly service, nice background music and enough reading material to keep me occupied and off my phone lol. read more

Vinaka Cafe - Breakfast croissant and chai tea latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

i love this place, Much better than the nearby starbucks! Try the Chai, I get a vanilla Chai blended and its heaven!!!! read more

It was a cute place that had a Hawaiian / Tropical theme. Plenty of seating and a lot of locals hanging out drinking coffee, some people were playing chess.... If I wasn't having dinner for a Company function later that evening, I maybe would've tried the food & coffee. Instead, I opted for the Niederfrank's Pumpkin Chiffon ice cream which was pretty good! I was able to get the Pumpkin Ice Cream fix I missed out on at Arata's this year (and last!). I'll havta try the coffee if I'm ever in Carlsbad again.... read more

So def. a fan. it's cute, by the beach, and has an amazing blended vanilla coffee drink. the decor could use some attention, but i like it :-) Def. worth a visit! read more

Aside from the fact that going here makes me feel so uncol because of how hipster the place is, this is one of my favorite spots in Carslbad. It's friendly and open and the people who work there let you take as much time as you want deciding what to order without gettiing impatient or snippy with you. The first time I went I got a nonfat vanilla latte, served in a real mug (2 legit 2 quit) which was delicious. Second time, an iced coffee. For a dollar. NO, really, a dollar. Unbelievable. Free Wi Fi, lots of tables and plugs (crucial!) and dog friendly as well so there are lots of little friends about to distract you. I strive to one day have my own mug on the wall of regulars! If only one day I can be that cool. read more

Cool atmosphere indoor/outdoor pet friendly area. Great place that stomps on Starbucks :) Unfortunately the ice cream serving sizes were Very small and need better serving cups! Coffee and pastries are great. If u have a big sweet tooth I recommend the brownie cheesecake! Yuumm read more

I used to study here when I was in school and had friends meet up all the time.It was some of the best nights of summer and always looked forward to it. There used to be some rude girls that worked here but now after recently visiting it seems like their staff and gone under some reconstruction and I have to admit this place will always have my heart. The blended mocha drinks are so delicious! They even bring me my drink while I'm studying which is nice because i tend to forget them at the bar! 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

$1 coffee WILL make me holler~! Great all around. Everything from the staff, the price, the home-y setup and the regulars. Will spend my $1 at Vinaka's anytime. read more

So after dinner we went searching for a coffee and dessert cafe. Our friends that were with us were reminiscing about this cafe being one of the first places they had frequented when they first dated so they wanted to show us. We arrive and are greeted right away and we ponder what to get. I wanted ice cream but saw that they also had sorbet so I tried the Acai Sorbet. I got the small but it was a very good portion which I didn't finish. It was refreshing, a tad tart but altogether, I understand why they said this was a favorite flavor. Jeff ordered a double of the marble swirl I think and he devoured that instantly. It was all under $10 for both of ours, plus I added a small coke as well so definitely a good deal. Our friends ordered coffee drinks and said they both tasted good. We sat and and enjoyed our desserts and looked around to see plenty of people on their laptops (free wi-fi!) and other couples relaxing in the cozy dimly lit cafe. Suddenly it hits closing time apparently and we are jarred from our conversation with the bright lights being turned on and music blaring! So we try to finish up our desserts and conversation but are so in shock by the rude way we were shown out. A simple hey everyone we close in 5 minutes would have been fine. Not sure if this is their regular protocol but it was unprofessional. Seriously though, the music was off the charts loud. Customer Service was so great at the beginning but then they killed it at the end. I always give places second chances so I'll go back again. read more

This is a nice quiet and friendly atmosphere. My husband and I use to come here all the time to get a cup of coffee, I love the chocolate mocha, thats a must try!! My hubby likes to get the organic coffee, its only a 1.25 $, you can enjoy your coffee or pastries while playing cards, just ask them and they will give you cards to play or other games. I also use to meet my tutor here or have a study group, its the perfect place to study!! The ice cream is delicious! I herd the food is great too!!! read more

This place is Not a fancy coffee place with colorfully artistically decorated cafe, but practically, quaint but invitingly and friendly coffee place that their espresso coffees are one of the best in Carlsbad village area. They open till late and conveniently located next to the compass-drinking/hang out place and has lots of sitting areas inside and outside. During weekends, you often see locals playing chess, students browsing intents( yes to free wifi!) and has several local artist's art pieces hanging on the wall, practically filling up the wall. They have gelato and small meals(sandwich,salad, soup) for muchies, and full espresso bar. I give two thumbs up for their hot espresso-based drinks. Recommendation for improvement: simplify menu, change menu to be easily seen ( point out signature dishes and drinks so newbies know what to order!) and just keep maintaining all the goods in the places! read more

The people are pretty hip. as in sometimes they can be quite pretentious, however I dig SMART people, and they are wonderful to have a conversation with if its not too busy in the place. I recommend sitting at the bar, because the guy making food is funny and it's comfortable. There are hardly ever any open spots to sit at tables and the layout of tables is quite -interesting- sometimes it's a maze in there. THE FOOD & COFFEE DRINKS ARE EXCELLENT. I definitely recommend this place if you are a vegetarian or vegan. a must go if you are in the carlsbad area and looking for great coffee. I ordered a bagel with hummus and tomatoes for $2.75, it's pretty cheap & the hummus is so good!! read more

This place has been a favorite since around high school for the coffee and ambiance. However, a recent experience has left a sour taste in my mouth (no pun intended), and it could have been solved with simple customer service skills that are, quite simply put, lacking. Let me start with the pros. Their coffee and food, though over-priced, are delicious. And the ambiance is relaxed and conducive to both studying and hanging out with friends. However, their register customer service has always been a little rude and flippant, but I dealt with it because I enjoy the coffee and the environment (and you have very limited time with the baristas, anyway). BUT - 2 days ago I was there studying for about 3 hours and had both my MacBook Pro and my iPhone 5c plugged into the bench outlet closest to the back wall (by the bar). Just before I decided to unplug and leave, I experienced a flicker on my computer screen - "that's odd," I thought. By the next morning, my iPhone battery won't hold a charge for half as long as it used to, and my MacBook battery completely died - wouldn't even charge at all. $140 later, I have my computer back, but now my phone (which was BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER and until days ago, held a charge all day long) is shot - who knows how much that will cost me when it completely dies?? I called and asked to speak with the manager of Vinaka today. I politely explained the situation and that I was only calling to warn them so they could have it checked out before this happens to other customers. I wasn't asking for reimbursement, or anything free, or anything from them AT ALL, except to fix the power issues FOR THEIR OWN GOOD. He curtly replied that he would "look at it" but they have people sit there all the time, there are people sitting there right now, and no one else has complained about the issue. When I reiterated that I just wanted them to catch it BEFORE there were any other complaints, he argued again that it was probably from another outlet. Then I explained that that was the only outlet where I had simultaneously plugged both my devices in and they were both failing less than half a day later. HE STILL argued with me, but said he would tell the owner and "look at it." I'm astounded by the lack of customer service and consideration. I will be studying and hanging out with friends elsewhere going forward - and I unfortunately feel I have to highly recommend you do the same. :-/ read more

Vinaka's is a neighborhood hang out with lotsa love in their hearts. They take care of you like your family. The food is truly tasty and hand created in your presence. They serve a mean cup of brew and are happy to provide plug-in connection AND wi-if. It's a MUST VISIT for all people checking into the local vacation rental or hotel. You won't be disappointed. Set in the Village Shopping Center in the heart of the Beach Community. It's Chill and Indy! See you here read more

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This cafe is comfortably situated in Carlsbad Village, so it draws a combination of locals and tourists. I came in because I needed a comfortable place to work for a few hours before heading back north. I was fortunate to find a table as this place is full of people working! I had the Cafe Mexicana (Mexican chocolate, espresso, and steamed milk). Delicious! Between the fans and large open doors (one of which is actually a garage door), it was pretty cool, even on a hot day. I definitely recommend this place to hang out or work! read more

Vinaka Cafe - Vinaka Cafe menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Met a friend here to catch up. It's a tad hard to find since it's in a business complex but just remember it's on the 2nd floor. It's not the biggest of places, but it's appropriately decorated and cozy. The selection of drinks and desserts are on point and the surrounding area has lots of areas to check out and eat at especially the ocean being a 5-10 min walk West. Great date spot if that's what you're looking for. I went on a Thursday night and it was busy. Parking is free for 3 hours but things can get tight around peak times which are after 5pm. Instead, park around the corner near Grand Ave for free parking after 6pm (3 hour limit, so if you park at 5pm, you're golden.) This was my first time in Carlsbad (west of the I-5) and I had a good time. Would definitely come back to this area and this cafe. read more

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

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

I love coming to vinaka. The staff is always friendly, fresh food and desserts. I always get the blended vanilla latte. Never disappoints me. I also have their rewards card to earn pints to receive a free drink. This past summer they recently did renovations and it looks awesome. read more

nice big mugs for your caffeine addiction .... chill crew ... and everyone knows everyone ... i stopped by for a bit as i had to be in north county for the day ... This place reminds me of silverlake (LA), except i think its got the carlsbad vibe mixed in. read more

Definitely a place I will be going back to. I only gave it 3 stars because i just had a cappuccino float, which was very tasty. I need to go back and try some breakfast and some ice cream. Nice decor and nice people working there. A must for Carlsbadians and wifi junkies. read more

Nice spot for great coffee, close to the beach, relaxing atmosphere, Free wifi, good people. @skovi read more

Recently moved to the neighborhood so I'm giving it a whirl. The actually have good coffee! Unlike Starbucks and Peet's, which make unbelievably strong brewed coffee, vinaka is savorable. My daughter and I came the other night and had ice cream cones. She had strawberry cheesecake. I had pistachio. Mine was very good and she really liked hers. People have been friendly. I wish they had some big comfy chairs to sit in, instead of the mostly hard chairs they have. So far that's my only complaint. I'll keep coming back until something changes. read more

I love vinaka! I've been coming here for years. The coffee and the food and the service the atmosphere everything about this place is great. It's great for locals to go study or meet up with friends or have awkward dates. Great for tourists too to go and get a little piece of what Carlsbad is actually like. (: they always have cool art on the walls and a neat variety of music playing. A lot of the employees have been there for multiple years as well. Long live Nakas! read more

Great vibe with excellent coffee and food, skip the Starbucks next door and come here! read more

Vinaka Cafe - Mexicali and pineapple /coconut muffin. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Breakfast sandwich on a bagel with bacon and avocado and cheddar. Great. Sandwich. Their iced chai was good too. They got slammed right after I got there and handled it very well and didn't let it affect wait times too much. There's a lot of space to eat in the restaurant too and out in the plaza. Would go here for any Carlsbad breakfast sandwich needs. read more

Vinaka Cafe - Breakfast sandwich. So much bacon! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Love this place! Great location in the heart of carlsbad village with a super friendly staff and great food. They also have chess and various games. My go to spot. read more

Have been coming here since the 90's love it still!!! Try their Ice Cream Blended Coffee!!! AMAZING read more

workers were so kind and helpful, environment was clean, and wait was quick. i ordered the vegan veggie sandwich, didn't even know it came with chips and a pickle! all at a really great price. it was delicious. plenty of cute and comfortable seating outside and in the area. highly recommend!! read more

Vinaka Cafe - Vegan Veggie Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Great location in the heart of the village square. I've gone a few times in the last couple of months and have been somewhat disappointed with the service and lack of friendliness or niceness of some of the staff that work there. It's surprising every time. I love this cafe, the drinks and food, but it's gone slightly downhill for me due to the service. read more

Coffee is not pour over but wonderful drip! Menu has some simple but good food options, including vegan. Friendly, quick service with seating options inside and outside to enjoy the beautiful Carlsbad weather. Comfortable atmosphere on the balcony level of the Carlsbad Village. Like most CA locales, the bathroom is not readily accessible and requires getting a key (leaving personal collateral), and as a Midwest girl, this is a CA thing that is just frustrating (but I know why places do it). Great find the last two mornings for our family! read more

Vinaka Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Carlsbad, California

Awesome place! Great atmosphere, comfortable sitting, crowd is mostly young people working on their computers or chatting. I recommend this place for a casual date, hanging out with friends or to work on your laptop. I always have a good time here! I love it that they close late. This place blows any Starbucks out of the water, hands down. read more

This place is a disappointment. In the year 2017, most of the cafes have adjusted their offerings to accommodate dairy allergies and sensitivities. Here I can not even have a chai latte since it's an outdated milk based powder. No blended drinks as well. Wake up and adjust to the knowledge we now have that the vast amount of Americans have sensitivities to dairy and an adjustment is needed. After speaking with the manager, I get the idea that it's just too much work for them to try and change anything. I seemed a bother and left with no resolution other than to know that I won't be back here. read more