30 San Diego coffee shops we loved in 2022

By now, you know how much Michael and I love a good, local coffee shop. Throughout our 2022 coworking sessions, we explored many java gems with delicious drinks — and brimming with that special San Diego energy. 🌇

Here’s our list of 30 buzzy coffee shops we loved in 2022. We’ll be exploring more in 2023, so please send us your recommendations. ☕

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

From our first batch:

• Better Buzz Coffee
• Spill the Beans | Pro tip: Pair the Basic Sitch with an everything bagel for perfection.
• Communal Coffee
• The West Bean
• The Living Room Coffeehouse La Jolla | Pro tip: Give yourself time to gaze at the Pacific Ocean.
• Daniel’s Coffee Cart | Pro tip: Find Daniel’s inside the Spanish Village at Balboa Park.
• Blue Bottle Coffee
• Lightbulb Coffee | Pro tip: Dine in, and ask for your drink in a lightbulb cup.
• Café Bassam
• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

We needed another caffeine fix, so we visited these:

• Flor & Seed Coffee Roasters | Pro tip: This is the spot for small-batch coffees from Mexico.
• Jaunt Coffee Roasters
• HOB Coffee
• Bowls N Brews
• Superbloom | Pro tip: You’ll be charmed by the bay views, the vineyard, the vibes — moving in ASAP.
• Pink Rose Cafe | Pro tip: Brace yourself for many selfies at this all-pink paradise, and read our Q+A with owner Nadia Zamora.
• Mostra Coffee
• S3 Coffee Bar | Pro tip: The wall art will make you feel like you’re in another world.
• Big City Bagels Café
• Parakeet Cafe

Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

We knew there were more buzzworthy spots, so we kept going (we’re dedicated like that):

• Ultreya Coffee & Tea | Pro tip: Sit on the “Friends” couch, you won’t regret it.
• Chikita Café | Pro tip: Browse the fun merch, sip your drink on the patio.
• Brick & Bell
• Lofty Coffee Co.
• Kaffee Meister
• Public Square Coffee House | Pro tip: Do not — we repeat — do not leave without trying a scone.
• Por Vida Café | Pro tip: If you visit the location at Old Town Urban Market, you can grab tacos (hi, Tuetano Taqueria) and elote from neighboring vendors — and truly have it all.
• Lestat’s on Adams
• The Invigatorium | Pro tip: The decorations will have you buzzing, the coffee pours like beer, and there are no breakfast tacos.
• Clairemont Coffee