Along with soccer, coffee may just be something that every culture on planet Earth dearly loves. This amazing elixir gives most folks a nice kick each morning as they start their day. I sometimes wonder how productive we would be as a nation without our good friend, coffee. In the San Diego area, they have some great coffee shops that are worth bypassing those big chains that most people frequent. Those who are looking for their caffeine fix in the area must check out these three top coffee shops in San Diego.
With multiple locations in San Diego, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has plenty of locations so that a coffee fix is not far from anyone in the area. Their “farm to cup” promise details how they buy the best coffee beans directly from the farmers who grow them. This means higher wages for the farmers as they have cut out the middleman. As if I would not have shown up just for their tasty, robust blends, it is nice to know that they are doing their part to better farming conditions. Though they have all of the fancy hand-crafted offerings, I keep it simple by ordering their iced coffee with a splash of cream. If you're on a low carb diet like I am sometimes, order an iced coffee with heavy milk and sugar free vanilla.
What I recommend: Iced coffee always hits the spot
Location: 5627 La Jolla Blvd San Diego, CA 92037
Holsem is a great place to stop for a hot cup of coffee and a sweet pastry. Nothing goes better with a cup of their flat white than one of their cheddar and chive drop biscuits. They also make plenty of specialty drinks that you must try. My personal favorites are the strawberry malt latte and the l’orange cappuccino. You can even buy a bag of whole beans to grind their blend at home. Tea lovers will enjoy their match latte or their lavender earl grey London fog, and vegans must try their peanut butter acai bowl. If you're a food blogger or a lifestyle blogger, I would suggest you come here for a great shot with an aerial view. Their marble countertops and tables are perfect for a great shot in a San Diego cafe.
What I recommend: flat white latte and their sandwiches
Location: 2911 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104
Serving up their full-bodied blends in the San Diego area since 2008, Communal Coffee is family-owned. Since it is tough to choose a favorite, I suggest you try their latte flight. It comes with your choice of lavender honey, vanilla bean, or rose vanilla. Their food offerings are not what you would expect from a coffee shop. They serve a great artichoke sausage pizza. They even have a toast bar! I suggest trying their croque madame with its gruyere cheese and fried egg. They also have plenty of both vegan and gluten free options, so there is something for everyone.
What I recommend: latte flight and toast flights
Location: 2335 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104
Though there is something to be said about those large, nationwide coffee chains, local shops in San Diego are not only just as good but perhaps even a little bit better. They offer a unique take on most of the favorites that we have grown to know and love. No matter if you are a fan of just a freshly brewed mug of joe, or you enjoy a fancier hand-crafted beverage, it is worth branching out from the chains to pay one of these spots a visit.