Our Favorite Coffee Shops in San Diego

Bring it in, coffee lovers! By now, you know that San Diego is home to a lot of great coffee shops. We love coffee shops for a lot of different reasons; it’s more than just a caffeinated hot beverage. It’s the friendly baristas that help us start our day on the right foot. It’s the sense of belonging and the cozy vibes that are so characteristic of a great, local spot. It’s the events that are hosted in these shops: open mics, clothing swaps, stand-up comedy. Coffee shops add a lot of local color to our neighborhoods. Here’s a few of our favorite spots and the reasons that we love them.

James Coffee

James Coffee is an industrial, modern space that makes coffee feel more like an experience than a beverage. Located in Little Italy and attached to well curated boutique shops that sell everything from clothing and accessories to flowers, these coffee roasters are pulling out all the stops. James Coffee is quite possibly the hippest coffee shop in town, and you can always find patrons posing for a photo in front of their giant owl mural. Another unique aspect of James Coffee? They offer classes that teach you coffee brewing techniques to help you get the most out of your home brewing equipment.

So, what should you order at James Coffee? They have a lot of game changers on their menu, but we recommend starting with the Horchata Latte or their Coffee Soda (weird, we know. But coffee soda is definitely a unique experience that everyone should try at least once.)

Twiggs Bakery and Coffeehouse

Twiggs just celebrated their 20th anniversary in May. They’ve been a fixture in University Heights for two decades, and their longevity is proof that the coffee is strong and the pastries are sweet. Twiggs is all about community and great service. The atmosphere is friendly and Twiggs always feels like a great place to make a new friend. A lot of coffee shops boast that they are community oriented, but Twiggs follows through with genuine heart and action. The coffee shop hosts 20 12-step groups during the week, and it is known as a community center in the University Heights neighborhood.

Pro tip: Ask for a punch card. Once you visit Twiggs, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Grinds & Vine Coffee

Grinds & Vine is located in North Park inside of Negociant, an urban winery. These two businesses are bringing the best of both worlds to the hip neighborhood. Come into Grinds & Vine for a coffee in the morning, then come back after work for a glass of wine. Between Grinds & Vine and Negociant, there’s always something happening here. Whether its an open mic night or a cold brew tasting, this spot has something for everyone, early birds and night owls alike.

Cheers to coffee, community, and all of the great reasons to love these local shops!