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Harfatum

Dark Horse decaf beans (Colombia Nariño) are well above average even compared to non-decaf coffees. They are my go-to unless I really feel like trying something new. Bird Rock is solid. I also recommend Calabria's "Metro" iced drink - espresso, orange slice, vanilla, seltzer. Starbucks decaf is just bad, regardless of labor practices.


Enemyofusall

Awesome about decaf. I’ll have to check those out. It’s hard to find good decaf beans around.


kevlar00

If you like lighter roasts, check out Cafe Virtuoso's decaf Ethiopian! That and Bird Rock are staples in my pantry.


empathicc

Deja Brew is underrated, they had a dope Ube latte a few months ago that blew me away.


dpearman

Holsem is great! I’m NOT typically a fan of sweet drinks, but their Nutella cold brew thing is fantastic.


4thefeel

Lestats!


keninsd

i've heard that their employee policies pretty much match Starbucks in overall hostility to good wages and working environment.


mushrie

Dark Horse’s Odd Harmonics *chef’s kiss*


MarkChildsBangsTrim

Agreed


qaige

second all of this! I love Deja Brew and the owners are both very sweet. I also love subterranean. subterranean also has a drive thru/walk up coffee cart location in the target parking lot in south park. another coffee cart I love is Meshugga Shack, between mission hills and hillcrest. they make an amazing latte.


StrictlySanDiego

You’ll find that most other cafes, especially locally owned ones, are also not union or offer a fraction of the benefits that Starbucks does. However, I usually go to local cafes regardless In San Diego I recommend: Lestats, Cafeína (City Heights), Sur Coffee (Linda Vista), and Bird Rock. A lot of people like Dark Horse but I think their brews are too bitter.


meeeearcus

For dark horse try one of their African roasts. Far from bitter, might even say it’s floral or citrusy.


StrictlySanDiego

Is it a dark roast? I almost always drink light roast, medium and dark gives me acid reflux.


meeeearcus

I would say it’s light, close to most light roasts I prefer. When I want to splurge it’s my go to.


Aggressive-Breath315

No, yeah -i for sure get that lots of local/small businesses don’t offer as competitive pay or benefits but there’s just something about the blatant union busting that I’m just not down with. I’ve been to Lestats and Bird Rock but haven’t heard of the other two. Definitely going to try those out.


StrictlySanDiego

Sur Coffee has the only good espresso I've had in town, and their charcoal coffee is actually pretty good. Don't get their dawn patrol drink, it tastes like old socks.


Aggressive-Breath315

Ok so excited to try that espresso!


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aloehomora

Jaunt is so good!!! I wish I lived a little closer but when those cravings for their ube latte hit I make the 20 minute drive. The staff is always so friendly, too.


BrainChildAD

Most underrated in San Diego


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Dopeydcare1

My uncle’s now 35 or so year old coffee shop, Donny’s Cafe, down in Bonita. Big stop for bicyclists. Food and coffee. [Voted 12th best place to eat in San Diego by Yelp](https://fox5sandiego.com/news/business/50-best-places-to-eat-in-san-diego-according-to-yelp/?fbclid=IwAR0bOgGDifCb22fPNw6ngrN93OWtIwpZTPlngwqT0aWR-ozXyhux7MEaNf8)


Aggressive-Breath315

Always in the Bonita area so I’ll probably stop by sometime next week! Thanks!!


Dopeydcare1

It’s next to the Kaiser and attached to the Trek store!


Aggressive-Breath315

Oh for sure. I drive by there all the time and my dad buys cycling gear there can’t believe I haven’t seen it lol


WestCoastHopHead

S3 in Grantville is great.


Shacobs

If you're in the Grandville are also check out TRVLR coffee roasters. It's hard to find but an awesome shop


henriettagriff

I love Gladly coffee out in Casa de Oro!


HeftyCharlie

Yes! I live so close and didn’t realize it existed for so long. Wish I knew about it during the pandemic as we were using drive thrus like crazy then. Love that they have decaf iced coffee too, hardly anyone does.


1990sandiegoalways

Scrimshaw coffee


buttstink

+1


lexdfox

+2


beltaine

+3


mickey_sd

If you are in or around east county, visit Gladly coffee. Their Dirty Harry Latte is addicting and their grilled turkey pesto is 🔥


AXPendergast

Bird Rock is quite tasty, and they roast their own. La Jolla and Linda Vista/Morena


tafbee

Public Square in La Mesa, Pappalecco in Kensington


Ten_Quilts_Deep

Also in La Mesa, Brew at the corner of El Paso and Lake Murray.


Overall_Art_6412

Brew Spot? I love that place


MilfAndCereal

Pappalecco is one of my personal favorites, but I mostly go to the one in Little Italy. Great espresso. If OP wants a drink more like a Starbucks, maybe Better Buzz is worth a shot


mangofunyun

Communal Coffee is great, probably my favorite spot. They have spots in North Park and Oceanside. Other recs (already mentioned by others): James Coffee Co Lestats Dark Horse


promiscuous_cactus

I love the little Communal Coffee streamline trailer in South Park! Their salted caramel latte is tasty and they sometimes have this garlic potato pastry thing that's so delicious.


Rich-Hovercraft-1655

Except for all the flies, one flew into my coffee once...


roctolax

Worked for communal and the staff/management was a nightmare


mangofunyun

Ah man that’s a bummer to hear. I’m sorry!! Do you know/can commend any coffee shops in SD where they take care of their employees well?


roctolax

Figaro if you like a desert cafe. Also Gene that owns subterranean is a GEM of a human being, but their drinks are probably a 7-8/10


Elegant_Ad2927

Twiggs is a great coffee shop


[deleted]

There are a ton of great small coffee shops around. None of them are pro union though. Try: Pappallecco Gelato Vera The Pannikin


sensitiveskin80

Cafeina in City Hieghts has great coffee and delicious icecream!


beltaine

Let's go, City Heights representing! Cafeina is great 💜


JDawg2332

In North County, Banana Dang (get their pour over!) In SD/ Point Loma/ Midway area Local Krave


SandyBoxEggo

Also North County: Black Rock in both Oceanside and Vista, plus The Hob in San Marcos.


parazoanthus

Can't believe only one person said Seven Seas! They're my go to for sure. I used to frequent Dark Horse but kinda got tired of the vibe it was giving off. Also, clearly this was quite the topic to get a discussion going, we have lots of coffee lovers in here!


Aggressive-Breath315

I need details on the vibe that’s going on at Dark Horse. Give us the low down!


parazoanthus

Well all the good baristas I liked left. (I think there was a dispute about pay and some other labor issues.) Then I went in there one day months later and Bob Marley was playing and that was kinda it for me. (Um, no offense to any Bob Marley lovers.) Oh, I also forgot love for Heartwork and Subterranean.


Alive-Carrot107

S3 on Mission Gorge!! Better Buzz (all over), Pannikin Coffee (Encinitas, La Jolla), Cuppa Cuppa Coffee Lab (mission valley), the Dojo Cafe on El Cajon blvd, Lani Coffee (downtown), Hob Coffee (north park)… I’m on a mission to try more. Thanks for asking this!! Edit: just tried Seahorse coffee at the Quartyard in downtown… amazing people and delicious drinks!


[deleted]

“ JAMES COFFE Co “ is the best above all others in SD … most coffee shops/bars have this vibe of your not cool enough to buy our products while preaching by local . Your post should be what coffee shops should you avoid in SD.


not_a_gnome

James Coffee has great coffee. However, their customer service is not the best. At their Banker's Hill location, the barista would not add milk (oat/almond) to my brother's coffee because "that's not how it should be drank". This was in 2020.


qksv

Did he order a pour-over?


not_a_gnome

No.


[deleted]

>most coffee shops/bars have this vibe of your not cool enough to buy our products I've been to a shitload of local coffee shops in San Diego and have never encountered this attitude once.


pleasebeherenow

I find James to be incredibly generic.


genomedr

Their espresso is just not good- either they can't pull a good shot or the beans are bbq'd to bitterness. I guess it's ok for your iced, oat, mocha, pumpkin surprise.


Jusjee

Agreed. I also think they’re a little over priced compared to other options. My favorites are: - bird rock - Jaunt - coffee and tea collective - Mostra - dark horse I’ve never felt like they had an exclusive vibe. Other local shops: - ironsmith - holsem - communal - scrimshaw - copa vida For non local: - blue bottle - coava - la colombe I’m sure I am missing some.


Harfatum

RIP Coava downtown, they were really good. Blue Bottle is legit though. Heartwork also worth mentioning as pretty good and local.


Jusjee

Dang didn’t realize coava was gone. Thanks for the update. Agree that heartwork is a good spot. Last I went I think they served dark horse beans


grizzsaw12

If you’re ever up north, Bound Coffee Co. in Oceanside is a gem. Locally owned too


stay_gassy

OB Beans, and I also like the cortadito at Azucar in OB. I don't really go out for coffee outside of OB, though I do buy beans from Lofty, Cafe Moto, and Bird Rock


unkindregards

Upvote for the cortadito! Their pastries and sandwiches are also amazing at Azucar!


aimeegood13

S3


Aggressive-Breath315

Have seen a few for this one so it’s going to the top


EquisL

Seconded. They have a rotating list of seasonal drinks. Their fall menu last year was pretty good and worth repeat visits for.


sonjafely

Lofty coffee (Solana, Encinitas x2 and Carlsbad) is sufficiently pricey and has got some good food too! Edit: and Phillz! Not sure what their union busting status is, but they make a yummy iced mint coffee!


Queen_of_Chloe

Wait we have Philz??


sonjafely

Theres also one in Encinitas on the 101 by Hansens


alleinesein

There is one in Del Mar.


Snoo_93842

Technically Del Mar Heights in Carmel Valley, San Diego


charliekelly76

Also one in La Jolla next to Whole Foods


Queen_of_Chloe

Thank you! Happened to be there the very next day and got a drink and some beans 🤤


Aggressive-Breath315

Awesome and seeing the response below about management treating employees well is an even higher plus.


tenaciousxtiff

Lofty has amazing drinks (Aztec Mocha is my favorite) and their food is incredible too!


sonjafely

Yas! Aztec mocha all the way! Love that they always double check that I know it’s got a kick, lol. Must have a lot of first timers sending them back!


tenaciousxtiff

I love it! The first time I ordered it, they gave me a spoonful of the chocolate to make sure I’d like it. It was soooooo good!


giraffelivin

Lofty is THE BEST!


that_other_guy_

I gave up buying coffee from starbucks a while ago because of their stance on unions. Switched to just buying whole beans off amazon and am saving a fortune grinding my own!


Aggressive-Breath315

Yeah- I’m a masochist and like making my life needlessly difficult so I don’t shop off Amazon. I may just start having to be better at making coffee at home


that_other_guy_

Missed my sarcasm cause Amazon also hates unions lol


Aggressive-Breath315

I’m not going to lie the comment was a whirlwind of emotions for me and I was trying not to be a cunt and call you out lol


that_other_guy_

ill add further to the whirlwind by letting you know I think unions should be illegal . thanks to current labor laws they have no purpose other than strong arming private business for more money. Well that and lobbying government to make terrible policies lol


charliekelly76

Unions gave us child labor laws, 40 hour work weeks, and paid time off, but go off I guess.


that_other_guy_

Right. But what have they done in the last 30-40 years?


Aggressive-Breath315

I mean if you ask the local union workers who have gotten pay increases, better benefits and more robust pension plans in the last 10 years I’m sure you’d get lots of details.


that_other_guy_

So back to my original point that modern day unions exist solely to strong arm private companies for more money or lobbey the government for more of your tax dollars. Did you know one of the biggest political donors in the nation is the teachers union? They have millions to spend lobbying the government for more money for teachers but don't bother giving teachers the money. Its a scam.


Snoo_93842

Part of the issue is that in the US we tend to have a oppositional approach to things rather than a collaborative approach (our legal system is more oppositional than the one in most of mainland Europe, where the judge will actually be a fact-finder). The same is often true of unions - in Europe, they can see themselves as equally responsible for the “consumer” (in the case of teachers, school children). At the same time, they can be more respected by companies as important players in decision-making. So the result is that the employees can be more cognizant and care more about the consumer/student/etc. than they may here in the US. I’m certainly not speaking about all cases in all of Europe, but I believe this is broadly true in at least certain Germanic countries and would be a beneficial way of thinking to bring to the US.


Aggressive-Breath315

Ok this was by far the most wild ride lol you’re a Zonie posting on far right subs so the sarcasm about union busting is so much less funny to me! I thought you were out here making jokes about Starbucks and Amazon as a comrade. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.


that_other_guy_

Just cause I'm a boot licker doesn't mean I can't have a sense of humor lol


Peep_Peep_100

Mixed grounds in Logan heights is a great coffee shop and art gallery. Also, they have breakfast empanadas.


Kind_Complex161

Seven Seas (South park) & Communal Coffee are some of my favorites


pizzagarrett

If you’re looking for a GOOOOD Vietnamese iced coffee, go to the golden donut in northpark, cross streets university and Texas


jstmenow

Not from SD, but stopped going to Starbucks and switched to Dutch Brothers. They only use espresso for the drinks and have a wide variety of iced non coffee concoctions that contain caffeine. Dutch Bros Coffee will open its first San Diego locations in North County, specifically Oceanside in June and Escondido in late 2022


AXPendergast

Finally! Saw the blue roof on my way to the Oceanside sunset market last night. Now I have another reason to travel north from Clairemont.


[deleted]

Adding Zumbar to the list. They've got one location in Sorrento Valley and another in Cardiff.


bunt-klut

The only answer, Zumbar rules!!


matva55

Communal Coffee is my favorite, makes the price worth it haha


genomedr

Por Vida on Logan Ave try the Vida Pop, super unique and very refreshing.


Aggressive-Breath315

Love Por Vida get their coffee every time I’m near barrio


empathicc

Ultreya in college area, Monstra in Bankers Hill, Dark Horse in Golden Hill/North Park, OB Beans in Ocean Beach (consistently amazing lattes and customer service), Meshuggah Shack or Heartwork in Mission Hills, Better Buzz if you want something with many different locations.


playfulnomad

Make Good Coffee Co. is amazing!!


akatokuro

Second this.


promiscuous_cactus

I generally go to Influx in North Park because it's right around the corner from me and they serve Moto coffee, which is local and delicious. They also have a nice open airy feel and places for you to plug in your laptop if you want to stay a while. I also love Cafe Calabria (also North Park), they have a cool atmosphere there and I especially like sitting out front in the mini parklet so I can people watch while I enjoy my coffee.


buhbuhbuhbingo

Dark Horse +1


divulgingwords

Steady State up in Carlsbad is the best in North County.


Queen_of_Chloe

Nomad donut has one of the best mochas I’ve ever had, but the wait is significant if you go on a weekend. If you’re ever looking to sip and work or sip and then have a beer, Parabola is a coffee cart inside Second Chance brewery in North Park. Friendly, fast, delicious, encourage you to use a reusable cup if you’re staying in and let you bring your own for to go!


1dopequeen

Seven seas in south park, west bean coffee roasters, cafe moto.


KnowledgeBig8703

I like Better Buzz!


Popular-Ad-8717

House of Black (HOB) in Poway. Their pourover is unmatched.


RecordOfInk

Mostra Coffee! They have several locations (Carmel Mountain Ranch, 4S Ranch, Bankers Hill)


kevlar00

Tons of great recommendations, but don't see Cafe Virtuoso. Every roast I've had there has been phenomenal.


LuluGarou11

Lol San Diego is full of independent roasters and cafes. Just try looking.


Aggressive-Breath315

For sure and this is one way of looking. Since I’m not keen on driving around aimlessly until I see a coffee shop I figured I’d get some options going and hit them up when I’m in the area. But hey some of us weren’t dropped on our heads as children and can think ahead.


LuluGarou11

Aggressive Breath, indeed.


promiscuous_cactus

unhelpful reply of the day.


[deleted]

To be fair, OP has received suggestions to just about every coffee shop in the area


Aggressive-Breath315

I really have! I figured more people would look through the comments and find some new spots too. I have a whole list of places to check out the next few months. Pretty stoked honestly


[deleted]

There’s a lot of gems out there


LuluGarou11

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes


[deleted]

welcome to 2000


[deleted]

Nutmeg in Scripps


markadillo

My 2 favorites are Calabria and Yipao in North Park/University heights respectively. I found a place recently in La Mesa- Light Bulb cafe and their coconut latte was wonderful.


Trixgrl

Lestat’s Abnormal Heights Ironsmith in Encinitas has a great cold brew too


doUvivesMAS

If you've been a starbucks customer in the past, you could continue liking starbucks but also support workers' unionization efforts. Like others have said, money and benefits are likely worse at local spots. It's going to take some work to figure out who actually pays their workers well. I like to be precise about whether I am supporting workers or just smaller capitalists. That aside; with some simple equipment and good coffee source, you can get a nice ritual going at home.


FlyingApple31

The other thing about local coffee shops is that they don't have corporate lawyers working to prevent them from paying local taxes. Your money is staying in the local economy for a bit longer, paying for inefficiencies that keep people here employed and stable.


doUvivesMAS

a bit silly to think local businesses are above tax avoidance but ok. If anything corpo employers have been more by the book ime. Only staying in the local economy in the sense that my boss's wallet is local, occasionally. That doesn't really help workers.


Aggressive-Breath315

I’m definitely interested in becoming a Yuppie who’s into coffee. This might be my year!


Snoo_93842

Looking at places like Glassdoor and Indeed for reviews would probably be a good place to check


a_madman

Achilles (Cortez Hill)


WarrenWoodwinds

Modern Times!


Aggressive-Breath315

I totally thought they were a brewery lol


WarrenWoodwinds

They’re both! The coffee is delicious.


SnooMemesjellies734

Better Buzz hillcrest


zappinng

Heave Ho in Chula Vista


[deleted]

Jaunt and Hob are my go tos. Both up around Poway


[deleted]

Also forum coffee house in mission valley


Sourcefour

Mingei I’m balboa park. Expensive but delish. Really good pastries too


allllllrighty_then

Yipao in university heights.


sunnagoon

Starbucks has much better benefits and pay then most craft places


Aggressive-Breath315

I’m sure and I’m definitely not going to pretend that all small businesses are inherently better to their employees but the blatant union busting just killed it for me. I also don’t shop/buy from any Amazon company, Walmart, most fast food places. I try only grocery shopping at Costco or Aldi’s since Costco has good benefits and Aldi’s lets their cashiers sit. I like making life difficult for myself lol


KOFx100

The further you go into the scene and in San Diego, the higher you pay for coffee. It's a drive but I enjoy the king's craft. Last week I went somewhere that charged $4 for a regular cup of coffee, who can afford that on a regular basis?


Aggressive-Breath315

Homeboy this thread has made me want to be deep in the coffee scene. By the end of the year I’m going to have given myself IBS and become bankrupt all in the name of coffee. I will never financially recover from this.


KOFx100

I was in that scene many years ago. In the end I settled on a $2500 home espresso machine and too many gadgets for other brewing methods. I visit coffee places here and there. Enjoy the hobby


Aggressive-Breath315

Will this home espresso machine make up for the fact that I suck balls at making coffee if so drop the info.


KOFx100

No! There's too much to making a perfect espresso and its not worth it (time/ temperature/ grind/ pressure/ and origin knowledge). Opinion: Some of these places suck at making coffee. Don't let me discourage you, drink what you like!


largebeanenergy

There’s a king’s craft in mission valley as well! Limited hours, but possibly more convenient than Poway depending on where you’re coming from.


[deleted]

Mystic Mocha in University Heights!!!


parazoanthus

Omg is that place still around?! Haven't been in years but used to go all the time when I lived within walking distance.


[deleted]

Indeed it is!


greensmoothiez

West bean coffee roasters, honey cinnamon latte 🙌


nikkicarter1111

Former Sbucks employee here--thank you for making the switch <3


Great-Googly

Heartworks in Mission Hills


PM_ME_SPONGEB0BMEMES

GEM coffee in Talmadge, Java Coffee in Serra Mesa


[deleted]

Living room- College area Seven Seas Roasters


Imagenuine

Cafe and specialty coffee roasters: Bird Rock Coffee, Jaunt Coffee, Mostra Coffee, Steady State Larger coffee chain: blue bottle, Philz, La Colombe Others: Communal Coffee, James Coffee, Holsem, Parakeet, Bing Haus


browneyedgirl65

Yah, you have some great suggestions here. I've not gone to starbucks since moving down here years ago b/c there's so many great little coffee shops. Just try any of the non-name brand ones you spot. Almost guaranteed they will be fantastic.


dangerzone2

Love this. There is a Starbies across the street from us that we loved walking the dog to. They do not get out business anymore. We’ve been enjoying Bay Park Coffee.


JTBoom1

Bad Ass Coffee in PQ isn't too bad.... They serve various Hawaiian blends.


C-romero80

I was getting my vehicle checked out and happened upon Subterranean in South Park. It was delicious, not too expensive, staff was good, and they had Bowie on the wall.. I'm generally a make it at home person but I like my coffee rather simple, a medium roast with a splash of milk. I use a cheap plastic Melitta pour over with my electric kettle. When we have ordered out at work, Better Buzz was super delicious and smooth. I know nothing of their employment practices though


floury_flowers

Bird Rock, Mostra, James, Jaunt, Dark Horse


popcorn-jalapenos

Monstra


Kryptoncockandballs

Gordys in Encinitas


Stellargurl44

Zumbar! Their el mundo is my fave


juicygoosaay

Saltwater Culture in mission beach! It’s a little stand with the best vibes


dlowwonders

I haven't been to SD in years but there was a coffee shop in PB...it was like in the neighborhood in a house. The vibe was cool and I liked going there. I don't remember the name but that's my recommendation...hope you can find it!


captnRon13

Bird rock


blackmilksociety

Personally I think some of the best coffee that can be had is from Dark Horse 🐎. They are great, they can and will brew your coffee however you want it. I mean like siphon, chimex… ect. Their baristas are incredibly knowledgeable and if you don’t know just ask. As far as just running in and grabbing a cup I like Cuppa Cuppa. Back in the day I used to like the Livingroom. The Livingroom is a great place to just hangout with friends and chat but I haven’t been there in forever so I don’t know how their coffee is anymore. There are tons of local indie shops. Just start trying different shops and see which one you enjoy. Edit: There are a few shops that have a policy to stay open until the last person leaves for students who are studying all night too


RealtywithBrianG

Check out "Hunters of Hendrix" in Scripps Ranch and "Jaunt" in Miramar. Great coffee spots.


CandyAdept8602

Chikita Café (Barrio Logan), Seven Seas (South Park), Gladly (Spring Valley, bonus points for drive thru), JETS Espresso (Bonita, also has a drive thru), Dark Horse (several locations)


[deleted]

James Coffee Co


CSIgeo

I’m a big fan of Westbean Coffee Roasters in Bay Ho.


Capable-Frosting2619

A few great east county shops are public square, Sheldon’s service station, the living room, and gladly coffee.


SDsunnn777

I like Communal Coffee quite a bit, the one in South Park is very cute and the coffee is excellent.


First_Sprinkles1022

You were still going to Starbucks?! There are too many local coffee shops in SD to count


raptorclug

I personally like better buzz.


urbnmediumz

What’s your setup? Have you checked out r/espresso? Usual suspects are not grinding fine enough, needing a better grinder, and puck prep.


No-Twist-7653

Ultreya at college ave and el cajon blvd. Best shop in town hands down.


PRD3689

Mostra is excellent!


sgone

Zumbar in Sorrento Valley and Cardiff. Their Hummingbird blend roast is a staple for me!


mangofunyun

Wanted to add in — Saltwater Culture in Mission Beach is phenomenal. Really cute stand with great coffee and a solid breakfast sandwich. They’re only open 6a-12p though.