California - The Golden State
Discover Amicibar in San Diego's Little Italy for an authentic Italian coffee experience right next to a lively dog park. Look, if you want to feel like you are sitting in a piazza in Rome while watching dogs play, this is the spot! It is a non-profit coffee bar tucked away in the Amici House which makes it feel incredibly welcoming and community-focused. I love that you can sip a proper Shakerato or Caffe Marocchino under the shade of a massive tree while the neighborhood dogs run around nearby. The vibe is peaceful during the week but gets energetic during the Saturday Farmers Market. It is a genuine slice of Italian hospitality that supports a great cause.
Number and Street:
250 W Date St
I found this cool kiosk tucked right at the entrance of the public library on the island. The owner is so incredibly kind and uses specialty beans and will customize any drink exactly how you like it. The espresso shots are pulled perfectly and taste smooth. You should definitely try the Iced Mocha or grab a smooth cold brew and immediately find a quiet library corner to start a new book. My only real complaint is that the kiosk closes way too early in the afternoon. The nearby park is nice for a walk while enjoying the sips.
Number and Street:
640 Orange Ave
Altered State Coffee in downtown San Diego is the grooviest spot to get your caffeine fix and soak up some serious retro vibes. Look, you absolutely have to go upstairs to the loft because the skylights and vintage music decor make it the coolest place to hang out. I am obsessed with the Purple Haze which is this killer ube cold brew that hits the spot every single time. The owners are local musicians and you can tell they poured their souls into building this place by hand. Make sure you grab a breakfast empanada or that smash burger everyone is raving about while you are there. It is rare to find a spot that feels this authentic and welcoming in the middle of the city. You need to visit and see why this is a local favorite.
Number and Street:
641 B St
This Solana Beach location is the ultimate pit stop for cyclists and beachgoers looking for top-tier fuel. The patio is perfect for soaking up the sun while you enjoy a meticulously crafted pour-over from their extensive single-origin menu. You absolutely must try "The Carlsbad," a matcha latte topped with strawberry cold foam that regulars are obsessed with. For food, the breakfast burrito is frequently cited as the best in the area, and the sandwiches on fresh bread are fantastic. I was impressed to see they offer a high-quality Darjeeling tea which is a rare find in most coffee shops. It is a lively outdoor-centric spot that captures the best of the San Diego lifestyle.
Number and Street:
437 Hwy 101
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp District, this spot is a bustling hub for both convention-goers and locals. You can actually see their Diedrich IR-12 roaster in action which proves they are serious about their beans. I recommend the Honey Cinnamon Latte because the homemade syrup adds a perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering the espresso. The Bankers Hill breakfast sandwich is another winner that will keep you full for hours. Just so you know, this location can get extremely busy especially during conventions so be prepared for a line. It is a vibrant spot to grab a high-quality coffee and soak in the downtown atmosphere.
Number and Street:
372 Fourth Ave
You will find this convenient walk-up spot located right at The Rey which makes it perfect for a quick morning stop in downtown San Diego. It is primarily an outdoor affair so grab a seat on the patio to enjoy the city energy while you sip your coffee. You absolutely have to try the Banker’s Hill sandwich because the combination of ingredients is consistently praised as delicious. The staff members like Eric and Alivia are incredibly friendly and are known for remembering regulars and giving great recommendations. It is the ideal place to grab a high-quality pour-over and a bagel before heading to work or the nearby convention center.
Number and Street:
800 B St
Located directly across from Petco Park, this industrial-chic spot is a powerhouse for both coffee geeks and breakfast lovers. The pour-over menu is extensive with origins ranging from Ethiopia to Costa Rica, and the staff is genuinely knowledgeable about every bean they roast. You have to try the "El Cortez" cold brew concoction because the mint cream adds a refreshing twist that is surprisingly balanced. The breakfast burritos are massive and frequently cited as the best in the neighborhood. It is the perfect place to fuel up before a Padres game or settle in with a laptop. Just be aware that it can get busy on game days, but the line moves quickly thanks to the efficient team.
Number and Street:
100 Park Plz
You must visit this bright and airy location in Carmel Valley if you appreciate a good breeze with your morning brew. The shop features large open doors that create a seamless flow between the indoor bar and the sunny outdoor patio. The Bankers Hill sandwich is an absolute favorite among the locals here. The staff members like Lorenzo and Daniel are frequently praised for treating every customer like a close friend. It is a fantastic spot to get work done because of the ample parking and strong Wi-Fi. The New York style bagels are crisp and chewy which makes them the perfect pairing for a single origin pour over.
Number and Street:
12730 Carmel Country Rd
Acento Coffee Roasters in San Diego is a serious spot for anyone who loves the science behind the bean. You can watch the entire roasting process happen right in the middle of the shop while you wait for your order. The Spanish Latte is a good option with its creamy and perfectly balanced taste without being too sweet. You should know that the industrial vibe is cool but the roasting machine can get loud when it is running. The seating is very limited so do not plan on camping out with your laptop for a long time. It is the perfect place to grab a bag of fresh beans and a high quality espresso.
Number and Street:
3145 Rosecrans St