Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in San Diego

San Diego Cafes

Coffe Shops You Aren't Visiting, But Should!
Article written by Kristel Boe

While Starbucks may be in its prime, there are plenty of Coffee shops around San Diego County that are worth visiting. Unique in their own way, San Diego Super Guide has tracked down some of the greats.

Lestats

Location: 3343 Adams Avenue in the heart of Normal Heights
Phone: (619) 282-0437
Chill Factor: Lestats has the largest cup of coffee in the business. No matter what you pick from the menu, it is served in an oversized portion.
Extra Perk: Lestats is also open 24 hours a day. This is probably to accommodate for the insane coffee high you may experience from the large doses. Lestats also features live entertainment nightly in a separate neighboring venue. Their specials include The Acoustic underground, comedy night, and weekly up and coming performers.

Café Crema

Location: 1001 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA
Phone: (858) 273-3558
Chill Factor: Mostly well known for it’s variety of coffee substitutes, this café is a definite must. With amazing tea options, Café Crema brings out the bohemian in everyone.
Extra Perk: Located blocks from the beach, Café Crema attracts quite an appetizing crowd. Supplying caffeine needs to some of San Diego’s most beautiful people is something that this Café prides itself on.

The Livingroom

Location: 5900 El Cajon Blvd. La Mesa; Location also in Hillcrest at 2541 San Diego Ave.
Phone: (619) 286-8434; (619) 295-7911
Chill Factor: The La Mesa location has ample outdoor seating for smoking or simply viewing the night sky. Smoking or not, It is sometimes better to opt for the outdoors since inside is usually packed.
Extra Perk: If you’re going to be having coffee or cigarettes, you might as well add desert to your list of palatable sins. The Livingroom’s desert menu is in such high demand they have recently begun catering to various San Diego locations.

Experience Coffee

Location: 2963 Jamacha Rd. El Cajon
Phone: (619) 670-9669
Chill Factor: To truly "experience coffee", one must visit this café. Experience Coffee allows visitors to purchase and personalize a coffee mug and hang it on their wall. For future visits one will always have their cup at hand.
Extra Perk: Experience Coffee also has laptop connections readily available. Whether you want to get down to business or simply surf the web, this coffee house is ready to accommodate to your world wide web needs.

Hot Monkey Love Café

Location: 5960 El Cajon Blvd. San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 582-5908
Chill Factor: It may be a coffee shop, but it is also a great place to get your salsa on! Hot monkey love offers salsa lessons every Sunday, followed by a full on dance off. Beginners are welcomed!
Extra Perk: Found within a smaller setting, Hot Monkey Love is a great place to take a date or simply meet with friends. It contains a single pool table with ample couch seating. It has an intimate feel and simply exudes contagious hot monkey lovin!

Claire De Lune

Location: 2906 University Avenue, San Diego
Phone: (619) 688-9845
Chill Factor: Claire De Lune attracts some of San Diego’s brightest at their weekly open Mic night. Stop by for some mental stimulation, but make sure you come early enough to grab a seat.
Extra Perk: Being a two story establishment, Claire De Lune can be quite the happening place. With events that cater to everyone from belly dancers to knitting circles, Claire De Lune welcomes anyone who is artistically inclined.