Best San Diego Coffee Shops

Best San Diego Coffee Shops

Best San Diego Coffee Shops

The best San Diego locally-owned coffee shops to work from

As someone who works from home remotely, I am always on the hunt for a great coffee shop to work from. San Diego has so many wonderful coffee shops, that it can be difficult to choose which one you should frequent.

While other west coast destinations, San Francisco and Los Angeles, have long heralded their superb coffees, San Diego has quickly come up in the rankings. Imagine enjoying your freshly brewed cup mixed with a SoCal beach lifestyle, house-made milks and pastries, and locally made housewares for your home? Gear up because San Diegans have a knack for perfecting their crafts before presenting it to the world, so these neighborhood spots are ones you shouldn’t miss.

Read on for what will be an ever adapting list of the Best San Diego Coffee Shops to work from:

Don’t forget to bring your remote work essentials:

What to look for in a coffee shop to work from

If I’m going to spend a few hours inside (and some cash on coffee & snacks), there are a few things that I look for a coffee shop to have, especially if I’ll be working remotely in San Diego.

  • Are there outlets?
  • Is there free parking nearby?
  • Do they have comfortable seating (or chairs at least with backs to them)
  • How is the internet speed?
  • Please Lord, let them have great quality lattes with non-dairy options (anyone else on the oat milk train right now?)
  • Do they provide sustainable materials for customers to use? (aka no plastic)
  • Is there a calm & bohemian interior atmosphere
  • Are the staff friendly & welcoming?
  • Is there vegetarian-friendly food available?

Ok, so this list of what to look for maybe a bit much. But frankly, I’m particular about the quality of my beverage, I prefer working in a place that has a cute aesthetic atmosphere, and I’m the type of person whose day can be made with a quick, friendly conversation with my barista.

With all of that being said, here are my top choices for San Diego coffee shops to work at:

Seven best San Diego Coffee Shops in San Diego to work at

(1) Better Buzz, Hillcrest

Better Buzz is an expanding local coffee brand in Southern California. With TEN locations and their own roasting headquarters, Better Buzz is on almost everyone’s radar. Each location is more aesthetically pleasing than the next, but if you’re looking to set up camp for a few hours of laptop work, I would suggest their Hillcrest location. There is plenty of seating, and bonus because they create seasonal beverages for those who are so inclined to delve into their pumpkin spice or flavored cold brew cravings.

 

801 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

(2) Holsem Coffee, North Park

Located in the ‘hipster’ neighborhood of San Diego, Holsem Coffee is home to some of the friendliest staff I’ve met. They focus on pure ingredients & fair sourced coffee beans, which create delicious lattes. I’ve also recently learned that they make their own hazelnut milk in-house… excuse me while I pause writing to go order a hazelnut milk latte!

 

2911 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104

(3) The Forum Coffee House, Clairemont

The Forum Coffee House is right in line with Holsem’s friendly staff. I always enjoy having conversations with the people here while I wait for my coffee (usually, to my heart’s delight, in an oversized mug). The Forum Coffee House need background info on them. This place is gaining in popularity, so if you want to snag a good seat, show up early… who knows, maybe you’ll see me in there around 8 am- if you do, come say hello!

 

4340 Genesee Ave, Ste 110. San Diego, California

(4) Copa Vida, Downtown

Talk about a great atmosphere, Copa Vida is one of my favorite spots in downtown San Diego to post up for a few hours of work (they have six locations in total). I love that it somehow effortlessly manages the hustle & bustle of downtown with a calm & relaxing environment. But maybe I’m biased… it’s the place where I quit my previous corporate job, where I embarrassingly shed joyful tears and swapped hilarious stories with co-workers upon my departure. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with Copa Vida and their authentic artistry to both coffee and tea.

 

905 J St., San Diego, CA 92101

(5) The Grounds Bean Bar, Pacific Beach/Crown Point

Chandler Bing 100% would be saying ‘Could it BE any cuter here?’ because The Grounds Bean Bar has some of the sweetest interior designs of a coffee shop. Imagine stepping into the cafes that Bali visitors brag about visiting. The Grounds was designed to be fun, inviting and colorful so that guests can have a visual wake-up to go along with their caffeine fix. Add that with a quick walk from Mission Bay and some high-quality beans to create lattes, and you have a perfect match up for where to spend your morning working.

 

1571 La Playa ave San Diego, California

(6) Moniker Coffee, Liberty Station

Part coffee shop, part bar, and a home goods store! If you haven’t been to Moniker Coffee you need to add it to your calendar ASAP. This Liberty Station staple, has a beautiful aesthetic to it – picture smooth marble & minimalist decor where the beverages are the stars. With plenty of seating, where you will easily find other professionals hard at work. And who knows, if you work at this coffee shop long enough you’ll be able to go from ordering coffees to ordering a glass wine to end your day.

 

2860 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

(7) Spill the Beans, Downtown

This catchy coffee shop name isn’t all just pun & games, Spill the Beans is another stellar location on the Verant Group roster (along with popular hot spots Barleymash & Mavericks). Known for their delicious coffee… and potentially even more delicious house-made bagels. While the interior isn’t as large as the other places listed here, it’s bright complexion is a perfect place to start your day.

 

555 Market St San Diego, CA 92101

For any remote worker who needs a few hours outside of their home, a coffee shop is an excellent place to post up to complete tasks. The San Diego Coffee Shops listed here are all places that I’ve personally frequented and truly enjoyed. And I’m always up for new spots to explore- have any suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Top Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

Top Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

Top Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

A growing list of the best vegan places to eat in San Diego

from a local!

This page contains affiliate links to products and tours that I have used for my own travels, purchased & enjoyed. Clicking these links does not cost you anything, however doing so will support Blue Eyed Compass and allow the site to continue. THANK YOU!

I love to eat. Especially when I know how good I feel after I eat amazingly delicious vegan food. There is no shortage of Vegan restaurants in San Diego, but just like any other cuisine type, there is both crazy good and horribly bad. So, I’ve put together the top vegan restaurants in San Diego list for you to enjoy.

*I’ll be updating this post at least once a year to add new restaurants that open. Be sure to subscribe to be notified of any new vegetarian or vegan restaurant openings in San Diego.

Let’s dive right in to what I’m sure will be your favorite places to eat at in San Diego!

Top Vegan Restaurants in San Diego

In order of neighborhood/area

LITTLE ITALY & BANKERS HILL

Cafe Gratitude

‘I am infatuated’. This is how ordering at Cafe Gratitude is done, by making positive affirmations based on your menu item. And while infatuated may not be an actual menu item, I am always happy to eat at this bohemian & trendy vegan restaurant and cafe. They are 100% plant based serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Plus has spectacular wellness shots, healthy elixirs and smoothies.

Local Tip: parking in this area is hit or miss depending on the time of day you go. I would suggest taking the SD MTS or a Lyft

Cafe Gratitude
1980 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
Donna Jean

Who can say no to a comfort food restaurant that hosts its guests in a quaint outdoor garden? Donna Jean serves up some of the most popular vegan eats in San Diego. Known for their vegan pizzas, and fresh homemade breads (or maybe that’s just what I love about them so much). The chef, Roy Elam opened & named Donna Jean after his mother who passed away from breast cancer. His passion is to spread how delicious plant based food can be, and it radiates throughout all of their dishes.

 

Donna Jean
2949 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
Evolution Fast Food

If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, then pop over to Evolution fast food, which is right next door to Donna Jean. Evolution Fast Food is a ‘fast-food’ establishment cooking up plant based american classics.

My suggestion, try their buffalo chicken french fries with their homemade ranch dressing. And bring it to Balboa park for an afternoon picnic.

 

Evolution Fast Food
2965 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

NORTH PARK & SOUTH PARK

Ranchos Cocina

Mexican food conveniently can be made vegetarian pretty easily, but vegan not always so much. Which is why Ranchos Cocina is a vegan lovers dream. They have a massive menu, where anything can be substituted, which makes it very customizable for any picky eater.

 

Ranchos Cocina
3910 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
The Modern Vegan

The Las Vegas popular restaurant, the Modern Vegan, has landed in San Diego and she does not disappoint. Another dining option with a large menu, you can’t wrong with any of the items they offer.

 

The Modern Vegan
4332 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104
Kindred

Look no further than Kindred if you’re in the mood for a funky aesthetic. With hand crafted seasonal cocktails and a brunch menu that will make any foodie drool over, Kindred is a San Diego locals favorite spot for vegan fare.

 

Kindred
1503 30th St
San Diego, CA 92102

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant

Plumeria features some of the best tasting and healthy thai food in all of San Diego. With an extensive menu, you’ll more than likely have difficulty deciding on just one thing to order. They also only use organic, non-GMO & gluten free tofu that’s made locally.

 

Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant
4661 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116
Grains Cafe

Grains is a family owned vegan restaurant featuring amazingly delicious appetizers and a crowd favorite of quinoa based pasta. Their unique interior provides a fun environment to enjoy their carefully crafted wine & beer selection. I personally think Grains is still a bit under the radar, but will quickly become a San Diego classic.

 

Grains Cafe
2201Adams Ave
San Diego, CA

Image credit: Yelp business listing

LA JOLLA

Green Door Cafe

Green Door Cafe is a tucked away gem. The restaurant is nestled between two storefronts in La Jolla. Their menu serves items with locally sourced ingredients, all made from scratch and catering to a seasonal menu making it a wonderfully sustainable establishment.

 

Green Door Cafe
7644 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037
Trilogy Sanctuary

Trilogy Sanctuary is such a unique and cherished establishment. Inside there is a vegan cafe, yoga studio, boutique store, AND they have a naturopathic doctor & host events and workshops. You will always find something fun & exciting to do here. Enjoy their 100% organic, vegan & gluten-free cafe starting with their chocoholic bowls, because who doesn’t love a healthy but indulgent meal?

 

Trilogy Sanctuary
7650 Girard Ave, #400
San Diego, CA 92037

BEACHES

(Mission, Ocean, Pacific)

Peace Pies

Ocean Beach

Peace Pies in Ocean Beach serves up an entirely raw menu and practices a zero-waste policy (yes, I’m beaming as I type this because both are amazing! Go Peace Pies!). Spend an afternoon enjoying Ocean beach after indulging in their mediteeranean wrap or horchata milkshake.

 

Peace Pies
4230 Voltaire Street
San Diego, CA 92107
Soulshine

Mission Beach

It’s safe to assume that their vegan, organic & non-GMO menu is just as delicious as their name is beautiful & unique. Be sure to try their Viva Mexico bowl, maybe at one of their monthly community events!

 

Soulshine
3864 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
NoW Sushi

Mission Beach

Located in the Mission Beach area, NoW stands for the No Worries Movement. All of the proceeds go towards helping to end animal cruelty, and they’re currently building an animal sanctuary in Austin, Texas! I’m sold in, who wants to meet there this weekend??

 

NoW Locations

DOWNTOWN

(Gaslamp & East Village)

Spoiled Vegan Cafe

Spoiled Vegan Cafe is a pop up vendor based in East Village. They make vegan waffles with unique twists like vegan waffle dogs. Check out their IG for their schedule

 

Spoiled Vegan

NORTH COUNTY

(Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Escondido)

Eve

The interior of Eve in Encinitas provides one of the most calming places to enjoy a meal. Their ‘happy vibes’ emanate throughout their food as well, where you can enjoy bowls, flatbreads, sandwiches, burritos & more.

 

Eve
575 S. Coast Hwy
Encinitas, CA 92024

Image credit: Yelp business listing

Far West Lounge by Modern Times Beer

Who would’ve thought beer and vegan could go-exist so happily? Except when you consider San Diego’s craft beer scene. We’re all about local here and Modern Time’s Far West Lounge is a perfect combination of a stunning craft beer and mouth watering plant based food all in one place.

 

Far West Lounge by Modern Times Beer
470 S. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
The Plot

The Plot is San Diego county’s first ever zero-waste AND vegan restaurant! They opened in sping 2020, and have a beatiful interior. The Plot’s menu is ‘boundary pushing’ as they say, and offer items including vegan sushi and chicken & waffles.

 

The Plot
1733 South Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Plant Power

Another fast food join, Plant Power serves up easy to order sandwiches, like my favorite, the Buffalo ‘66. And bonus points for them as they don’t use any artificial ingredients and are non-GMO.

 

Plant Power
3 of 5 locations are in SD; Ocean Beach, Encinitas & SDSU area
Native Foods

Native Foods is great for quick place to enjoy a great plant based meal. We love trying their new seasonal menu additions every few months, and are hooked on their california burrito.

 

Native Foods
Point Loma, Clairemont Mesa & Encinitas
Loving Hut

Loving Hut has become the largest vegan chain in the US, and what makes them even more stand out is that each location has a unique menu. Here in San Diego there is a location in North Park and Mira Mesa.

 

Loving Hut

With San Diego’s progressive way of life, I can’t wait to continue adding more vegan restaurants onto this list. But if you’re not 100% vegan and enjoy a vegetarian diet too, then check out these Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in San Diego.

Don’t forget to pack these items:

No matter where you’re going out to eat, it’s always smart to keep these sustainable items on hand to avoid any plastic use

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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