My Favorite Places to Enjoy a Coffee in La Jolla, CA
In no particular order, since it’s based on what drops in, as my urge to visit for “any given day”.
(Yes there is a Peet’s and a Starbucks in La Jolla, but why bother? In La Jolla you have so many "local-personality" places to experience with great coffee and atmosphere, food and in some cases, ocean views)!
The very famous, (often line out the door) La Jolla local favorite is known as: Brick & Bell Café Address: 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
This place reminds me of a coffee bar in Italy, very small, very expansive coffee selection, yet simple breakfast menu & pastries menu and very, very much a buzzing beehive of activity, conversation and locals. The Baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable, while skilled at making the standing room only café somehow move along so you can rotate out of the never ending line in a timely fashion. They have about half a dozen tables inside and a dozen or so on the front patio. This not your average Starbucks with laptop junkies taking all the seats, rather a very fun, social café where locals (and their dogs) & tourist hang out, loud and jovial most days with conversation (what a concept).
I also love the sign they have over the register:
“Unattended children will be given an espresso and a puppy”.
Another local & tourist favorite: Living Room Coffee House Bistro & European Pastries. Address: 1010 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (They also have one in Old Town San Diego) With it’s very eclectic blend of antique & contemporary furniture, views of La Jolla Cove and wonderful menu of coffee, food & pastries (to name a few), it’s very reminiscent of the San Francisco coffee houses I used to occasion in and around The Haight Asbury & Noe Valley neighborhoods. Very much a younger vibe with old souls, this bistro offers a full menu including beers & wines, cigar room & hookah lounge and is a great place to meet friends or grab a quick meeting. It’s typically loud inside with music and conversations, I do see students studying and business folks working occasionally in their, but it’s a total hang here, especially if your lucky enough to get a seat by the coastal windows. They also have a great cozy sidewalk patio.
The Pannikin. The what? The Pannikin Coffee & Tea House.
Address: 7467 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
That was my reaction the first time I was asked to meet a client here. A great coffee shop, with quirky décor, an expansive outdoor patio and indoor seating alike, to enjoy small but hearty & healthy meals, sinful pastries, coffee more.This is also a great lunch spot. (They also have a few others up the coastline of San Diego).
When you’re a little more dressed up, or wanting a more formal business meeting, I LOVE The Nine Ten Restaurant & Bar is the in house restaurant for the historic Colonial Hotel.
Address: Grande Colonial La Jolla, 910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 They have sidewalk seating and an upscale interior, gourmet chef and actually great coffee. It’s like going back in time with “white linen” service and a fun atmosphere. My bride and I treat us to breakfast or lunch here once in a while and I do take a business meeting here once in a while too.
I’ll add reviews as I explore more, I tend to be a creature of habit in La Jolla with my “spots”, but I’ve left out quite a few local favorites I plan to try and comment on for you.
Enjoy La Jolla, where there’s no shortage of places to get caffeinated!
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