15 Of The Best La Jolla Coffee Shops

La Jolla is home to a thriving and expanding coffee scene, with fabulous coffee shops and roasters scattered throughout this seaside neighborhood. 

You have a wealth of options when choosing where to source your next cup of arabica, from trendy haunts with speciality brews to coffee shops with an ocean view.

Rest assured, whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just need a morning pick-me-up, you won’t have to travel too far to get your hands on a tasty cup of joe. 

Below, you can browse our favorite and must-try La Jolla coffee shops.

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Best La Jolla Coffee Shops

Better Buzz Coffee

Address: 909 Prospect St, San Diego, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 255-8019
Website

Better Buzz serves some of the best coffee in La Jolla and throughout San Diego. You can find the La Jolla branch on Prospect Street, a short walk from the Children’s Pool. 

Featuring ocean-inspired decor with clean wooden finishing and blue patterned tiles, Better Buzz has a laid-back atmosphere where patrons can enjoy all the classic coffee favorites and handcrafted coffees with mint, hazelnut, or Moroccan spices.

The food is as impressive as the coffee, with a range of sandwiches and acai bowls to complement your chosen drink.

It’s no wonder this is considered one of the best coffee shops in La Jolla.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Address: 5627 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (619) 272-0203
Website

Head south to the neighborhood of Bird Rock, and you’ll notice a much-loved coffee roaster in La Jolla called Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.

As the name suggests, this cafe roasts its own coffee, though the owner’s passion for quality coffee continues beyond there. 

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters work directly with farmers to provide fair prices for their beans. They have won awards for their organic coffee, with a skilled roaster on site serving up ever-changing varieties. All in addition to their staple menu items. 

Coffee addicts can try unique flavors from the pour-over bar while relaxing in laid-back wooden surroundings and people-watching from the large windows. 

Brick & Bell Cafe

Address: 928 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 551-0928
Website

Brick & Bell is known for its tasty coffee and rustic setting, though scones are perhaps their most famous product.

The locations in La Jolla Village and La Jolla Shores have different decor, yet both have a cozy, quaint vibe and a homely ambience. 

As well as their beloved scones, Brick & Bell has a wide selection of freshly-made pastries, paninis and bagels for hungry customers. Their delicious hot and iced coffees are just some of the drinks available. They also serve plenty of teas and smoothies if coffee isn’t your thing.

With affordable prices, quality coffee and homemade fare, it’s easy to see why Brick & Bell Cafe has been a local favorite for some time now. 

The Living Room

Address: 1010 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 459-1187
Website

Right by La Jolla Cove lies the laid-back Living Room Cafe, one of the area’s most popular coffee shops with an ocean view.

The warm yet eclectic interior makes this cafe the kind of place where patrons can spend hours relaxing and soaking up the ambience. There’s even a hookah lounge upstairs.

The Living Room boasts a unique coffee menu with orange mochas and banana cappuccinos. However, their food menu is especially extensive. They serve everything from Middle Eastern specialties and chicken wings to croissants and breakfast burritos. 

You can visit The Living Room almost any time of the day, with the cafe opening its door from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. 

James Coffee Co.

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Website

This one’s for the coffee devotees. James Coffee Co. is a family-run chain of coffee houses in San Diego, with four locations in different parts of the city.

The place to go for handcrafted, small-batch coffee, you’ll need to head into downtown San Diego to get your hands on these specialty beans and brews.

Think no-frills premium coffee roasted on-site. All in a hip, minimalistic setting with a cool grey interior. While the single-origin offerings and unique blends are the main attractions, you can also snack on fresh pastries and try a refreshing homemade soda. 

If the coffee is to your liking, James Coffee Co. has many of their best-loved beans available to buy in-store or online. 

Harry’s Coffee Shop

Address: 7545 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 454-7381
Website

Thanks to its name and old-school, low-key decor, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Harry’s Coffee Shop was an all-American diner where coffee is not on the agenda. 

In fact, Harry’s Coffee Shop has won countless awards and titles as one of the finest diners and breakfast restaurants in the United States. This is due to its age-old menu of French toasts, hashbrowns and waffles.

What it often doesn’t get credit for is its simple but reliable coffee menu, which includes Mexican mochas and cold brews. 

You’ll want to take advantage of this enduring spot if you’re staying near La Jolla Village. Stop by before 2:30 p.m. to try the famous breakfast and coffee for yourself.

Looking for more of La Jolla’s best restaurants? Check out Best La Jolla Restaurants.

Rancho Roasters

Address: 1258 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Website

A simple walk-up coffee shop serving some of the best in the business, La Jolla coffee shop Rancho Roasters is quickly becoming one of the top cafes in the area.

Offering espressos, macchiatos, and the like for reasonable prices, Rancho Roasters do particularly scrumptious frappuccinos and iced coffees, including a mouthwatering cinnamon roll latte.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can also pick up some baked goods to accompany your coffee. 

Situated right beside La Jolla Cove, Rancho Roasters is the perfect place to grab a drink before strolling along the coast to soak up the ocean views. 

Elixir Espresso & Wine Bar

Address: 7863 Girard Ave #105, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 291-8278
Website

At La Plaza, you’ll find the Elixir Espresso & Wine Bar, an excellent coffee shop in La Jolla. Its comfortable atmosphere and clean, neutral aesthetics make for an inviting space, and that’s before you even sample the coffee. 

Deciding what to order here can be a difficult task, with Viennese coffee, house-drip coffee and raspberry white mochas all featured on the menu.

As if the coffee wasn’t enough reason to visit, Elixir’s wide-ranging culinary options surely will, with highlights including their signature flatbreads, baguettes, and crepes.

Communal Coffee

Address: 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 363-7737
Website

Just a short drive from La Jolla in North Park is the gorgeous Communal Coffee, one of the prettiest coffee shops in San Diego.

The decor of this cafe meets florist is Califonia chic, with white and pale wooden furniture contrasted by vibrant green plants and stunning flower arrangements everywhere you look. 

Carefully crafted coffees are the order of the day at Communal Coffee, with specialty drinks like flavored lattes and latte flights being some of the most popular beverages, though they also serve cocktails, teas, and kombucha.

Their food menu is as impressive, featuring bagels, pizza, and breakfast classics.

Unwind, read, or even study at this easygoing coffee shop. 

Parakeet Cafe

Address: 927 Silverado St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 412-0227
Website

From the vivid, eye-catching wallpaper to the menu’s colorful and bright dishes, it’s easy to see why the Parakeet Cafe has been drawing in crowds to its Silverado Street branch for years.

This La Jolla coffee shop is all about nourishing customers with nutritious, wholesome meals made from organic ingredients. Multicolored breakfast bowls, salads, and toasts make up the delicious menu.

If that isn’t enough to tempt you, their coffees made from locally roasted beans surely will. You can even add your choice of homemade syrups.

They also offer unique coffees with added superfoods like charcoal or turmeric lattes. It’s easy to understand why this is among the best La Jolla coffee shops.

Coffee Cup Cafe

Address: 1109 Wall St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 551-8514
Website

Amble along Wall Street, and you’ll come across the Coffee Cup Cafe, which is easy to spot thanks to its mid-century aesthetic.

Famed for its hard-to-beat brunch menu and fantastic coffee, this has become one of the most frequented spots in La Jolla.

Come for breakfast tacos, creamy scrambles, and hearty soups, adding a Latin American and Asian touch to lunchtime staples. 

The international influence extends to the coffee menu, which includes Mexican mochas, Thai coffee, and chai lattes.

The Cottage La Jolla

Address: 7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 454-8409
Website

With its classic Californian exterior and contrasting Victorian-themed interior, The Cottage is a cafe that feels modern yet snug.

Although it’s situated on Fay Avenue, it looks like it should be right by the beach, with surfboards resting against the picket fences.

The only thing more enticing than the menu filled with pancakes, benedicts, and omelets is the selection of coffees made with different roasts and blends.

Try the spiced lavender mocha if you want to branch out a little with your next coffee.

Sugar And Scribe

Address: 7660 Fay Ave UNIT I, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 274-1733
Website

Not far from The Cottage is the adorable Sugar and Scribe coffee shop and bakery. Take a seat on the dog-friendly patio or the interior dining area, packed with more treats than anyone with a sweet tooth could dream of.

Sugar And Scribe has made quite a name for itself over the years and has a team of incredibly talented chefs, cake decorators, and baristas. Not only does it offer excellent coffee, but it’s also among the best La Jolla brunch spots.

They pride themselves on their dedicated coffee bar, which features mouthwatering coffee made from locally and ethically sourced beans.

They have even linked up with one of the best-known coffee roasters in La Jolla, Bird Rock Roasters, for their delectable cold brew.

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe

Address: 8610 Charles F, Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 202-0569
Website

Coffee with a view doesn’t get much better than at Caroline’s Seaside Cafe beside Scripps Pier. When the sun is shining, which is most days in La Jolla, a seat on the terrace is a must.

This beachside eatery focuses on simple, fresh, and natural ingredients combining to make healthy and hearty salads, soups, and sandwiches. All served alongside high-quality coffees and teas.

Thanks to the peaceful and serene atmosphere, you may find yourself spending a few hours here.

Cafe Vahik

Address: 6780 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: (858) 459-1895
Website

An unassuming haunt near Windansea Beach, Cafe Vahik has become popular with locals for its tasty salads, paninis, and breakfast options, which go down a treat alongside the reasonably-priced coffees.

Choose from hot, iced, or blended coffees, or venture into one of the many smoothies available.

A fuss-free establishment that centers on classic brunch dishes and coffees done right, come by for a quick bite on the go or lounge around the outdoor seating area and watch the world go by. 

For a small seaside neighborhood, La Jolla, CA punches well above its weight in top-notch coffee shops, with straight-up roasteries and long-standing lunch spots sitting side by side.

As new cafes continue to pop up, La Jolla’s coffee shop culture looks set to get even better.

Which La Jolla coffee shop will you try out first?

Looking for more restaurant ideas? Check out these posts:

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