Coffee culture in SD

Where to find the best brew around the city

ANNA VALAIK / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR / THE USD VISTA

College students treat coffee like an upgraded version of water; it’s their elixir to life, providing them with the energy necessary to get through each school day and every weekend. For most, it’s the adrenaline boost that keeps them coming back for more and more coffee. Everyone needs a kick of caffeine, and coffee does just that — makes it that much easier to open your eyes and get the day going.

Sometimes waking up at 7 or 8 a.m. isn’t always the most pleasant, so looking forward to a delicious beverage is just what people need to start their day. For others though, the taste of fresh brewed coffee is irresistible. The slightly bitter, yet sweet scent can fill up an entire room. The smell of coffee is enough to make someone feel alert and at peace. 

Coffee has become the staple in almost everyone’s morning routine, and most people have created their perfect coffee beverage, determining exactly their coffee’s ideal milk-to-coffee ratio, sugar preference, and temperature. Furthermore, coffee culture is only growing in most cities,  especially in San Diego. 

There’s always a new place to check out and always a new coffee beverage to try, which is something a coffee lover should celebrate. So, rather than exclusively heading to Starbucks each morning, check out these unique spots around the city. Some are new and some are old, but they all have one thing in common; their drinks will surely fuel a coffee addiction. 

Heartwork Coffee Bar

Located in Mission Hills, a beautiful neighborhood perched on top of a hill overlooking the city, Heartwork Coffee Bar doesn’t skimp on the good vibes. The cafe is located near a plethora of restaurants, independent shops, and beautiful homes. 

It’s also a ten minute drive from USD, making it the ideal location to grab a coffee before or after class. Park along the main road, or turn down one of the neighborhoods to search for a spot.

As you drive by, their mural will come into view, and the pink heart decal will beckon you to come inside. They are open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can always count on them to be ready and willing to serve you fresh drinks and food. They also have large iced coffee drinks, which is nice for people who want a 16 oz cup of coffee without the judgy looks found at some other more pretentious cafes. 

On top of that, you can order all their standard drinks (lattes, hot coffee, cold brew) and then choose to add various flavors at no additional cost, which is something that a lot of other coffee shops do not promise. A latte starts at $5 and non-dairy milk is extra. 

However, as previously mentioned, adding vanilla or caramel will not cost extra. The daily brew goes for as low as $2.50.

Some other things to note beforehand are that there is no inside seating, and they don’t have extensive food options. They have a few baked goods, but they are equally delicious. Rarely can you find a deal like that in San Diego, so make sure to take advantage of this hidden gem up in Mission Hills. 

James Coffee

You’ve probably heard of James Coffee, as it is a tried and true coffee spot in San Diego, but it deserves to be on this list because it’s just that good. Their lattes, arguably, are the best in the city. They are a no nonsense cafe, sticking to the coffee basics and doing them exceptionally well. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t have fun with the caffeinated beverage either. Try their condensed milk drink or coffee soda for a special treat. James Coffee is a bit on the pricier side, so make sure you are willing to splurge on a beverage before coming here. 

A regular latte costs $5.15, and if you are looking to get a flavor or non-dairy milk replacement, that will cost you around $1.50 more or so. However, the countless positive reviews on Yelp don’t lie; this coffee is worth the extra few dollars.

Also, make sure to note they serve all their drinks in reusable jars. You can either buy one of their jars for an added $1.25 to your beverage or bring your own reusable cup. When you pay for a deposit for their glass jars, you do get to keep them, though. They also come with a cup sleeve, as well. 

Then, next time you visit James, you can exchange the jar for a new one. 

James instituted this program as a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem prevalent in cafe culture. 

They have three locations across the city in Little Italy, Bankers Hill, and North Park. James Coffee makes for the perfect place to enjoy a drink, work alongside other productive individuals, and take part in a movement to improve sustainability.

Blackmarket Bakery

If food and drink are equally important to you, then Blackmarket Bakery in North Park should be next on your list. Known for their mouth-watering breakfast sandwiches, named “eggywiches,” and huge pastries, you will be satisfied no matter what. Their pecan roll and cookie monster bread pudding are fan favorites. The “eggywiches” range from $6.50 to $9.50, which is similar to the prices for their sandwiches. The pastries are mostly under $6 each, especially the smaller items like cookies and muffins. Come around brunch time, so you can take advantage of their entire menu. 

Additionally, they cater to all food preferences, including vegetarians and vegans. As for coffee, their menu is fairly straightforward. They have all the options a coffee snob may need, and a latte starts at $4, which is not bad for San Diego. They have indoor and outdoor seating, making this a great place to go with a few friends or on a daytime date. 

Also, make sure to check out the surrounding area around Blackmarket Bakery. 

North Park is full of interesting stores, food spots, and beautiful murals. However, because this cafe is located in a lively area, parking can sometimes be difficult on the street. 

Be sure to check out the surrounding neighborhoods for parking. Lines can get long on the weekends, too, so try to beat the rush by visiting on a weekday.

People who don’t believe in coffee culture haven’t been to a good cafe where the atmosphere, quintessential coffee smell, and service all add to the experience of drinking a morning cup. 

As San Diego keeps embracing new and old cafes as important institutions within the community, the more locals will be able to support and enjoy something as simple as coffee.