Go off campus for Claro Coffee
Photo courtesy of Claro Coffee
Just down the hill from USD, an innovative new coffee shop is the place to study
Shelby Todd / Asst. A&C Editor / The USD Vista
Claro Coffee
5334 Banks Street Suite A
San Diego, CA 92110
Iced Vanilla Latte: $4.75
Free Wi-Fi: Yes
Nestled into the front room of Made Lumber Supply in Morena’s warehouse district, Claro Coffee is not your average coffee shop. This newly opened coffee spot was built by some of the woodworkers employed by the lumber yard it resides in. The small storefront serves as both a functional coffee bar and a showroom for their work. All of the furniture and decor of the shop are pieces handmade by the woodworkers in the shared space, including the barista making the coffee, Jorge Díaz.
The idea to open the storefront began in January when Díaz, partner Jon Boyd, and Made Lumber Supply owner, Bryan Grasela, started brainstorming ways to utilize the space. They eventually decided that a coffee shop would be a unique way to showcase their work and add to the business.
“They were proud that they could build everything themselves, and it is wood related,” Angie Díaz, Jorge’s wife and business partner said.
After a month of planning, the team began working on designing and building the space, and in August, Claro Coffee was open to the public. The menu at Claro combines simple classics and Cuban specialties, and is inspired by the Díaz’s Cuban heritage.
Photo courtesy of Claro Coffee
“We added some Cuban items to the menu because we are trying to bring a little bit of the flavor of our country to you guys, and we think that Cuban coffee is really good,” Angie said.
Though it at first appears like an unlikely pair, the name of the shop, Claro Coffee, represents the unique combination of lumber and Cuban coffee.
“Everything is built in Claro Walnut, which is one of the most beautiful trees you will find in Northern California,” Angie said, “And, what you call drip coffee in the U.S. is called Café Claro in Cuba.”
The mix of these two items is representative of the merging of the two businesses, making it the perfect name for the new shop.
The minimalist style of the space highlights the beauty of the Claro Walnut furniture and provides students with a sophisticated place for studying. The large seating area is often filled with students and workers, and the unique location offers a quiet environment perfect for getting work done. If you are in need of a study break while in the coffee shop, guests are often welcome to walk back into the woodworking space to see the work being completed by Made Lumber.
For now, Claro Coffee is just starting out, but as the business grows, the Díazes say they hope to begin adding more hours of operation and expanding their menu to offer more food options beyond the variety of pastries they serve now. Limited street parking and a dirt lot at the end of the street are available for students looking to stop by Claro Coffee.