San Diego’s Tastiest: Thirst-Quenching Drinks and Treats

San Diego’s Tastiest: Thirst-Quenching Drinks and Treats

Anna Valaik / Assistant A&C Editor

August and September in San Diego can be hot, so hot that finding the nearest AC unit or beach becomes the only priority in life. When the sun is scorching and it’s 90 degree weather, it’s also important to stay hydrated and fuel up on those long days. When the ocean no longer serves as a refreshment and all that sounds good is a deliciously cold smoothie, coffee, or tea, here are the spots to go to that will most definitely serve up a thirst-quenching beverage or treat.

Trilogy Sanctuary
7650 Girard Ave Suite 400, La Jolla, CA 92037

Trilogy Sanctuary, a joint vegan cafe and yoga studio, is a hidden gem within La Jolla. Perched on a rooftop, the ocean views mixed with the giant floral mural on their wall make for the perfect place to enjoy food and drink. Their motto —  “nourishing mind, body, and spirit” —  really does ring true when you step foot into their cafe and look at their menu. Free parking is available on the street, and there is normally no issue finding a spot. Also, make sure to enter the storefront and proceed to the elevator, which will take you to the rooftop where the cafe is located.

The smoothie list is extensive, ranging from sweet chocolate to more green, vegetable-based flavors; they have something for every taste preference. For example, the Blissful smoothie, which is $10, is packed full of so much goodness — coconut water, pineapple, mango, avocado, and turmeric. Also, if a smoothie sounds too filling, they have kombucha on tap and their infused lattes elevate any basic coffee or matcha drink. The Flower Child matcha latte, at $8, adds a touch of sugar to the earthy matcha flavor. Trilogy is a vegan’s dream, but it also caters to anyone looking to enjoy a Pacific Ocean view with a drink in their hand.

Roots Bowls
1225 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Considering it’s on a main road in Hillcrest, this acai bowl place can be easy to miss and drive past. The storefront is unassuming and small compared to the other restaurants and shops along the way, but it’s worth the stop in because of these bowls. Metered parking can be found out front or behind the shop. Acai bowls are a staple for many Southern Californians, which means people can be very particular about their preferences.

What makes Roots Bowls stand out is how they pair chia pudding with acai. The freezing cold, sorbet-like acai goes on bottom, while the chia pudding is layered perfectly on top. The mix of these two textures and flavors makes this acai bowl unlike many others you can find in San Diego. The bowls start at $10, and the price goes up if there are add ons. Roots Bowls have pre-set bowl offerings, but the DIY option makes it easy to get exactly what you want. Also, their bases don’t just stop at acai and chia pudding; they offer a matcha, pitaya, non-fat yogurt, and chia pudding with activated charcoal base. In a city where acai bowls can become routine and boring, Roots Bowls goes against the grain and elevates this Californian staple.

Bobboi Natural Gelato
8008 Girard Ave #150, La Jolla, CA 92037

Bobboi brings Italy to San Diego every day from noon to 9 p.m. The quaint shop, full of multi-colored gelato cups and large containers of their homemade gelato, makes this the perfect place to enjoy a scoop. After a long day at Windansea or observing the seals in La Jolla, Bobboi is a great night cap. Although the lines get long later in the day, especially during the after dinner hours, it’s worth the wait.

This is very little parking out front, so you may have to park on a neighboring street or downtown La Jolla, which is just a short walk away. Also, because ice cream is normally a dessert, the parking is normally free because customers typically stop by after 6 p.m. The gelato is made in house every day using organic ingredients; they are truly dedicated to their craft. Their ever-changing list of flavors can make any customer happy, and even those looking for a vegan, non-dairy option. The scoops range from $4 to $8 depending on the size. Feel free to mix and match the flavors, too, because every one of them complements the other. However, Bobboi’s charcoal vanilla is a must try. It may look odd, considering it’s grey in color, but it is unlike any other vanilla ice cream out there. Bobboi knows their gelato considering people will wait in incredibly long lines just to enter and smell the chocolate radiating off the ice boxes.

Blue Bottle Coffee
3725 Paseo Pl #1060, San Diego, CA, 92130

Blue Bottle, a coffee company made popular in San Francisco, opened their first San Diego shop in Del Mar. The Blue Bottle is located within One Paseo, a well-curated shopping center full of hip boutiques and delicious food spots. One Paseo has one main retail parking garage that is free, and if that is full, overflow parking is available off of Paseo Place as well. When sitting on the beach no longer sounds nice on a hot summer day, head to Del Mar for some retail and food therapy. Blue Bottle Coffee, in particular, has been roasting and brewing coffee since 2002 and has been an iconic San Francisco staple ever since. They offer all the coffee staples, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas, but their New Orleans style iced coffee is like no other. It’s cold brew mixed with milk, roasted chicory, and cane sugar, and is $4. When you want the perfect ratio of sweetness to coffee, this drink is the one. Blue Bottle has standard coffee shop prices, and only becomes expensive with add-ons in the drinks. As an afternoon delight, Blue Bottle Coffee will satisfy any coffee lover.

Considering San Diego feels like summer year round, it is no surprise the food scene here includes so many tasty, cold beverages and treats. Whether it be a boiling hot August day or an ice cream cone is simply calling your name, these places, and so many more, do not disappoint.