San Diego’s coffee scene has exploded in the past few years, with more options than ever to satisfy that need for caffeine. We’ve put together a list of 10 of our favorite cafes in North County San Diego. You’ll find spots where you can slowly sip on some coffee while people watching, neighborhood favorites where you can grab a cup of joe to go and cafes where you can order online for at-home delivery.
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
458 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas CA 92024
Located in Encinitas this is boutique coffee roaster specializing in high-quality coffee from around the world carries coffee from Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Mexico, and Indonesia that you can also order online.
They have espresso and brewed coffee, matcha, vanilla chai, and Turmeric ginger for those who are anti-coffee.
Conveniently located on the 101, you can expect a fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff. Make sure you get some of their fresh pastries while you are here.
Lofty Coffee
2742 State Street, Carlsbad CA 92008
Lucky for us, this amazing coffee roaster company has locations in Solana Beach, La Costa, Carlsbad, Little Italy and two locations in Encinitas.
Seeking out farms, co-ops and importers from around the world that grow and transport in a sustainable manner to ensure the quality and consistency of their coffee, they offer bean options from Guatemala, Costa Rica and Peru that you can also buy to take home or order online.
Daily their bakery is filled with sheets of hand-rolled croissants, muffins and cookies to create the day’s supply of scratch-made pastries made with natural, organic, and local ingredients.
If you are in one of the Encinitas locations you can stop at Lofty Market where you will find fresh and local products like their house-made nut milks, organic juices, fresh baked breads and pastries, local organic eggs, organic dairy, cold brew, roasted Lofty coffee and even fresh flowers for those special occasions!
Pannikin Coffee & Tea
510 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Located in the historic Santa Fe railroad station, this charming cafe has been operating since 1968 and offers a global selection of beverages.
Emulating Leucadia, Pannikin has a laidback, friendly, relaxing atmosphere. In a very classic structure with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, they offer roasted coffee, a vast selection of fine imported teas and fresh baked goods.
You can also opt for a simple breakfast of avocado toast, a bagel or eggs or go for lunch featuring avocado chicken wraps, quiches, soups, or sandwiches and enjoy the peaceful area and step back in time in this historic building.
They also have a cute little shop where you can find apparel, coffee and tea from around the world, original teacups, mugs and much more.
They close at 5pm and they have two more locations at the San Diego Airport.
North County Roastery
129 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA, 92054
Relatively new, established in 2020 with great coffee and special innovative options like Strawberry White Mocha, Lavender Vanilla Latte, or Iced Coconut Matcha Latte, North County Roastery offers a wonderful atmosphere for lingering and enjoying your coffee inside or on their spacious patio. You can choose from breakfast options like chicken and waffles, French toast, an omelet or an egg sandwich.
The owner of the coffee shop owns the restaurant next door, called Switchboard, a Hawaiian-inspired cuisine where you can order an amazing espresso martini!
Banana Dang Coffee
115 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Having spent the bulk of our lives in love with coffee and caring for beaches, the owners wanted to create a space that embraced their passions: coffee, bananas, and the environment.
In 2007, they opened their first coffee bar in the surfing mecca of Rincon, Puerto Rico and in 2015, they relocated to Oceanside.
This vibrant coffee shop is inspired in Bananas, the owner’s favorite fruit, which possesses a unique and artistic concept.
Here you’ll find great service, excellent drinks with a delightful selection of smoothies for summer where you can try something different like a Banana Mocha Frappuccino and more.
They also have a delicious selection of pastries where of course it cannot be missed the classic Banana Bread from their menu.
If you are Bananas about coffee, this is the place for you!
Succulent Cafe
505 Oak Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008
If you are looking for something completely different, this is the perfect place.
Located in Carlsbad Village, this is an incredibly unique spot featuring an open-air café surrounded by succulent walls.
At this café, you can relax and enjoy your coffee on the patio, then shop for plants on your way out.
They have delicious muffins, bagels, croissants, and avocado toast if you want to add something yummy to your coffee.
If you want to experience something different you can order Lavander Mocha, Mexican Mocha and Coconut Green Tea, or Lavander Lemonade for a refreshing summer drink.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
2212 Carmel Valley Road, Del Mar, CA 92014
If you are in the Torrey Pines area, be sure to check out Bird Rock Coffee Roasters! This is a great spot to grab coffee with a view. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines, then stop here for your post-workout treat.
They work directly with farmers from around the world to secure excellence in the coffee they offer.
Some Farmers that they build relationships with from around the world are from Guatemala, Peru, El Salvador, Sumatra, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Mexico.
You can also order online if you want quality coffee delivered.
With an amazing view and close to the ocean, you can enjoy your cup of coffee on the deck feeling and smelling the ocean breeze. Make sure you try their fresh pastries as well.
They have several locations around San Diego, including Carlsbad: 2656 Gateway Road, Suite 150, Carlsbad, CA, 2009.
Revolution Roasters
1836 S Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
Revolution is a specialty coffee shop in South Oceanside. They roast their coffees weekly and make all of their sauces and syrups from scratch. They proudly serve Straus Organic Milk and house-made pastries that are baked fresh every morning. Offering have a wide variety of rotating seasonal options including beverages, pastries, and a limited release coffee, they also offer vegan, gluten free, and organic options that are available throughout their bakery, kitchen, and coffee menus. They offer online ordering and their “smooth operator” option is a must-try!
The Goods
2965 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Located in Carlsbad Village, The Goods offers an amazing and ridiculously delicious selection of donuts. They proudly serve Stumptown Coffee that pairs beautifully with their donuts.
Naked Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Located in Carlsbad Village, Naked Café is a local café chain with a globally influenced menu of breakfast & light eats, plus coffee & mimosas. They also have locations in Encinitas, Solana and Point Loma.
If you have any additional places to recommend for coffee in San Diego, please drop them in the comments below!
