By now, you know how much Michael and I love a good, local coffee shop. Throughout our 2022 coworking sessions, we explored many java gems with delicious drinks — and brimming with that special San Diego energy. 🌇

Here’s our list of 30 buzzy coffee shops we loved in 2022. We’ll be exploring more in 2023, so please send us your recommendations. ☕

Lestat's on Adams is a local coffee icon. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

From our first batch:

Better Buzz Coffee
Spill the Beans | Pro tip: Pair the Basic Sitch with an everything bagel for perfection.
Communal Coffee
The West Bean
The Living Room Coffeehouse La Jolla | Pro tip: Give yourself time to gaze at the Pacific Ocean.
Daniel’s Coffee Cart | Pro tip: Find Daniel’s inside the Spanish Village at Balboa Park.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Lightbulb Coffee | Pro tip: Dine in, and ask for your drink in a lightbulb cup.
Café Bassam
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Oh, it’s a good vibe in here. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

We needed another caffeine fix, so we visited these:

Flor & Seed Coffee Roasters | Pro tip: This is the spot for small-batch coffees from Mexico.
Jaunt Coffee Roasters
HOB Coffee
Bowls N Brews
Superbloom | Pro tip: You’ll be charmed by the bay views, the vineyard, the vibes — moving in ASAP.
Pink Rose Cafe | Pro tip: Brace yourself for many selfies at this all-pink paradise, and read our Q+A with owner Nadia Zamora.
Mostra Coffee
S3 Coffee Bar | Pro tip: The wall art will make you feel like you’re in another world.
Big City Bagels Café
Parakeet Cafe

Michael and I enjoying the patio at Jaunt Coffee Roasters. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday

We knew there were more buzzworthy spots, so we kept going (we’re dedicated like that):

Ultreya Coffee & Tea | Pro tip: Sit on the “Friends” couch, you won’t regret it.
Chikita Café | Pro tip: Browse the fun merch, sip your drink on the patio.
Brick & Bell
Lofty Coffee Co.
Kaffee Meister
Public Square Coffee House | Pro tip: Do not — we repeat — do not leave without trying a scone.
Por Vida Café | Pro tip: If you visit the location at Old Town Urban Market, you can grab tacos (hi, Tuetano Taqueria) and elote from neighboring vendors — and truly have it all.
Lestat’s on Adams
The Invigatorium | Pro tip: The decorations will have you buzzing, the coffee pours like beer, and there are no breakfast tacos.
Clairemont Coffee