5 must-try coffee shops in downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego is a hot spot for visitors and locals alike, known for its vibrant nightlife, Padres games at Petco Park, and year-round events. But the locals will tell you a lesser known secret of the area- great coffee! I’ve lived downtown for almost 4 years now, and in that time, hunting down new coffee shops has become a part of my regular routine. If you’re in the area looking for a pick me up or a place to get productive (or just look productive like me 😉), here’s what I, a self-proclaimed coffee and vibes expert, recommend you check out.

1. Copa Vida 

First up on the list and my personal favorite, Copa Vida. Located in East Village, this coffee shop is what I call my "home base". There’s plenty of seating indoors, and outdoors if you’re looking to soak up the San Diego sun. The baristas are helpful and I know I can rely on this place to always serve up the perfect cup of joe. I’ve tried several drinks here, but some of my all time favorites include the vanilla latte, cortado, and hibiscus refresher with a splash of agave, in case you’re looking for a decaf option. They also have some really creative seasonal drinks and delicious food items that never disappoint! 

2. Spill the Beans 

What’s better than a cup of coffee? A cup of coffee AND a bagel! That’s exactly what you’re signing up for when you visit Spill the Beans, located in Gaslamp Quarter. Listen, I’m not actually a huge bagel fan, but their scratch-made California style bagels and house-made cream cheese spreads are too good to pass up. I have to recommend the Basic Sitch and a sun-dried tomato bagel with a side of the carmelized shallot and chive spread. Enjoy it on their breezy patio looking out onto Market Street and thank me later. 

3. Rikka Fika 

For the third spot on the list, we’re heading back to East Village to Rikka Fika. With an instantly calming and serene interior, I highly recommend you stop by when you have some time to spare to truly enjoy the thoughtfully designed space. I brought my bestie here when she was visiting, and it was the perfect atmosphere to slow down and catch up. She tried the crisp house-made cold brew, while I went with the honey cream-top cold brew because we both needed the caffeine for a jam-packed day of summer fun in SD. I’ll definitely be back to try the ceremonial grade matcha! 

4. Portal Coffee 

If you’re looking to get caffeinated with an easy view, head to Portal Coffee in Little Italy. I love this spot not only because of their coffee, but also the outdoor patio that looks out to Waterfront Park. Last time I was here I picked up an ice cold vanilla latte, which was exactly  the boost I needed to walk back across downtown to East Village on a hot sunny day. The coffee itself was refreshing and smooth, although a tad on the sweeter side, so be sure to ask for less sweet if that’s not your jam. 

5. James Coffee Co.

On their website, James Coffee Co. claims to have “the best coffee in San Diego” and while I admittedly haven’t tried every coffee shop in the city (yet), I will say it’s pretty high up on that list. The friendly barista at the counter suggested I jazz up my usual iced cortado with a splash of their brown sugar syrup. I was worried it might be too sweet for my taste, but it turned out perfect! I was met with a strong coffee-forward taste expertly balanced with creamy oat milk, making the drink feel somehow simultaneously light and indulgent. Aside from the coffee, I was also impressed by the spacious, industrial design. There’s plenty of space for remote workers (I’m actually writing this blog here), and a few boutique shops to peruse as you enjoy your coffee.

Hey, you made it to the end. I’m pretty new to this blogging thing, so if you enjoyed this article or have tried any of these spots, leave a comment with your thoughts. I’d love to hear them. 

Thanks for reading. 🙂