Get your caffeine fix at one of our favorite stops for all things coffee.
Whether you’re needing coffee to get you through the daily grind or wanting the perfect place to meet someone for a cup, every neighborhood in La Jolla has something brewing for you. There are dozens of spots serving La Jolla coffee, espresso and anything else your caffeine craving desires.
Can’t decide? We’ve put on our thinking cappuccinos and come up with ten delightful coffee shops in La Jolla, so pick one or try them all.
1. Parakeet Cafe
Some of the best coffee in La Jolla is found at Parakeet Cafe in The Village, where the lattes are as colorful and fun as Parakeet’s decor. There’s a smaller Parakeet at The Cove as well, each offering espresso drinks, cold brews and more to perk you up for the rest of your day, along with bold, healthy options for light meals and snacks. And with artful spins like an iced mint latte or one of their mushroom-based wellness lattes full of high-quality ingredients, you’re assured a drink as satisfying as it looks.
2. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters originated in Bird Rock (hence the name!) and has been slowly expanding outside the La Jolla coffee scene since. Recently it opened its second La Jolla location to keep you grounded. Choose one of their classic coffee drinks, an iced espresso tonic or one of their signature lattes like the Sandpiper, a hazelnut hug in a cup. And definitely take home some beans – and merch – of your own, or sign up for a Bird Rock Coffee cupping event, where you’ll learn about the cupping process, explore multiple coffees and their flavor profiles, processing techniques and more.
3. Blue Whale
It’s full steam ahead at Blue Whale, which serves The Village of La Jolla coffee and so much more. A laid back beach cafe with vibes to match, Blue Whale is locally-owned and strives for creativity and quality in every sip, so gamble on one of their seasonal recipes and win! If you’re not into unusual ingredients in your coffee, fear not: Blue Whale has all the traditional favorites, too. Skipping coffee altogether (we would never judge)? Try a functional latte for a different energy boost!
4. Brick & Bell
Another La Jolla coffee shop that will have you happy with deja brew: Brick & Bell, which has three different spots: two in The Village (one with the regular menu and a new spot serving up sugar- and gluten-free items) and one in The Shores (regular menu). Grab a sunny seat with a friend on the welcoming patio to enjoy one of their hand-crafted coffee drinks (hot or iced – all made to order and all comforting and tasty and scrumptious pastries (we’re partial to the maple scones) or get a cup to go on your way to the shoreline.
5. Harry’s Coffee Shop
Harry’s Coffee Shop La Jolla, an icon in The Village since 1960 and still serving family-run diner vibes, is the perfect place to belly up to the counter for a refillable coffee pour. Or grab a table (pro tip: the wait is shorter on weekdays) to complement the coffee with an omelet or pancake feast. Try their horchata cold brew for a nontraditional take; the menu is full of ideas both classic and creative. Harry’s has everything you need to java nice day!
6. Java Earth
With every sip from every coffee cup, La Jolla residents and visitors are treated to personalized care at Java Earth. This Village spot is the perfect blend of quality coffee drinks, family recipes and delicious food. Hit up Java Earth for a smile and their ever-popular honey vanilla latte. We love Deb’s Avocado Toast with any of their seasonal coffee drinks, although when we’re in the mood to skip coffee, you’ll find us with a Happy Matcha in our hands on our way to the sea.
7. Il Giardino di Lilli
No La Jolla coffee list is complete without Italian entrant Il Giardino di Lilli, where each cup runneth over with elegance and style, along with some of the best flavors around. Try the lavender agave latte for a subtle, herbed sweetness or a cappuccino to savor the simplicity. The garden-like patio at Lilli is a cozy haven to open the laptop and type away or chat among friends. And if you try one of Lilli’s signature toasts or the tantalizing pastries displayed daily, you’ll be hooked forever.
8. Philz Coffee
Philz Coffee La Jolla, located on Villa La Jolla Drive, is always busy with folks angling for one of their customized coffee blends. And good things come to those who au lait: at Philz, every drink is made to specific order, from their seasonal items to the build-your-own cups. Choose a temperature, a milk and other personalized ingredients and walk out with your own caffeinated creation to keep you going all day.
9. Pinpoint Cafe
Brew with a view? Pinpoint Cafe is your best bet for La Jolla coffee with a La Jolla view. Established by two sisters who love coffee, Pinpoint Cafe near the Scripps Pier in La Jolla Shores overlooks the ocean, offering a perfect place for both students needing to study and beachgoers needing a break from the waves. At Pinpoint – which also has a smaller, kiosk-like spot in The Village – everything from the traditional espresso menu to the keto coffee and London fog are made with a commitment to quality, evident to the last drop.
10. Subterranean Coffee
At Subterranean Coffee, mainstream is grounds for dismissal. This La Jolla coffee shop, tucked away off Prospect Street in The Village, focuses on innovative coffee drinks and prepared plates like a lox bagel and several açai bowl varieties. Subterranean is also where you’ll find the ube affogato made with ube ice cream under a shot of espresso. Stroll the nearby galleries or head to the bluffs with one of Subterranean’s twists on the typical for a tasty caffeine boost that’s anything but conventional.
Need another jolt? Check out more cafes here and hit us with your best shot!
