Behold, the ultimate guide for coffee lovers and coffee addicts in North County! It’s safe to say these are the top 5 most popular coffee shops in the community, and with good reason. We’ve chosen places with impeccable customer service, unique menu-options and an enjoyable ambiance. DISCLAIMER: Once you try these coffee shops, you’ll be hooked. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Locations:
97 North Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas Ca, 92024
132 South Cedros Ave.
Solana Beach
(Photo source: Lofty Coffee Instagram)
This place blows most coffee shops out of the water with their unique, delicious and simple menu. Not to mention the ingredients they use are organic and locally sourced. Their approach to coffee is minimalism and it works! This is not your traditional American coffee shop, which is why it is a local hit. They only carry the best quality coffee from around the world. Each drink is packed full of unique flavors that you can’t quite find anywhere else. Locals and foreign tourists have both claimed that this is the best coffee they have ever tasted. Lofty is known for their friendly staff, friendly customers and dog friendly environment. The atmosphere is upbeat and happy.
Things to try: Turkish Latte, Aztec Mocha, Watermelon Juice and any of their pastries!
458 S Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA
Ironsmith is the place for natural and unique coffee with delicious flavors and aromas. Quality, community and ambience are all important priorities to the creators of this coffee brand. Locals love the place for the great service, great people, great vibes and the even better coffee. This artisan coffee shop is one of the best out there. Everything they serve is smooth, delicious, high-quality and made with impeccable attention to detail. They put a unique twist to traditional roasted coffee that makes North County locals come back for more!
(Photo Source: Ironsmith website)
Things to try: The Ethiopian coffee, the delicious Cortado (lightly sweetened espresso with steamed milk) and our favorite decant Cinnamon Pecan crumble.
578 S. Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
More than your average coffee shop, they have all your favorite coffee drinks, smoothies, acai bowls, juiced beverages, cold brew on tap and pastries. Locals swoon over the cold brew coffee, delicious acai bowls and fresh pastries. Better buzzed is known for their young, hip, laid back ambience along with their clever décor and company products. You can get coffee mugs, hats, shirts and more with quirky sayings like, “Lifes Better Buzzed!”
(Photo source: Better Buzz Instagram)
The open yet intimate space is a great place to meet with friends, work on your computer, or even meet new people! This place can get really busy but you can always expect friendly and warm customer service. They have several locations throughout San Diego, to see the full list click here.
Things to try: Best Drink Ever, OG Acai Bowl, Cold Brewed Coffee and any of their scrumptious breakfast items.
Location:
510 N. Highway 101
Encinitas CA
Pannikin has been serving the San Diego community since 1968. After all these years and all the new coffee shops that pop in and out, Pannikin is still standing thanks to their loyal customers and excellent coffee choices. There’s so many good coffee to choose from, you’ll never get bored or disappointed. They have a cool, laid back, comfortable vibe that makes customers feel at home. Make sure to get here early to beat the crowds!
Things to try: Their tea, delicious cinnamon rolls, brunch items and our favorite, the White Mocha.
(Photo source: Pannikin website)
Location:
111 Chesterfield Dr. #115
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
A small, sleek and cute coffee shop located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, the ultimate surfers paradise. Just blocks away from the beach, they serve phenomenal coffee brewed to perfection. Zumbar is known for their delicious coffee, intimate environment and great service. They take an artisan-style approach to serving the finest coffee. The staff is friendly and reliable while the ambiance is mellow and simplistic. This is the place to enjoy delicious no-fuss brewed coffee with great views of the beach and gorgeous Cardiff sunsets.
Things to try: The cappuccinos, lattes and flat whites.
(Photo source: Instagram – mtbchilie)
