The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Diego: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Diego. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters in La Jolla, San Diego, the 2008 roastery that scoops cup-of-excellence lots from Ethiopia, Colombia and Burundi across eleven cafes.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Burundi
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters on 30th Street in North Park, San Diego, a small-batch roaster pouring espresso and pour-over with ten outposts across the city.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Whole bean retail
James Coffee on 30th Street in North Park, San Diego, the local roaster's longtime production roastery with a sit-down cafe while Little Italy rebuilds.
Sources from: Single-origin Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Communal Coffee on University Avenue in North Park, San Diego, the flower-shop-meets-cafe that opened in 2016 and now anchors five neighborhood roaster locations.
Sources from: Single-origin Latin America, East Africa
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
The WestBean Coffee Roasters on Broadway in downtown San Diego, the small-batch roaster supplying 20-plus local restaurants and pouring at Liberty Public Market.
Sources from: Direct-trade Latin America, Africa
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Holsem Coffee on University Avenue in North Park, San Diego, the in-house roaster from Muna Farhat and Salpi Sleiman known for freeze-dried fruit latte flights.
Sources from: Ethically-sourced Latin America, East Africa
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Better Buzz Coffee in Hillcrest, San Diego, the local chain's flagship roastery cafe with a vintage Probat roaster, cold-brew lab and a full espresso bar.
Sources from: Latin America blends, East Africa single-origin
How they serve: Espresso, Cold brew, Whole bean retail
Lofty Coffee on Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas, north San Diego County, a specialty coffee roaster running two neighbouring cafes plus brunch service.
Sources from: Direct-trade Latin America, Ethiopia
How they serve: Espresso, Pour over, Whole bean retail, Subscription
Peak food season in San Diego is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. San Diego rewards trust.