The Three Best Coffee Shops in North Park, San Diego
North Park Coffee Shops are the right place for your small-batch coffee and bliss. North Park encompasses all things hip in San Diego, and its coffee shops are no exception. San Diego was featured as one of the Top 10 Coffee Cities in the USA by WalletHub, and this central neighborhood naturally attracts some of the best small roasters and baristas, for coffee aficionados and newbies alike.
We’ve come up with the three best North Park Coffee Shops in San Diego where you can find your small-batch coffee and bliss, either in cozy indoors or on a sun-drenched patio.
Best Coffee Shops in North Park
Life’s a Small Batch
Hawthorn Coffee: one of the 3 best coffee shops in North Park.
Hawthorn Coffee has earned its keep as a local favorite and roasts some of the best coffee beans in the county. Aside from offering drip coffee, amazing decaf (yes, amazing decaf), pour overs, lattes, and other espresso bar favorites, they also have excellent seasonal drinks and a great food menu and pastry selection.
Try a wildflower latte, cascara fizz, or one of their homemade toasts. As an alternative, they offer non-espresso options such as kefir soda, matcha, and golden lattes, and tea selection. Enjoy your drink under their high ceilings surrounded by lush green plants, or outside on their patio.
Native Knowledge: They currently roast their own coffee under the name of Compa Coffee Roasters, at the California Roasting Collective in San Marcos.
Hawthorn Coffee
3019 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116(619) 542-9221Instagram (with a side of coffee)
Communal Coffee
There is no doubt that Communal Coffee is one of the most “instagrammable” spots in the city. Extremely light inside, and aesthetically pleasing, it's a perfect place to hang out with your specialty latte on a table, couch, or outside on their pretty patio. They have a full espresso bar menu, including fun caffeine-free drinks, as well as fresh food and pastries.
Try their rose, vanilla, lavender, honey, or seasonal latte with a gluten-free and vegan donut from the local baker, The Gluten-Free Baking Company. They also have a boutique to shop, and a florist to purchase cute bouquets from, which accounts for why ‘Coffee and Flowers’ is written in big bold type on the side of their building.
Native Knowledge: The shop is next door to the adorable, North Park Nursery if you’re looking for something that will last you longer than a bouquet of flowers.
Communal Coffee
2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104(619) 363-7737Rockstar Roasts
Located near the heart of North Park, the newest of three locations for James Coffee Co. has a relatively large industrial space that allows for indoor and outdoor seating. They use beans for their own roastery in Point Loma and have a full espresso bar.
They always have a seasonal list that includes at least one non-caffeinated drink, as well as a list of teas to choose from. They also have pastries for those who need a sugar kick with their espresso.
Native Knowledge: Aside from the fact that they build their own furniture, one of the owners is the guitarist from Box Car Racer and Angels and Airwaves.
