Hot and New Coffee Shops

Take a peek inside San Diego’s Latest Buzz

San Diego’s coffee game has gotten even stronger. In addition to our own coffee roasters such as an Award-winning Bird Rock, Better Buzz, and Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, these two serious coffee companies have gracefully landed in San Diego. Philz Coffee, based in San Francisco, and Portland’s crowd-pleasing Coava Coffee, will surely enhance your coffee experience. Make sure to greet these two charming neighbors that will serve you an artisanal cup of coffee with style.

Philz Coffee

Don’t be Surprised to see Mint Leaves in Your coffee

8849 Villa La Jolla Dr #307, San Diego, CA 92037

Since you’re a coffee addict with no limit for your daily intake of caffeine, you’ve probably heard of a mint mojito coffee from Philz Coffee. This San Francisco-based coffee company recently opened another location in La Jolla in September 2017, following its first location in Encinitas. Founded by Phil Jaber in 2003, Philz Coffee doesn’t have regular espresso drinks such as an Americano or a Latte, but rather has 30 unique blends for pour over in which Phil created himself after tasting coffee from all over the world.

When you enter this particular cafe in La Jolla Village, you’ll be surprised with the bursting energy from fully trained baristas. Although their long list of unusual coffee blends may frustrate you a little, they will gladly and personally guide you to find your daily match from three different categories of coffee roasts, and customize your perfect cup of coffee.  And these customized drinks are usually sweetened with their signature cream and sugar until your satisfaction. One of the most popular specialty coffee, Mint Mojito Iced Coffee topped with actual mint leaves, is sweet and creamy with a touch of freshness. Alongside their high-quality coffee, you can grab a bite from their made-to-order snack bar. The menu includes a variety of toasts and an assortment of baked goods.

What makes Philz coffee unique compared to other coffee shops is the philosophy of "one cup at a time," said Eddie Bernard, a friendly barista at this new location. Even though it fosters a lot of patience, the interaction he makes with the customers "makes work so refreshing." He genuinely loves working at Philz coffee with an encouraging family-like team. Visit this cool, new coffee spot in La Jolla for a unique coffee experience.

Coava Coffee Roasters

Portland’s celebrated Coava Coffee Roasters Branches out to San Diego

400 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Coava, defined as unroasted, "green" coffee beans, has emerged in downtown San Diego at West Broadway. This brand-new location has heightened San Diego’s coffee scene with a collection of quality coffee and tea drinks in a wood-inspired, lively space. They serve two selections of single origin coffee for both espresso drinks and pour over. You will be asked to choose between the two depending on your taste preference.

The founder, Matt Higgins’ philosophy is to produce the highest quality single-origin coffee out of coava beans. His hard work in studying agriculture has allowed him to build a long-term, sustainable partnership with the farmers. This close relationship between Coava and the coffee producers is evident in their packaging of whole bean coffee. They design their coffee beans based on a specific coffee farmer, honoring those who have demonstrated their commitment in farming quality beans. The most current one of Kenya coffee beans is named after Mr. David Mburu Mwangi in Kiambu East District. Inside each bag of coffee, there is a card with a picture and information dedicated to the specific farmer.  

AJ Wilson, a manager of Coava Coffee in San Diego location, has been working with the Coava company in Portland for four years and recently moved to San Diego with the opening of this new location. According to Wilson, Coava is "a small, but rapidly growing company" with three different locations in Portland and the first San Diego location. Their coffee beans are roasted in a big roasting facility in Portland and are constantly rotating in order to maintain fresh beans. Wilson is excited to be a part of San Diego’s coffee community: "I love how everyone is so passionate about it."

Another unique part of this company is their latest coffee equipment such as the permanent, stainless steel filter they use for making pour-over coffee. This customized filter has been scientifically designed for well-balanced and the best tasting coffee. Alongside the basic drinks, they make distinctive mochas and flavored lattes based on house made vanilla syrup as well as Bee Local honey and Cocanú chocolate syrup from Portland. Wilson believes that there’s always a possibility of opening another location; but, they are planning to focus on this brand new location for now. Love coffee? This artisan coffee spot is ready to bring out the best aspects of your coffee.