The warmth, the aroma, the temporary jolt of much-needed consciousness, a moment given wholly to the senses. Now that’s a good cup of coffee, but couldn’t that also be a good coffee shop?
There are coffee shops in every city in the world, but the coffee shops of San Diego seem to hold a kind of mystery. Tucked amid the bustling metropolis and concealed in quiet residential areas is an entire hidden world strung together by coffee beans. Here are a few landmarks to get you started.
Cafe Crema
Cafe Crema is a bustling crowd-pleaser, located on Garnet Avenue in the heart of Pacific Beach. Offering live music every Saturday night and the ever-popular “”Dirty Productions — word spoken night,”” an open mic event the last Thursday of every month, Cafe Crema is fun and vibrant.
Kensington Coffee Co.
Kensington Coffee Co. is an excellent place for coffee drinkers who don’t like coffee. From an extra-sweet white chocolate mocha to an out-of-this-world caramel-covered milky way, this place houses all manners of delicious, succulent quasi-coffee confections as well as the classics for the more diehard coffee-loving types. Its bright fuchsia walls and pleasantly discordant furniture give this coffee shop a homey, grandmother’s attic kind of feel; a good place to linger with a special friend.
Lestat’s Coffeehouse
Lestat’s Coffeehouse is interesting and quirky. Nestled in a part of Normal Heights that is often referred to affectionately as Abnormal Heights, Lestat’s showcases local artworks on the walls and the sound of fencing classes overhead. This provides a classic coffeehouse atmosphere, but with a twist. The house offers live music daily between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. in the newly renovated cafe area and an open mic on Monday nights. Lestat’s is a good mix of the liveliness of Crema and the coziness of Kensington. It also has a wonderful candy selection.
Gargoyle Cafe
For a taste of antiquity, try the Gargoyle Cafe. The main Moroccan tea room features hand-stenciled columns, colorfully tiled tables and cushy seats in front of the antique window screens. On the first Saturday of each month you can watch the Urban Tribal Dance Company’s belly dancers for a $5 cover. The drinks are wonderful; I especially liked the feisty fresh lemonade, and the chocolate syrup-oozing iced mochas.
Caffe Italia
Nearby, for a complete change of pace, try Caffe Italia. The decor has a cutting-edge feel of urban meets organic. The cafe can be a little crowded and noisy (especially during lunchtime), but this only adds to its energetic charm. The coffee is fabulous, but the real star here is the gelato. A large cup can easily feed three people. The waitresses are kind and the portions are generous.
So, farewell. Happy coffee shop visiting. Happy coffee drinking. And remember: Friends don’t let friends go to Starbucks.
For those interested in visiting the establishments mentioned, here is a list of their addresses:
Gargoyle Gallery & Cafe
1845 India St.
(Little Italy)
Lestat’s Coffeehouse
3343 Adams Ave.
(Normal Heights)
Kensington Coffee Co.
4141 Adams Ave.
(Kensington Park)
Caffe Italia
1704 Italia St.
(Little Italy)
Cafe Crema
1001 Garnet Ave.
(Pacific Beach)