If you like drinking GOOD coffee while being MILDLY MOIST and quite COLD, then this is the coffee shop for you! (Further review below...)
I am the worlds first Coffélier™ (pron: Coffee--lee-a). Think sommelier but for coffee. I've been severely addicted since I was 12 when my dad offered me a black drip coffee and I've never looked back.
Considering my coffee palate has been in development for quite a bit longer than most, I consider myself reliable to review coffee.
One thing is always true though, I never review stores with more than 100 locations. At that point, that would be as futile as reviewing every McDonalds, not worth your or my time. We know what we are getting with those stores.
COFFEE: 3.5 /5 stars
Bourbon-y. I know coffee should not taste like that, and a lot of people don't like bourbon, but I can't help it. That is the word that sprung to my mind at first sip.
It's likely incorrect, but really, this coffee is a more complex flavor than I was anticipating.
In traditional terms, I would describe this roast as far closer to a straight "medium" as opposed to "dark" or "light". Quite good coffee, most people would not think twice about it, and I am sure it will pair nicely with anything else you would normally have your coffee with (cream, sugar, etc)
CUPS: 2.5 /5 stars - average
My Americano was served in a plastic "sippy" cup - straws were available. I was -not- asked if it was "for-here" or "to-go". My personal preference is to be served in glass/ceramic/something not plastic, but alas, this cup was of good quality and up to normal, average standard.
ATMOSPHERE: 2.0 /5 stars - It was cold. As in 58 degrees. Inside.
This was a typical cold and wet Encinitas overcast morning. And yet, despite this, the store has huge-full-opening windows along its frontage... these were wide-open. It was cold. Even in my long sleeves, shoes, and pants... it was cold. If these were not open, the score would instead be a solid 4/5 stars. The store is large and spacious, with lovely adornments and accoutrements.
But again, good luck staying here if you need to actually get some work done, or god-forbid you are a woman. My girlfriend would freeze in here and then be annoyed that we came lol
However, service was extremely fast and quite friendly.
PRICE: 2.5/5 Stars - Standard Pricing/Average Score
My Americano was $4.85 or so, which is slightly above for SoCal and is just over what I have paid all week. I usually pay cash and leave the change in the tip jar, which is enough to make the staff smile usually, but not enough for me to expect more than regular service.
PARKING: 2/5 Stars - TRICKY PARKING
This is not just an issue for Better Buzz, but this is an issue for ALL of downtown Encinitas. Parking is normally quite abhorrent. Now, when I arrived here just before 7am, there was ample, free-parking. But speaking from experience, parking is normally terrible. You are better off parking at the train-station if you can, and then walking from there. Train-station parking is free.
OVERALL: 3.51 /5 Stars - Above Average, likely the best coffee shop in Encinitas, which is high praise.
Better Buzz, where do I start... I like the ammo canister on the shelf.
I like the way I feel like I'm in a bar and not a traditional coffee-house.
I like that dogs are allowed.
I like that you are open so early.
I like that there has been obvious care, attention-to-detail, and thought put into your interior.
I like your coffee shop. I really do.
But for ****'s sake close the windows when its this cold out, that is my only complaint really. Everything else was quite lovely. read more