Better Buzz Coffee

- a lovely small shop in a plaza with plenty of parking -…read morethere's only a few tables so it's not super study/work friendly - I got the flat white and it was very well done! Smooth all around no bitterness. They sell their own beans and you can taste the quality in their drinks

Stopped by to get some morning coffee. As advertised , this…read moreis a very minimalist shop. It's like a old school coffee shop. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The coffee was smooth,not bitter at all. Plenty of parking The place is fine, just not a lot of extras(not a lot of options on drinks)

Waiting for my order

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O'Brien's Boulangerie

Cannot recommend this place enough!!! Been here a couple…read moretimes for the dinner service (100/10 btw) but today was my first time coming for their breakfast. WOW WOW WOW!! The crowd of people was what you would expect for 10 am on a Saturday but there was virtually no wait. Just enough time to thoroughly browse the menu, take in the beautiful display case of baked goods, and by the time you've decided what you're in the mood for, you're at the register. After placing our order we headed upstairs to find a table and no less than 10 minutes our food had arrived hot and fresh. I ordered the Short Rib Benedict which was heavenly and the Coconut Matcha Cloud with oatmilk and seriously one of the best matchas i've had in SD. Thank you to everyone at O'Briens for the wonderful experience and outstanding service!

O'Brien's is delicious! EVERYTHING I've tried is an item I recommend…read more Sunday drive: Lobster Bisque(cup) $10. Ordered it around 9 a.m. Hearty, rich and includes a quite small French style roll for dipping! Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough loaf, sliced, $13.95. GINORMOUS:) I divided into 4 packages delivering 3 bundles of deliciousness to my neighbors. Yes, they each loved the bread. Raspberry Strudel $5.95. Honestly, this portion is a beast! I divided it into 3 portions and all for me:) Lemon Crisp Cookie pack $7.50. I presented them as a hostess gift. They look cute in a tubular, clear plastic, lidded container. I'm not sure if there are 5 or 6 included, and I didn't try one. The recipient LOVED the flavors and the thought behind the gift. Indoor, outdoor seating. Walk-up counter. VERY small parking lot. BUSY-BUSY so be patient. Thanksgiving meals, sides(order by 11/20) and pies!(Order by 11/22)***(Check my photos) Well worth your money. A pretty place both inside and out.

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The Kings Craft Coffee

4.3(455 reviews)

2.6 mi

Location is off Espola Road tucked next to soccer field with plenty of parking. Popular with…read morelocals. Great seasonal flavors and comfortable seating inside and outside. Service was friendly. I ordered the Salted Caramel Latte and Apple Chai Latte and traditional avocado toast. All deliciously good!

I want to start out by saying the customer service was really good, I was greeted as soon as I…read morewalked in and asked what kind of drink I would like. I got the Irish cream latte with almond milk and it was too good! Also, there's lots of seating space. Oh, I will say it is super easy to miss the turn into the shop because you are coming down a long hill stretch of a road, so keep this in mind.

Bar seating

Avocado Toast

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Mostra Coffee

4.4(1.2k reviews)

2.3 mi

First time at Mostra, and it's clear they know their coffee…read more I ordered a traditional macchiato, and it was perfect. Sounds simple, but most coffee shops miss the mark when it comes to getting a macchiato right. I also tried their fresh brew along with a savory Filipino cheese and ube pastry, and both were spot on. Great coffee, very nice people, and a welcoming vibe. Sometimes that's all you need. Mostra definitely gets it right.

Starbucks alternative…read more I drove past this a few times and heard good things about them. Finally we decided to visit. It's a nice quiet coffee shop. You couldn't tell from the outside but it's pretty spacious and dog friendly. Plenty of seating and also available are couches with no accompanying tables. It's a small menu with a couple of unique flavors. Of course, I had to get the ube steamer iced. It's a boba drink time to me without the boba. I think next time I'll get it hot. Overall four stars. I would definitely go again to explore their menu. It's a nice place to get work done or just to enjoy a nice ice drink. M

Love their aesthetic

Interior

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Ghost Bear beans

Cappuccino Cottage

4.6(98 reviews)

0.9 mi

I have LONG wanted to try this spot. I am so happy my recent doctor appointment brought me here…read more The menu is creative and much more extensive then that National chain. Back in my early adult years, I would often visit local independent coffee shops, this reminded me of that experiences. Aside from supporting local businesses, its also a great way to get that independent coffee and be safer from all those germs. I ordered the Almond Joy. Which was good. I forgot how sweet that drink is, which is on me; the barista did it perfect. They also had a lovely selection on pastries and breads. I had banana bread. Which I would totally recommend to a friend. Should you have a Doggo; they love doggos and will likely have a milk bone for your plus one.

I was surprised to see a coffee shop by o'rilley. I ordered an iced oatmilk latte and cub soda for…read moremy child. Ava service was quick, the place is clean and my coffee was delicious! Thanks!

Great Logo

Cute

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I need it!!! I gotta have it!

Pavaraga Hawaiian Coffee & Tea

4.1(108 reviews)

4.2 mi

10-03-26 We we're…read morejust here last week. Almost every weekend we come to get our coffee. Sadly today we discovered they maybe shut down. Business sign is removed, door closed. Their Chula Vista location says permanently closed. And this location says temporarily closed. I doubt it's temporary. My husband and I are saddened, because they truly have the best coffee in town besides the Kona Mountain Coffee in Hawaii. Now, if my speculation is incorrect I will update my review. I'm glad we found this place a few months ago and we enjoyed their coffee and service. Mahalo!

Appreciate the interesting menu and ability to customize the caffeine and sweetness level. The…read moreambience is kind of modern-industrial and parking is pretty easy with the attached lot. Tried the iced Pandan and Almond Joy iced coffee drinks. Two regular sizes came out to $15. The drinks took 20min+ to receive so plan accordingly if you're on a time crunch. Both coffees tasted like international delight creamer coffees to me so I won't be back for those but would be interested in trying their Matcha drinks.

Front counter

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Inside

The Boba Co

4.1(335 reviews)

1.2 mi

the employees? 10/10. this is my go-to after work and i had such an amazing first experience a few…read moreweeks ago. steven is awesome and so is their thai tea. just sweet enough and the tea is strong. thanks guys!

I've always loved the matcha lattes from here and have told everyone it's one of the best. Today…read morewas not it. I came in and ordered through the kiosk while the lady, apparently she's the owner?, in the front was still helping the customer figure out what she wanted to order. After that customer ordered, she proceeded to make her order first. Fine, I have time (kind of) and yes, that customer was there first. She continued chatting away and I finally get my drink about 10 mins later. Now let's talk about the drink. I saw her scoop maybe a teaspoon of matcha into the shaker and shook it with the oat milk. First of all, that is not enough matcha. Second, you need to be whisking it or make a batch. All I can taste is strawberry milk. Today's cold interaction left a bad taste in my mouth. Not sure I'll be back.

Organic house jasmine green oat milk tea & Brown sugar boba oat milk

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Honeydew blended and brown sugar milk tea

James Coffee

3.6(66 reviews)

2.0 mi

i love this place, i think james coffee is honestly some of the best coffee in san diego. just…read moredon't expect a grandiose menu... they have few things but do them well. 4/5 because i am bummed they changed the food menu this summer. the new sandwiches aren't great, and i miss their chocolate brioche. they hyped up new bagels coming soon for a really long time and then just stopped selling them altogether. seems odd ‍ anyways, i've never had a problem with the wait, my faves are the salted caramel and the rancher, and a cinnamon roll for a snack. stick with those and it'll be 10/10!

This place did not give the caffeine fix…read more I ordered the iced ceremonial matcha latte, sweetened with brown sugar. I saw them whisk it in the bowl, but it just tasted like I paid $6.50 for regular milk. Unfortunately I knew before I even tried it was not going to be good, due to the color of the drink. It was barely green. I like a strong match with that richer green color. My partner ordered the Honey Cinnamon latte. This one wasn't bad, but it was also weak in coffee flavor. It was basically a honey-cinnamon milk, with a splash of coffee. Overall, the flavors/sweetness arent bad, but that's not what we came for. Also, a bit nit-picky of an observation... the lids were not comfortable to drink from. It was just an awkward angle. Disappointing experience, I'm so sad to say I would not recommend this to friends or anyone looking for coffee in the area, as I would love to support the smaller businesses in the Carmel Mountain area.

Almond Croissant

Chocolate Croissant

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Growler

Nova Boba

4.2(19 reviews)

1.0 mi

Good tea! I got basic drinks to start and they were better than average. Like, I would come get…read morethem again. I got the wintermelon milk tea. It was well balanced, and not too sweet (which is a good thing). I normally don't get boba, but I got it this time around because it's cheap and it was surprisingly good! We came like an hour before closing and it was pretty fresh and chewy. Service was a tad slow, but the ambiance was nice. It's tucked deep into a somewhat dead plaza so it was a bit eerie going there at night, lol. The workers were extremely nice and patient as well. Would likely come again to try other drinks. Have to come here early though, as they close earlier than other boba shops.

I came to Nova Boba on a mission to find the best Vietnamese coffee and cheese foam in San Diego,…read moreand this place absolutely delivered. I ordered the Vietnamese coffee with cheese foam and it instantly reminded me of Saigon Coffee in North Park. It has that same rich and bold flavor that true Vietnamese coffee lovers look for. The cheese foam here is my second favorite in the city, right behind Maiko Cafe in Mira Mesa, which says a lot because their foam is legendary. What makes Nova Boba my new number one spot is the simple fact that I can finally get both Vietnamese coffee and cheese foam in one drink without having to chase down a pop up at a farmers market. I was originally planning on heading to the market for that little booth that serves my favorite combo, but I am so glad I found Nova Boba instead. Now I can come here any time I want without depending on a weekend schedule. The shop itself is quiet, clean, and surprisingly inexpensive compared to many other boba places I have tried. It has a calm atmosphere that makes it easy to relax or catch up with a friend. The staff is friendly and the menu has so many options that I already know I will be back. Next time I am trying the strawberry matcha because it looked amazing. If you love Vietnamese coffee or cheese foam or you are just looking for a new spot that will not disappoint, I highly recommend stopping by Nova Boba. It is officially part of my rotation now. Service was quick and place was cute.

2.3 mi•Sabre Springs, Scripps Ranch

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Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe

4.2(1.7k reviews)

The ambiance was really nice with plenty of seating. Their bakery selection varies but there's…read moresomething for everyone. They also have gluten-free options which is a plus! The staff were really sweet and friendly. You order at the front and seat yourself! Most of the condiments were self-serve along with water while the food is brought to you. The menu had plenty of selections from benedicts to paninis and fosters and their drink menu is also decent offering both hot and cold drink options.

My impressions as a first time customer…read more.. "F@ck me this place is expensive" Came here with my daughter she got a munchkins kids grilled cheese and I got a sandwich plus a $29 for two basic sandwiches and a Nutella brioche?! Seriously? I ordered: * 1 regular ham sandwich * 1 kids' sandwich * 1 Nutella brioche Total: $29! I wasn't given a receipt, so I can't even verify whether I was charged correctly. A friend recommended this place, so I decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed. The sandwiches were nothing special--quite literally the same kind of sandwiches I could make at home for a fraction of the price. Nothing about the food justified the cost. Overpriced, underwhelming, and definitely not worth a return visit. I won't be coming back!

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Blueberry Lemon muffin

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Chilaquiles Verdes

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63 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

R M.

19 days ago

EXCEPTIONAL COFFEE, FRESH PASTRIES, & A MORNING CREW THAT FEELS LIKE FAMILY! After years of searching for the perfect local spot that could pair a truly excellent dark roast with a consistently fresh pastry, my search finally ended with BETTER BUZZ, POWAY. For a while, I visited another local shop, but I was constantly disappointed by getting the occasional 2 to 3 day old croissant. A couple of years ago, I decided to try Better Buzz, and their Night Sky dark roast completely blew me away. It is incredibly smooth and rich; exactly what I had been looking for. Even better? Their BEST DRINK EVER and BREAD & CIE croissants are always fresh and make the absolute perfect pairing. Initially, the only downside was that there wasn't a location near my home. Fortunately, they opened their POWAY location shortly after, and it has been an absolute game changer for my morning routine. I regularly hike in the early hours of the morning (from 3:30 AM to 5 AM). There is truly nothing more satisfying than ending a grueling workout with an exceptional cup of coffee and a fresh croissant. While they have a convenient drive-thru, I always choose to walk inside because THE POWAY MORNING CREW IS UNMATCHED. The management and baristas here are consistently phenomenal. They are welcoming, highly interactive, and we are all on a first-name basis. Walking in feels like visiting friends or family, and they always make me feel like a truly valued customer. I should also mention that I've received stellar service at several other Better Buzz locations across San Diego and Orange County, but the POWAY TEAM holds a special place in my morning routine. Bravo, Better Buzz - keep up the amazing work! read more

Alan B.

1 year ago

I recently had the pleasure of working with Mari, Caleb, Scott, and Giselle, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of service they provided. From the moment they arrived, it was clear that I was in great hands. Each team member was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to doing the job right. Mari was incredibly attentive and made sure no detail was overlooked. Caleb brought expert technical skills and explained things clearly. Scott showed great leadership and kept everything running smoothly, while Giselle brought such a positive attitude and was always ready to help wherever needed. They worked together seamlessly and made the entire experience stress-free and even enjoyable. It's not often you come across a team that works with this level of care, respect, and efficiency. I highly recommend this crew for anyone looking for high-quality, dependable service. Thank you, Mari, Caleb, Scott, and Giselle--you all exceeded my expectations! -- Alan B. read more

William P.

1 year ago

First time at Better Buzz and I'm new to the area, and wow--what a welcome! The second I walked through the door I was greeted with the most delicious coffee aromas. Ashley at the register was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly friendly. I definitely took up a bit of her time asking about drinks and even the neighborhood, but she was so patient and kind. To my surprise, they my latte ready before I even finished paying! The drink was perfect, and the whole experience made me feel right at home. I'll definitely be back to try the food, but for now I can confidently say I've found both my go-to latte and some of the best service I've had in a long time. Thank you, Better Buzz, for the welcoming atmosphere and great coffee! read more

Angelina S.

8 months ago

I come here every single day and they treat me like family. They already know my coffee order before I even say it -- that's next-level service! The food is always fresh, the coffee is even better, and if you haven't tried the chocolate chip cookie warmed up... do it and thank me later. Trust me. The only reason I come to this location is because Kaidyin, the manager, is absolutely amazing. She runs such a strong, positive team. Everyone is sweet, welcoming, super clean, and they always bring great energy and humor. You can tell they genuinely enjoy what they do. It's gotten to the point where my whole family comes just to hang out. That's how good the vibe is. We're locked in for life. Best team, hands down. read more

Emerald O.

1 year ago

Oh my gosh, let me gush about this coffee shop! It's like stepping into a caffeine-fueled utopia where every sip is pure magic! Their lattes? Absolute perfection - foam so silky I'd marry it. And the pastries - flaky, buttery dreams that'll make you weep with joy! Baristas are literal wizards, turning beans into liquid gold faster than you can say 'espresso'! The vibe's electric, with indie tunes and quirky art that just screams you're home! Ten stars out of five, hands-down the best coffee spot in the universe! You'll leave buzzing with euphoria, I swear! Thanks Cindia for the max service! read more

Skylar P.

2 months ago

I work about 5 mins away from this location so I order semi often on my lunches. In the past few months I've noticed a positive change in the service and staff. Leah in particular has gone above and beyond by being attentive and kind. Customer service can be hit or miss most places so it's really refreshing to have someone so personable taking care of customers. She's always greeting people with a smile and positive energy. The avocado deluxe toast and chai latte are my go to and I can always depend on BB to follow through with exceptional service and quality. read more

Alex M.

22 days ago

Coffee was ok, smoothies and pastries were good but there was one extremely rude employee. Small asian guy with prescription glasses and arm tattoos. Looked like he hated his job and wanted nothing to do with the customers even though he was the one ringing everyone up. He was laughing amongst his coworkers but absolutely hated the customers. Talking to customers is a huge part in the coffee business. Since this individual hates talking to customers then this establishment should think twice about having this individual as an employee. read more

Natalie C.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience at Better Buzz! Carley was so sweet when taking my order, she made the visit even better with her kindness. I tried a few of the pumpkin drinks and they were all amazing! The pumpkin chai was perfectly cozy, the pumpkin cold brew was smooth and flavorful, and the pumpkin 'Best Drink Ever' totally lived up to its name. The pumpkin spice latte was also incredible, just the right balance of spice and sweetness. Definitely my go-to spot for fall drinks! read more

Merdad K.

1 year ago

I had a wonderful experience at Better Buzz Coffee today! We were helped by Jay, who provided truly excellent customer service. He was friendly, attentive, and had such a positive attitude that made our visit even more enjoyable. It's rare to meet someone who goes above and beyond with such genuine kindness. Jay definitely deserves recognition for the fantastic service he provided. Thank you, Jay, for making our coffee stop such a great experience! Thank you read more

Rosa W.

6 months ago

Absolutely love Better Buzz Coffee! The drinks are always delicious, the staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is perfect whether you're grabbing coffee to go or hanging out for a bit. Everything tastes fresh and high quality, and the service is consistently fast even when it's busy. Definitely one of my favorite coffee spots in San Diego highly recommend! read more

Sandra M.

1 year ago

We stopped by Better Buzz today and had such a great experience! The drinks were absolutely delicious, crafted perfectly and full of flavor. A special shout-out to Ava, who made our drinks with so much care and kindness. She was friendly, professional, and made our visit extra enjoyable. Thank you, Ava, for the perfect pick-me-up! We'll definitely be back. read more

Jacob L.

1 year ago

I don't understand why they charge so much for bee pollen and when I politely ask for extra bee pollen I get nothing! This happens all the time and unfortunately they catch an attitude when I ask for some on the side and give me a side eye. OH and they think we can't hear them from the drive thru window when they are talking about the customers! read more

Jay R.

5 days ago

Had a great experience at Buzz Coffee! Chloe, Leah, Jodie and Dustin were all incredibly friendly, welcoming, and helpful. They made the visit feel warm and enjoyable, and their great customer service really stood out. The coffee was great, the atmosphere was nice, and the staff made it even better. Definitely a place I'd recommend checking out! read more

Hua X.

1 year ago

I stopped by on my birthday and the staff made my day extra special -- a free drink and almond danish! Everything was delicious, but the kindness was unforgettable. Huge thanks to Jay for the warm and thoughtful service. Great coffee, great pastries, even better people. Highly recommend! read more

Taya S.

1 year ago

Love coming by, they have the best pastries and coffee. Super friendly staff always make you feel at home. Shout out to Tony-- he always says hi while he's on shift :) He's fantastic and goes above and beyond to get your order just right!! Will definitely keep coming by this BB location. read more

Scotty C.

9 months ago

I would like to shout out Gio who was in the drive through today. Sometimes you have days that are less fun than others and it's little interactions with awesome people like him who can take those days and quickly make them better. Thanks Gio! read more

Emily H.

25 days ago

This is one of the best locations I've been to and I'm happy I decided to stop in. The service was great, the drive thru didn't take too long and they had everything I was looking for. The employees were super friendly and helpful read more

Jessica H.

1 year ago

Came again to try the new pumpkin drinks and so delicious! I don't like my drinks to sweet so Carley suggested a nitro cold brew with the foam instead of the pumpkin cream cold brew that's sweetened. Great suggestion!! read more

Molly M.

9 months ago

Delicious coffee. Banana pudding best drink ever is my go to (when in season). Haven't quite figured out their membership and no one seems to want to help- but their coffee is delicious. Food is always on point. read more

Rod R.

1 month ago

I had a great experience. I visited with a party of four, and our drinks arrived quickly and were delicious. Leah greeted us with a big smile. I definitely recommend this location, and we'll definitely be back. read more

Better Buzz Coffee - coffee - Updated October 2026

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Date of Visit: 7.12.2026 Location: Poway, CA…read moreCuisine Type: Cafe / Middle Eastern Bakery Vibe: Tucked in a corner near a dance studio so it's not the easiest to catch... you have to look out for it. Honestly the seclusion is the best part, no one is really there yet so you can really churn some productivity Cost: $-$$ Service: Simple counter service... order and they call you, they don't have to do much Food/ Rating: -5/5- The offerings are tasty. That beef manakish is HIGH flavor... I could have eaten 10 of them but I'm not trying to spend $100. The baklava is crispy with no random pistachio shells to fish out, relatively inexpensive but it is tiny I guess. Overall Thoughts: Best Thing I ate: The beef manakish Something to Improve: It's easy to walk right past this place... keep your eyes open

A really cozy store. I went on a Friday at noon and it was nice and empty with two other parties…read moredoing work or studying. There are about 5 small tables. My friend and I were able to have a chat about life peacefully without being too loud for the others. I got the iced pistachio latte (5/5) with vanilla foam and whole milk, and my friend got matcha with oat milk (3.5/5). Both were good, but I preferred the pistachio latte, which has some pistachio paste on the inside that gives it that nutty, sweet kick! I would come back if I visit my friend to study if I didn't live so far.

Presotea Rancho Bernardo

4.1

(149 reviews)

I was craving boba after driving into the area for a work conference and was happy to find a…read moreconvenient location not that far from Rancho Bernardo Inn. I came very close to closing but it was lively due to customers and staff were very kind to take my order before closing. Interior was brightly lit and cutely decorated with multiple tables for sitting. My order was handled quickly. Parking was plentiful and easy to get in and out of. I came back to get a drink on the day I left from the conference and took more photos to post a positive review.

Taste: 5 Value: 3…read moreService: 4 Good boba drinks, but more expensive than other local shops, so come when they're running promotions. Jasmine milk tea is a good choice and their boba is the right consistency. Convenient with the 3 self-order kiosks.

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