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Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest

4.1 (1.5k reviews)
Open • 4:30 am - 8:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest Takeout or Delivery

Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest Coffee & Tea Photos

Business Info

BETTER BUZZ COFFEE HILLCREST ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest

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Joyce G.

My daughter heard about this place from a coworker so since we were in the area, we had to go try it out. Parking was a challenge. I HATE looking for parking. Once inside, I really liked what I saw. I did some exploring while waiting for my coffee. I ordered the best coffee ever, and I really liked it!! I definitely want to order it again next time I'm in the area. Price? A little pricey, but it was kind of worth it. The ambiance was nice and interesting. Quite a few places to sit.

Honey lavender
Caitlin H.

Came for the coffee, stayed for the vibes This spot is so spacious--plenty of room to relax, work, or catch up with a friend. The staff? Absolute gems. Super friendly and welcoming from the moment I walked in. I ordered the honey lavender coffee and WOW--perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, not too floral... just right Only downside? Street parking can be a bit of a challenge, so plan ahead. But honestly, totally worth it once you get inside! Will definitely be back

3 Seed Avocado
Vivian L.

I needed a place to work and happy that I found this spot! The ambiance was super nice. There's seating & tables downstairs and upstairs (couch vibes with pillows AND regular tables and chairs). I ordered the 3 Seed Avocado Toast & a small matcha tea latte, then grabbed a spot upstairs. There was only one outlet charger upstairs FYI. The 3 Seed Avocado Toast was good but I thought it tasted better with the lemon. The toast was a bit soft. The Matcha Tea Latte was very good. The items came out quick and they'll call your name. You'll need to ask for WiFi and the restroom has a code on it. Street parking only. Good spot to work, hang out/catch up, date spot, etc.

Hillcrest love ;)
Phillip Z.

This place was fantastic. Such a nice cafe right in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego's gayest neighborhood. I loved the rainbow flags hanging from the ceiling, and making it feel like such a welcoming space. There are multiple floors of seating options. My partner and I grabbed a spot at the front of the cafe, and could watch all the Hillcrest action pass by. I got a standard drip coffee, which was great and enjoyed the flavor. My partner got his standard London Fog and thought it also came out perfectly. The wifi was fast, and we loved just how bright the spot was with all the windows. Service was friendly with some gay sass, which we personally loved. The shop is part of a socal coffee chain. We now want to check out the other spots, based on this great experience here.

Sundar K.

Amazing staff. Very kind and helpful. A couple of weeks ago, I had a mishap in one of the drinks I got from them (the drink rolled over in my car), when I told the staff they made the same drink immediately, with a smile and didn't charge me for it either. The drinks are amazing. I love the staff there. I should've noted their names, I believe they are all equally friendly. Of course the store looks amazing, very modern and cozying. Parking kinda sucks.

Banana pudding best drink ever
Anna H.

I love Better Buzz. I know it's one of those 'splurge' places for coffee, but their coffee really is worth it. This location has beautiful spacious indoor and outdoor areas to sit. I got the banana pudding best drink ever and it really was the best drink ever. You can tell they put care into their drinks. I also love their pastries - they had a rainbow pound cake once that I still think about.

3 Seed Avocado
Aaron A.

A must-stop for us while in San Diego on business. Coffee and service are consistent. The inside is large with seating upstairs as well. It's a neat place. Line moves quickly, so don't worry, it'll be worth it! I really enjoyed their twist on an Americano. "Best drink ever," so good! The avocado toast was pretty good as well.

Laila S.

The hazelnut latte had the most reviews on Yelp, but it wasn't very impressive--they don't use real hazelnuts, just a flavored sweetener. If you have a nut allergy, this latte should be fine since it isn't made with actual nuts, though it's still best to confirm with the barista. The honey latte, on the other hand, was excellent and easily the best drink we tried. The service was great as well--they made a mistake on one of our drinks and gave it to us for free. The ambiance is really nice, making it a great spot to study, relax, or catch up with friends.

Limited release. Toasted marshmallow cold brew
Alex S.

I love this Better Buzz location. The people are always friendly and the space is great. And of course the drinks are delicious too. They have plenty of tables and couches if you want to get some work done and the wifi is reliable. It is a great spot for people watching, so... Don't get distracted!

Interior
Kat C.

After a busy day, we needed a boost. My son suggested Better Buzz and I said let's go. This location also roasts beans. From their website i learned Better Buzz is certified by CCOF as an ORGANIC Coffee Roaster. Just an interesting fact if you prefer organic. The interior is gorgeous. A mix of textures, lots of geometry, kind of modern yet industrial surrounded by wood and glass and greenery. The lighting are glass pendants. This is a multilevel building with seating on the first and a mezzanine. Above the mezzanine there appear to be the level offices and glass paneled conference rooms. It just gives a vibe of spacious yet cozy. They have a really nice selection of coffee options I tried the best drink ever. It was delicious. It was creamy with a vanilla without being sweet. They also have a case with some amazing looking goodies however i did not try. They also have sandwiches and toast and wraps on the menu. The star, however, was the coffee. After a busy day, it was so refreshing and hit the spot. Smooth, flavorful and really just what I needed. I will definitely be back

Cute sign
Alendre L.

Definitely get the buzz about this place now! Such a cute little coffee spot. My friend and I stopped in for a quick snack and caffeine fix, and they had a solid selection of pastries, coffees, and milk alternatives. I ordered their signature drink - The Best Drink Ever - which is an Americano mixed with their coffee vanilla creamer. You can get it hot or iced, but heads up: there's no sugar-free option. As someone who usually drinks my coffee black, I was surprised by how good it was. Still flavorful, not overly sweet, and super smooth. I also grabbed a bear claw, which was decent but nothing standout. Overall, a great spot to study, hang out, or grab your daily caffeine boost!

Holiday Packaging
Carolyn C.

Beautiful location! Two stories (although some of the upstairs is blocked), comfy seating and plenty of tables. Music load and just a buzz of activity - lots of groups and good energy. Staff here was super friendly. Service was very speedy. Swing by on a Sunday around 10 am as my car was charging at the boa next door. Need a code to enter the restroom which the cashier happily provided. Pick up orders are near the back - head towards the right side past the counter and shelving is there. I'll certainly be back again when I am in the area.

Sue F.

Came by early in the morning after working out. The staff were friendly, greeted and assisted me after I walked in. The restaurant is very clean, nicely decorated, and has plenty of areas to sit and chat or work. Their smoothie and drinks were good but I felt their chai was a tad too sweet. Their avocado toast was nicely presented and had plenty of chunky avocado. Parking was not good so my friend had to circle the block while I went inside.

Chai Tea Latte with nonfat milk + crombonne

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19 days ago

Very delicious my girl always begs me for the banana best drink ever . The cold foam Just the cherry on top

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Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Better Buzz Coffee Hillcrest

Does it offer delivery service with Doordash , postmates?

Yes

Do they have outdoor seating?

Yes, they only have a few tables on the side of the building!

Do they have sugar-free flavors or sweeteners?

Yes. Vanilla, Carmel and Hazelnut

Does Better Buzz offer coffee travelers?

Yes

Are dogs allowed inside?

Unfortunately no, my Friend Tried to order coffee with his Puppy and was told pets are not allowed.

Is It open today on a holiday?

They're open every day, including Christmas

Are the study rooms available on a first-come-first-serve basis? Or, do they need to be reserved in advance?

From what I understand, there are no "study rooms" in the San Diego locations. They have an upstairs office for the business but not for public usage. That's per the Hillcrest location.

Can I reserve a study room?

Better Buzz has a very nice meeting room on the first floor, but I'm *pretty* sure it's for employee meetings only. Third floor is offices. But, hey - doesn't hurt to ask? 🤔

Is there parking?

Only street parking. It's pretty limited.

Are their many available outlets?

Not really. Not much seating either, it's usually taken.

Is there air conditioning?

Yes! It's nice and cool inside

What's the wifi?

Buzz1234

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