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    Cafeina Cafe

    4.8 (337 reviews)
    InexpensiveCafes, Coffee & Tea
    Closed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Cafeina Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    CAFEINA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafeina Cafe

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    Cajeta latte
    Anna H.

    Vibes are nice here! Beautiful indoor and outdoor patio area. Street parking - was able to find a spot - really enjoyed my cajeta (kind of like caramel?) iced latte. They also don't charge for oat or almond substitute milk (love that). They roast their own beans in house as well. Service is very friendly, everyone was smiling and kind.

    Colombiano latte
    Jennifer C.

    Came on a weekday morning and it was so nice and chill. Decided to try the cafe de olla this time half sweet and it was delish. Still sweet but not overwhelmingly so. Was able to order it to drink there and they served it in a cute mug. Service is so friendly here as well!

    Lavender latte with oat milk
    Hanna K.

    They have street parking around the block. The parking lot across from them is for the store connecting the lot and not public parking. The cafe looks small but they have a large back door sitting area. Their menu changes and they no longer have ice cream so no affogato available. They have a coffee roaster inside but it wasn't being used when we were there so I am not sure when they roast them. Their coffee was strong and flavorful. I got their lavender latte with oat milk and you can definitely taste the lavender and the coffee aroma. Service was quick.

    Shylene B.

    I stumbled on this gem a while back, and honestly, I'm so glad I did! I got hooked fast. This place has easily become one of my go-tos when I need a coffee that actually hits. I've tried a few different drinks here and definitely need to branch out from my usual Mazapan Latte, but it's hard when it's that good. I've had it both iced and hot - both are a solid 100/10. I've been in my "hot coffee era" lately, and the hot one just hits perfectly. The Mocha Mexicano? Bomb. 10/10. The Colombiano Latte? Also super good if you don't like sweet. I've even brought coffee from here for friends, and they can vouch - the Mazapan Latte is always a hit. What I love most is that the drinks aren't overly sweet, and they've got just the right balance of coffee flavor. I usually add an extra shot, but even without it, everything tastes smooth and well-balanced. The employees here are the best! super friendly, patient, and always down for a quick chat. It makes the whole vibe even better. Plus, definitely check them out on TikTok - their videos are funny, creative, and honestly what made me want to come in the first place. The vibe online matches the one in person: fun, cool, and full of personality (plus, amazing coffee). Inside, it's nice and spacious with plenty of room to sit and chill and the outdoor seating's great, too. All around, Cafeina is one of those spots that's easy to get hooked on - amazing drinks, chill atmosphere, and genuinely great people behind the counter.

    Menu prices are for the 12oz. Add $0.50 for the 16oz.
    Myphuong L.

    This Mexican cafe has been here for six years. This is what I would call a hidden neighborhood gem. It's located on 46th street on the side of the super market off University Ave. it's all street parking. We ordered: Horchata latte- the horchata is premade with milk and they just add coffee. Keep this in mind if you can't have diary. Mazapan latte - had tiny nutty bits of the mazapan. We loved both of our drinks. Espresso was bold, I used oat milk on the mazapan for the creaminess. We wanted to try their bakery items but none was available. They changed bakery vendor and in transition until further noticed. There's a cozy small patio in the back. Much more quiet in the back than in the front. The prices on the menu are for the 12 ounce. Add 0.50 if you want the larger size.

    Outside
    L_eexi S.

    I'd give Cafeina Cafe a solid 3.5. Mind you I did come later in the day around 3pm and all of the pastries were already sold out. I loved the ambiance here though, the back patio was so nice and filled with plants and mirrors. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The only reason I gave Cafeina cafe a lower review was because I personally didn't like my latte (horchata latte) and was underwhelmed by their menu. I've been to many Latino owned cafe shops in San Diego and I didn't think there was anything special on their menu here. I do think if they had pastries available still my review would be better but that is my own fault for coming late in the day. Overall a solid cafe in the heart of city heights, will definitely try again (earlier in the day) but for right now I stand with my 3 star review.

    Iced pumpkin chai
    George P.

    I've been here a couple times and it's always been a wonderful experience. Staff were super friendly and helpful, and the place itself has a cool front area plus a back patio section. Ended up with a season drink which was an iced pumpkin chai which was delicious. Thank you!

    Cold Brew De Olla
    Richard P.

    Andrew(The Owner) took my order personally. I wanted something light on sugar, so I got the Cold Brew De Olla, which has hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. It didn't have the normally overpowering bitter taste of a cold brew, but gentle subtle taste. The ambience was amazing, great shade in their patio area. Only difficulty was parking, but that's hardly the establishments fault. Overall great place to study and get some work done. Hidden in the city heights area!

    Inside
    Christine B.

    * Mocha Mexicano - 8/10 * Mazapan Latte - 8/10 * Ube Concha - 9/10 (best concha we have ever had, but the ube flavor could be stronger. would def come back for this!)

    Flowers
    Caitlin D.

    Came here with a group of friends on Sunday! We parked about a block away, but there were some spots in front as well. Despite the parking situation, they have a lot of inside seating and outdoor (back) patio seating! Sadly, their specials were no longer available (I saw a cherry mocha type of special, but the owner said it ended in February). But they had their popular drinks with the star next to them! He mentioned his favorite latte, but there was a sudden burst of noise behind me and I had no clue which one he was talking about. Too bad! I could have tried something new. I remember he mentioned the Mazapán Latte which is based off the Mexican candy. I believe it's a bit nutty and that's not really my vibe. Next time, I think I'll give the Cajeta Latte a try (I just looked up the translation for Cajeta it says Mexican Caramel). I went with the Iced Honey Lavender Latte, 12 oz $6.50 -- this latte tasted so good! It was the perfect amount of milk and espresso. The lavender wasn't overpowering and the honey was fragrant too. I loved the ice that they used because it was so clear and solid! 5/5 My friend had a Hot 12 oz Canela Y Miel Latte (Cinnamon and Honey), it cost $5.50 -- he enjoyed this! This is a local cafe within City Heights. I love how the owner, Andrew, is supportive of other businesses in the area who have been impacted by the on going construction on University Avenue. The cafe has a great interior lay out for grabbing a coffee-- I love the seating and the big open window that allows the sunshine to come through. The espresso bar (where you pick up your drinks) is clean and organized. And if you go out to the patio in the back, there's two large picnic style tables available to sit. Even a really small one for your kids to sit at! The sunshades and the mural adds bursts of brightness and color to the place. I really enjoyed spending time here with my friends! I would most definitely recommend this spot. Will be coming back!

    Matchata
    sienna t.

    Nice ambience. The matchata latte was delicious. I thought it may be too sweet since horchata can be super sweet but it was perfectly balanced and still had the nice nutty notes from the matcha. The staff were also super friendly.

    Storefront
    Justin S.

    I was recommended this coffee shop because it's a small business. Decided to try it out The coffee shop is cute, modern/hip kinda vibes, nice it has a back area to catch some rays, I'd say this is a cool kick it spot in city heights. Although parking sucks and coffee was okay, not the best! Service was also good and friendly,

    Iced Americano, Iced Vanilla Latte, Concha
    Erik L.

    Cafeina is such a gem of a neighborhood spot. One of those places that just feels good the second you walk in. The owner and staff are always super welcoming--there's a real sense of community here that makes it more than just a coffee shop. The coffee? Always on point. Smooth, rich, and made with care. Whether you're grabbing your usual or trying something new, it's hard to go wrong. And pro tip: do not leave without getting a concha. Seriously. It's practically a ritual at this point. If the weather's nice, the back patio is a must. Chill vibes, plants, and a beautiful mural that makes it feel like a little escape right in the city. Support local, drink good coffee, and treat yourself to something sweet--Cafeina nails it every time.

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    12 days ago

    They have great customer service and their coffees are the perfect sweet but not too sweet 10/10.

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    Great coffee and yummy pastries. A hidden gem in City Heights. They host cool events from time to time and give back to the community!

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    4 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Andrew B.

    Andrew B.

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    5 months ago

    BEST MEXICAN MOCHA! I'm a coffee snob and love to try new places when I travel. This place is a gem.

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    Cafeina Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cafeina Cafe

    How do I get in contact with the owner?

    cafeinasd@gmail.com

    Do you have oatmilk and air conditioning?

    They have an oat milk sub for drinks. Don't seem to have AC but they keep the doors open which means there's a constant breeze (they also have outdoor seating)

    Is this a good place to come and work on my laptop for a few hours?

    Yes. Not very crowded and I've seen a few people on their laptops. They have only like 5 tables inside and a patio area so space seems limited.

    Will you be open on Thanksgiving and/or Black Friday?

    Hi there! Yes we will be open today regular hours!

    Do you have decaf espresso?

    Yes we do!

    Do you guys have vegan options?

    Hi Stephanie! We have Non-Dairy options for our drinks and also Non-Dairy Options for our Ice Cream! Hope this helps! Thank you!

    Where is your coffee roasted?

    We proudly serve James Coffee Co.

    Can you make all of the specialty drinks dairy free?

    Hi Brenna! Yes we can! We offer Coconut, almond and soy as non-dairy alternatives. We also offer non-dairy flavors for our ice cream!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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