# Pretty in Pink, But Is It Worth the Hype? Let this be a reminder that not every spot blowing up on social media lives up to the hype. A viral TikTok, thousands of likes, and a trendy aesthetic might get people through the door, but the real question is whether the food and drinks are worth coming back for. I brought my wife here after seeing a TikTok post raving about their miso butter pancakes. With all the buzz surrounding this place, we figured it was worth checking out for ourselves. Unfortunately, our experience left us feeling that this place might be a little more hype than flavor. Let's start with the food. The miso butter pancakes caught our attention online, and we were curious to see if they lived up to their reputation. Overall, I'd describe the food as okay. It wasn't necessarily bad, but it also wasn't particularly memorable. For a place that gets this much attention on social media, I was hoping for something that would really stand out. Instead, the food left us feeling a little underwhelmed. Now, let's talk about the coffee. I'll give credit where it's due: the iced coffee wasn't necessarily bad. It simply wasn't my personal preference. I tend to gravitate toward iced coffees with balanced flavors, where the coffee itself can shine without being overpowered by excessive sweetness or unconventional flavor combinations. The drinks we had leaned more toward the funky, sugary side of things, which just isn't what I look for in my daily coffee. If you enjoy sweeter, more adventurous coffee drinks, you might appreciate it more than I did. Taste is subjective, after all, and not every drink is going to be everyone's cup of coffee. Literally. Here's where the place deserves some credit: the pink décor is genuinely cool and gives the café a fun, eye-catching aesthetic. It's easy to see why people are drawn to the space. If you're looking for a cute backdrop for photos, a trendy atmosphere, or somewhere visually appealing to hang out, the décor definitely has its charm. Let's be honest, ambiance is a big part of the café experience these days, and this place certainly understands that. But the biggest positive of our visit was the customer service. The staff was great, and the girl with the blue hair deserves a special shout-out for making a positive impression. It's always refreshing to encounter someone who brings genuine friendliness and good energy to the customer experience. Even when the food and drinks don't completely align with your personal tastes, great service can make a difference, and she absolutely deserves recognition for that. **The final verdict:** The pink aesthetic is fun, the customer service is excellent, the food is average, and the coffee may appeal to those who prefer sweeter, more adventurous flavors. This could be a great spot for anyone looking for a trendy atmosphere and a cute place to hang out, but if you're coming specifically for an exceptional meal or a well-balanced cup of coffee, you may leave wanting a little more. At the end of the day, social media can make just about anything look irresistible. But pretty décor and viral videos can only carry a place so far. A great café needs more than a photogenic interior; it needs food and drinks that make you want to return. For us, this visit was a reminder that sometimes the hype doesn't quite match the experience. On to the next café, and hopefully, the next great cup of coffee! Would i come back? Sure. Soon? No. read more

We met a friend here for lunch on a Friday, but we never actually ate here. The line was out the door and down the sidewalk when we arrived ... and moved less than 6' in 10 minutes. I checked inside with the cashier to make sure we were in the correct line. Sure enough, both take-out and waiting for tables were comingled in the same line. And Coffee Dose doesn't take reservations. Eventually, we gave up on the wait and enjoyed lunch elsewhere. read more

Coffee Dose - Exterior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

This place was just okay. It's in a strip mall area shopping center. You do have to wait in line outside and then you go in and order at the counter. Which I hate sit down restaurant that do that because sometimes I want to order something else and then I have to go get in line again. My drink was good it was some kind of banana iced latte. My friend like hers as well. I think it was a mermaid drink. The Ambiance and Vibe was really cool very bad bitch and Instagram worthy. The food was very basic. I did the keto plate which is bacon scrambled eggs and avocado. It was $15. And nothing to write home about. Something I could have made home for a few dollars. If you're going for a coffee or a good Instagram place then this is the spot. And my friend ordered a breakfast sandwich and it does not come with a side or anything. That comes with like potatoes or hash browns or fruit. Parking wasn't too tricky since it was a shopping center. read more

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This was our second time coming to try this place. We didn't make it in the first time because the line was extremely long. It definitely lives up to its hype with just being an overall fun little diner vibe experience with all the fun decor. We tried a few different drinks and the coffee was really good. Also had the cloud pancakes which I know are kind of trending right now. I wasn't a fan but that probably has more to do with preference of a good old fashioned buttermilk pancake. Still glad I tried it and worth trying if you come here. Our pastries were very pretty and also delicious. Definitely a fun place to check out with that also has great coffee. read more

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Second time here within the month...... I am obsessed with their Bananarama Iced Matcha. I LOVE the concept and the cute ambiance. The ladies here are the sweetest and absolutely patient. read more

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Obsessed with their specialty coffees, even a "basic" almond milk latte is delicious with their cold foam. Love their outdoor ambiance. I've quickly become a regular. PS - no public wifi as of this review. read more

Decor and aesthetics were on point and the servers going around and checking on our tables were 5/5. Sadly the food and coffee weren't that great especially for the prices and the line wait. We also came with our stroller and our baby can't sit in a high chair yet so it was hard with first come first serve for tables when our group was for 5. The disco cakes (pancakes) were $21 and too salty. The two egg breakfast had overcooked eggs and dry bacon. Loved the "anti-bitch serum cups" but the coffee was a weird roast and they didn't steam the milk right.... Servers kept checking on us but they offered us water when we were almost done with our food and then kept asking us about boxes it felt like we were getting rushed away a bit. The highlight was the latkes (potato cakes) which were tasty and the burger had good carmelized onions on it). Indoor and patio seating and this spot is an order at the register then get a number for food for a table and drinks you need to pick up at the counter. The descriptions and decor were cute but sadly the food missed the mark for the prices. Parking in the shopping plaza is easy. read more

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The matcha drink here is really good. The space is a bit crowded with limited seating inside and out. I only got a drink to go but it was served timely and tasted good. There aren't too many coffee spots in this area so having this one here is a good option. I did not try their food so I'll have to come back. It was a good experience read more

Adorable coffee shop! Love the pink diner look and the anti bitch serum branding. We waited in line to order our drinks and food but you can also sit at a table and order from there. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I enjoyed my mocha and avocado toast. I couldn't taste the chimichurri on the avocado toast but it was still good. read more

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Coffee Dose in Encinitas absolutely deserves all five stars. The Chi Chi burrito was incredible--packed with flavor and surprisingly satisfying. Their cold brew is also top‑tier: smooth, bold, and exactly what I needed. Even with a packed late‑lunch crowd, the staff kept everything moving with total grace. Friendly, efficient, and clearly pros at handling the rush. It has a very cool retro look to the decor and they have outside seating as well. Can't wait to come back! read more

Such a fire place!! The vibe was awesome the store was so cute and omg the coffee and food was delicious def recommend to my friends and i am def coming back soon:) read more

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Ordinarily, a place like this with all its Instagram flair would probably get fewer stars from me, but they did a couple of things that I think really earned them the extra couple of stars. Firstly, considering how busy they are, it seems like they are running the establishment really well. The service has all been nice. I've been here twice and have actually had someone pull me out of the line because we intended to eat there so they said we could have a spot at the bar. Pretty cool service-wise. I think they also need some points for the fact that they are not priced too crazy for the area. Food comes out quickly. I had the bagel (not pictured), pancakes, latkes, and blueberry foam coffee. I have to say that the sweet menu items here are extremely sweet. My go to order is an iced mocha, so I love sweet coffee, but this place totally gave me a sugar crash. The sweetness is not the only reason I am docking one star. I have to echo the comments that others have made here that the language used throughout the menu/store, is sort of unnecessary and not professional. The claim by the owners of "reclaiming" the language doesn't quite wash with me and I think considering where we are, Rancho Santa Fe/Encinitas, rather than say, Hillcrest, demands something a little bit more thoughtful from the owners. But I understand that there is a brand of rebelliousness they are trying to channel here. I just think it's better if we all speak better to one another rather than normalize it. But overall, definitely a worthwhile place to come and eat. I would like it to come back especially when the hype dies down. I'm not big into lines or being seen at a specific place. But honestly the food is solid here. read more

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Amazing. Such a cute take on the retro diner concept. The staff was helpful recommending drinks and offering us waters. I really liked the bananarama coffee! The banana flavor was more like fresh banana than the artificial ones (I like those too though haha). Would definitely recommend trying it and just seeing the place for yourself, so cool read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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So we have been a few times and must say they most likely have one of the best avocado toast around. It's has a mix of ingredients that you can taste the various ingredients providing a depth of flavor not like others. Have also had the salmon bagel and each time the food, service and experience has been great. The environment can be enjoyable outside or inside. So would recommend this if you want a different experience give them a try read more

Came here unexpectedly on grand opening day . Line was about 15 min to order . That was fine got my banana Rama about 5 min after I ordered which was fast . Decor so cute staff so friendly. Here's where I have to say I will not be returning for food here waited 55 min for a breakfast sandwich while people who sat down 30 min after me got their food at the 30 min mark I asked one of the staff they said mine was up next 20 min later right before I was about to walk out I got a the sandwich nothing special . Also I believe the owners family was seated next to me and he tried to take the umbrella I was using for shade for them . I guess if you're only coming for coffee this place makes a good iced coffee . Probably need to work on getting food out sooner . They gave me a token for a free coffee which I probably will not use since I drove an hour to come here read more

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I LOVE a good themed coffee shop! Such a fun vibe and all of the staff is so friendly. I got the bananarama and it is sosososo delicious. The coffee is a great roast and I'm so excited to come back again and try it for brunch!! read more

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I absolutely love Coffee Dose! I used to make the drive to Orange County just to get my fix, so I was beyond excited when they opened a location in Encinitas. The new shop has such a fun vibe and a really cool touch. Their Banana Latte is incredible. I usually avoid banana-flavored drinks because they tend to taste artificial, but the barista assured me this one was different and they were right. The banana cream has real banana pulp in it, making it taste so fresh. It's light, airy, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. Easily one of the best specialty lattes I've had. I'll definitely be back! read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

i am literally in love with this place. it's so cute, first of all, but the music?? it's so refreshing to go in there, the music they play is just gorgeous. whoever is on aux has taste. the service is amazing! so responsive, they do an amazing job at anticipating anything you might need and they are so friendly/sweet. the young lady at the register gave me a recommendation because i couldn't decide (the uncle nicky) and it was soooo bomb. i would shout her out if i could, she was a doll (her name started with an A, i think!). the sandwich was amazing, and my matcha was incredible, as per youge. i usually go with the valley girl but the cereal killer was sooo good i've been here many times already and plan to be back many more!!! read more

Finally got to check this spot out, and it didn't disappoint! I ordered the Bananarama which was really good (next time I'll add an extra shot though - which I think will make it perfect!), and the breakfast burrito (also really good). The place is super cute (as you can see in pics). Definitely loud inside when busy, but I went towards the later end of lunch (around 12:45pm), and it was perfect. No line, and the space cleared out from the lunch rush, so the noise left when the crowd did. Everyone working was nice and helpful. I will definitely be back :) read more

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Cutest diner ever!! There was a line but it moved relatively quickly. The inside is super cute. You wait in line and then order at the counter and find a seat. Fun vibe inside but NOISY, have to yell even though you're sitting right across from someone, the person delivering our food seemed annoyed any time we'd ask for anything (salt pepper hot sauce) she'd just set our plates down and walk away. Food- I got the Dose Breakfast, eggs were bland (hence needing the salt pepper and hot sauce) the toast was so hard could barely bite into it, the bacon was good tho! The only saving grace was the solo disc pancake!!! Oh my! Delicious!!! We also got a vanilla latte- tasted more like a chocolate milk than coffee. As we finished our food or almost finished (i had to stop him) a guy came over and abruptly started removing our plates, and moved our water that it almost spilled, they sure did want us to free up that table lol. I'd probably come back to try again, but would order something different. Hopefully it would be better service. read more

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1st time coming, saw it on insta. The vibe is peak!!! The food is delicious. The staff amazing, kind and friendly. Mikaela was very nice and warm towards us. Definitely a hidden gem in rancho. Loved my experience and enjoyed a nice breakfast with a tasty coffee. read more

Coffee Dose - Menú - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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I was working in the area and stopped to the new Dose Café in Encinitas/RSF area. Great coffee and pastries and cute factor, plus my favorite color combination. Now, the use of words matters and matters a lot. If we want women to be more respected these words like bitch and slut are so unnecessary and out of context. This looks so bad in my eyes. This is diner type of coffee shop filled with teenage girls mostly for what I observe. This is not cool, this is misogynist. Relying on gender-based slurs to sell a coffee in a supposed to be cute atmosphere alienates consumers, demeans women, and actively promotes discriminatory attitudes, even if not purposely done. The plate message is highly sexualized and super out of context. You could have done better, Dose! I don't think I will go again, I am speaking with purpose and not supporting business that denigrate women. This is faux empowerment. read more

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Food & drinks are excellent. Very beautiful place. Music is way too loud. Staff is extremely rude. My Grandma was trying to check the price of some thing and one of the girls muttered under her breath, saying something very rude to us: "Jesus christ" and rolled her eyes just because my grandma wanted to make sure the price was correct. read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Food and coffee was so fun, creative and tasty! The servers were busy, productive and all very polite. As far as the coffee shop goes, it was super unique and aesthetic. Such a fun experience!! read more

Coffee Dose - Chi chi burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

I loved it here! The restaurant is so cute really enjoyed the retro vibe. I got the special latte right now and I wasn't a huge fan. The flavor and the texture was grainy. The pancake was so good! That was just so amazing the flavors, the texture of the pancake no notes. Chichi burrito was delicious as well potatoes a little dry. But overall good especially with the sauce. Overall, I would give a 3.5 out of 5. I would come back for the food for sure! read more

Unfortunately did not live up to the hype. The ambiance and drinks were amazing, 10/10, but the food lacked flavor and was overall disappointing. I'm not a debby downer nor am I a Coffee Dose hater! I've been going to multiple CD locations for multiple years and I've enjoyed all of them! This one just didn't seem to have the same level of appeal. The food also took a while to get to the table even though it was ready and waiting to be picked up by employees. (hence why the food like pancakes were soggy). I'd definitely come back for the drinks, but the food could be skipped. read more

We were going to Champagne Bakery and noticed a new coffee place where the Mexican restaurant used to be. We thought we'd try it. It was not a good experience. If you want to go to a place filled with superficial women taking selfies at one of the latest viral faddish place, then this may be your spot. Don't forget to feel empowered by the "edgy" use of demeaning terms. After a long wait, the servers were rude. We ended up leaving and not partaking in the over-proced items. We went back to Champagne Bakery. read more

This was my first time at Coffee Dose and I am so glad the line didn't scare us away! It moved relatively quickly, but a worker was kind enough to guide us to empty booth seats so we could order from there instead of at the register. The inside was colorful and clean. It wasn't too loud and felt very comfortable. I had a Matcha Bananarama with oat milk and my cousin had a Matcha Bananarama with whole milk and we enjoyed it so much that we already want to go back. We shared the Chi Chi Burrito, which was amazing! read more

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Such a cute girly aesthetic brunch spot. The coffee was really good and so was the food. I would highly recommend checking this place out especially with your girl squad. read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Not mom/stroller friendly. 37 weeks pregnant and wasn't allowed to sit for a table while we wait to order. we have a coffee group that tries different coffee places in San Diego County and reviews it. We got together with our friends, but one being a new mom who had a stroller was told to take the stroller outside and was given a high chair expected for a 2 month old to sit in or expected us to sit the car seat on but it was a regular high chair which is not meant nor safe for a car seat to sit on top. They make car seat slings for a reason. They said they had a sign outside. Sign is in deed outside but in small writing. It's very funny because they would claim no responsibility if stroller was stolen. Sign had a lot of rules, so if a company is going to be strict, the sign should be bigger for all customers to be able to read and see. Sign was obviously not big enough because people with dogs were told to go outside after ordering, which caused many people to leave. Sign is just not simply big enough. When asking the manager about the policy, her reason was "we have a mom group that comes with all of their strollers and it's just a lot" I get the place is small, but clearly it's not very welcoming to one demographic. We were told we can go outside but it was simply too hot. So we had to step out to put everything away in the car. One friend got there late, so we waited, after a while of eating we noticed we were being stared at and the busser kept walking by our table non stop. We were also asked by a server if we were going to order more food, we said no and asked if we were getting kicked out. She replied no and said they couldn't find a table but we noticed very uncomfortable stares and it wasn't until we read the rules and found out that they have a 90 minute limit only and were wanting us to leave when we hit the limit. I'm guessing since they made a big deal about the stroller they didn't want to make it worse by kicking us out. I went on the 5th for my birthday when it wasn't busy, didn't get my birthday treat like I signed up for or whatever the texting thing was but the service was so different I'm guessing because they weren't packed. I enjoyed it so much I brought my friends a week later. Except the difference was a bigger group of people and moms as well with only ONE stroller that was not blocking the door. We all drove 35 minutes just to come for food and coffee. The coffee is great, food is good but VERY pricey. A single pancake is $15 and to add chicken to a Cesar salad is $8. I was going to come back regularly for the food and vibe but given what we told about strollers and mom groups, it made me seriously not feel welcomed and not want to come back due to poor treatment/service and being a mom myself who is going to have an infant with a stroller soon. You're also not allowed to ask for water unless you had a table unless the girl was just annoyed with our group. I have never had a place make me feel so uncomfortable for simply being a mom. Even if my target audience is younger I wouldn't discriminate. read more

Coffee Dose - $15 dollar single pancake. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Great place! The eggs are consistently cooked so well, and the simple coffee drinks show that the baristas know what they are doing. Staff is very polite and help create a worthwhile experience. We always look forward to our next visit. Super dog friendly. Parking is tough though, and if I see a line while driving by, we won't stop. The line can ruin the mood for sure. read more

Amazing food(a bit basic), the style is what really makes this place- there is everything branded with their anti- b theme. Cute clothes/ merch as well! read more

Coffee Dose - Mug - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Underwhelmed. Service was meh. Eggs had no flavor. We had to cover them with salt and pepper and hot sauce. The pastry was good but the bakery across from Dose is even better. Coffee was okay but nothing special. We have so many better options around this area plus it was expensive. I don't think their vibe fits that plaza either. It's very odd. It will be interesting to see if they last here. read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Soooo good!! Highly recommend. The drinks are phenomenal. I thought because of how cute it is, the quality would be lacking. Wrong. I think about this latte everyday now. Also, if yall Encinitas moms find it offensive, there's plenty of other shitty coffee spots for you! read more

Coffee Dose - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

This place blew us away this morning! There was a line but it moved very quickly. Ordering at the counter was a breeze, the staff are so incredibly friendly and helpful. The decor is so adorable and the theme, bitches everywhere unite, is absolutely perfect and not overdone. Their merch is also super cute, mugs, key chains, etc. The menu is good sized with lots of options including food for kids and there are plenty of tables available inside and out as well as ample bar seating which is also, yes, freaking adorable. We wanted to try one of everything but settled on the grilled cheese bites -- literal heaven on a plate, sweet onions, salty toasted sour dough, to die for melty cheese and the tomato soup must have some sort of magic in it -- and the chi chi burrito -- I don't know how this chef made eggs that literally melt in your mouth, again, magic. And don't pass on their hot sauce!! Every dish that came out of the kitchen looked amazing and we vow to go through the entire menu this summer. We also ordered a regular matcha latte with oat milk and their house made vanilla bean syrup -- perfectly sweetened and delicious, definitely my new go to matcha place in Encinitas. And I can't say enough about the staff!! We truly left this place feeling light and joyful and well taken care of. This place absolutely stands up to and exceeds the hype and we will be back again and again!! read more

Coffee Dose - Grilled cheese bites - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Love the banana bread and the banana latte! Very helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere.

Visited Coffee Dose today and had a great time! I believe it's their 2nd week being opened but the wait was reasonable for being so new and popular. There was about 15 people in line and one person at the register taking orders. Line moved at a reasonable pace. There's indoor and outdoor seating. You could see the employees working at stations/everyone moving. Things flowing. Drinks came out first and food was out within 10-15 min. I was extremely impressed with the food. I ordered steaks and eggs. I didn't get a chance to take a picture. But damn, that steak was just medium well! Delicious! The bananarama espresso was great! My daughters had the crispy bird, I think that's what it's called. They couldn't finish it and brought leftovers home. Excellent service! Amazing food! read more

Coffee Dose - Chai on the left and Bananrama (espresso) on the right. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

The pink/blue diner ambience is adorable and they did a great job. However, I'm not a fan of the "B-word" being part of its core branding. But... to each generation their own. My breakfast and coffee were hot, so thumbs up to that. read more

Service was horrible. Servers were rude and the bus people tried to take our plates while we were still eating! They also were rude read more

Went on opening day June 12, 2026. The vibe is very 50s diner with a California girl twist. I got the Bananarama with matcha and a banana loaf to go. They were giving out free tote as well. Everyone was friendly and very knowledgeable. Overall good experience. I will be back for the food real soon! read more

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