Cow-A-Bunga

12

109

579

4 months ago

I thought I was being a picky customer asking for ice cream with shot of espresso on top, staff says, That's our House Special. I went with coffee ice cream to pair with espresso shot and coffee beans, no whip cream. Super delicious. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - House Special: ice cream, shot espresso, chocolate coffee beans, - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Menu March 2026 - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Robert H.

93

515

1202

9 months ago

A local landmark. Make it a point to get some ice cream, hot or iced coffee. A must stop when in IB and at the pier. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Strawberry - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Jyothi C.

20

212

1024

1 year ago

Excellently positioned friendly spot serving up creative and delicious drinks! The better the weather, the longer the lines are likely to be here. It's a tiny spot so be prepared to send one person in to order if in a large group. Went with the Mocha Frappuccino and it hit the spot perfectly! Recommend this place if looking for a delicious treat to enjoy on the beach. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Mocha Frappuccino - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Menu - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Anna C.

19

117

355

1 year ago

Ordered the coconut pineapple. Super fresh and refreshing flavor! It was very coconut-y, which I liked. I also enjoyed the addition of the coconut shreds. The pineapple flavor was definitely overpowered by the coconut flavor though. Location is super nice and convenient. The store is really small and allows only one customer in at a time. read more

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Lynn W.

16

52

438

1 year ago

Came to this place after a beach day and was supposed to order after my friend, but there was some guy who was in such a rush to get his order in. The girl who was working there was so patient and dealt with the situation really well. I ended up ordering a mango smoothie and my friend ordered an acai bowl. The smoothie was a bit watered down and there wasn't much flavor but tbh I don't mind it that way. The acai bowl was really good though! Overall the space is pretty small but there are seats right outside. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Mango smoothie, acai bowl - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Yesenia A.

70

701

929

1 year ago

We love cowabunga. Really great prices at $4 a scoop, $6 for a double scoop. The flavors are all so yummy too and it's just great quality icecream read more

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R L.

0

53

43

9 months ago

The service is excellent and there's nothing like a cup or a cone of ice cream or sherbert at the beach!

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Kelly H.

2

5

1 year ago

Amazing place to get a sweet treat by the pier service is quick and friendly I got my nieces some ice cream and myself a iced chai read more

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Natalie S.

126

2

0

1 year ago

I didn't catch his name, but the gentlemen serving us the ice cream was very nice! He went above and beyond to provide us with samples and was very patient while we decided what we wanted. The ice cream scoop was very worth it too in price!! read more

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Alycia A.

204

694

2982

3 years ago

This ice cream shop is tiny and is in the perfect location- right near the pier & steps away from the beach. They don't have a lot of ice cream flavors but what they have is perfect! The ice cream is delicious. Young lady at the register was not friendly but will return if in the area since my kiddo loves ice cream. read more

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Scott D.

25

153

32

2 years ago

Great ice cream! Staff were very nice and made us feel welcome and appreciated. Small but worth the wait if you have to. Can't beat the location for a great view. read more

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Mary V.

Elite 24

23

161

162

2 years ago

Won't do split singles. And the woman working explained it in a really weird way like I was trying to get more ice cream for less money. No, I just want more flavors with less ice cream... This is a normal ask for an ice cream place! Any place that won't do this is not my people. Sorry! But my friend got some really good coconut pineapple ice cream and one got a "very good" Americano. read more

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Bradly P.

295

704

5666

6 years ago

Cow-A-Bunga is located at the main entrance to the Imperial Beach pier. This place serves up coffee, ice cream, and shaved ice. They have tons of flavors to pick from and also seasonal flavors such as Pumpkin ice cream. After a long day at the beach soaking up that beautiful San Diego sun and cool breeze this place just sounded right. The logo is pretty unique and cool with a cow on a surf board and in one hand is coffee while the other hand is ice cream. The line was fairly long but moved pretty quick with a one in one out system. We were thinking about having some dippin dots ice cream but went ahead with the shaved ice. We were allowed 2 flavors so we went for Watermelon, and blue raspberry. Within minutes I was handed my shaved ice and was out the door to snap my beautiful picture. The prices were very reasonable and cheap for a ice cream shop located on the beach. The shaved ice was perfectly built and they didn't skimp out on the flavored syrup. Both flavors were great and we enjoyed the nice refreshment with scenic views of the beach and waves. Ill definitely come back to this place the next time I visit and maybe enjoy some nice iced coffee or tub ice cream. Thanks Cow-A-Bunga surfs up dude! read more

Cow-A-Bunga - ows the outside of a coffee shop - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Watermelon and blue raspberry shaved ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Joey W.

297

398

126

2 years ago

Came here with my family on a Saturday for the first time and so glad we did. The location is amazing and the ice cream is fantastic and very affordable. The staff working were helpful to my girls and let them sample a few of the flavors. This is such a gem in imperial beach and will be one of our new favs when we come to the beach read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Happy customers! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Kaleoh A.

0

4

1

1 year ago

Love the worker Malia, she let me play a song and gave me a great experience in general.

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Robert L.

Elite 24

118

210

122

3 years ago

Large scoops, friendly staff, cool location. The ice cream itself was pretty routine. There was a good variety of flavors, but it was pretty standard stuff in terms of quality. read more

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Sarah D.

Elite 21

16

199

168

4 years ago

Having a sweet tooth craving while near the beach and on the pier? Check out Cow-a-Bunga This ice cream shop is very small and limited access for social distancing. The amount of flavors available ranges well. The upkeep of the shop is meh. Could be better or more aesthetically pleasing and clean. As for the ice cream, they are huge portions. Definitely get a cup if you cannot eat the ice cream quick. It will get messy once it's melting on a cone option. The ice cream flavors we picked were very good. The guy who helped up was nice and helpful. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Strawberry Cheesecake + Chocolate Chip in waffle cones - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Yesenia G.

0

8

2

2 years ago

Came to visit with my family and to my surprise they were closed ?! I went to the local gas station to buy an ice cream and swear around 30 people came in a span of an hour. Why can't the hours be hung up ? read more

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Michael C.

1

10

1

5 years ago

I ordered a hot mocha. Mask required for customers and staff. Nice staff asked customers to wait outside while drink is being made. Uses fresh espresso. Mocha not too sweet like starbucks. 5 stars for me. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Hot mocha. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Suz C.

Elite 25

10

140

620

3 years ago

Always a good treat after we get tacos at Mike Hess and walk on the pier! We always get double scoops or banana splits. Cute spot that hits the spot! read more

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Jane A.

400

2767

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8 years ago

ICE CREAM AND SNACKS I'm not sure why I'm not obese AF because I come to places like this and buy and eat whatever I want. Damn you sweet tooth, you're killing me. Shop is close to the Imperial Beach Pier. Tiny shop with a decent line. They serve candy, mini snacks, ice cream, and play baby making 90s r&b music... lol... my kind of place! The small things make the vibe cool. An assortment of ice creams to choose from and served in a cup or cone of your choice. I love making s'mores and kicking it at be beach at night but it's too warm for that so s'mores ice cream will do. They have mini snacks - basically Costco bulk and wrapping each piece in saran-rap and selling them. I like the concept of their mini snacks because I can buy a bunch of these bite size snacks and not get sick of eating the same snack in one sitting. Mini macaroons and brownie bites were my good pickings but I'd stay away from the mini cinnamon roll... hella stale... like biting down on a sugared styrofoam. Buy some goodies. Sit at the beach. And watch the sun.set read more

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Joe D.

0

29

63

3 years ago

One of The Best places to get an ice cream cone from in all of San Diego. Amenities include: The Beach. Delicious ice cream + beach views from the pier = The Best. @food_explore_travel_adventure read more

Cow-A-Bunga - @food_explore_travel_adventure Located at the front of the IB pier. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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M F.

0

3

0

2 years ago

Louisville, Colorado: The rocky road ice cream was disappointing: no marshmallows with 98% peanuts for nuts and the chocolate was just so so. read more

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Sazia F.

0

15

23

4 years ago

If you want to find San Diego's best Ice cream Parlor I would suggest Cow-A-Bunga! The two women who assisted me were simply amazing and made it really easy for me to choose what I wanted. Their customer service made me feel like Family. The vibe in there was very positive. I can appreciate great customer service when I see it, so I owe Mik and Amber a special thanks for their amazing customer service and care for my ice cream needs. If you want good ice cream and service come here. I'm a foodie so take it from me!!!! Thanks read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Imperial beach under the beach next to Cow-A-Bunga Ice cream. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Pat P.

108

17

2

3 years ago

This is our family's favorite spot to get ice cream. We live in Vegas but make it a point to get here at least a couple of times a year. The flavors are typically very fresh and always delicious. Rocky road and chocolate peanut butter swirl are my personal favorites. read more

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Cindy L.

2503

2271

5395

9 years ago

We promised our kids some ice cream and so when we stumbled upon this place, we had to go in. It's a mom and pop shop that is a bit small but really cute. My kids saw the sign for dippin dots and went with that. I got a small salted caramel ice cream since I was still full from lunch. My husband got the cookies and cream ice cream in a cone and a coffee to go. Everything was really good and there were plenty of seating outside for us to enjoy the ocean breeze. What really stood out to me was the service, the woman behind the counter was really sweet to my kids and they were really happy with her. To me, that's more valuable than anything else. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Their baked goods - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - My kids having dippin dots - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - My husband's cookies and cream ice cream and coffee with my small salted caramel ice cream - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Tanvi R.

Elite 21

243

118

489

5 years ago

Cute little coffee shop on the imperial beach pier. The white mocha coffee was great and I had a little cinnamon roll to go with it. They have a really good variety of ice creams here too which I'll try out the next time. read more

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Sharon S.

242

20

0

3 years ago

Super friendly servers and ice cream that is the bomb! Please the best view in town. Can't go wrong with that.

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Amanda M.

432

502

1249

9 years ago

This is a cute, tiny shop that disappointed me, considering how much my 15 year old hyped it up (she's 15, it's an ice cream shop... should have taken it with a grain of salt I suppose). The flavors I normally love -pistacio, or mint chip- were funky and not enjoyable. I settled on the espresso bean explosion (?) And huckleberry. Huckleberry was really great. Because my staple, go-to flavors were sub part here, I can't go alive 3 stars. What also didn't help was the young lady working there didn't know where they get their I've cream from, and she was scooping new sherbet into a half full container...? I was perplexed by this, but didn't even bother to ask... This is pretty much the only shop right there on the beach. So, would I go back? Yes. Would I be uber excited about it? No! read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Single scoop Mint chip, double scoop huckleberry and espresso in waffle cone, and then birthday cake. - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - The cow was hungry too!! - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Steve B.

89

97

21

6 years ago

For no good reason, I never thought to visit Cow-A-Bunga for a quick coffee despite living down the street the past year and a half. But we did this morning and it was a super pleasant experience. This might become my new "go-to" because I have a specific preference -- I prefer flavored powders instead of syrups in my coffee drinks. No big deal. But not something that every shop can accommodate. Cow-A-Bunga makes their Mexican Mochas with powder. So, it's perfect. My girlfriend also likes her drink made pretty specifically and Cow-A-Bunga nailed it. The Starbucks near the Grocery Outlet messes up her drink regularly. So, there's one big plus for Cow-A-Bunga. Also, it's inexpensive. Our two coffee drinks, probably like 9 or 10 dollars at Starbucks, were under 6 bucks here. I mean, still paying six dollars for coffee - I get it - but, if you're gonna drink flat whites, that's a reasonable price to pay. Also, our service was super friendly. I love to be able to support a local shop. And Cow-A-Bunga exceeded my expectations this morning. So I figured I'd share, so others might check it out. We'll be back - for sure! read more

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Chan'tel M.

593

849

2784

11 years ago

I brought my god-sister here who was visiting from out of town who wanted to enjoy the beach (minus the sand). I think the best thing this place has got going is the location. It's perfectly nestled at the beginning of the pier near the "Imperial Beach" sign. Like many spots in the most southwestern city of the U.S., they give off a mom and pop vibe, because...hey sweet pea, you're family. Cash is preferred, but they've modernized a bit and accept iPad credit card payments. Note that there is a $7 minimum purchase required. This visit I ordered a childhood fave: a single scoop of rainbow sherbert in a waffle cone with gummy bears. I enjoyed it very much. I haven't tasted gummy bears this fresh in a long time! (sad sad). The waffle cone was also one of the best I've had. It's a great place to stop by intentional or not. Kill time or take a stroll on the pier on the beach. Quite lovely! read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Shaved Ice - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Rainbow Sherbert in a waffle cone w/ gummy bears - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Mason V.

16

99

142

5 years ago

Enjoyed a few cups of ice cream from cow a bunga! Great tasting ice cream! If you are looking for quality ice cream, a great environment and friendly service then this is your place! read more

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Matthew T.

9

44

13

2 years ago

great little ice cream spot on the beach! they have shave ice as well. will beback next time i take a little visit to IB

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Janelle F.

442

2534

8883

8 years ago

A family favorite in our house. Every trip we make to imperial beach this is our go to stop after dinner....heck who am I kidding at any time of day really. Always a great assortment of flavors and their cookie cones are so good! Eat it out front or take it with you on a walk down the pier. read more

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Louvina C.

20

10

2

3 years ago

Tried to bring my family down for some ice cream and this shop was a nice 5 minute walk. Unfortunately could not enjoy their ice cream as they decided to close 30 minutes early on a Saturday night. At least the beach was a nice view. read more

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Mistaken P.

0

15

6

6 years ago

Very good spot, that hot guy Dylan makes some good chai frappes the weather down there is perfect for a frappe anytime (shocked face) read more

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D G.

17

68

31

6 years ago

Great little hidden gem on the beach at the pier. Great coffee and ice cream and the staff is awesome. Visit this place in the morning for a cup of joe and enjoy the scenery. YES they are open during this difficult time and doing their best to give locals a little piece of normal. Visit and support this local business! read more

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minh h.

39

42

102

6 years ago

Decided to have a family explorer day and drove from Del Mar to imperial beach. The weather was perfect for ice cream. Cow-a-bunga is right before we walked down the pier. Everyone was nice and ice cream was perfect. Social distancing so please bring mask and be patient with the lines. read more

Cow-A-Bunga - Right before the pier - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

Cow-A-Bunga - Ice cream time - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Imperial Beach, California

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Jason M.

0

6

0

4 years ago

Amazing! Had the "House Special,:" like a coffee sundae. Scoop of ice cream, shot of espresso, whip cream, and coffee beans. Got it with salted caramel ice cream. To die for! Definitely will be coming back. read more

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Bobby H.

0

26

14

3 years ago

Ordered cotton candy ice cream in a cup. It was delicious. The service was nice. She was friendly I would come back.

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More info about Cow-A-Bunga

10 Evergreen Ave
Ste E
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Directions
(619) 628-0508
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.cowabungaicecreamcoffee.com

Hours

What time does Cow-A-Bunga open?

Cow-A-Bunga opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Cow-A-Bunga close?

Cow-A-Bunga closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.Cow-A-Bunga closes at 5:30 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu, Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMFri-Sat 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Payment methods

Does Cow-A-Bunga take credit cards?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Cow-A-Bunga have catering options?

No, Cow-A-Bunga does not have catering options.

Does Cow-A-Bunga have a drive thru?

No, Cow-A-Bunga does not have a drive thru.

Indoor Amenities

Does Cow-A-Bunga allow dogs?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Cow-A-Bunga have bike parking?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga has bike parking.

Does Cow-A-Bunga have outdoor seating?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga has outdoor seating options.

Does Cow-A-Bunga have parking?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Cow-A-Bunga wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga is wheelchair accessible.

Does Cow-A-Bunga have free WiFi?

Yes, Cow-A-Bunga has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Premium Delicious Ice Cream, Coffee, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Smoothies, Shave Ice, Espresso, Frappuccinos, Milk Shakes, Sundaes, Banana Splits, Ice Cream & Coffee combinations, Pastries, Breakfast Bagels, Mochas - on the beachside next to the Imperial Beach Pier.

History

Established in 1999.

Cow-a-bunga began serving clients in 1999

Meet the Business Owner: John C.

Owners, Jen & John Crumley

Cow-A-Bunga Reviews in Other Languages

French
2 Reviews

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Explore benefits

Trident Coffee

I was recently in the Imperial Beach area and stopped by Trident Coffee. I went with the breakfast…read moreburrito which was made with a Gluten Free Tortilla, eggs, sausage, cheese, hash browns, garlic, and onion. It was absolutely delicious. I really appreciated how the ingredients were chopped up really small. They also had chipotle mayo available on the side but I did not try that. For the coffee, I went with a decaf salted caramel mocha iced cold brew with oat milk, 15/10. So good. The service was great, the gals working at the register were so nice. In addition, the place was very clean. My total for the two items, including tax was $23.67. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll definitely be stopping by.

I started coming here more often since they are now on Classpass. Everytime I'm greeted by Xavier…read morewho is a wonderful barista and gives incredible customer service. Being a regular at a coffee shop fits the small town beach vibe and I feel so honored! Also the coffee is great too :)

Picture from entrance

Breakfast Burrito

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Side picture

Katy's Cafe

Katy's Cafe is a good spot for breakfast! The Picahna steak…read moresandwich is off the chain, yall. Get it. The chipotle is not too overpowering and there's a generous portion of meat in there. I loved every bite! Coffee is also delicious. Service is a little funny, you can hear the chef singing from the kitchen. But hey, that adds to the ambience! [this review was written in connection with a Toast promotion]

I was disappointed with my recent visit. I asked what meats were available for sandwiches listing…read moretwo meats. I was told the choices, and that I could choose two different meats if I wanted. When I saw my total for sandwich and latte, I said it seemed a little high. The cashier looked at the menu boards and said it was "pretty close". I was in my happy place so I just went along. Got my digital receipt where I saw a $1.50 upcharge for two different meats. I didn't go back inside to dispute it, but was annoyed. Then I tasted the sandwich. Overripe avocado, eggs overcooked and dry, and very salty, cheap tasting turkey lunch meat. I expected better for a $15 breakfast sandwich. My hot latte was just warm. I had happily started out on a walk and thought to myself, let me give Katy's some love... I regretted that choice. Their cinnamon rolls are very good, I'll stick to those.

Frappes

Açaí Bowl

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Cafecito On Palm

A really nice little coffee spot on Palm in Imperial Beach. Although the storefront is small, they…read morehave a really nice outdoor seating area that's filled with plants, and the coffee they serve is super smooth and flavorful. I ordered an Americano black, my benchmark for any new coffee spot I try, and it was clean, had a good body, and was pleasant from first sip to aftertaste. The staff are very welcoming and friendly, and the atmosphere of the shop is upbeat and feels community-oriented. I will definitely be back to try a latte and a refresher soon!

If you've ever driven down Palm Ave and noticed the giant coffee cup building... yes, it's just as…read morecute in person The outdoor patio is such a vibe...lush plants, shaded seating, and a cozy, laid back feel that makes you want to hang out for a bit. I'm not even a coffee drinker, but I tried the iced mazapan latte with oatmilk and was pleasantly surprised, it was creamy, slightly sweet, and actually really good. I'd order it again! My husband got a cortado with 3 shots and said it was smooth, robust, not too bitter, and perfectly balanced. He gave it an 8/10. Big shoutout to Josh for being so patient and helping us decide what to order, seriously amazing customer service. And shoutout to Tommy for making our drinks perfectly! Super cute spot with great vibes and even better service. Definitely worth stopping by.

Vanilla Latte (left), Americano (right)

Redbull blueberry

Lavender lemonade

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IB Espresso

3.1

(18 reviews)

0.1 mi

Worst coffee drinks ever! Bland and weak!…read more Ordered honey lavender, raspberry and banana lattes. We weren't able to distinguish the difference due to all drinks being too bland. Couldn't even taste the extra shots we ordered for each drink.

They open whenever they feel like it. I came January 6, 2026 at around 2:10-2:20 pm. No employee…read morewas there and I patiently waited at the counter for around 15 minutes or more. I even called the number over 10 times to reach someone but it just kept dropping the call so I left. This is actually the second time I've been to this location (October 2025) and there's no employee to make the coffee. Another time in July I was there and the employees had an attitude, took their time chatting, and the coffee was mid. Katy's Cafe down the street is way better but unfortunately it closes at 1:30pm. Skip this location.

Outside Mike Hess

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Cute coffee pic

The Coffee Machine

4.7

(91 reviews)

2.8 mi

The drinks here were fantastic! The coffee strength was perfect and the flavors were amazing but…read morenot overwhelming. You can adjust sweetness levels and combine flavors. Even after my ice melted, my drink was still holding up strong and flavorful. The baristas were great to talk to and very quick with getting the drinks out. We were in and out in under 10 minutes. The shop itself is cute, no bathrooms but there some benches to sit while you wait. Definitely not a study spot, but a great grab and go coffee place. Parking was easy although be wary of certain spots being reserved for different businesses. The drinks were affordable and it's great to have another cute coffee shop in the south Chula Vista area.

Great little spot down by our house. Servers were friendly. The drinks are really good too…read more My only negative has nothing to do with the store but parking in fron. The liquor store owners next door try to claim all the parking in the strip mall and harasses anyone who tries to park in any of his "reserved" spots

Pumpkin spice latte & cinnamon marshmallow latte

Iced Strawberry Matcha

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Menu (as of 4/2025)

Babycakes Imperial Beach

I've been here a few times and the cupcakes are good but I planned my day to stop by during the…read moreposted business hours online and at the door and they were not open.

Am I doing something wrong? I really want to love this place. The customer service is always…read morefriendly and neatly located right next to the beach. However, every time I've tried cupcakes this past year , it's very dry. Living in San Diego with so many bakeries and cake spots, this simply doesn't live up to others. Everything is so pretty, but for the price you pay it simply doesn't live up to standard.

Pumpkin chocolate cookie

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Inside seating

Millport

This was the absolute best brunch I've ever had. We collectively got the gluten-free French toast,…read morea breakfast bowl, and their house-made gluten-free bagel, and it was divine. We also took home some baked goods. It's so hard to find gluten-free French toast and baked goods that are actually good, and these were UNBELIEVABLE. You would never guess they were gluten-free. The vibe was cute and laid back and the service incredible. Despite the fact that it was very busy, the food came out really quickly. I will absolutely head back down to IB just to come here again. 10/10 recommend.

I tried their farmer's sandwich and chose a jalapeño cheddar bagel. On it was sausage, bacon, egg,…read morecream cheese and red onion, and it was awesome. The egg was perfect! They also have a young man who plays jazz piano there every Sunday, so the ambiance is pretty awesome along with the nice weather. Sometimes it can get windy so bring a sweater, but otherwise, it's usually a really nice day to hang out with friends and family. I also had a matcha ginger thyme latte with oat milk which was just tasty since ginger is a rare flavor in coffee drinks. I loved it, and it was so good that I took an extra one home. The service is amazing, and on busy days you may have to wait a bit, but it's worth it. If you have any questions about a dish, don't hesitate to ask!

Monster BLT! This is the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich with bacon, and it tasted this good

Gifts for sale.

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Blueberry lavender iced latte

Cafecito On Seacoast

5.0

(14 reviews)

0.2 mi

Super chill spot and very close to the beach. The drinks are spot on! Blueberry latte uses…read moreblueberry purée, the staff are amazingly friendly

Staff were very friendly and my iced Americano was delicious!! We got our order quickly. Worth the…read morestop, I highly recommend!!!

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Apt 206 Coffee

4.9

(16 reviews)

3.3 mi

This coffee shop has been opened for 4 months at its current location. It's in the parking lot of a…read moremercado (can't remember the name) but the owner used to operate out of her apartment.. hence the name. The menu options were simple, i don't know if making a concoction of flavors was possible but it didn't show. I like bitterness in my coffee and this had just a hint of it. We tried the mazapán and Mexican mocha, they were both good. Again, i prefer the stronger coffee flavor so for me it was subtle but still good. The flavor of mazapán was there but again, subtle. They were not overly sweet which I liked. We also tried a s'mores puerquito cookie which was also not overly sweet and good flavor. I will be back and ask if I could have my coffee made stronger, hopefully this helps! Our total for 2 coffees (hot and cold) and a puerquito was $14.50 Food/Coffee:**** Service:**** Ambiance:*

Thank you so much ! What a caffeine saver! Just dropped off my parents at CBX and was about to head…read morehome when I realize traffic was at its peak. So I looked up a coffee shop. Of course all I found was Starbucks close by and I truly hate Starbucks for they're so acidic and I like more of the mom and Pop shop. Man did I hit the jackpot! Not only is the Coffee fantastic with some great original recipes but this bad ass coffee shop is women run out of her apartment "hence the name". Now I get to go sit in less traffic with a smile on my face and a warm cuppa Joe in my hand Of course I had to order two different recipes. I got the cinnamon dolce and the rosemary iced latte. They are both perfectly made with the perfect amount of coffee to sugar ratio. She also had milk alternatives for me, so I got both with oat milk! Not to mention her website was so professional, and easy to use. Thanks again I hope your business thrives! Can't wait to come back next time I need a good coffee close to CBX! PS I'm buying two rosemary iced lattes next time!

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El Encanto

Awesome service., Amazing food…read more Ambience fantastic!!! Love it and I really recommend it Prices are decent

Disgusting and disappointing. They hype the stupid little…read moreice bears and they don't have it, coffee is mediocre just like all the waiters there . Restroom is horrible!! Disgusting. Don't go and spent $70 for 2 when is not even worth $20!!!

Whimsical and shabby chic ambience

Mazapán coffee

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Honey latte and Avo toast

Mangini’s Pizzeria

4.6

(83 reviews)

1.6 mi

Wow! I had heard this lace was good but hot damn, good is an understatement!…read more If a crispy thinner sourdough crust is your jam, they will not disappoint. I got an 8" The Rooster and it was delicious. I wish I would have gotten a bigger pie so I'd have some for later. Then again, it was so good I probably would've finished it on the spot. Check out Mangini's Pizzeria if you are on the hunt for a very good, very fresh, very delicious creation! Wow! I had heard this lace was good but hot damn, good is an understatement! If a crispy thinner sourdough crust is your jam, they will not disappoint. I got an 8" The Rooster and it was delicious. I wish I would have gotten a bigger pie so I'd have some for later. Then again, it was so good I probably would've finished it on the spot. Check out Mangini's Pizzeria if you are on the hunt for a very good, very fresh, very delicious creation!

Mixed experiences with the food and hours I've visited this…read morespot three now to try to support a local business, but my experiences have been a bit of a mixed bag. * First Visit (The Pizza): I ordered two 12" pizzas--a Veggie and a Hawaiian. The toppings and overall build of the pizzas were okay, but the crust had a distinctly bitter aftertaste that felt a bit off. * Second & Third Visit (The Coffee Window): According to their pinned Instagram post, the window is open from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. However, when I arrived at 10:30 AM in mid May, it was already closed. I tried one last time June 11 at 7:30 AM and again the coffee window was closed! Very disappointing when you make the trip specifically for the coffee! I love supporting small businesses, but consistency with both the food quality and the posted operating hours would definitely make for a better experience.

They sell cool trucker style hats $25

Spicy BBQ chicken pizza! Has a good kick and so flavorful but not too spicy!

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The green barret

Millport

This was the absolute best brunch I've ever had. We collectively got the gluten-free French toast,…read morea breakfast bowl, and their house-made gluten-free bagel, and it was divine. We also took home some baked goods. It's so hard to find gluten-free French toast and baked goods that are actually good, and these were UNBELIEVABLE. You would never guess they were gluten-free. The vibe was cute and laid back and the service incredible. Despite the fact that it was very busy, the food came out really quickly. I will absolutely head back down to IB just to come here again. 10/10 recommend.

I tried their farmer's sandwich and chose a jalapeño cheddar bagel. On it was sausage, bacon, egg,…read morecream cheese and red onion, and it was awesome. The egg was perfect! They also have a young man who plays jazz piano there every Sunday, so the ambiance is pretty awesome along with the nice weather. Sometimes it can get windy so bring a sweater, but otherwise, it's usually a really nice day to hang out with friends and family. I also had a matcha ginger thyme latte with oat milk which was just tasty since ginger is a rare flavor in coffee drinks. I loved it, and it was so good that I took an extra one home. The service is amazing, and on busy days you may have to wait a bit, but it's worth it. If you have any questions about a dish, don't hesitate to ask!

Monster BLT! This is the Heirloom Tomato Sandwich with bacon, and it tasted this good

Gifts for sale.

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Blueberry lavender iced latte

C H Donuts

To start off I want to leave a review based on the CH Donuts of yesteryear before the asian guy (I…read morethink he was Vietnemese) retired and sold it, because THAT CH Donuts was bomb! He was the only one I knew of in San Diego doing maple bars as eclairs -I'm so sad that I haven't been able to find that anywhere else. Some honorable mentions were the donuts holes, the old fashions, and the crullers. The service was always polite, warm, and familial -this guy knew and remembered his customers, even if not by name. The reason I found out he sold it and retired was because he saw and recognized me walking the pier in IB :D He and his wife were always welcoming, like you were a family member visiting for a snack and a good chat. The place has generous seating available, always clean and never dirty or messy, and is in a prime business lot at the intersection of IB Blvd/Coronado Ave and 13th Street. I've only been back once since the place was sold and I wasn't really into the flavors offered at that time, plus they were no longer offering the maple eclairs. Not sure if they are now, but I'm sure their other donuts are good since they've got good reviews and were in the Reader last year. Go check them out!

Bomb donuts! I love supporting local spots. Super fresh donuts that are soft and fluffy. The staff…read moreare always warm and inviting. I love coming to this shop before or after hitting the beach. My personal favs are the straight up glazed and the cinnamon sugar doughnuts. Come thru and support!

Holiday donut tree.

Made fresh daily, wow!

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Donuts and coffee

Giant Pizza King

We placed an online order for one of the family meals that came with a Greek salad. We requested to…read morehave mushrooms added to our pizza in lieu of the salad. We weren't sure if they'd do it but figured we'd ask anyway since we weren't planning on eating the salad (to avoid Cyclospora). They actually did it and we're grateful.

I've eaten here forever 40+years What's going on. Food has…read moreprogressively gotten worse. Now its crossed to unedible. Ajs lasted a cold minute, Our GPK is following right behind. And lose the crap attitudes!

Pepperoni Pan Breadsticks with Marinara Sauce

Pizza, dude.

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

22 reviews that are not currently recommended

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

Bonasse A.

1

7

0

9 years ago

The best place at Imperial Beach for having a very good ice cream. They are very professional and the choice of taste are amazing. With Patrick, a very nice guy, You have the French Touch in this place. The salted caramel ice cream is amazing. It is a tiny cute shop, and everybody are nice. The place on the piers are very quiet and you could sit on chairs outside. the coffee are good, try the mocha, is one of the best I had ever drink. I will return here with my kids read more

Dean P.

1

8

0

11 years ago

Thank you Keri and Patrick for this wonderful place. Just right on the pier, just before the beach. Ice cream are amazing, everything is hand make and it is so good. I love your mocha, defintively the best one of San Diego. Go, Run there it s a the place to be if you like Ice Cream Sea And the Beach. Long Life to Cow-A-Bunga. read more

Jessa J.

0

6

0

9 years ago

this place is okay.. haven't been there much after my favorite lady left she made the best coffee and had the best service ever. I cant remember her name but she was a bigger girl and was full of joy. I went back a few weeks ago to try and give it another shot and nope I rather go down the street to baby cakes read more

Mike J.

10

1

13 years ago

Wow way better crowd than starbucks, and excellent coffee. The prices are fair and the service is great, I like that they make everything to order so it's all fresh. I wish parking was a little easier but I could use the exercise, this has become a frequent stop. keep up the good work! read more

Catherine M.

0

21

0

10 years ago

I do not mind waiting on line for a long time: it only shows that this place is soooo good that it is the best place in IB and probably in SD for ice cream. The staff is super friendly. The owner is French, so I was able to practice my French! Super handsome! great coffee too. read more

Kianna X.

0

2

0

6 years ago

The cutest ice cream and coffee place with incredible views! I know why this place made one of the best ice cream places in San Diego. The beach is so beautiful and the service is awesome! I love the vanilla milkshakes with banana and strawberry smoothies. read more

Corey B.

41

18

4

12 years ago

One of my favorite things about this place is their closing time is sunset. That means you always know, as long as the sun is still up in some fashion, you can get some yummy in your tummy Cow-A-Bunga ice cream! read more

Jen L.

0

4

0

6 years ago

Love this place!!! The best views of the beach in San Diego. Great ice cream and service always with a smile. If you haven't been you are definitely missing out!!! read more

Malia C.

0

1

0

6 years ago

I love this place soooooo much! They are having maintenace right now, but their staff is so nice and helpful. Best ice cream spot in IB!

Scout G.

0

9

0

12 years ago

Just not impressed. I expected better given the reviews on Yelp. It's not good enough that I would return nor would I recommend it.

Michelle S.

104

79

0

12 years ago

Yummy yes love great flavors change which is awesome and it's all good. Been coming here since I lived here before living here now.

Maddox H.

0

1

0

6 months ago

Hours say open until 8 went at 6 and watched them close. It was a non Holliday tuesday and they closed at 6 hours are wrong.

Andrew M.

2

4

119

15 years ago

This place is the best to grab a cone and chill on the beach. A must stop if you're in Imperial Beach San Diego.

Steven S.

340

103

221

8 years ago

Great place. Amazing location super good coffee. Great service. Outside seating ... love this place

Brian S.

197

23

14

10 years ago

This is our second favorite place for ice cream in San Diego after Moo Time Creamery in Coronado.

Imperial B.

0

1

0

15 years ago

Love this place and the service is always great. Looking forward to another ice cream cone.

Wayne S.

14

5

2

14 years ago

Cow-A-Bunga makes wonderful epresso, But I general visit for the house coffee.

Joey G.

1

33

3

17 years ago

Good ice cream, good coffe And great coffe with ice cream

Kelly S.

19

81

22

12 years ago

Waffle Cone and Mexican Coffee Ice Cream, just do it.

Ryan S.

7

166

59

14 years ago

Good little shop, convenient to the pier/beach.

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Cow-A-Bunga - icecream - Updated August 2026

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Goody Goody Ice Cream & Candy

3.5

(15 reviews)

Goody goody two shoes. I remember going to this place when I was like 10 years old. I'm so glad it…read moreclosed. I would get 5 dollars allowance per week and wanted to spend it on candy but this place was so over priced. Good riddance.

This place is awesome for a quick snack.. plan on going to the movies you need to make time and get…read moresome thing from here.. Ice cream Mangonada Tosti locos Mexican candy And so much more!!! It might not seen like a new spot but I love it and will be coming back.

Sweet Life

4.4

(38 reviews)

•$$

Awesome spot! Owners are a young couple--SUPER nice people. Can't beat the ice cream. Five stars.read more

Sweet Life is very cute shop in Chula Vista that has a good selection of unique and classic flavors…read moreof ice cream. The inside has a few arcade games and some board games for guests which makes it a nice spot to spend some time. It was pretty quiet when we visited (a Tuesday afternoon) but the cashier was very polite and welcoming.

Tocumbo Ice Cream

4.0

(117 reviews)

I really hate leaving negative reviews, but after my third visit here with the same disappointing…read moreexperience, I felt it was necessary. There's an employee.. someone with short hair who works Sundays who is consistently rude and unapproachable. I honestly can't tell if it's a man or a woman but short men haircut wearing glasses ( I don't want to get the wrong person in trouble) but either way, they never smile, avoid eye contact with anyone walking in, and make the whole environment feel tense and awkward. It feels like they genuinely dislike being there, and it shows in their attitude. I came in at 5:45 PM on a Sunday, and just like the previous times, the energy was off. It's uncomfortable enough that I've decided not to come back. When a pattern like this repeats, it's no longer a bad day, it's just who the person is. If you're going to be in a customer-facing role, at least try to make people feel welcome. If that's too much, maybe it's time to consider a different job. I'm not even asking for them to be nice l, at least just acknowledge someone walked in to the store?? I do like their ice cream though and that was the only reason why I considered going back until today. Realmente odio dejar reseñas negativas, pero después de mi tercera visita con la misma experiencia decepcionante, sentí que era necesario. Hay un empleado... alguien con el cabello corto que trabaja los domingos, que es constantemente grosero y poco accesible. Honestamente no puedo decir si es hombre o mujer, pero tiene corte de hombre corto y usa gafas (no quiero meter en problemas a la persona equivocada), pero de cualquier forma, nunca sonríe, evita el contacto visual con cualquiera que entra, y hace que todo el ambiente se sienta tenso e incómodo. Parece que genuinamente no le gusta estar ahí, y se nota en su actitud. Entré a las 5:45 PM un domingo, y al igual que las veces anteriores, la energía estaba apagada. Es lo suficientemente incómodo como para decidir no volver. Cuando este patrón se repite, ya no es un mal día, es simplemente cómo es la persona. Si vas a estar en un puesto de atención al cliente, al menos intenta que las personas se sientan bienvenidas. Si eso es mucho pedir, tal vez sea momento de considerar otro trabajo. Ni siquiera estoy pidiendo que sean amables, ¡solo que al menos reconozcan cuando alguien entra a la tienda!

This review is for the taco stand outside this business since I can't seem…read moreTo find their help. visited this taco stand recently and had a concerning experience. They advertised accepting all payment types, but when I looked at the amount before paying, I noticed they were about to charge me $27 for just five tacos. This seemed incorrect, and when I brought it to their attention, the staff's response was not helpful. They tried saying an 8% charge justifies the amount but the receipt said $20? My math wasn't incorrect nor was I in the wrong and the man behind the grill acted passive aggressive offering me the order for free in a digusting way . I decided to walk away. I hope they can improve their communication and pricing clarity.

Yogurt Heaven II

4.2

(55 reviews)

A great late night treat and very light! Flavors were fresh and great tasting. I loved the…read moreblueberry flavor! Great topping options and the fruit was fresh tasting. Service was self service but the guy working was helpful!

Delicious frozen yogurt. I enjoyed all the flavors I got and toppings. It's a self-service frozen…read moreyogurt bar. I chose Pineapple, Taro, & Classic Tart Yogurt with Brownies and Mochi for my toppings. The atmosphere was bright and clean. The shop is located in a plaza with a dedicated parking lot. If I'm in the area I'd visit again.

Chula Vista Ice Cream

4.6

(17 reviews)

I showed up at 6:23 I was really forward towards some ice cream today and they were closed when it…read moresays that they close at 7.

Decided to pick up some popsicles for the kids at our church... I bought about 7 doz all together…read morefor roughly $45... I brought my own standard cooler and the guys working were very friendly and helpful in putting all the popsicles in the cooler along with some dry ice that's available for purchase... If you are looking to by popsicles or even Mexican candies or snacks in bulk, this is definitely a place to check out.... the prices for the popsicles vary and they have a HUGE selection, basically anything you'd expect to find in an ice cream truck.. the inside is like a packed convenient store and they also sell the candies and ice cream treats individually or in smaller quantities.. But yea... the popsicles were a huge hit.. after sharing with the kids at church, we had a couple dozen left over that we took to a family party.. the dry ice kept all the popsicles frozen in the cooler more than 5 hours after we bought them.

IB Espresso

3.1

(18 reviews)

Worst coffee drinks ever! Bland and weak!…read more Ordered honey lavender, raspberry and banana lattes. We weren't able to distinguish the difference due to all drinks being too bland. Couldn't even taste the extra shots we ordered for each drink.

They open whenever they feel like it. I came January 6, 2026 at around 2:10-2:20 pm. No employee…read morewas there and I patiently waited at the counter for around 15 minutes or more. I even called the number over 10 times to reach someone but it just kept dropping the call so I left. This is actually the second time I've been to this location (October 2025) and there's no employee to make the coffee. Another time in July I was there and the employees had an attitude, took their time chatting, and the coffee was mid. Katy's Cafe down the street is way better but unfortunately it closes at 1:30pm. Skip this location.

Circus Man Ice Cream

4.1

(20 reviews)

Go to for some paletas and candy. We always keep fruiti pops on deck in our freezer. Lots of opens…read moreand they take cash card and tap to pay. Kind of a hidden gem.

This location is such a hidden gem, offering wholesale prices on ice cream, chips, and so much…read moremore. If you're throwing a party and need candy, this is definitely a great spot to stock up. Go check them out. You can thank me later.

Vanitea Café

4.2

(638 reviews)