Hands down one of the best coffee shops in town. Besides Starbucks we don't really have any good coffee options in San Marcos. I love their cold brew. They are able to adjust the sweetness to your liking. Staff is always friendly. They opened up shop on CSUSM campus, where I work. It's the highlight of my day. :) read more

I'm a big coffee lover, so I'm always excited to try new spots. I actually came across this place a while back but thr Vista location, it's a small drive-through hut, and at the time, I wasn't too impressed. Recently, I found myself in San Marcos and decided to give it another shot at this location and I'm so glad I did! I've been back a few times now, and every visit has been great. The shop is in a convenient shopping center with plenty of parking, which is always a plus. It's a small, cozy spot with a really cute setup. Each time I've gone, it's been the same person working, and he's always incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes a big difference. I've tried a few different coffee drinks, and every single one has been delicious although the Mazapan Latte is my absolute favorite! Definitely a must try. The combination of great service and consistently amazing coffee is exactly why I keep coming back. Definitely worth checking out and making the drive since I'm in Carlsbad. read more

El Kafecito - Cookie Butter Latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

Came for an americano. Wins on price: only $2.50! Basically half the price of lofty coffee. No ceramic mugs, just paper to go cups. Taste: it isn't something I would drive across town for, but it did the job. Service: very friendly and efficient. This is a one man set up. Seating was ok. I liked the set up with areas for one person at a table and then a separate couch area. But it was a bit dark and the door slams shut loudly. I planned on reading here with my coffee, it left after a few mins read more

Unique Mexican Flavors! They're DELICIOUS. A Must Try if you're looking for unique fun flavors that you won't find in traditional coffee shops. Coffee - They have a variety of traditional Mexican drink flavors such as Horcata, Mazapán, Tres leches and more! Ambiance -Quiet and cozy Personal favorite -Tres leches (A creamy sweet blend of deliciousness) -Dulce de Leche is a very close second!! It's so good! Service -The guy who took my order was welcoming and professional, no issues Its flavors are unique which set it apart from traditional coffee shops! This place is a gem! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! read more

See all

came on a thursday morning around 7:30 and they weren't even open despite their posted hours saying they open at 6:30? sucks bc i love the coffee at the other locations and this was gonna be my first time trying this one. read more

El Kafecito - Posted sign in window with operating hours - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

Cute instagramable coffee spot! We are glad we stopped in for our mid-day espresso. The cashier was very nice and our espresso was strong! We use it to make protein coffees, so the only downside was how small their largest cup was. Next time we will order just 1 shot instead of 2. Pros: * Delicious espresso; recommend 1 shot * Friendly service * Cute and clean interior Cons: * N/A Extra: * Plenty of parking * Their largest size cup was a bit small to make our protein coffees (Add one 11 oz container of any protein drink, we do premier protein) read more

See all

Very good coffee and strong! I got the de la olla & my cousin got the Dulce de leche. I'm so happy that they now have another location in esco! Lots of seating inside, seems like a good place to study with big tables. Idk about WiFi tho. Staff is super nice. I have yet to try other coffee options. read more

See all

10/10 matcha latte with strawberry cold foam! They made it in under 5 minutes too, super quick! I usually wait a while to get matcha lattes, so I was surprised:) Support local businesses like El Kafecito read more

El Kafecito - Matcha latte with strawberry cold foam - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

I was in the mood yet again to quench my coffee needs. I happened to be in San Marcos for a Dr visit and happened to find El Kafecito. They had a lot of Hispanic flavors to choose from . Dulce de leche, tres leches marzipan, and Horchata, We were greeted with a nice hello which is always a winner in my book. That's one of the reasons for the 5 stars. The man that gave me my drink was super fast and friendlyI chose the iced horchata latte with oat milk. The flavors were spot on. I loved the cinnamon flavors while not ignoring the coffee taste. I would definitely go back when in San Marcos. The parking spots are a bit tight there so you may have to search a bit depending on the time of day I suppose. The inside was a bit comfy with a couple of couches and chairs to sit in. They were all filled at the time. Nice atmosphere. It's a bit small so we couldn't enjoy our drinks inside but that's ok the car did just fine . read more

El Kafecito - Horchata Latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

I love El Kafecito they have the best drinks! My go to is always the Horchata Latte which always tastes super good! The location is always clean and drinks are always made super quick. read more

El Kafecito - Horchata latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

Wife and friend must of had the good picks they drank theirs within minutes. Service was quick for 1 guy which is always good. Wish i got cold brew. My latte tasted watered down. Over all sweet little coffee shop for students or snacks. read more

Cute little coffee shop, glad I yelped coffee shops nearby and this place popped up. Good location with a lot of parking. The inside is homey and comfortable. Coffee is pretty good. We got the tres leches ice latte and a caramel ice latte with vanilla cold foam. Both tasted really good. Would definitely come back. Customer service was great as well. I was asking about their different coffee flavors and staff was able to answer all questions. read more

El Kafecito - Ice oat caramel latte with vanilla cold foam - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

Coffee shop San Marcos Cafe and lattes Mexican inspired drinks Indoor seating Amex accepted Parking available Milk substitute available One person shop Quick service Relax environment read more

See all

A solid coffee spot, El Kafecito boasts a nice interior and friendly service. If I lived in the area, I might sit here and hang out. The coffee itself is OK--better than many places in the area. But that said, I think they need to up their game. The coffee as I say was OK. But it should be better, especially since they are charging premium prices for their espresso drinks. As a customer, I want more than solid; I want it to be good enough for me to take the trouble to go there. I think EK can do better. read more

Horchata and Mexican Mocha latte with oatmilk. A quaint coffee shop with a warm atmosphere. I absolutely LOVED the horchata latte and like and idiot drank the Mexican mocha right after ( which made the second too sweet for me). The taste was great but my sugar tolerance was not cooperative. The gentleman was kind and helpful and looked like he loves what he does. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll definitely be back. read more

El Kafecito - Horchata latte and Mexican Mocha latte ( both with oatmilk) - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

My first visit to this brick and mortar location. I have been to the Vista location drive thru several times and was very much looking forward to checking this out. The coffee beans are roasted at Manzanita Roasting Company in San Diego. The blend they use is el gaucho. They have two workers there one was the barista, the other took orders. The coffee was delicious. I ordered iced Americano. I would have like to put my own half-and-half in the beverage as I just wanted a little bit. So they were generous and, they poured more than I expected. Regardless the coffee is delicious. It was pretty steady flow of customers in the morning around 10:30. I definitely will come back. next time I'll try one of their specialty signature drinks. read more

See all

They have a great selection of different type of coffee flavors. There is a little amount of seats, but a great place to study since it's pretty calming and quiet. The workers are so friendly and pretty sufficient. read more

I have been going to El Kafecito Hut in Vista for the longest time and I'm so glad that they finally have a place in San Marcos. It makes me glad to hear that they've also expanded further than North County SD. This place is really modern and cute. It brings a relaxed ambiance which I enjoy. As for what they serve, I love their Horchata Latte and the churro cupcakes that they occasionally have. read more

El Kafecito - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

I've visited this location twice. The first time I had a hot dulce de leche and it was horrible. I went in a second time and wanted a matcha with strawberry foam. They were out of the syrup. I ended up going for a cafe de olla cold brew. It was very good. The ambiance inside is cute with enough seating. read more

See all

Service is so nice!! Make drinks fast! Nice environment inside, very quiet. Seating is pretty good. read more

El Kafecito - Hazelnut Latte with cold foam! - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

The coffee was good, I would get less sweetener in mine next time. They have great seating and I came with my kiddos and there was enough room for them to sit and play around. It was a calm and chill spot, nice for chatting with a friend or getting some work done! The service was great too! read more

I finished my shift at McDonald's and walked to El Kafecit. When I arrived, I told the person at the counter it was my first visit, and she kindly handed me a menu. With a smile, she said she'd be happy to answer any questions. After reviewing the menu briefly, I ordered two drinks: a Trees Leches and a banana smoothie. Let me tell you, they don't mess around with their coffee I took my first sip and was instantly hooked, way better than Starbucks. The girl was very sweet, friendly, and informative about the events there. The atmosphere felt very welcoming and cozy. I definitely will become a regular. You should try it too! read more

El Kafecito - Tres leches - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

All staff is friendly and accommodating. I always get my drink 50% sweet and it's the best . Easy parking and good prices . Highly recommend

A great coffee place to study and enjoy a drink! I like the botanical type style the area brings. The service is very good but sometimes the coffee can be a miss, but overall the coffee is good when it's made great! read more

El Kafecito - Horchata iced latte, Dulce Del Leche Iced Latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

I LOVE this little cafe. Great spot to chill and read and work, etc. I've been coming multiple times a week. I like strawberry in my matcha and even though it's not on the menu, each of the 3 people who I've seen work here have all done it for me. They have the best matcha ratios in town. I like a strong matcha that isn't too sweet and this is perfect. Love the cold foam too. After drinking these, if I get my matcha from better buzz coffee (when El Kafecito is closed), it tastes watered down. All people working here are so sweet. Cute little nooks to sit in, couches and cute decor. And they have a stamp card! I'm only here for a month but if I lived here, I'd come all the time. Highly recommend this spot! read more

El Kafecito - Strawberry Matcha Latte they made for me, even though it's not in the menu - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

Every time I come here I get a full cup of milk with a sugggestion of coffe flavor lol. I used to love this place but they fell off nothing taste the same( mainly because it's watered down with milk) but also because instead of fresh espresso they use cold brew from the fridge for all their iced coffees now. I will not be returning read more

Popped in here real quick after Home Depot. Small little coffee shop that delivers in taste. Ordered a tres leches latte and it was gooood!!!! There is available seating where I saw some people working on their laptops. Would definitely return to try more items off their menu. read more

El Kafecito - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

Great place. The bread was delicious, the coffee was delightful and the vibes were chill. read more

El Kafecito - Cafe de la olla y pan de muerto. - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

I was looking for a local coffee shop on my way to Carlsbad and found this place, the Cafe de Olla caught my attention and all the great reviews so I stopped by. I asked for the Cafe de Olla latte with Oatmilk - I was disappointed. I am a coffee lover and this flavor was not the best. It tasted like thick milk with syrup. My first thought was maybe the milk was bad? I was almost like a slimy texture. I had 2 sips and couldnt drink it. I ended up throwing away the entire coffee. I see alot of great reviews - maybe I just went on a bad day. Not sure. read more

Was in the area for a weekend trip and the coffee was amazing we went twice! The mazapan latte was so good if you like the peanut taste. The horchata latte & dulce de leche latte were good as well. The girls taking the orders both days were so sweet. Love the chill ambiance in the coffee shop - both times we went people were in there studying and hanging out. Wish we had one of these back home. read more

El Kafecito - Horchata latte & the mazapan latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all

Cute and friendly coffee shop at Home Depot shopping plaza at San Marcos. They have caffeinated and decaf drinks. Also, if you are hungry, they have some muffins to serve. Really love to support a local coffee shop like this. read more

El Kafecito - This is a cute coffee shop at the Home Depot shopping plaza in San Marcos. - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

asked the cashier for a recommendation for a latte that's not too sweet and he said he'd be able to make any of them less sweet but specifically recommended the cafe de olla latte or the horchata. I ended up getting the cafe de olla latte to try something different and it's delicious! Little spice, not too sweet. He also made it really quickly. Only wish it was a little cooler temperature wise as I'm studying here for a while but other than that, beautiful cafe and nice, patient workers! read more

El Kafecito - iced cafe de olla latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

Coffee was okay, service was okay, wish there was a little bit more options like tea on the menu, so wasn't my favorite. I came to study with some friends and was here for about 3-4 hours. I'll be honest, the barista in that amount of time of slow times would just sit on her phone, never cleaned in her down time and not once washed her hands! Between helping customers and being on her phone or coming back from the bathroom. I noticed the straws did not have straw covers and she touched every single one on the mouth part. This prevented me from getting a water later. Would not come back again because of this. read more

This place is open late (until 8pm every day except sundays). It is so cute inside with lots of different seating options. They have cute Christmas decorations up right now, too. I bought an iced vanilla latte with oat milk and it was delicious! My wife got a tres Leche coffee and she loved it, too! The woman and man working here are both so friendly and welcoming. We will be back! read more

See all

Wow do I love this place. This is my favorite coffee shop, and I'm so glad I found it. Their drinks are so good, the espresso pulls are always consistently yummy. I hit this small shop early in the morning, and it always sets my day up for success getting a De la Olla Latte from such nice people. And the prices are so affordable compared to most coffee shops! Please support this gem over Better Buzz or Starbucks. You'll have a better experience all around. read more

I love that they have a little hut and it's easy to get to. The people that with there are always friendly and the service is quick. Their little hut is very clean and well organized from what I can see. Just being on the outside, there is no debris or clutter and it never looks dirty. I ordered a sugar free vanilla iced coffee and as usual, it was delicious! Very happy that opened 2 new locations that aren't that far well. Cheers to them. Merry Christmas! read more

The service was good. The girl that helped us was friendly. The iced coffee was underwhelming though. I think it was watered down from the ice and the girl forgot to add the pumpkin cold foam to the iced chai we ordered. I would give it another shot but maybe try ordering something else. read more

El Kafecito - Chai Latte Cinnamon Roll Latte - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

Great service, coffee is AMAZING. Hits every time, prices are super reasonable. The quality is 10/10.

Mexican mocha cold half sweeten, was out of this world! I almost never visit a coffee shop in San Marcos due to it not being very good, other than better buzz out of convenience (drive thru) EL KAFECITO is the coffee shop San Marcos has much needed! Cute caffe with great service! read more

1. Items: Chai Latte & Cafe De Olla Latte sub coconut milk 2. Atmosphere: Cozy, minimalistic, well decorated 3. Parking: 10/10 Stopped by before the SM Holiday Parade. Employees were nice and worked fast. Chai latte seemed to be made with chai syrup & milk but still pretty good. Cafe De Olla Latte was spiced and very well caffeinated. Would come here again to try the rest of their menu. read more

El Kafecito - Cafe de olla latte (left) & chai latte (right) - Desserts Near Me - San Marcos, California

See all