I've been wanting to go forever and finally had the chance to go on Sunday. The space is actually a lot bigger than I thought, as they have both outdoor and indoor seating. There's even a restroom. They have pastries & their coffee menu is small but they do it well. I ordered an $6.89, Iced Lavender Latte. First sip & it was delicious! The espresso was strong and there wasn't too much milk. The lavender flavor was so fragrant & you can tell it is quality lavender. 5/5! Dog friendly space. I highly recommend coming here to try them out. read more

GEM Coffee - Iced Lavender Latte, $6.89 with whole milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Literally, what a GEM! This lovely coffee spot on Euclid serves up some tasty coffee in a collaborative community. So cute too. . Hot and cold options in crafted coffee with great balance. Located in a newer building with a unique round design and a sweet patio space. The owner is involved and takes great care of her staff. She even fought to get a short term space you can roll up for to GO orders. #LocalCommunity #GEMCoffee #SanDiego #RollUp read more

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The kind of coffee shop that makes you fall in love with a neighborhood I've been to Gem twice now (once on a previous visit to see my sister, and again this trip) and both times have been absolutely lovely. The barista was so endearing when I ordered an espresso shot - they mentioned it wasn't ordered often and seemed genuinely excited to make it. And wow, was it worth it. Light, citrusy, perfectly pulled. I also got a cortado and both drinks were perfect. Then I met the owner, who took time to tell me about where they source their beans and share some of the shop's story. That kind of personal touch - where you can tell someone genuinely loves what they do - is rare and special. Oh, and they have records! I browsed for a while and walked out with a new Peggy Lee addition for my collection. Gem isn't just serving great coffee (though they absolutely are). They've created a space that feels warm, personal, and intentional. The kind of place that makes you want to come back every time you're in town. Can't recommend highly enough. read more

This place is a sleeper hit! The coffee is great and they have good local pastries, but they also have so many cute things to shop - records, local kids books, gifts, dog treats and more! They also have a couple of free bins with donated stuff from the community, and give out free bottled water to anyone in need. read more

GEM Coffee - Records for sale - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Nested on a busy street in between Vietnamese shops, I always thought this was an Asian cafe but it's not. It's such a cute urban cafe. Parking may be difficult on the street. They have a small lot. The menu is also small. They offer food such as bánh mì that's from Paris Bakery. They sell their own coffee grounds. They also feature items from local artists and retailers like books, candles, tshirts. We ordered a lavender latte and matcha. There's only one size and let me tell you, the coffee is strong! Definitely worth your money and great quality drinks for such a limited menu. read more

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I actually went with the strawberry mango smoothie today, it's made with almond milk. A little thin for my preference but the flavor was fresh and delicious. Super friendly service. Clean. Restroom stall. Local products available for sale. Decent indoor and outdoor seating available, but not a ton read more

Stopped here after visiting a friend in Talmadge and craved an iced coffee, and met Marlyn, the owner of this cute coffee shop for over 4 years. I got the iced turmeric chai, so good. The location is great, with a 15 minute parking spot in front! Check them out, love the fun pink decor. The service is fantastic, she is so friendly. read more

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I've been coming here for about 5 years regularly. I'm a local neighbor in Talmadge. Marlyn, the owner, runs a fabulous cafe and does lots of service for the community. Not only is the coffee delicious, but everyone who works here is super friendly and accommodating. I love supporting Gem Coffee, my local cafe. read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Gem is such a wonderful part of City Heights and Talmadge. While I'm not a coffee drinker, my go-to is their matcha , which their owner Marlyn makes it just the way I like (with honey). The drink menu is small but mighty, and they have a few food options (including pastries from a local Vietnamese bakery). Beyond serving drinks, Gem is active within the community through supporting local artists and putting on various events. One of the events we look forward to every year is their Lunar New Year celebration -- it brings the whole neighborhood together with a lion dancer performance. Gem has a couple of tables outside and limited seating inside. A small parking lot or street parking is available. We love supporting this small business! read more

Gem Coffee is an absolute paradise for coffee lovers. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee that sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. The coffee at Gem Coffee is simply outstanding. They have a diverse selection of beans sourced from the best coffee-growing regions, ensuring a rich and flavorful cup every time. Whether you prefer a bold and robust espresso shot or a smooth and creamy latte, their expertly crafted beverages never disappoint. Each sip is a journey of complex flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving for more. The baristas at Gem Coffee are true artisans. Their skill and passion shine through in every cup they create. From meticulously pouring latte art that resembles intricate masterpieces to expertly extracting espresso shots with precision, their dedication to their craft is evident. Watching them work is a visual delight and adds an extra layer of appreciation to the coffee-drinking experience. One of the things that sets Gem Coffee apart is their commitment to customization. They understand that every coffee lover has unique preferences, and they go above and beyond to accommodate them. Whether it's adjusting the strength of your brew, offering a variety of alternative milk options, or adding flavors and syrups to create your perfect concoction, they ensure that your coffee is tailored to your exact liking. The atmosphere at Gem Coffee is cozy and inviting, providing the ideal setting to savor your favorite coffee. The comfortable seating, warm lighting, and soothing background music create a relaxing ambiance that makes you want to linger a little longer. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends, curl up with a book, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility with your cup of joe. In summary, Gem Coffee is a paradise for coffee enthusiasts. With their exceptional coffee, skilled baristas, customizability, and welcoming atmosphere, they have created a haven for those who appreciate the art and science of a perfect brew. Whether you're seeking a morning pick-me-up, a midday treat, or an evening indulgence, Gem Coffee is the place to satisfy your coffee cravings. Last, bring your dogs for a puppaccino. My dog goes crazy for them and the staff is amazing. read more

GEM Coffee - Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Barista was terrific, very friendly. The coffee was great. I keep my drinks pretty simple, But that's how I like to judge a coffee shop anyway. read more

Stopped by GEM Coffee after getting lunch nearby and was pleasantly surprised to find a cute, modern coffee shop. Service was super friendly, and it seems like GEM gets a lot of repeat, local customers. We ordered an espresso which was a bit too bitter for our taste but otherwise good. GEM has a comfortable interior with a number of tables/chairs, and we saw a number of other guests using their laptops, etc. read more

5/5 Ambience, I love when coffee shops include merchandise made by local artists! Loved all the cute nicknacks such as dog bandanas, candles, cute books and also a corner dedicated to records to browse through! The girl working the front was friendly and welcoming! I ordered a dirty chai with oat milk but sadly my drink mainly tasted like milk with a hint of coffee and chai. It pretty much tasted almost watered down :( Buuut I'd love to give this place another try! read more

GEM lives up to its name! This beautiful establishment is serving up treats to locals in City Heights and Talmadge, and is a joy to have in the community. The quality and variety of the coffee and drinks is outstanding! Everything is prepared with care and attention, and the options to customize are endless. GEM is more than a place to get a cup of coffee to jumpstart your day. GEM is a place where you feel welcome to mingle and meet friends and neighbors. Marlyn, the owner, is an amazing champion for fostering community within and outside the space, and her staff are welcoming and friendly. Marlyn even promotes other small businesses by opening up part of the space to local vendors and crafts makers to sell things like records, art, hot sauce, and apparel. Every neighborhood needs a place like GEM and I feel lucky as a Talmadge resident that we have a GEM right here in our community. read more

Wonderful atmosphere! Great service. Owner is friendly and coffee is delicious! I recommend the lavender latte which is made in house. All the syrups are made in house and I can't wait to try all the flavors! read more

Wonderful neighborhood coffee shop! GEM coffee offers a remarkable coffee experience with exceptional quality and a welcoming ambiance. Give GEM coffee a try for a memorable coffee adventure. read more

GEM Coffee - Honey latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

My favorite things to order at Gem's are Lavender Latte and Rosemary Cinnamon. The staff here are so attentive, caring and knowledgeable. I also appreciate the outside and inside seating options to accommodate whatever coffee vibe you are seeking. Thank you Gem Team! Keep doing what you are doing. read more

GEM Coffee - Sign that reads "Try our Rosemary Cinnamon and Pumpkin Spice" with a hot Americano drink and an iced Rosemary Cinnamon drink. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is my everyday local coffee spot! Marlyn the owner is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable of her product. Cortado is my go to drink. Gem offers oat and almond milk options. One of my favorite sweet treats is the mocha latte! The cocoa powder is ground fresh per order from larger cocoa pieces. The mocha was topped with cinnamon and more cocoa nibs! Excellent coffee! read more

GEM Coffee - Mocha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Closed at 1:58 on Saturday. Hours say 4pm here and 3pm on google. I drove 20 minutes to try this place.

Great little spot! Marlyn, the owner, is so welcoming and friendly. Iced coffee was strong (in a good way) and hit the spot. Some cute artisan gifts for sale too. A true neighborhood GEM! read more

Love this place and their coffee, but this is the third time I've gone during normal business hours and they're closed. Frustrating when you don't know what to expect! read more

Great coffee, beautiful cafe. Located in city heights. I ordered a pumpkin spice latte and it was delicious. Perfectly steamed milk, beautiful microbubbles, and great service. Lovely cafe and will definitely be back! They had a few tables indoors (probably seating like 10-13 comfortably) and lots of two seater tables outside. read more

Lady in the front was super rude and unwelcoming. I bought two waters and she mentioned that we needed to buy coffee in order to use the tables outside. Did not even let me explain how we were waiting for friends to arrive. It was my first time here but I will never be here again. read more

Wow! Best latte I've had in San Diego, even the dogs got to enjoy a little treat. Kind, welcoming coffee shop- Haven't tried much but looking forward to going back. read more

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Cute coffee shop around the corner from where we ate pho. Was looking for areas with shade and outdoor, and this place is located on the corner. Has an area for some seating with 2 umbrellas. Came here as my interest grew from reading reviews about the lavender latte. I normally don't drink coffee, but was definitely a fan of the lavender latte after having it. Mr. W was surprised too after tasting the flavor. The barista told us that the lavender was brewed/pressed to create the taste/flavor we were experiencing (Mr. W and I were disputing which one it was). You taste the bitterness of the coffee first, but then get a strong wave of the lavender after. Pretty strong lavender flavor but it's tasty. After a while of not drinking it, the drink becomes water down but a lot smoother. Workers wore masks inside. Bathroom was out of order. Would recommend to anyone in the area. read more

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Great Coffee and Great People is what I experienced when I visited this newly opened coffee shop in Talmadge. I had the Iced Honey Latte and it was delicious. The honey was up front and personal in a good way, and the espresso was quality and flavorful. It was a very smooth and rich latte. I had the opportunity to try their Cold Brew and it was terrific. They offer a nice line up of coffees, espressos, loose leaf teas, and pour overs. Eats are coming soon too. The owner and her employee were both super nice with welcoming personality and service. This coffee shop is exactly what the area of Talmadge needed. read more

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The atmosphere was very quiet and positive I feel like I can get a 100 page essay in here. The staff was amazingly nice and educated about the art of coffee. It was my first time and definitely will come back. read more

GEM Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Enjoyed their honey latte. It's a cute little spot. I do wish they were open just a tad bit later. Andddd the location is difficult for parking in my opinion. But nonetheless, it's a great coffee shop. Owner is also so kind and so friendly. read more

Highly recommended coffee shop ! I have tried multiple drinks and all have been great! The staff is friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming. I recommend the Macha with honey! read more

Amazing service & even better coffee. You can't go wrong with gem coffee. Get the hot oat milk vanilla latte. It's the best!! read more

GEM Coffee - Vanilla oat milk latte! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a wonderful coffee house with amazing staff and delicious drinks and fresh baked goods.

The matcha is great and the owner was very kind and helpful with her suggestions! The ambiance was really great!

Its a gem!!!! Good coffee place to hang out and excellent Customer Service definitely will come back again. Hopefully they can have bigger size of coffee to choose read more

GEM Coffee - a cup of iced coffee on a table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is truly a gem in the Talmadge neighborhood! It's hard to find good matcha but this place has the best for sure! I love to get the lavender matcha latte and it's always consistently great! Not only are the staff friendly and quick but they truly care about their neighborhood! I've been able to join Marlyn and her crew when they host monthly neighborhood clean ups. It's such a fun time and it feels great to be part of a helpful community of people! This place is a must try! read more

Just stopped by because it was something new in the area. Ordered the Vanilla Latte with oat milk and was very happy with the drink. The shop is a small, but very cozy, location definitely a gem for the surrounding area. The barista was very nice and helpful in helping me pick out a drink since it was my first time there. Would definitely come back as a study spot since it's not too hectic! read more

GEM Coffee - Vanilla Oat Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

The owner clearly loves making people smile. The service was excellent. The espresso was excellent. Dog friendly!

definitely a great Gem in City Heights!! Notable drinks + vanilla latte + LAVENDER latte Parking is a pain, so that's why I docked a star. Best thing that I noticed that resonated with me-- Customer spilled coffee, and the owner actually kindly mopped the floor HERSELF. She didn't throw a fit, she didn't freak out. She didn't tell her subordinate to do it, she took the initiative to do it herself. This tells me that nothing is beneath her, and she's willing to do it all. WHAT A BOSS!! (Pun intended). Sign of a true leader in my eyes. will definitely come back!! Thank you for the awesome coffee and amazing service Gem Coffee Team :) read more

GEM Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love supporting local. The lattes here are delicious and are made to order (wait time was quiet long). The lavender one had beautiful flavor and the espresso was incredibly smooth. I really wanted to try the honey latte but was disappointed they ran out of honey for the day. It's really a grab and go place. There's only a tiny bench inside that fits 2 to wait for your drink, otherwise you'd be standing around in a compact space. There's some outdoor space but the small space inside to wait for your drink is definitely not ideal especially with Covid-19 still active. Reason for 4/5 is because I thought the price was high at $4.75 before tips & tax for what is a tall at Starbucks. I gulped mine down in 5 sips. I didn't see an option to upgrade to a larger size. Overall a cute spot for the neighborhood and I will definitely be back for the other drinks. I just want more of the good stuff! read more

GEM Coffee - Lavender latte - only size, and it's small (tall at Starbucks) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I just visited GEM Coffee for the first time and I'm already ready for my next visit. :) They have the menu posted outside so you can look over it before entering, which I think is pretty smart. Their menu has a lot of good choices, but overall is very minimal and simple - which to me is a good thing. Definitely better to have a small menu and produce high quality products than a large menu with mediocre quality. Anyway, I ended up choosing the vanilla latte - which is what I always choose on my first visit to a new coffee shop. I think they only have one size (12oz) which looks small at first, but the price was definitely worth it. This was the best vanilla latte I ever tasted. It wasn't overly sweet and blended perfectly with the coffee - and I didn't even have to ask for any adjustments with the sweetness like I usually do at Starbucks. Also, the barista was so friendly and welcoming the moment we walked in. I really enjoyed speaking with her while she made delicious coffee for us! She even gave us a sample of their carbonated tea and it tasted so good! Definitely give them a visit! read more

GEM Coffee - Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

What a gem of a coffee shop. Great drinks. Incredibly friendly staff. If you get the opportunity, do yourself a favor and get a cup at Gem.