Every time I'm in the San Diego area, this is always my go-to spot for coffee. I can't believe how much they've grown. They have six locations now! I still remember going to their first store in Little Italy and fell in love. Hoping it opens soon as they had so many cool shops. I usually get my coffees black, but this place makes a great iced Mexican Mocha Latte. It's full of rich coffee flavor and has that spicy kick, which I love. It's the perfect drink to kickstart my day! Staff at all their locations are fantastic and their coffees are consistent at every shop. If you haven't tried their coffee yet, stop by! You won't regret it! read more

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I was excited to come here and try it for the first time in honor of Pierce the Veil's collab with them. My excitement quickly turned to regret when the guy at the counter acted so unapproachable. We ordered our drinks quickly, didn't ask any questions and even tipped and he seemed so put off by our presence for some reason. There was only 2 other customers inside, so it's not like it was busy and he was overwhelmed. Then we overheard him talking about how unhappy he was about the promo (that I was literally there for) and how they weren't prepared for it and just a ton of negative things revolving around the whole reason why I was even there. I don't know what he was so upset about since they had all the special hot coffee cups and koozies. It felt super awkward. One positive thing was that I purchased one of the special PTV koozies and he gave me 2. I really wanted one of the special cups but at that point, I was too intimidated to ask. Coffee was good, pretty sweet overall. The menu is very simple and straightforward but we got a couple drinks off their signature menu that was sitting on the counter. The salted caramel was a solid drink, like a typical iced coffee, but The Neapolitan is for someone who prefers their coffees on the sweeter side for sure. Although the coffee was fine, I don't think i'll be back. read more

James Coffee - Neapolitan iced coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

The Coffee really tasted like neapolitan ice cream! The strawberry leans more sweet instead of tart but the coffee as a whole is not overwhelmingly sweet. I think the drink was balanced really well. The almond croissant was sooo good. I was excited to try their vegan pastries the whole walk over and I got the very last one! It did not disappoint, but I would suggest getting here early if you want their pastries because it was sold out by 10:30am and there was another person in line wanting to get one read more

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Come here a lot and the coffee's always great and the folks are nice but today the man with the bun went above and beyond in taking care of us! Many thanks! read more

This is my first visit. There's a parking lot right next to the shop so it wasn't too much of hassle trying to find parking. There are indoor and outdoor seating. It took me a minute to find the entrance lol Their menu is simple. There were a small portion of pastries on display. I ordered a Chai and a chocolate chip cookie. Chai wasn't strong. It tasted more like warm milk. The chocolate chip cookie was ok. It didn't taste fresh. It's not worth it paying $6.5 for a small size drink. This place wouldn't be my choice for a coffee shop again. read more

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This place is pretty dope. They have inside and plenty of outdoor seating as well. It's nice community chill spot. I had their cold brew which is pretty smooth and not too acidic. Service was cool. Parking can be a challenge obviously northpark duh read more

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

I picked up whole coffee beans, the Mexico blend, and hot mocha on Friday morning. FREE DRIP COFFEE with purchase of bag of beans. Mocha was delicious, balance of milk, espresso, and chocolate. Free coffee was good too, not butter from sitting too long. Indoor and outdoor seating gives you option to hang out and enjoy drinks. Staff is attentive, friendly, and efficient. read more

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I love James coffee. Some of the best beans in San Diego, but it always takes forever to have drinks ready, even when is not super crowded. It's really frustrating walking in, seeing people waiting for their drinks, and the barista chit chatting with a friend, taking forever making drinks. I bought 2 bags of coffee beans and one cappuccino, and they requested a tip percentage based on the entire sale. It's kinda messed up constantly looking out for places that are advantageous in the way they ask for tips. read more

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

James Coffee is one of my favorites! They offer a great selection of bagels and pastries. The coffee is always good. I tried an almond croissant and had an almond milk latte. They have a great little courtyard with seating and a place for kids to play. I would definitely recommend this spot! read more

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

4++ great coffee shop located in University Heights on the cusp of North Park. I came in for a late afternoon pick me up after visiting some breweries in the area. The person who helped me was very friendly and helpful. Based on his suggestion, I ordered 'The Rancher' an iced coffee drink made with a little barrel aged maple syrup. The drink was tasty and it definitely gave me the caffeine boost I needed. The spot itself feels like it's integrated into a small little mixed used property. Really cool and walkable location. read more

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I found James Coffee when I was looking for a spot to get some work done and I was pleasantly surprised! They have ample seating on their outdoor patio and a wide selection of drinks and pastries. They had a fall drink menu as well which was calling my name and I got the pumpkin spice latte which was pretty good and not too sweet. They have free wifi and it wasn't too busy on the weekend so it was a great spot to hang out at for an hour or so. read more

James Coffee - Inside counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Quick Service & attentive ... steady traffic in and out so that was a good thing, I def need to go back and grab me a mug! read more

James Coffee - Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This was my second visit, and I got a latte and a jalapeño cheddar bagel with cream cheese--both were good. One of the things I really appreciate about this place is the abundance of outdoor seating, and the added bonus of a play area for kids, which makes it great for families. However, the overall experience was affected by how unfriendly the baristas seemed. They didn't greet us or smile, and it felt like we weren't very welcome. It was around 9:30 AM, so not even the end of the day and it wasn't even that busy. I really wish the staff had been a bit more warm and approachable. read more

James Coffee - Jalapeño cheddar bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Love this coffee shop in my neighborhood. The vibes are great and the coffee is equally as great.

I've been wanting to try this coffee shop for some time and was a little disappointed. First, the service was just ok and did not greet me when I came into the coffee shop. Also, they took awhile to place my order and I was second in line. I ended up ordering the Vanilla Latte and I really didn't taste any vanilla. The coffee was served at a good temp, but overall this coffee was just ok. This coffee shop did have a chill vibe with outdoor seating and parking can be difficult due the location. Last, they do have dog treats for the fur babies, which was nice. read more

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Has a cool outdoor space to hang out, which I enjoyed. I ordered a strawberry latte and it tasted like a melted Neapolitan ice cream which gave me nostalgia for summer time!!! The staff seemed a bit disinterested, and not a lot of bakery options. But overall a nice spot! read more

James Coffee has been my go to coffee shop since they opened on 30th. I have always raved about the coffee and atmosphere. I wanted to share a concern from my recent visit. The music playing in the shop included extremely explicit language, with the N-word used in nearly every line. I asked the barista if the music might be a bit too extreme for a coffee-house environment, and the response I received was simply , "Is it?", and she went back to what she was doing. After I received my drink, I ended up walking away because the atmosphere felt uncomfortable. I don't believe a coffee house should play music with such frequent use of the N-word or similarly explicit content. It creates an environment that may make customers feel uneasy, and I hope the shop will consider choosing music that's more appropriate for a public, family-friendly space. Thank you for taking the time to review this feedback. read more

Please see my other review from their Little Italy location. This University Heights location is equally wonderful. The people working here were upbeat and warm. Ample seating. Wall plugs / outlets available. There's a patio deck area to catch some sun while you work or an open courtyard where you sit under the trees. Great coffee like the other locations. They were able to make me their version of an espresso tonic using vanilla syrup and sparkling mineral water. Well made so I didn't miss the quinine from using mineral water instead of tonic water. read more

James Coffee - Their version of an Espresso Tonic in a reusable glass jar with stylish koozie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

James coffee is one of the best SD Coffee staples! The coffees are smooth, consistent, and always have the best color (IYKYK). I've been coming here for years and always recommend it to friends. Always really kind baristas that have a great vibe. The iced honey cinnamon latte is my go to and recently tried the Seasonal Strawberry Mocha which is phenomenal. I hope this one sticks around on the menu permanently! read more

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Coffee was great as always! Customer service was great by the baristas as well! We love the fact they offered the free hot chocolate for kids, we have noticed that James is the few if not the only coffee shop in San Diego that offers incentives to there customers like this and trust me we notice and appreciate it. read more

James Coffee - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I was in the area and had the opportunity to visit James Coffee. Love that the cafe is open, love the aesthetics, and customer service was welcoming with good vibes. My Mexican Mocha was different, had a different kind of spice than what I'm used to. If I have the opty to visit again, I'd definitely try something new. read more

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Ordered a flavored decaffeinated iced latte from here over the weekend. Delicious! Would go again! read more

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

I am a fan I've visited James Co. a few times now and honestly loveeee coming here especially when I want hot coffee. Idk what it is, but regardless all of their drinks are yummy They also specialize in allowing you to order your drinks in a Mason Jar to reuse for future visits! Worth checking out and trying! read more

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went there 3/13/2026 at 340 pm. Was planning on getting a drink and stay for about an hour. They had a special and I asked about it. The lady was coy and a bit rude with simple response, yeah it's good. When I asked more about it, she made a rather coy, emotionless response "yeah we make it" - an answer not related to what I was asking. I didnt order anything and left. ive been here before and had a better experience but not this time. At least at Starbucks the employees are nice. read more

i was so excited to try this local place but was very much turned off by the experience. the service was standard, nothing more nothing less. I was mainly concerned upon opening my bagel to find that the cream cheese was completely covered in mold and had an awful smell. I returned shortly after to request a refund but was not even offered an apology, just the refund. read more

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

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The ambiance is so awesome for a coffee shop. I loved the music vibes and the patio. The coffee was PERFECT. Perfect color and taste (especially for someone who likes it a little stronger). Not to mention the owner and staff were super nice! Will return again! read more

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

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The coffee is really good. You can pay for a little charge to have a reusable glass and the staff are so friendly which is very refreshing around San Diego. The parking can get a little rough cause you gotta street park but that is most coffee shops in North Park. The only down side I have about this place is the Fly's. I do not really mind them that much but it just looks really bad. The shop is a very open space so it makes sense but there are ways to still prevent it. Especially when you ordered food. So if you dont mind the fly's then this is a great spot. There are couple area's for plug ins where you can study or get work done too which is cool. It is also not that busy but can be. read more

This place has gone so downhill. Come get your iced milk! They'll even gaslight you and tell you there's two shots of espresso in your latte and then charge you for an extra shot so you can actually taste something. Was a loyal customer for 8 years, never going back. read more

Delicious coffee. Creamy, beautiful, delicious powerful textures and flavors. Their pastry's and desserts are just as scrumptious too! They are located in a secluded quiet gem which makes the coffee taste that much sweeter. Love coming here. read more

Coffee is delicious! Strong coffee. I had an oatmilk latte. The only thing I'd take a star off for is that there was only 1 pastry left around 2:30pm on a Friday. Baristas were nice. Casual vibes - outdoor patio with seating and a few tables inside. read more

Stop #1 of weight-gain 12 mile bike ride. i didn't try any food, but had a good tasting cappuccino, enhanced by cool-vibes environment. I would have preferred a more chocolatey blend and a little dryer overall, but ultimately, a well made cappuccino - no burnt taste, served at perfect temperature. A strong "B" for the coffee, an "A-" for the environment. read more

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The coffee here is so good but the staff really diminishes the experience ... Every time I've been here, the baristas are chit chatting and take forever to make my drink. This most recent time, an employee not even on shift was standing in line talking with the employees working. He wasn't even ordering, they were passing food back and forth. It took 10 minutes to order and get my drink even though I was the only one in the shop. read more

Really delicious coffee snacks and cappuccinos! Awesome customer service and good music always playing. read more

Walked here after dining at a nearby restaurant down the block. The entrance is through a side gate and the space is elevated with an open deck. We ordered iced lattes and mochas, which were good. Saw a selection of pastries as well at the register. Took our drinks to go, but wouldn't mind sitting for longer the next time I come around. read more

The staff member who helped me at the register was friendly. She assisted me with care and patience! I ordered a hot matcha latte with oat milk and brown sugar syrup. The service was quick, and I didn't have to wait in line, I walked right up. read more

This shop is close to me so I've been coming here often since moving and I think it's a solid spot! Their drinks are well done, bear claw pastry was delish. I appreciate their nice cups and sustainability initiatives. Unfortunately I've been a bit irked with the service, the only barista who has been pleasant has been the tall African-American gentleman. With so many amazing coffee shops in north park it's a shame it's not more welcoming. I would be a daily regular here otherwise but there are other options. read more

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I LOVE this place! I tried it for the first time on Monday and have already been back since. I tried the Gingerbread Chai and WOW, 1000/10. It was one of the best drinks I have ever had. It was absolutely delicious and I did not want it to end. The second time I went, they were out of chai, so I just got a Gingerbread Latte which was also really good! My partner tried the Honey Cinnamon Latte and rated it a 7/10. Their pastries are also delicious!!! Ham & Cheese Bear-Claw: 7/10, needed more filling. Jalapeño & Cheese Bear-Claw: 8/10, really good. I just wish it had more filling! Almond Croissant: Delicious! 8/10 Banana Muffin: SOOOO delicious! 1000/10 I highly recommend this coffee shop. I expect to be back many many more times! read more

James Coffee - Jalapeño & Cheese Bear-Claw - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is a shop with some outside seating next to the Extraordinary Desserts. There is street parking (metered) nearby. The selection of coffee is very interesting, and the seating outside is very pleasant to spend some time studying or just enjoying a little slowdown in your schedule. I got the cold brew, and it was nice and refreshing. Overall a nice neighborhood spot. read more

James Coffee - Cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Service is always top tier and coffee is always so good! We usually visit our Escondido shop, but stopped by this location since we were in the area. read more

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

Coffees as good as always, but times have changed though this place used to be kind of cool and now it's just the typical pretentious barista energy. I'll just continue to order on DoorDash or buy coffee online so I don't have to interact with anybody that actually works at the cafés. Being coffee snobs is so 2015... lighten up read more

James Coffee - Creamy mexican mocha with standard whole milk. Steamed correctly unlike better buzz - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California