Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty packed but this place offers several seats inside and a few tables outside as well. Ordered two coffees, the coconut coffee & the Turkish hazelnut coffee. The coconut coffee has real coconut flakes in it,which makes the overall taste come through much better. The Turkish coffee has so much depth in flavor and was nicely balanced. Tried the chocolate chip cookie here and it was big enough to share between two people. Looking forward to coming back to try other drinks. read more

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Update after the owner's response: I appreciate the response, but I stand by my experience. Whether the wait was 5 minutes or 20, we were standing at the pickup counter after receiving a notification that our order was ready, and no one acknowledged us until we spoke up. During a rush, communication still matters. I also want to clarify that I never claimed to have a dairy intolerance or allergy, because I do not. I simply stated that all of us became sick shortly after consuming the drinks and pastry we purchased there. I never claimed to know the exact cause -- only the timing of what occurred. What disappointed me most was not just the experience itself, but the defensive and dismissive tone of the response instead of a more professional acknowledgment of a customer concern. I genuinely wanted to enjoy this place because it is cute and came recommended to me, but unfortunately this was my experience. read more

Ordered an iced mocha and my friend ordered a chai latte. Both were delicious and service was quick. It's in a strip mall but it's cute inside and has a few tables and chairs outside. read more

Great coffee shop, with a variety of pastry selections, lunch items and of course coffee. I was pleased with the Turkish Hazelnut Coffee-- very smooth, very nutty, and not too sweet. This seems to be a great spot to have a small business gathering or just to catch up with an old friend. I don't think I would recommend this spot to those that are trying to get some work done on a computer or read a book-- this is a very loud coffee shop, just keep that in mind! It was a little too distracting for me to get any computer work done haha, but that shouldn't stop you on trying them out. There's plenty of seating indoor, and some outdoor seating. read more

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Stopped by Lightbulb Coffee recently and had a really good experience!! The staff were super friendly from the moment I walked in, and everyone seemed genuinely happy to help without making me feel rushed. I ended up getting the turkey pesto panini, and a Turkish hazelnut coffee, and both were really good! The panini was warm and flavorful, and the coffee had a delicious rich hazelnut flavor. The shop itself has a nice, relaxed vibe that's easy to hang out in. It's always nice finding a local coffee shop with good food, good drinks, and employees who are genuinely kind! I'll definitely be back!! read more

I'm never in La Mesa but had to pick something up nearby and decided to walk around came across this coffee shop. I loved it, it's so spacious and cute inside. Service is great and everyone is so friendly. I got an iced lavender matcha it was so good and refreshing and also got the cheese and zaatar manakeesh it was delicious (also it was made fresh not premade!!!) They were playing all my favorite Arabic hits will be coming back just for this! read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Lavender matcha - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Menu changed. My roasted red pepper panini is no longer on the menu and prices have gone up. I ordered the reuben sandwich for lunch instead. It was good but I would not pay $15.50 for it again. I think all sandwiches should come with house chips or a bag of chips. The strawberry vanilla smoothie is still good and a fave! Love it:) I like the decor near my table and love that the restaurant is consistently clean, kind service and quiet. I don't like the 2.5% credit card use fee. It's so annoying. I hope they start offering discounts for cash or debit transactions. read more

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Honestly very disappointed I had been recommended the place for their pastries and I made a to good to go order just to try them out and I ended up receiving 2 chocolate chip muffins and one puff pastry I think it might've been pineapple, don't know I took two bites to try and get to the filling and still couldn't so I just gave up it was stale, the muffins were rock solid not soft not even the inside maybe it's because they have the to good to go orders just waiting on the counter uncovered that was a one and done experience for me read more

friendly reminder. it's obvious the photos are AI generated. nobody wants a AI croissant/coffee. please hire a photographer.

I tried the baklava, and it was absolutely delicious! Super flaky and sweet, exactly what I was craving. I'm so glad that I found a great local place to buy baklava! It's hard to find a place that makes it fresh and high-quality like this. I will definitely be back for more! read more

Like the 3rd time we've been here but this time I had to write a review. We walk in, and order, everything is cool. When we go to sit down there's literal crumbs of food on the benches, food all over the tables, waited 15 minutes for our order even after people got theirs. When we went up to get our order, we noticed like 5 workers just sitting there shooting the shit. It looks like it's run by people who care more about chilling out instead of actually working. I'm read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Crumbs of food just sitting here. Nobody cleaning this place. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Some of the staff is just rude and forgot they work at a public interaction environment, where their exact energy and attention to customers as a direct reflection of the core principles of that business read more

The service here was really good. The coffee was to die for, there is a Middle Eastern spin off of this place and I'm not sure what type of Middle Eastern it is, but it brings a unique ambience to the environment and the flavors are very good and unique. It's a decent size café and there's good seating and it would be a great place to do homework. read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I'm not sure if ownership has changed but it was definitely a different visit/ experience and quality of drink than I've had before. I frequently visit as I go to Pilates nearby and usually come here for an after class drink. I have gotten the strawberry banana smoothie add pineapple before and it was great. Very flavorful. Today I got it and it was not enjoyable at all. I didn't get anywhere near close to drinking even a third of it. It tasted so watered down and had no flavor at all. It also took 20 mins to get the smoothie. It wasn't that busy and they had a lot of workers behind the counter so not sure why the long wait. The barista who made my drink wasn't super friendly either. Just tossed drink on counter. I'm sad because I loved to visit but I think I may have to find another after class treat now. read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Strawberry, banana, pineapple smoothie. Was a struggle to even drink this much. Ended up tossing it. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

Stumbled upon this coffee house on the Too Good to Go app when looking for a snack while in the area. Loved the chocolate chip muffin (semi-sweet chocolate, but more of a biscuit consistency, not sweet, just satisfying). And let's talk cookies...absolutely the BEST sugar cookie and oatmeal raisin cookie that I have ever had. Again, not too sweet, but full of satisfying flavor. If you haven't been, swing by and give them a try! read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Best cookies ever! Hunt up this La Mesa coffee shop in San Diego. Your belly will thank you! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

A fun little spot in La Mesa Village, with excellent coffee and very cool ambiance. If you come here at popular times, good luck getting a seat! It's often jam packed with students writing and friends vibing. The food is delicious but be prepared to pay more than you'd pay elsewhere for the same thing. Those fun vibes don't come cheap! read more

LIGHTBULB COFFEE This place was highly recommend by my friend's mentor, and this place is a hit! The place itself is so wide, spacious, and very welcoming. The pastries at the front are mouthwatering, and I had to get the pistachio crossiant and almond which were a must! Coming to a total at about $7 each, it isn't super bad. I love the strawberry matcha, it was so delicious, however was a bit too sweet but i'd adjust it next time. The flavor was there and it came to be about $7. Service is welcoming, the owner, Naba is extremely kind and nice! She's always there and is happy to help you. Overall, the place was amazing, parking states it is an hour however usually no one checks. Pretty simple and at a plaza. read more

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Haven't been here in months because they stopped making the Turkish hazelnut coffee how they used to, but today I took a chance cuz it's actually a really great drink when made right, and I missed this drink. THANK YOU to which ever girl worked today closing shift! may your pillow always be cold, and you have an amazing day because it finally tasted good again lol I also recommend the Nutella pastry they have it's really good read more

The coffee was pretty good but the food had a piece of hair in it and it threw me off and I was afraid to finish my coffee. I understand accidents happen but still I am cautious when it come to their food and drinks. The service was fast and friendly. Good vibe to go to study by watch out for hair. read more

I decided upon this cafe on a whim and ordered their Baja Mexican spice iced late and a pistachio croissant. I was seriously impressed! The coffee was good but the pistachio croissant was amazing! I'm not usually a frosting girl but whatever it is they put on top of the croissant I could eat by the spoonful. It wasn't too sweet and the croissant was flakey and buttery, with a pistachio cream filling. Over all I had a great experience and will definitely be visiting again. read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Pistachio Croissant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

First time going and the atmosphere is amazing. Very tastefully decorated and a great place to sit down and get work done for a few hours. I got an iced chai tea latte, pistachio croissant, and almond croissant. I would highly recommend it all - especially if you have a sweet tooth. Their menu is also very extensive with a variety of foods in addition to their pastries, which are baked fresh everyday. Parking was easy for a Tuesday afternoon but the lot can get filled easily on busy days. It's located in downtown La Mesa, so there's many small shops and businesses in the area which is great to check out. Overall, the quality of the foods, atmosphere, and service were exceptional and I would highly recommend checking it out read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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I went with my friend this week to try out this coffee shop in la mesa.I ordered a London fog tea and I wanted something to eat. I just wanted a bagel and cream cheese. It wasn't on the menu. I asked the gentleman at the register if they had just bagel cream cheese, he said yes he rang me up for the tea and the bagel and cream cheese and the total came up to $17... that's unacceptable. These businesses are taking advantage and it's disgusting and not only that they charged me 2.5% for using my credit card! Never again!! This is a business that doesn't value their customers and the tea wasn't even good We work hard for our money.. my advice Take your money somewhere else read more

I paid $50 for horrible coffee (undrinkable) and mid food. The barista who took my order made me very uncomfortable and wouldn't stop hitting on me to the point where my bf had to talk to the manager. NEVER will go back. My boyfriend also felt extremely ill after eating and drinking coffee here. I've also seen other reviews saying they got sick too. read more

Idk what it is but I've tried this place 3 different times and they always manage to mess up my order. The 1st time I got a wrap and paid for extra avocado to be added and there was no avocado. Mistakes happen,.. The 2nd time I tried the chicken sandwich and I brought it to the cashiers attention the situation that happened last time ( I love avocado ) this time he made sure it was on the sandwich but idk if the dude was being sarcastic or what but I swear there was no CHICKEN . WTF oook. The food is not gross at all.. So today 3x is a charm I tried something different. I get the margarita flat bread and I wait the 10/15min mind u I'm on a lunch break by the time the flatbread comes out it's literally a whole different pizza than what I ordered!!! The dude offered to make the original flat bread I ordered but it's like I'm on a crunch time. I don't like making a big deal so I just took the pizza. I am done donating to this local cafe at least to the La Mesa location. Simple orders and 3x they manage to fuck it up. Yea I would not go back and waste my money. read more

This place is almost never open when I go 2+ hours after they're supposed to be open! I would hate to order something ahead since they do take a while just to find out the place isn't even open. The owners should update their hours even if they're understaffed would rather appreciate that. read more

Unique coffee flavors and yummy pastries lined up on the shelves provided the perfect vibes for a Sunday morning! I like Light Bulb Coffee because they serve more than just the classics and they have food options for a hungry gal like me! They have smoothies and even milkshakes in addition to their menu so if you are not a coffee person, they have many options! I was interested in the Cali Pistachio and my friend ordered a Chai latte. My Cali Pistachio was light and creamy, with a hint of pistachio flavoring. For a bite, I went for their Egg and Cheese Bagel. It could use some sauce of some sort as it was really simple, but overall a filling sandwich bagel. I'm considering coming back soon to try some more food and coffee options + study and lounge for a bit! read more

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PRE GAME SPOT!!! Vibes vibes vibes! Says it all you know how every business is trying to make there establishments feel like a place you want to keep going to. But have you ever went to a place that looked so nice... but then order food or drinks and now they look like your X..... Well that's not Lightbulb coffee.... Light bulb coffee not only looks good she is smart and likes to read books oh yeah and she can cook.... She's Marriage Material.... Don't believe me Try her for yourself We Love Lightbulb Coffee!!! read more

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Stopped here before the bookstore because we saw they had gluten free options! I was able to eat a meal that met my many dietary restrictions and the gluten free bread was pretty good. I was sad the drink didn't come in a lightbulb like all the other pics. The dragon fruit smoothie we had was so refreshing and paired perfectly with the sandwich. Limited seating so not a great spot for a big group. Parking is only 1 hour long in front of the shop read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Inside - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Giving three stars here because the quality of their drinks is not the most reliable. The last time I visited, I got a Cinnamon bun iced latte. Their latte flavors are powder based, and they don't always mix the powder base into the hot espresso well, so you end up with chunky, dry clumps of powder coming up your straw when you're drinking your beverage. The baristas also are not friendly. However, this is a good place for reliably good pastries (savory or sweet) and chia pudding. They have a cheesecake chia pudding with raspberries that I still have been craving since the last time I visited. read more

I've been here a few times. Dining in, the service can vary depending if there's a lot of people or not. For the most part, it's been pretty good every time. I've come solo or for work meetings and make sure to try something new each time. My favorite is there turkish hazelnut coffee with an almond crossaint. The ambience is chill for the most part and quiet. read more

Ordered a sandwich, bread was super hard. my gums have been swollen/irritated for a week now. Also drinks are mid. Nothin special. read more

Went back to this coffee shop since a while and it has changed a lot. It is very expensive now. My breakfast (sandwich and plain coffee) was over $20. They add a big surcharge if you pay with credit card. Good was good and coffee too. Ambiance is not what it used to be. Floor is dirty, bathroom too. This surprised me a lot. Service was just okay. Other than that, no more charm. Let me know if your experience is better than mine. For now, I won't be returning here any time soon. Happy coffee break! read more

Love coming here. Only thing is I expected the panini to be "grilled" vs served on cold fresh rolls. It was delish! The raspberry Turkey panini. I'd really have enjoyed it grilled. I'll be careful in assuming panini sandwiches do not automatically mean grilled panini sandwiches. read more

This lovely, relaxing space is about the coffee and so much more. I started with a 16 oz cup of Turkish Hazelnut, which was perfect for a cool fall day - sweet (but not painfully sweet) and creamy. They use Monin syrups, not Torani, if you have a preference. The barista was very patient and answered my questions about the types of coffee they use; he described ingredients for a couple of different drinks so I could make a better decision. The best part of their craft is allowing the little hints of Middle Eastern cuisine to shine through: a bit of cardamom to top off a drink, pistachios in multiple menu items, Turkish coffee. Chef's kiss! Their menu is extensive, and I didn't get food this time, but I'm sure I'll be back for their fall lineup of coffee drinks. Additionally, they have delicious-looking pastries, paninis and acai bowls - something for every season! The space is really quiet and inviting with a little fountain. It's beautifully decorated, and includes lots of mixed seating for different-sized groups. read more

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Great food! One of the better sandwiches I've had in San Diego. Also great chocolate chip cookie :-)

I have been super pleasantly surprised with this place! There aren't a whole lot of places with good matcha latte in La Mesa, so definitely wasn't expecting such a yummy strawberry matcha latte here!! I've been twice now and both times have been quite good. The employees are really friendly and smiley, and the actual space is cozy and has so much seating. I'm glad I don't have to drive all the way out to convoy whenever I want a good matcha anymore :) read more

Love every item I've ordered here (not my first visit or my last!) Every worker is extremely friendly and kind, and very hard at work! Today we tried the Parmesan Pesto pastry, and tomato olive pastry, as well as the Dairy free granola Matcha Parfait. Ambiance is nice and warm, a blend of business meets first date. read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Parmesan Pesto Pastry, Tomato Olive Pastry, Matcha Parfait (dairy free) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've been here a few times and the staff and ambiance are always super nice but the food/drinks are meh. This morning I got an almond croissant and it was so stale and tasted like cleaner had been sprayed around it (probably the glass case it was in was cleaned and the pastries weren't moved first). It's pretty disappointing there was no way I could eat it. read more

Atmosphere was very welcoming. Lots of seating. Service was professional. Coffee flavors have variety and baked goods are very good. read more

Lightbulb Coffee - Baja Mexican Spice Coffee, Turkish Hazelnut Coffee, Cream Cheese Danish, Butter Cookie Braid - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - La Mesa, California

I didn't like the coffee but that's definitely not their fault. I would probably go back and try something different. The problem I had was that there were two men behind the counter and they were more interested in their conversation than helping us out. I was so excited to try this and now I don't even want to go back. read more