Excellent coffee which is the number one factor in whether or not I'll return to a coffee shop. So 5 stars for that. My only issue (and it's a small issue) is that it's a two sided drive up venue with a small staff on hand, meaning if there's even a slight line, you'll be waiting a while to get your blended mocha in your hands. However, after all is said and done, I'm always willing to wait for delicious coffee, provided I have the time to spare. read more

Probably one of the best ways to start my day. I love that they remember me and "my usual" when I pull up to the window, even if I haven't been in a while. And thank goodness bc I can't talk until the magic of coffee hits me!! They are all friendly and their drinks are so good! Love supporting this family owned buisness!! P.S. They love doggies read more

Scott and his crew members are always awesome!!! I frequent their iced chai and iced Americano, and hot lattes or tea with lemon and honey in the winter. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers, which I couldn't appreciate more! read more

This lil place caught my attention while driving by. I ordered an acai with strawberry and a bit of coconut almond milk smoothie. The ladys were friendly and fast they knew just what i wanted. I payed, received, tasted, loved it and drove away. Will be coming back soon! read more

Lil' Jungle Java - My strawberry acai smothie was sooo yummy that i finished it before taking a pic of it. I want more! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

If you've read a few of my reviews you may notice I give a lot of 5 star ratings. This is because if nothing goes wrong and I'm happy I feel top rating is warranted. This personal policy in mind I would like to give "Little Jungle Java" 6 stars. "Why 6 stars?" you ask. Here's why. After taking our dog "Shelby" for a run at nearby off leash dog park, I realized I needed something to give me a boost. But it needed to be a quick drive thru. I stink. I haven't showered yet and I have dog all over me. There's Taco Bell, No thanks. I don't know if they even have coffee. Oh wait, there's a little place right next to Taco Bell. And, it's drive thru. Perfect! Yep, this is it. So I pull up and there's two dogs sitting there. Business owners with dogs are usually cool people. I get up to the window and the guy says "Hey what can I get you". Then he says "oh hold on "poodles before people" and hands me a doggy, jerky, chewy thingy for our pup. (Surprising generosity!) I say, "I don't know, this is my first time" to which he says, "You're in for a treat. Order something big and expensive cause I'm buyin". "Really", I exclaim. He goes "Yeah, get something big. It's on me". Good thing he repeated himself because I'm slow in the morning. Not wanting to be an opportunist I ask only for a regular coffee. He says, "Oh come on that's not expensive." So I go for the usual Mocha cause that's about as imaginative as I get. Well had I taken an extra few seconds I would've realized these people are far more imaginative than myself. Pumpkin latte, Macadamia Coconut something or other. Lots of flavors and lots of choices as well as organic. So rather than write out my entire day of conversation, I'll just cut to the part where I'm happy and feel treated to great service, great coffee and great people. This is what I love about Encinitas. There are some really great people and really great places to get what you deserve. If you deserve greatness you deserve "Little Jungle Java" read more

I'm always a fan of small mom and pop coffee shops. Helping run starbucks out of business is on my bucket list. I especially love the drive up coffee shacks. It reminds me of my brief stint in Washington state. This shack is particularly popular when I drove by around 1030 on a weekend. I love that they do have 2 lanes on each side of the shack to alleviate traffic. I do wish that their menu was a little more visible as you are driving up. I thought the print was a little small and hard to read, so I just asked questions when I got up there. However this probably slows down the line a little. They serve Lion Coffee!!! I have a particular affinity for hawaii coffee. They also had a variety of milks and sweeteners. This is every Californian's dream! They also totally have their dog walking around who greets walk ups. I love it! read more

Went here while visiting Encinitas a few weeks ago. The thing that caught my eye was the Organic sign. I'm all for Organic! The man working inside was very nice. I assume he's the owner. He heard it was our first time there and said "First time through's on me. Coffee's free today for ya" .... !!!! WHAT! Who does that!!!!? The coffee was a bit strong for me, I could have used a bit more creamer or something. But, it was hot and fresh (And FREE!). I absolutely support independently run small business' and will make sure and go back here next time I'm in town. You should all give it a try. I have friends who live down the street and they go there all the time and RAVE about the Mochas. read more

Such great coffee. Staff was so friendly! Will Be coming back when we're in town again for sure :) read more

Best mocha in town! Amazing staff... Tea and her papa are local legends. Thanks for making my morning so delicious.

I have worked as a barrista making coffee and because I drink it so often, I have become immune to caffeine. This place has delicious drinks and they actually do the job even though I drink it every day. They have the strongest and most flavorful coffee I have ever had. The staff are very relaxed and fun! I hope I never have to move so I can continue to drive through this great kiosk every morning haha!!! read more

It is COFFEE - nothing more, nothing less! This is a "tiny" drive-up, and you kinda have to coax the attendants into telling you what their ENTIRE product offering is. We came for BREAKFAST - not just coffee, yet the other breakfast options I guess are available for only the regulars who seem to know the private food menu because it is NOT listed anywhere on the kiosk. I am being generous with 3 stars as my husband and I had a "staycation" in RSF and decided to splurge on the way home and try new spots on our way home! I gave 3 stars because the coffee was good - not horrible and not great - hence - exactly what I expected. I dropped a star because they don't advertise ALL their breakfast food options. I felt I had to ask them and beg them for food options - lol! Though we had GOOD coffee - we will NOT go out of our way to EVER visit this establishment again! read more

These guts are the BEST!! I love supporting local businesses and 'Lil Java Hut makes it easy! Finally, they quite simply have the very nest dark roast EVER! read more

So I've pretty much had every coffee chain available. This place is close to my work. They're half the cost of Peet's, Starbucks or any of those crappy chains. Its a great local mom and pop shop, I met the owners and their daughter, they're very nice people. I love how one the ice drink they use coffee cubes instead of ice cubes, it totally makes a difference! Im addicted. I wish they had more locations or a place that you can sit and hangout. But they have great customer service, great prices, and a double sided drive thru so you're not waiting forever! read more

First time here n i like this local lil drive thru!! My Boxer Butch did too. Thank Folks!!!! read more

Lil' Jungle Java - I dig this little drive thru Java Joint!!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Scott and Tiana (and Lola!) are the best. Great coffee, great people. Instead of chain shops, support locally owned caffeine! read more

This place is great. It's a little drive through coffee shop and the service is amazing! I order a nutty zebra, although it's not on the menu they make it because my co-worker once asked for the drink and tiana just made a name up for that order... If you don't know what a nutty zebra is, it's gonna be worth it to just stop by and try lil' jungle Java It was my first time going on Monday, and I definitely love their coffee! Very Rich and delicious. read more

Shop local! Always fast and friendly service with great drinks. They make an excellent Chai! Also a small selection of delicious baked goods. A great drive thru option in Encinitas. read more

Lil' Jungle Java is by far my favorite place to grab a cup of coffee! The coffee is delicious, the service is great, and their drive up stand is just too easy! The workers there are superb, they always greet you with a smile, take care of you right away, and they even remember my drink order every time. I'd like to give them credit for that, because I don't live in Encinitas so I don't order it as often. If you're looking for a place a little less mainstream than Starbucks, try it out and you won't regret it. I find myself craving their coffee from time to time and I'll drive up 20 minutes just to get it! read more

Yes, I am an adult and I don't drink coffee. But every so often, especially if it's cold and rainy, I want a hot chocolate. Being pressed for time, I thought a drive-thru would be perfect. This was my first visit. Friendly service=five stars Hot Chocolate=zero stars. Literally so gross. I'm pretty sure they just warmed up chocolate milk. No bueno. It's actually not that hard to make great hot chocolate. Let me know if you need a brand recommendation. read more

Yuck. Two strikes and you're out in my book. Both latté's were burnt and nasty. It's as if they poured the shots into cold milk and then steamed/frothed it together. So gross. 6 Truvia's didnt even make a difference, it just brought out burnt flavor. I threw it out again. Done. Heard great things about this place, but I will never return. Money is better spent at the worst coffee conglomerate, Starbucks. read more

I've now been there twice within the last week, and each time I have gotten their iced coffee with coconut pumps, which will now be my go to drink of choice there. Their ice is cold brewed coffee cubes, you can't go wrong with that! I highly recommend Lil' Jungle Java! Well done guys! read more

Finally...tried this place out the lady suggested a blueberry acai smoothie and it was bomb.com of course i added whipped cream on top lol... i want another one definitely coming back again! read more

Lil' Jungle Java - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

The coffee here is good. I love supporting local But went today and nobody working was wearing a mask - pretty sure that's illegal. I left without ordering, yuck. read more

Was recommended the Blended Mocha with banana. Needless to say, it did not dissappoint! Great drinks and even better service!

I spotted this place after eating at Swami's one day and have planning to come up to try it! I must say, this place is really awesome and totally underrated. I ordered an iced coffee with almond milk and almond flavoring! Delicious!!! If you love coffee and are sick of the typical Starbucks, coffee bean & tea, etc this is your place! Seriously, they put frozen coffee cubes in the iced coffee so it doesn't get watered down. This place is hands down the best coffee I have had in San Diego! I just really want to support this business because the people who worked there were so nice and helpful! You guys rock! read more

Lil' Jungle Java - Iced almond milk coffee w/ almond flavoring! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Have been coming here for years. This drive thru is a regular stop before my workday. Great coffee and great employee friendliness, both of which are always a nice way to launch my day. read more

I love this place and the people who own it! I've liked every coffee drink I've had from here and the staff is so personable and pleasant, I am very happy this is our neighborhood go to. read more

I came from Escondido , and this is THE BEST CHAI LATTE I HAVE EVER HAD HANDS DOWN! Better then Starbucks, super milky and super good ! I will be back for sure!! They are super sweet too!! read more

What can I say about this place? I love Lil Jungle Java! I love the coffee which they make just the way I like it, I love the smoothies when I want a lil something different and of course the pastries are a nice treat too. But more than anything, I love Lil Jungle Java for the people! Scott and Tiana are the father and daughter team that run this place and what a blessing it is to see family working together and honoring each other. Their family has been in the area for generations and they love their community. If you have been to Lil Jungle Java, you know that their customers are family too (even the pets). Support local business, support local families, this is what community looks like. read more

The best service and kindest staff! Their coffee is high quality and their granola bars and bites are amazing!

What a great find! Exceptional customer service and delicious coffee. It's hard to find a good water process decaf coffee, and they have it, served with big smiles. read more

I've been coming here for 3 years. I used to live down the street but moved about 30 mins away, and occasionally I'll still go out of my way for their coffee. Everyone who works here is friendly, accommodating and remembers your order. I recommend trying the iced coffee as they use coffee ice cubes and it makes a huge difference. This place is also great if you're in a rush. I don't think I've ever waited for more than a few minutes! read more

I'm not sure why but my previous review wasn't 'recommended' by yelp. Okay, I suppose they might think I'm a bot but I'm not. I drink a latte from Lil' Jungle Java about 5-6 days a week. I suppose I'm addicted to their vanilla lattes...and that's just fine with me! Really awesome family-run coffee shop. They get busy on weekday mornings but Scott will run out and hand-deliver our coffees if the line is crazy. Now that's service! Tiana always spoils my dog when he's with me and gives out puppy treats. He would like to give you 5 paws up! Support small business and drive on up to Lil' Jungle Java. Oh! Don't forget they have a daily specials....Latte Tuesday is my fave! read more

great coffee and service. Put your money towards a small local business. They also have a photo wall of pups and love seeing dogs come through the drive thru lane! read more

Best coffee and people on the planet. After I moved out of the area I still drive back to get my morning cup-o-jo & say hello to Scott, Tiana & the gang. Nicest folks & best coffee ever. I have the most complicated order & even the new staff know it by heart. read more

This place is awesome. The owners are so kind and to me and my pup. The coffee is amazing. And like everyone else has mentioned....COFFEE ICE CUBES . read more

Words cannot describe how happy this little place makes me! First of all their coffee is excellent, it's organic too. Different drink deals on different days of the week. The service is amazing. You're always greeted with a smile which helps if you haven't had the coffee yet. The wait is short, typically just 1-2 cars per side at the drive through. Or you can choose to walk up. I also want to give a shout out to the owner (Scott) for being so good to his customers. This tired mama forgot her wallet once and still was able to get her coffee! Then we needed a box of coffee for a morning event and Scott let us borrow two of his thermoses. We feel super grateful to have this sweet lil coffee shop in our neighborhood. Thank you for making our mornings brighter! read more

Awesome little mom and pop coffee shop!!! Found this while in Encinitas and am so happy I did. The owner was SUPER friendly and their quick service was just what I needed. Now I only ordered an iced coffee because I was tired of going to Starbucks after learning that something as simple as iced coffee comes in from processed/ instant coffee pouches, yuck! These guys take their coffee serious and use only freshly grounded coffee each day. To top it all off I was uber surprised when I learned that their ice cubes in the iced coffee are actually frozen coffee cubes. I mean can you say brilliant!!!!! Any who if your looking for a little coffee pep in your step stop on through this coffee drive thru, you won't regret it :) read more

Coffee is fantastic, service is even better. And, it is a DRIVE-THRU! Seriously, if I could give them 10 stars, I would.

This little drive-thru coffee shack serves up the most delicious iced coffee! Strong and cold brewed, they even create their ice from coffee to limit watering down the drink. They have lots of hot drinks to choose from as well. Peppermint mocha and Gingerbread Latte even in August? Sweet! I can't wait to come back and try something new. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. Thanks Dixie for a delicious drink! read more