Lofty Coffee

In search of cookies.... I did a quick stop here on my way back from walking... great chocolate…read morechip cookies.... Service was good... There is a parking lot ... But for me... I walk everywhere in Carlsbad Village... part of its charm...

"Boy what you looking for? You know where them cookies are…read moreYeah, I caught yo' ass red-handed in that cookie jar" (Doja Cat) It's a tough call to decide what was better. The incredibly sweet woman behind the counter who helped us with a dessert order for a family dinner for twelve, the sheer beauty and variety of the baked goods in her store, or the 20 amazing cookies we ended up buying. The Carlsbad Bakery has been around for 40+ years specializing in Danish and French pastries, quiche, cupcakes, cakes, and too many eye-popping things to list. We walked over on a Friday and after talking to the proprietor decided that a variety of cookies would be the way to go. What wasn't easy was deciding what type of cookie, because their big chocolate chip, pistachio, almond, cherry, and peanut butter cookies all looked beyond amazing. We decided on a box of 20 mixed cookies ($52.90) and returned the next day to pick them up. My Sweet Lord, the box was as heavy as a bowling ball and was warm with freshly baked cookies. The intoxicating aroma penetrated the carton and filled our hotel room. When they were served at dinner, people's eyes popped out of their heads because they were so gorgeous. I managed to restrain myself and limited my dessert to one pistachio cookie that was fantastic. Of course, all of my cousins wanted to know where we found these amazing cookies. Thank you, Carlsbad Bakery, for such a fantastic customer experience. Your store is beautiful, and your product is extraordinary.

C'est La Vie

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Rainbow Bar

The Goods

4.5(1.5k reviews)

0.2 mi

I travel all over the world and one of my favorite things to do wherever I go is find the local…read morecoffee shops. I've had a lot of coffee in a lot of places, and The Goods is one of those little gems that genuinely stands out. Natalie, the manager, is incredible. She has that rare kind of warmth that makes you feel welcome the second you walk in, and you can tell there's real care behind what they're doing here. I ordered the honey lavender latte and it was beautiful. The lavender was subtle, the honey added just enough sweetness, and most importantly, you could still taste the coffee. My friend ordered an Americano and I stole a sip of that too. To me, black coffee is the real test. There's nowhere for mediocre beans or a bad roast to hide, and this Americano was smooth, rich and genuinely delicious. Then there was the donut. I don't even like donuts, which makes what I'm about to say slightly ridiculous, but it was honestly one of the best things I've ever tasted. I would come back for that alone. There are plenty of places that can make a pretty latte. The Goods has something more. Really good coffee, ridiculously good donuts and people who make you want to come back. If you appreciate finding special local coffee shops when you travel, put this one on your list. The Goods is an absolute must try in Carlsbad.

What a fun little donut & coffee stop! Delicious fresh and not heavy donuts. Service is also…read morerefreshing and friendly! Cute decor! Love seeing people succeed in singles ownership. We'll be back for sure! Brown sugar sea salt was my fave! Oh and the coffee! yummm!

Inside (April 2026)

Croissants

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Seasonal berry, maple, vanilla glazed, and banoffee

Glutenus Maximus Bakehouse

4.8(287 reviews)

7.3 mi

The bakery's name lured me in, and the breakfast sandwiches bring me back. I love their liege…read morewaffle sandwiches, which are only available on Sundays. Their croissant sandwich is also delicious. I love the lemon curd cruffin, and it is huge! They also have a wonderful cinnamon roll. I've only had the original, but the variations look amazing.

Life's butter @glutenus_maximus Maximus--where every flaky bite is on a roll!…read more Tucked away in Vista, Glutenus Maximus Bakehouse is a true hidden gem worth seeking out. From the dreamy Ube Cronut and perfectly spiced Chai Cruffin to their buttery croissants and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls, every pastry is flaky, luscious, and absolutely delicious. Each bite delivers layers of handcrafted goodness that will have you planning your next visit before you finish the first treat. If you're a pastry lover, this bakery definitely rises to the occasion!

Inside

Milk & Cookies Cruffin

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Strawberry Shortcake Croissant

Prager Brothers Artisan Breads

4.5(579 reviews)

4.7 mi

We consistently get our bread from here most every week and have tried many of their pastries and…read morebaguettes as well. The ginger molasses cookies are the best and you can't beat their croissants. If you're in the mood for pizza, they also make a good slice as well. Service is fine and on the weekends they have live music outside which is a nice touch.

Really good baguettes and ham and cheese sandwich. I do not eat bread or gluten much since my wife…read moreis Celiac but when I can sneak it, I will be popping in here. I like the fact they bake the baguettes darker for our climate so it does not get too soft too quickly. Next day a 1-2 min in the toaster and it came out perfect. Good stuff.

Ham sandwich for the game. Croissants for breakfast, I'm done till dinner!

Mocha

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Mocha

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery

4.5(229 reviews)

8.8 mi

This sandwich was so delicious! The baguette had a golden crispy crust with little pockets inside…read morethat absorbed the fig jam that went so well with the freshly sliced prosciutto, Italian cream and mozzarella. It was a flavor bomb. The ratio of espresso to milk and foam was perfect for the cappuccino, and one of the things that I appreciated was that the lid was not plastic; it was made of paper like the cup. They are an Italian bakery, so they had many delicious looking pastries, which I'll have try next time. They're located in a little shopping center, so there's plenty of parking.

Dolce Aroma Italian Bakery in Carlsbad is a family owned bakery with tons of pastries selections…read more Found this bakery on social media and decided to come try it out for lunch. I ordered the Napoletano Sandwich on a ciabatta. It's filled with Prosciutto, mozzarella, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and argula. First impression is that it lacked substance and the amount prosciutto was not alot leaving me not satisfied. Overall the staff was welcoming and friendly. Definitely a spot for picking up Italian baked good but I would probably skip the sandwiches.

Everything looked delicious!!!

Menu as of December 2025 (p. 3 of 4)

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Conetti dolci with nutella and cannolis

Paris Baguette

4.2(250 reviews)

1.8 mi

pleasantly surprised! cute little pick your own pastry style shop, mostly croissant/tart/donut…read moretype. they also do coffee + speciality drinks! yum. blueberry lemonade refresher was unreal. i already can't wait to have it again! fruit tart with lemon custard, gone in seconds. perfect crisp to chew ratio. very impressed. they also had plugs and plenty of seating for people to meet with friends, take meetings, or work remotely. 10/10 will be back!

Normally I love this place but for the last two days most of the croissant are getting baked too…read morelong, to the point it tastes burned. The palmiers tasted like they were baked too long with the edges being burned on Saturday and on Sunday they looked the same so I got a chocolate croissant and they also tasted like they were baked too long. Paris Baguette products are not cheap and needs quality control.

Hot dog bread, milk coffee

Chocolate Supreme Croissant NEW- $5.79

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Peach iced tea

Taste & Sea Cakery

4.6(64 reviews)

4.8 mi

Are you kidding me?!?!? We just stopped by for a cake tasting (brother-in-law getting married) and…read morethis is probably the best cake I have ever had. We tried a chocolate, a lemon, a vanilla bean, an espresso, and a marble cake. It was crazy that they were all my favorite. It was nearly impossible to choose. The buttercream frosting was incredibly smooth and the blend of the flavors were just incredible. They also make all of their own pastries and syrups and all that jazz. If you are in the mood for a coffee or tea, they also serve that. Just do yourself a favor and check this place out. Really cute, quaint, and they are just getting started too! Stop by here before this place blows up and you're not able to get a table.

She made a beautiful amazing cake for my little boy! :D Absolutely delicious and creative! Everyone…read moreloved looking at it and eating this masterpiece she made for us! Thank you Brittany Austin for your hard work and the obvious love you put into what you do! You are super sweet and kind. :D

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Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe

3.8(391 reviews)

0.5 mi

Found this super cute bakery on our way down to San Diego and it was exactly what I was looking…read morefor! The pastries were delicious I tried the chocolate almond croissant and the apple cinnamon pastry. Both were flaky and tasty! The service was fast and friendly! They also do bigger desserts like log cakes for the holiday season and fruit tarts which looked amazing! If you're looking for a dessert place this is it!! They also have a sandwich and breakfast menu but I didn't get a chance to try it!

The Carlsbad French Pastry cafe was an absolute delight. This spot has been around for over 25…read moreyears. The staff were incredible and the owner Oliver was super cool. Him and his son run this location together. This restaurant is known for its hand crafted and authentic croissants and baguettes. I enjoyed an almond croissant. It was the best I've had in America. The crepes were delicious. The space has seating inside and out. Very family friendly.

The french would be disgusted that we would call this a croissant.

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Cheese Danish

SusieCakes

4.3(354 reviews)

8.7 mi

Very tasty, moist, filling cakes. Loved the slice of carrot cake. Service is great...kind,…read morefriendly, patient and generous being our first time giving us a slice of chocolate cake for free. Counter service, fast and clean. A bit pricey but worth it Will be back when in the area just for the carrot cake!

I love this bakery!!! They are alway generous when I use a certain discount app to pick up food…read moreafter hours. Everything they give is delicious. Recently we got the tropical coconut cake and it was magical. Moist pineapple cake with coconut cream. Best coconut cake I've had. The staff are friendly too and parking is okay but in a busy plaza.

Tropical Coconut Cake

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Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe

4.2(1.1k reviews)

1.0 mi

We stopped in for a late lunch... patty-melt and cheeseburgers... very large portions.... At least…read moretwo meals... the server was very competent... received our condiments before we even asked... checked on us often... Usually I stop in for the bakery items...... my personal favorite is the lemon muffins... but the cream pies are great too... Whatever you get it's going to be good...

We came here for breakfast right before our visit to Legoland. There's an abundance of food at…read moreevery plate. I tried their potato pancake, it was flavorful. We didn't miss the cinnamon rolls, banana bread and the Apple pie ala mode. I love the cabin, old diner vibe of this place and that's on top of pies everything. Our server was fantastic and attentive. There's enough parking during the morning rush.

A rose by any other name is still a rose... You may quote me... lol.

The Tamarack Beach Club Sandwich and a side of fries

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Tortillas

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Alyssa W.

1 year ago

This coffee shop is truly a gem! I can honestly say it's the best coffee I've ever had in my life--rich, smooth, and absolutely unforgettable. Every sip tastes like it was made with so much care. The staff here are just as wonderful as the drinks. They're incredibly helpful, patient, and kind, always taking the time to answer questions and make recommendations without ever making you feel rushed. That kind of hospitality makes such a difference. The food is just as impressive--fresh, flavorful, and made with real quality. It perfectly complements the coffee, and it's the kind of menu that makes you want to try something new every time you come in. On top of all that, the vibe is so welcoming and cozy. Whether you want a spot to relax, catch up with friends, or get some work done, it feels like the perfect place to be. If you're a coffee lover, do yourself a favor and stop here. You'll fall in love with it just like I did! read more

AnnMarie F.

2 years ago

Lofty Coffee is a fantastic spot that never disappoints! Their food menu offers a variety of unique options that are absolutely to die for. Everyone who works here is incredibly kind, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Their coffee is delicious, and their matcha is equally impressive. The vibe is great, and I love their outdoor seating. I've even brought my dog along to enjoy a bite with me on their patio, and they even have dog treats at the front! Highly recommend Lofty Coffee for a delightful experience! read more

Rae M.

3 years ago

I'd like to say that I've been going to Lofty coffee EncUnitas locations for years, know Zoe the new manager, Shaun, Spencer, and everyone is so nice, but I moved to Carlsbad, and had a very different experience, I would love to relay my experience to the owner, please call me at 760 6970062. You will not believe it! thanks Rae read more

Jerry R C.

141

294

2 months ago

I had an amazing experience at Lofty Coffee! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, perfect for getting some work done or just relaxing. The staff is friendly, and their latte drinks are top-notch -- smooth, rich, and flavorful. Highly recommend The Cedros for breakfast. read more

Joh F.

1 year ago

Our family loves this place! Even after moving away the kids talk about it and miss the eggs and sausages. Nothing better than a salted Carmel Latte. Can you bottle the carmel so we can make at home if we dont live there anymore? read more

Concerned C.

1 month ago

The food is always great quality at Lofty. I love their baked goods and usually we split the chicken wrap and turkey croissant is delish! Service is always friendly and accommodating. Def one of my most frequented local cafes. read more

Lisa D.

4 years ago

Amazing coffee, food and the baristas are always so nice and helpful! I take whole bean home to brew. SO GOOD!

Lofty Coffee - coffee - Updated October 2026

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Revolution Roasters

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When I travel, i love to go to local coffee spots! Glad we tried Revolution Roasters, the coffee…read morewas good - unfortunately I had asked for an iced vanilla latte and ended up with a hot one. They were so busy and it seemed the error was from the point of sale that didn't hear me clearly. Friendly service and super busy - we didn't ask for it to be redone. My Honey Lavender Latte was delicious!! I do wish the merch had prices listed a bit easier - there was a cute to go mug that didn't have a price on it and I didn't ask when I was ordering since I wasn't sure if I would get it.

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So glad I stopped by this coffee shop! I always appreciate one that roasts their own coffee beans…read more I think it makes them stand out and much more unique than the others. I tried one of their summer specials, an Iced Banana Maple Latte with soy milk. I loved how bold and intense the flavor of the coffee was without it being overwhelming; however, I did not taste the banana or maple flavors at all. It just tasted like a straight up sweetened iced latte. Don't get me wrong, it's a great latte. But I guess I was just expecting to get more of the banana and maple flavors, especially since I was pretty excited about that flavor combination. The staff were welcoming and friendly, and the ambiance was great. I love that they have their roasting machine right where people can observe and watch the process if they wanted to. They have ample tables and chairs indoor, and a few outdoor as well. I'm pretty sure I'll be coming back here. I'll probably try the Caramel Cream Latte next time.

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First off, the service was incredibly kind. I think the owner or manager helped me out. He was so…read morenice. Although there was a small line, he didn't make me feel rushed to order as quickly as I could. So that was already very welcoming. I got the iced smoked salt maple latte, half sweet. He warned me it was in the sweeter side so I am glad I got half sweet because it's still decently sweet! I subbed oatmilk which was free. This was $7. There were several vegan pastry options. We got the blueberry muffin and cinnamon roll. 5/5, no notes! We grabbed it to go but there was both inside and outdoor seating.

Order : S'mores and mocha coffee Service : good…read moreAmbience:ok Review of order: didn't quiet think their coffee was that great . Their mocha was like dark chocolate and not well balanced

Revolution Roasters

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Great pastries & breakfast toast. Creative and tasty coffee menu. Love the cold brew + seasonal…read morecold foam. Sad they only use paper /disposable cups. Rev roasters is Not at the top of my list in the village for coffee due to this fact alone. If they ever Step it up, get some real mugs & glasses, this will become a regular stop for me.

High Tide Coffee

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Cute little coffee shop. We visit here 5x in a span of 2 1/2 weeks due to our Airbnb being close…read moreby. We tried a few different drinks, not sure if I remember them all but the Snickerdoodle latte, the Candy Orange mocha, the cardamom rose latte, a rose latte, the magic lemonade, and something else. All our drinks were ordered with oat milk and everything we ordered was vegan friendly (I asked!). Our family really enjoyed the grab and go pistachio chia pudding! All chia pudding is vegan friendly and they had several flavors. I would have purchased more at the time if they were just a tad cheaper. I will need to go back for more! They also had several pastries. There was only one vegan option that I recall- a vegan poppyseed muffin. I didn't get to try it on these visits but would like to soon! We had a mishap with one of our drinks and they kindly made it right, which goes a long way in our book and guarantees a return visit. Thank you for that. Our youngest daughter enjoyed playing with the little kitchen and toy trucks. There is limited seating inside but more picnic style bench seating outside. The coffee shop shares a space with the Pilates studio. We saw a few sessions in progress while getting our drinks. Service was usually quick and friendly. There was only one time that it took a bit of time. I appreciate their Pay It Forward wall. They also sell kids toys, shirts, coffee mugs and more.

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This coffee shop is located inside the Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad. It's bright, inviting and…read morepretty much the first stall you see when entering through the food hall's main entrance. There were so many things I loved, appreciated and enjoyed when I stopped by Immersion Coffee. One of them was the very friendly and welcoming attitude of the staff. She was very pleasant and had amazing recommendations. Secondly, they served Muse cheesecakes by the slice here! That's an absolute winner in my book. Had to get myself a slice of the classic basque cheesecake, and another slice of the Biscoff one. Pure heaven in cheesecake form. Lastly, when browsing their menu, I was drawn to the Iced Orange Latte--which apparently is one of their signature drinks and has even been recognized in the New York Times! Let me tell you--it surprised me so much, it made my tastebuds dance. The citrus brightened the flavor of the espresso so much more, made it crisp but smooth, while the chocolate made it richer in depth and gave it that perfect sweetness it needed. A symphony of flavors in every sip. A definite must try! Will I be back? Heck. Yes.

as many of the others have said, the service was not great. felt dumb for asking questions about…read morethe menu which is wild because if it says something on the menu and i'm asking about an iced option (or a decaf option) that's not listed, don't give me attitude when i asked nicely. the coffees were fine, but pretty small for the price. i considered getting a cookie or pastry, but it was already expensive. despite the coffee being good, i'm not planning to come back. i used to be a barista, and even if you have to fake it til you make it, that's much better than giving attitude or being sassy - makes everyone think you hate your life lol.

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