Lofty Coffee
Lofty Coffee Photos
Business Info
Lofty Coffee Popular Dishes
LOFTY COFFEE ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
Recommended Reviews - Lofty Coffee
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Love this spot. If you come early enough you can chill and have your coffee. The service was so good. They were so knowledgeable and friendly. The almond croissant was huge and delicious. The Salted Caramel Latte is my go to when I come. Thank you so much Lofty Coffee for your hospitality and delicious coffee. Definitely made my morning that much better.
I am obsessed with this place. Great spot to hang out when the weather is nice and it's not far from my office in the Columbia District. Best part: they make tons of fresh gluten free baked goods in house. Fresh bread for toast, matcha donuts, season mini loaves, cookies and "pop tarts."
Came here and unfortunately, left disappointed. Such a cute open air coffee shop. We came here two mornings in a row. Both days there was a bit of a wait. The first day there were out of a syrup so the person working told us it would be in stock the next day. We got other cold brews, and they were fine. The next day we came back, and the experience overall was tough. We got our drinks right away, but they forgot to put in our food order, so we stood there waiting for a really long time. Overall, normal cold brew, but nothing to wow me with a $10 coffee.
Came in for a quick stop before we hit road, had pretty good reviews. The coffee shop itself was okay looking. In a way reminded me of Disneyland pym kitchen where the bar is and then the chairs and tables. I ordered a mint matcha , and usually I'm love it at urth it's amazing. Gotta say it was not a bright green color, it looked muddy, and it was hella grimy. Maybe from the almond milk it comes with. I got a matcha donut, and the donut itself was good. I liked it, but the topping on top is a bit much. It's match with floral and then random pistachios on top. Wasn't a fan either. The baristas were super nice, but their drinks weren't it. I'd like my money back, buttt too late to ask for a refund.
LOVE this coffee spot, there's great variety and good service. I ordered the Kyoto-style cold brew which had a nice house-made banana peanut butter cold foam. Sooo delicious! Perfect spot to enjoy your coffee, and people watch. There's plenty of seating available outside. Also ordered the avocado toast with poached egg, big portion and perfect complement to the coffee. Highly recommend this gem!
Great location downtown, nice outdoor seating, some along the street, some in a patio area above the street a few steps. Located on the corner there are plenty of people to watch hustle about during the easy morning commute. Coffee is excellent, if you are having a bite there are free refills. There is cream and raw sugar, but no Splenda or equal. I ordered the hummus and avocado toast, on a croissant (they were out of artisan bread). This was an excellent breakfast. A nice fresh meal with excellent coffee, beats a coffee and reheated snack from that other coffee chain.
A nice coffee shop in Little Italy with a cute ambiance. Just be prepared for big lines and long waits on weekends, especially on farmers market days. I wanted a classic matcha latte, but they only offered a mint‑mixed matcha. The employee said it was subtle and refreshing, so I gave it a try. The wait was long, but the drink was pretty -- it came with a mint leaf garnish, which was a nice touch. Flavor‑wise, it just wasn't for me, but it was refreshing and lightly minty, not overpowering. They have a great outdoor seating area and food options too, though I didn't try the food this time. I'd come back if I was already in the area and it wasn't so busy.
Delicious coffee and food that never disappoint! Everything tastes fresh, and the menu has a great variety whether you're grabbing a quick drink or something more filling. Prices are very reasonable for the quality. There's plenty of seating, which makes it a comfortable spot to relax or get some work done, and the free WiFi is a nice bonus. Definitely recommend for a cozy café with great vibes!
We stopped by this charming café in Little Italy for breakfast. We ordered the açaí bowl, a croissant sandwich with egg, sausage along with a vanilla latte and a cappuccino. The açaí bowl was refreshing, topped with fresh fruit and crunchy granola. The croissant sandwich was buttery and flaky, with the savory egg and sausage balanced by the subtle sweetness of the jam. Both the vanilla latte and cappuccino were smooth, rich, and expertly made. They also have a lovely outdoor patio, making it a perfect place to relax, enjoy breakfast, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Little Italy.
It was very busy on a Sunday. The cold brew tasted watered down so I didn't feel like it was worth it, especially it being $9.
First time here pretty good chill spot id come back again ... the service and vibe was chill especially to sit down and people watch while u sip your coffee
Cute coffee shop with lots of outdoor seating. I ordered a turkey and avocado croissant and a cloudy cold brew. The sandwich was so tasty with tons of avocado and the most flaky croissant. Delish. The coffee was very big with cold foam on top, not too sweet, perfect way to start the day. The staff were friendly and very approachable, very kind team. Fast service too!!
4 years ago
Very cute lofty cafe located near little Italy. Nice for to go or plenty of spots to chill and enjoy there. We had the acai bowl, egg tart, ice salted caramel latte, and a vanilla latte. We really loved the açaí bowl. Beautifully put together and just enough to share. The egg tart was delicious, would have been even better warm! I'll do that next time. The bread was a house made gluten free bread, topped with crisp cheese and an egg. I'd definitely recommend to get this if you are in the go. Easy to eat and the egg is cooked well. The lattes were a solid 8. Great atmosphere to wake up your morning or mid day wind down. read more
3 years ago
Best coffee in San Diego. We love their Americano Also food is healthy and tasty. Comfortable seating with view of street. Friendly staff. Definitely deserve 5 stars read more
What a prefect day to sit outside and enjoy some coffee, fresh pastries, a panini and work. Came here on a Monday at 11am and had a few hours to waste and work. It was just wonderful sunny San Diego around me, got a table outside with an umbrella. Salted caramel latte - divine. Nice flavor with nice coffee American panini - when it was brought out, I was afraid the bread was hard and not enjoyable. I was wrong. The bread is the best part. It's sitting on a small bed of spinach with vinaigrette. Nice combo. Matcha pistachio donut with flower petal crumbles on top. That's one freshly made donut. Very nice and not too sweet. Will definitely come back to just enjoy the day here the next time I'm in town! Very spacious on the patio and sitting area outside. You're definitely 6' apart from the other tables. Very clean, including the bathroom. Order and have a seat, your items will be brought out to you- plus plus!!! read more
3 years ago
Ciao...another beautiful Downtown, San Diego spot that my foodie partner in crime introduced to me while in town for a quick weekend trip. It wouldn't be a trip without breakfast/brunch at Lofty and then taking a walk to the pier. I throughly enjoyed the coffee - Cloudy With A Chance Of Cold Brew. It was a kyoto cold brew, with house made vanilla and shaken Organic heavy cream. The heavy cream was added treat at the end via spoonfuls. The other coffee was the Aztec Mocha iced, which was also delish. It was a double shot of espresso, dark cacao, cinnamon, cayenne and organic Straus dairy. After mixing all these amazing flavors together and taking a sip, you could taste the zing of the cayenne which was delightful and interesting. I suggest ordering a quick bakery bite while you wait on your food to curb your appetite in the meantime the kitchen prepared your order to stay or go. We ordered the Hummus & Avocado Toast, which was house made with organic artisan toast, organic house made hummus, avocado, heirloom tomato, watermelon radish, pickled sweet onion, micro greens with fresh lemon and olive oil. Next time, I would add an over medium egg on top, so it drizzles over all its deliciousness. Outdoor seating was spacious and beautifully kept. Don't forget to help the staff and clean-up after yourselves. A helping hand is always well-appreciated and kindness goes a long way. I can't wait to try other coffees and food items off the menu next time when visiting from the East Coast! read more
2 years ago
such a cute little coffee spot in little Italy, their açaí bowl was a dream! Fast service as well read more
I give Lofty a 5 for the concept and a 3 for execution during my most recent visit. I really enjoy this place and visit fairly often. I particularly love the open-air, but covered, environment at the Little Italy location. And, they have great gluten-free bread. No sacrifice for gluten intolerant people at Lofty! That's the good part. On this visit, I ordered the Carlsbad, which is a couple of poached eggs and avocado along with that great gluten-free bread and tater tots. I ordered the eggs medium. I also ordered a decaf Americano (they don't have decaf drip coffee). I got my coffee pretty quickly. And, then I waited for my food. I waited, and waited, and.... Well, you get the point. Over half an hour later my food was delivered. By this time my coffee was half gone and the other half was cold. I mentioned to the server that I had been waiting for my food so long, and asked if I could get a fresh decaf Americano. She sheepishly replied that I would have to ask the manager, who she pointed out. The manager was in the process of a lengthy social conversation with another guest, so I just ate my food, drank a few more sips of my cold coffee, and called it a day. One more thing - my eggs were hard poached, not medium. This experience was certainly disappointing, but it won't keep me from coming back. Just, maybe not as often. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alex L.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the…
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alex L.
Wow — thank you for the glowing review! We’re thrilled to hear you…
2 years ago
2 years ago
4 years ago
This is the perfect indoor/outdoor San Diego coffee shop downtown. There is surprisingly a ton of seating, though they're often busy so you might need to wait for a spot. Dog friendly too since it's technically outdoors, but that also means if it's cold or rainy, you may not be super comfortable. Staff is super chill and has a hipster vibe. The pastries looked delicious and the mint matcha latte was light and refreshing. I tried to recreate it at home and it was not as good, so I'll need to go back! read more
Came here during my class break for some coffee and a quick lunch. I ordered the salted Carmel Latte, and ordered a power bowl. The coffee tasted strong and hit the spot. This place seems like a business friendly, there were a lot of groups (looked like they were talking business), nice place to meet with a friend, and cool area to study (but bring your headphones because it gets extremely loud). I do want to note if you do plan on studying here or bringing a computer and make sure that it is charged because it's nearly impossible to find a near by outlet. I used the bathroom, and it was quite clean, and well taken care of. The staff were friendly, fast, and attentive. My table was dirty as I began to sit, but a sweet employee noticed it as she brought my bowl and latte and quickly cleaned it up. Overall, nice place to meet people, but not ideally a place to study if your trying to find a quiet area, especially with all the noise and the fact that there is no access to an outlet. read more
1 year ago
Business owner information
Lofty C.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the…
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alex L.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you…
A delicious local coffee shop with great food and even better service. I've been to lofty a few times now and have never been disappointed. The coffees are always so flavorful. And I truly appreciate the welcoming and attentive staff. I also enjoy sitting outside and working on my laptop while having a great cup of coffee. Overall, it's a great downtown coffee stop. read more
3 years ago
My wife and I finally went here together after she went with her girlfriends and raved about their coffee and acai bowl. So of course we had to get 12 oz of their coffee for our French press and 2 salted caramel lattes and an acai bowl to enjoy this fine Sunday morning:) Delicious all the way around 10/10. Good prices too! Baristas were very nice and the atmosphere is very unique and relaxing. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alex L.
We love love love this review — thank you so much! We're thrilled you…
4 years ago
We ordered the croissant sandwich and the French toast. Both of them were delicious! The coconut haupia for the French toast was a nice touch and the croissant was perfectly flaky, I almost cried lol The pastries they had on display looked good too! Especially the one with the egg on top. We love a cute, dog-friendly cafe. read more
4 years ago
There are a lot of coffee shops in Little Italy but without a doubt, Lofty is my favorite and for reasons more than just the coffee scene. The indoor outdoor ambiance is lovely for the San Diego weather so we always try to sit down when we can. We really enjoy their drip coffee and the breakfast is simply phenomenal. I'm not a huge acai person but this acai bowl was so good I was thinking about it all week and had to come back to get it. My husband got the croissant with sausage and it always was delicious and light and flakey just the way a croissant should be. The tomato jam on it gave a really cool unique taste as well. We love Lofty coffee and the fact it has become a staple in our Saturday routine. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Business owner information
Alex L.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed…
The croissant that I ordered was really good. The coffee was good too, but very bitter. The atmosphere of the place is really awesome because they have a porch type of atmosphere where you can sit and it is shady for resting and clean. Just a cute coffee shop amongst other food options in Little Italy. One of the shops that open earlier than the rest of Little Italy. read more
2 years ago
Wanted to step out of my normal Coffee routine and try this place while visiting Little Italy. Great atmosphere, loved that it has indoor and outdoor seating. Service was nice and pretty quick for how busy it was when ordering our drinks to go. Coffee drinks were delicious, the Nola was my favorite. I would probably ask for more ice next time as my iced drink was still a little on the warm side, but Worth a try! read more
During our 5 day stay in San Diego we tried 5 different coffee shops. This one was my favorite. The ambiance is very nice and in the heart of little Italy. I loved their coffee and croissant! The severs were kind. Would definitely recommend coming. read more
Business owner information
Lofty C.
Thank you Rocio! Hope you had a great stay here in SD.
A super cute and hip place to stop by for coffee! I loved the outdoor seating space and the vibe. I got a latte which I really enjoyed. It had a nice strong coffee flavor. I also had the arugula salad, which was pretty good and came with goat cheese and pistachio. Think of it more as a snack though instead of a meal. Keep in mind that parking can be difficult in the little Italy area. There are plenty of meters around, but often difficult to find a spot. Lofty has a very small indoor portion, however it is not truly indoor as it has two open entrances, so make sure to dress warm if it is a cooler day. There are some outdoor heaters on the ceiling outside. read more
4 years ago
Croissant breakfast sandwich was better than expected. I'm not a fan of sausage, bacon would be much better. However, the tomato jam was surprisingly good, very sweet. The biggest problem here is the line and wait. I can't blame them that they are popular, especially on a Saturday morning. I'll have to try a less busy time. The line probably took about 20 min and then another 20 min waiting for food and no open tables. Otherwise food and coffee are good and the cafe has a nice vibe outside. read more
4 years ago
Came here because we didn't want to wait in a long line for Morning Glory and it was close by. There is a dog bowl full of water for your furry friends! Order at the counter and they drop it off to your table. read more
5 years ago
Lofty Coffee Cafe is such a cute breakfast spot. I went around 9am on a Sunday morning. It was pretty busy but there were a few open seats and tables. I ordered the açaí bowl which was absolutely amazing. I also ordered an iced matcha and honey drink with oat milk that was very good. There's lots of outdoor seating to sit and enjoy the weather. read more
5 years ago
10/10 recommend this cute little spot! My boyfriend and I come here frequently whenever we have the time because of how sweet the staff is as well as how accommodating they are with their vegan options! Their muffins are all vegan and so delicious! And their coffee? Heavenly. This spot is located right on the cusp of little Italy, tuns of seating as well even on busy days! If you're ever in the area, grab a quick bite to eat or a cup of joe! read more
This review is for a visit I had before coronavirus paramedic. I had more pics about our orders but deleted them before uploading them here. We visited it when it was recently opened , maybe at its fist month. Good coffee plus good food and treats. Cool spot in Little Italy. Vibrant coffee shop with an open patio, a good place to hang out and chill. read more
Business owner information
Meghan W.
Thank you so much for the kind words Shaza! Awesome photos!
1 year ago
Business owner information
Lofty C.
Thank you so much for the kind words! We’re so happy to hear you’re…
More info about Lofty Coffee
444 W Cedar St
San Diego, CA 92101
Little Italy
Directions
(760) 230-6747
Call Now
Visit Website
https://loftycoffee.com
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
From the Business
More Info
Health Score
Ask the Community - Lofty Coffee
Do you have vegan pastries or breakfast options ? Nothing was specifically marked on the online menu, or I missed seeing it. Excellent coffee btw, employees were awesome but…
Hi Carlos, Yes, lots of vegan options!…
Hello! I was here earlier today and the coffee was absolutely incredible down to how aromatic the beans themselves were. What kind of a roast do you use and who is your roaster?
Hello Salma, We are stoked to hear you enjoyed your coffee! We roast our coffee in Encinitas at…
Is this a good place to study?
I think it would be a great place to study. There are a lot of tables, both inside and out.
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
33 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 year ago
4 years ago
2 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
8 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
7 years ago
8 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
7 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
