For starters, the people that work here are the coolest, nicest, bright eyed, friendliest staff I've encountered in a long time. That was my first impression at Philz. I walked in day before they were actually open to the public. I didn't know. They looked open to me so I walked in. Quickly greeted with a smile and ultra friendly girl who began explaining the menu to me. I'm not a professional drinker, (yet), so I don't know anything other than what's put in front of me. I asked her what would have a bold taste and I'll start there and try something different each time I come in. Here's my thing, I had my best cup of coffee ever at the YELP 10 year event at Yelp headquarters in San Francisco. I don't remember who made it or what their company name was but it was really good. ever since then I've been searching for that great taste. I explained all this to the friendly girl at Philz and she told me they are also based in San Francisco. Well, maybe it was Philz coffee. I don't know, but certainly they will have something that I will like equally as well. San Fran seams to have some of the worlds best of everything so of course I'm hoping to find that great taste and fall in love with it all over again. Long story short, I had a fantastic cup of coffee this day and it stands on it's own but it was not that one I long for. This does not mean it is not worthy of 5 stars. It is! I simply need to come back and try others until I find that long lost one night stand coffee I met in SF. As for the food and suggested Avocado Toast... well not being officially open yet, There was no food to be bought. furthermore, the coffee was not yet for sale, as I was pleasantly advised, "This one is on us". Well Thank you Philz. Thank you very much. You have definitely made a tremendous impression on me. I will tell all my friends and I will visit you often. And i will definitely come back for the Avocado Toast. I can't wait. read more

Upon hearing Philz was finally in the process of expanding to SoCal last year from a Bay Area friend, my fiance and I were ecstatic beyond ecstatic to finally have a local Philz Coffee for our ritual Mint Mojito fix! I would go online ever so often to check on any updates and cyber stalk on the progress. When Philz Coffee finally did open and have its Grand Opening plus Yelp Event in Encinitas, I was bummed to be out-of-country and unable to personally welcome her in town. Nevertheless, we made sure to pay a visit upon our return. The highly anticipated coffee shop found home on S Coast Hwy, bringing in a hip and modernized atmosphere to the laid back beach and cycling crowd. A bit out of the way for us San Diego City folks, I could foresee it being a challenge for me to make this a frequent, if not weekend, coffee route. But I do appreciate the effort of making its way down to San Diego! Apart from the consist usual ultra-friendly staff, cleanness and comfortableness of the shop, there were a few minor things that I noticed. Since it is adjacent to the beach, it is no surprise that parking is tight! In addition, like many of my Yelp peers have mentioned in their reviews, the distance from the ordering station to the paying station is at least a mile long (okay, realistically ~ 10-13 ft.), so while people are taking their time ordering, then walking to the beautiful panini/toast/oatmeal station to decide on what to eat, waiting for the staff to heat up the panini, pay for the drinks and food and wait around for their order to be called...all these things combined really held up the coffee ordering line! And since there is not much elbow room for the ordering line, the patrons were confused whether to stretch the line outside the coffee shop, or curve the waiting line inside the shop. As an observer sitting near the entrance, I could feel the tension and confusion of the incoming guests. Since it was so crowded, I didn't get a chance to try any of the toasts or food, but judging by the Mint Mojito, the quality compared to other Philz we have been to is on the weaker side. For instance, our drinks were supposed to be iced, and it did have ice, but our beverage was warm, unsweetened and tasted a bit "flat." On the other hand, creaminess was fantastic though! I am hoping to re-visit again in a few months to see if the quality and organization of this Philz improves. In the meantime, I am still an avid fan and supporter! read more

Philz Coffee - So many food options here! Just takes some time for them to heat up while you're paying. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

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As someone who almost always orders their coffee black, I am in love with the mint mojito. As someone who rather get their coffee from a local source, I will unshamefully pull in to get my coffee at a Philz. And as someone who believes what makes a place so unique and special is that it stays at its location of birthplace. However, I'm so glad that this establishment sprouted outside of NorCal and down to SoCal. There's a consistency that I've had with all the drinks I've ever ordered. I've realized that ordering the mint mojito with less sweetness was the way to go for me. But where the consistency happens is the flavor of the mint and strength of coffee factor. Impress and happy that it's done that way here too. I like the shop itself but I wouldn't necessarily spend a lot of time hanging out there. You get more of that structured feel with just a few couches and tables. Parking lot is small tho but there seems to be street parking that's non metered. To be honest there wouldn't be much of anything else I'd order aside from the coffee but I know they do offer sandwiches and other bites. Oh I did try one other drink, the name escapes me. It was good but the mint mojito will always be my pick. SF, LA, OC, and now NCSD. This Philz location (though I wish it was a little closer to the freeway) is a great addition to what Encinitas has going on. read more

I loved every sip of my strong, hot, flavorful coffee. It was so delicious and satisfying. I chose the Philharmonic flavor with a little milk. Not only was the coffee just right, but the price was reasonable, the cafe was clean & bright, and the staff was helpful & friendly. Rather than a large array of pastries, they offer multiple toast options, such as avocado or tomato. I ate a slice of the ricotta, pistachio & honey toast, which was tasty. I hope to return soon to try another coffee blend. read more

Philz Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Speaking as a local, I was stoked to hear Philz was moving into this large retail space in our hood. Service was great, the drinks quality, plenty of parking... but here's the clusterf$ck: the #1 issue for ALL the coffee shops in Encinitas is not enough seating. Yes, I came her with my laptop hoping to get some biz done while I sip this deeeelicious almond chai with fresh mint.... spend $10 on my drink and a snack and guess what? No where to sit. Looks, Philz... I'm so ready to bust out a raving five star review but WTF is up with this HUGE open space with no tables? Fill this in with a large community table and you got my biz on an ongoing basis. See my attached pic. Peace out. read more

Philz Coffee - WTF is up with this huge open space? Give us more tables and I'll be bringing my business here in a regular basis. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

Way over priced for a gas station coffee. Paying over $4 for a cup coffee, then you are expecting to get a very high end quality beans . I came in to try their coffee for the first time , and was very disappointing with the cheap taste that has it . I felt that I was buying a coffee from a corner store plus getting ripped off with price . 3 stars because of the atmosphere read more

I love Philz and I am so happy that they are here in Encinitas at such a great location. The staff here is so great and ready to help you figure out what you want for your mood. I came and I usually always get the mint mojito and wanted to try something different. I told the gal that I wanted an iced tea, something sweet without the mint, and she was able to whip something up for me that I fell in love with. I love that they are play with things and the creations are just the best! You have to totally try their pastries while you are here. The delicious toast look good too. I can't wait to try those the next time I am here. read more

I have loved Philz since way before they came to SD and was so excited when they opened the Encinitas location. Unfortunately the customer service at this location is lacking. I really wanted to love (or even like) this location but each time I go back I wonder why I didn't just go to the La Jolla location instead. The service is very slow. In fact on my most recent visit there was only myself and one other customer. I waited and waited and waited for my drink while the baristas (3) stood around chatting. I was sitting on the bench in front of them clearly waiting, but it was like I was invisible. After about 15 minutes I went up to ask about my drink and they said it was coming right up. Either they forgot about me (even though they could clearly see me waiting) or they just didn't care. Either way, it was so disappointing to have had this happen (more than once) at this location. read more

SO HAPPY PHILZ IS IN SOCAL!!! AND THIS IS MY 400TH REVIEW woohoo!!! Used to live in Norcal and drink Philz on the weekly. Ecstatic iced coffee all the way. I will keep driving out of my way for Philz until they (hopefully) put one closer to San Diego proper! read more

Mint mojito(medium sugar) did not disappoint....and Sydney couldn't have been friendlier!

Me (driving up to Mira Mesa from Chula Vista): Can we go to Philz to get a mint mojito, after our workout, since we're already up north? Workout Wifey: Phil's BBQ? For a mojito? Me: No, Philz coffee! For a mint mojito coffee! Me and WW got our workout on in Mira Mesa. High on endorphins, we grabbed lunch, before making a quick trip up to Encinitas. It was only a sliiiight detour, before driving back south to Chula Vista. But, it made for a fun Saturday outing. On the first day of their official opening, we lucked out and scored a parking spot in their private lot. Surprisingly, there was only one other couple in front of us. A friendly greeter welcomed us and answered all our questions, while we waited for a barista to become available. When it was our turn, it was a quick and easy order, with our lovely and cheerful barista. Three iced mint mojitos to go. One without the ice. Pretty, please! After placing our order, we waited at an open table. During the 10 minute wait, the non-existent order line, turned into a line that went out the door. Such good timing! Our Philz visit was meant to be. I've already tried several of their coffees, before Philz made it's way to San Diego County. I know that they are all delicious and never bitter. When WW took a sip of her first mint mojito, she exclaimed how she loved it. Minty, creamy and slight sweet. It's a perfect combination. You have another fan, Philz! I can imagine that Philz will be busy, due to it's reputation, in the months to come. Finding parking and waiting in line will try one's patience. There are also tables and chair, both indoors and outdoors, but they were all occupied with scores of folks who just want to hang out. Expect to hover for a while, if you want a seat. Making a jaunt up to Encinitas, from Chula Vista, isn't going to be a regular event. But, it's nice knowing there's one closer than Santa Monica. Hopefully, one will open up closer to mid/south county. I can only dream.... read more

Horrible service. Nothing was organized. The wait time was ridiculous. The phone app creates a HUGE crowd out front. First time and last time I'll ever go get coffee here. Other local coffee shops are quicker and easier to walk up and grab n go. My order even came out incorrectly and they wouldn't fix it because of Covid!???? Ughhh! read more

Tried their coffee twice, I just can't get into it. I tried a couple of their recommendations which I don't remember right now. They all seem to like working there but it's just not a welcoming environment. I'm used to friendly and helpful baristas. My friends seem to like the creamy iced mocha (I can't do dairy) so that's not really an option for me! I've never ventured to try their food since the display shows shmeared avocado and not whole. I might keep trying, if I'm in the area! read more

Thanks to the helpful owner Rachel who reached out to me! She suggested that I ask for the mint pulp to be removed. Der, think T! :p Was just there yesterday and day before. I've been ordering it that way ever since. Love the coffee. Need an app for this place! read more

Since when did they have a Philz in Socal?? I was one of the lucky few to be able to attend the soft opening for this place. The facilities are very new and trendy looking, and it's right across the street from Encinitas Ale House. One of the workers there was super helpful and descriptive, and recommended the Gingersnap or the Mocha Tesora if your drinks on the sweeter side. I opted to try the Mocha Tesora this time around and was not disappointed! The hints of warm dark chocolate and caramel were perfect for a chilly night. The only thing I would do differently is ask for the full sweetness (major sweet tooth right here) but the medium level sweetness was decent enough. I also ended up getting a decaf version of their Mint Mojito. Last time, I almost gave myself a caffeine overdose on this drink, so was glad to find they offered a decaf version. Now that is one drink I will be getting again! I like how they make each drink individually, and I thought their team photos were super adorable as well. Yay Philz! read more

A fool and his money are soon parted. Coffee is not fruity, spicy, nutty, minty, etc. Coffee comes from different regions and takes on additional characteristics based on how much it is roasted. Mexican light roast is not "cosmopolitan cinnamon oak nut blah blah blah." I want the yarn store back (and I don't even knit). $4.50 for a cup of coffee is just absolute insanity. This place will be gone in a year. read more

Yessssss been waiting for this day to come since moving away from the Bay Area! Love me some mint mojito iced coffee. Has been duplicated by many others but just not quite the same... ahem better buzz coffee. Try the bagel with tomato and cucumber mmmmmm. Avocado toast was great too.. add an egg! Can get pricey for coffee and some bites but will def be back! Open another location please! read more

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Excellent coffee shop! Great health food choices as well as tasty good quality sweet treats to accompany your java. I had the Mediterranean avocado toast which also had sliced boiled egg to satisfy my protein needs after yoga class. Highly recommend. Pour over coffee only but has many choices to choose and I was very pleased with flavor and coffee balance. The staff is friendly with good upbeat vibe. Barista mentioned they also just opened UTC location. read more

Philz Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

I have heard so many of my friends raving about this place so I have to give it a try. I got the mint mojito coffee like most people recommended and oh my! Isn't that good!!! It's different than my usual coffee and I love it! So refreshing and light and it's just perfect for a Sunday morning! Wish they open one in San Marcos. Plus the lady who made my drink was super nice! read more

Yes, Philz is finally here! This definitely warrants another brief foray out of Yelp! retirement. I was raised in the Bay, and one of the things I look forward to when going back is visiting establishments such as Philz. I love that they opened in Encinitas, which is one of my favorite towns in the area due to its laid-back vibe. Originally wanted to move here but it didn't work out.. but maybe this makes us reconsider! As many have already mentioned, Philz has great coffee, great service, and a decent food selection. Its location has a vibrant but laid-back atmosphere with a good amount of tables/seating inside and outside. They have a small parking lot, but I've always found it easy to find street parking in Encinitas no matter the time of day. Remember, no espresso-based drinks here, so be forewarned if you're looking for espresso-flavored milk. Their signature coffee drinks are crafted with different blends of coffee beans, poured over a filter, and blended with herbs, spices, and cream/sugar to your preference (they will ask you how sweet you want your drink). In the end the friendly barista will have you taste your coffee to make sure it's to your liking. I like the Tantalizing Turkish as I think the cardamom and mint go well with the dark coffee blend. I was debating on getting one of their wonderful iced drinks, but went with the Turkish as it was more conducive to today's overcast weather. And yes, the avocado toast is quite good here. They also have a pretty good selection of other toasts and pastries to go with your fantabulous coffee drink. With as much as I love Philz, it's a blessing that it's not closer to my work... because I would probably go here 10 times a week. All we need now is a Blue Bottle, and I will be a happy camper. 5/5 stars, would go again. read more

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I've heard about Philz coffee for a while now and was so excited to see the Encinitas location! I made my way over on a Sunday morning and saw the long line, I almost turned around but decided to push through anyway. The line moved really quickly and gave me some time to really see what I wanted. They have a large selection of coffee brews which was impressive. Also note- you can make any coffee hot or iced (even though it doesn't say so on the menu). I love iced coffee so I was thrilled to hear that. I got the Philtered Soul iced with some almond milk and it was great! Very colorful flavors. It was very satisfying. Next time I need to try the Mint Mojito everyone is raving about! I sat down and did some work for a while which was great, a decent amount of tables to sit at, free wifi, chill music. I later got the mediterranean avo toast and it was delish and so filling! I would definitely say it was well priced. Overall, really great coffee shop. The baristas were super helpful and friendly, great coffee and food selection, clean, mellow ambiance. I will definitely be back! read more

I have been waiting to try Philz for years! Stopped by after work on a Friday afternoon and finally got to try the famous Mint Mojito. It did not disappoint! Really smooth and creamy with a nice minty flavor. I've had replicas of this drink at other coffee shops in SD but I definitely think Philz's mint flavoring is more refreshing and natural. I didn't try anything else, but the selection of food looked appetizing. I'll definitely be back to enjoy the food. I thought that the location was great. Parking wasn't too bad for me when I visited, but I would say that the lot has room for about 20 or so cars. I love the interior. So light and bright and roomy! The baristas/staff were super nice as well. Although it is a bit of a drive from my home base, I definitely think making a trip to Encinitas on a sunny day to enjoy some great coffee with a side of beach air is worth it! read more

Philz makes a great cup of coffee. It's all straight coffee, either iced or hot. No cappuccinos, lattes, etc. You order your coffee with the barista who makes it fresh while you walk up the register to pay. I usually get the ecstatic (Philz way with Philz standard mix of cream and sugar), and on occasion the mint mojito. The coffee is smooth, with no noticeable acidity. The will make your coffee with almond milk for no extra charge, which is really as it should be!!! I'm looking forward to my next visit to try the Ecstatic with almond milk. Their pastries from Nutmeg bakery in Scripps Ranch look delicious (I haven't tried any) and their different toasts are delicious. Both pastries and sandwiches are pricey ($4.50-$5.50), but coffee is reasonably priced ($3.50 for the 12 oz, $4.50 for the 16oz). The store is spacious and airy and has its own parking lot, which is a huge plus because parking in the area can be hard to find. read more

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Great coffee! Bad energy in this joint, be nice to all customers so you have return business. There are too many other places to get great coffee in town. PEACE. read more

Great little coffee shop. All pour overs. Nice set up vibe and ambiance. Nicely priced coffee. Helpful staff.

Love this Philz in Encinitas. Great vibe, great coffee, great staff. My favorite is the Philz iced tea. Minty and refreshing!! Definitely not a quick in and out kinda place. Prepare to wait for the coffee, as everything is brewed to order. But it's worth the wait! read more

They are the BEST at every location. The employees greet you with a warm and genuine smile. The coffee is even better!! I ordered a hot coffee earlier and then later decided I wanted to add ice to it. They remade it free of charge and even when I told them they didn't have to, they did so regardless bc they didn't want me to have a diluted coffee! They always go the extra mile and they remember names. Such an intentional crew of people, I love studying here everyday and drinking their delicious coffee. read more

Overall: love the coffee, service is slow foodwise. Got out drinks pretty fast and the taste was right on the dot. People love their mint mojito but their ecstatic is so light and delicious! I like cream in mine but it is customizable. The veggie bagel was pretty yummy and filling with just a bagel, cream cheese, tomato and cucumber on it! Simple and delicious but toasted to perfection. The interior is neat, clean and the space is pretty large. Perfect for grabbing some coffee and sitting on the beach reading a book! read more

This is not your neighborhood Starbucks. If you are looking for typical lattes and americanos, you are out of luck. But, if you are willing to give it the unique coffee flavors a try, this is a wonderful little spot. BONUS, they have delicious gluten free bread and can make any of their breaded munchies gluten free (Safely!). The staff are patient, friendly and informative. A great little place to grab a coffee and snack, and get a little work done. read more

So happy they brought Philz to San Diego! I've been waiting for the day. I came on the grand opening and it was packed but flowing well. Everyone was really nice. My favorite drink is the iced mint mojito and my boyfriend loves the silken splendor. I love that you can customize every drink to how sweet and creamy you want and they offer soy milk. The vibe for this location is super beachy (i mean, of course, it's in Encinitas) and it's spacious. I'm so glad I don't have to drive to LA now for a cup of Philz. Thank you coffee gods read more

Best coffee by far of all chains, period! They added pastries as well which is awesome. They get .5 down for not bumping classic rap like they do in the original SF locations. That is part of the Philz culture. The music at this location has a more boring Starbucks feel. Also their ordering system is still terrible. You order in line #1.....go pay in line #2 and have to repeat your order. Sounds easy, but when you have 6 people with random drinks it's not ideal....then go back and wait near line #1 for your coffee with no name. Sounds petty but when 5 people order a mint Mohito there are mixups. All-in-all i'll be back every week, but bring back 2pac! read more

This place is overpriced and the coffee wasn't that good. My husband paid over $4 for a cup of coffee and he took one sip and threw it in the trash. Too many concoctions and didn't care for the set-up. Too crowded and not enough parking spots. read more

Love the atmosphere here, super chill, friendly staff, clean environment and a mix of different types of seating great for lounging or bringing your laptop to do a little work while you sip and eat. #Encinitas @SoCalHouse4U www.TruMaxRE.com read more

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As good as any Philz in the Bay Area. Fast and friendly service. Food and beverage orders are always correct and well prepared.

For what it is, 5 stars for sure. If you are looking for a good tasting coffee, Philz is great. It isn't fast, and they usually tell you so. If you want a drip with bad taste, do not come here. But, if your coffee taste has become more discerning and sophisticated, i.e. you want to taste your coffee, then I highly recommend you visit Philz when you have 15 minutes to park, order, relax w your phone, and then enjoy a cup of coffee that is better than any cup you've ever made. And by the way, if you don't make (or haven't ever) your own coffee, you probably won't appreciate it... but maybe it will open your tastebuds. read more

Came here instead of Better Buzz because of more available parking... Good choice!!! Kelly recommended the MINT MOJITO - so YUMMY!! Da bomb!!! Broke da mout'!! I'll be coming here from now on!! read more

The most incredible baristas. Always warm and friendly. I'm a local and love the energy here. The coffee is amazing. You have to try the iced mint mojito if it's your first time. Also the baristas are happy to custom make you what you like if you're wanting to try something new. They're very talented and creative. read more

Ok first time here. Bro has come often, and suggested the mint mojito coffee. I'm like, I like mojitos, I love coffee, not sure I'd like them together . I ask the barista her thoughts and she explains it's their most popular drink so he's not really steering me wrong. I'm also not a fan of sweet drinks because I find more likely than not, the sweetness is too much meant to hid the poor quality of coffee rather than used to enhance flavor. Anyways, I still wasn't sure so he my bro offered to get his first so I could try it before ordering mine. His coffee comes out and it's sooooooooo damn good!! Not too sweet, and just awesomeness in a cup. The best part of this experience: i proceeded with my order and lo and behold, barista chick predicted I'd like and had one made for me like "BAM" here you go well done! Well done! This was definitely a great 1st experience here! read more

Philz Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Encinitas, California

This place was exactly like the OG shop up in Nor Cal. Awesome selection of coffee roasts. It can be a little intimidating at first as it doesn't operate like a Starbucks at all-- which is what I love about it. Instead of celebrating pumpkins and unicorns and sugar syrup... this coffee shop actually celebrates coffee-- Go Figure! read more

Philz coffee is that perfect trendy local coffee shop. The Monto Mojito iced coffee is the bomb. My friend tried the ginger snap iced coffee and was raving about how delicious it was also. read more