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Street, metered parking only. Exterior and interior seating. Service was not so friendly this visit. Stood in line to order, got to front and cashier walked away to talk to staff and adjust something on the wall for a bit. Not sure why they didn't take our order before walking away. Tried: Moccanut latte $6.75 - this was awful tasting. Avoid. Hashbrown sticks $5.99 - only get if you like garlic. Tasted like it was soaked in garlic oil. Overwhelming. Breakfast taco $10.99 - really confusing in that it doesn't show it's a trio on the main menu. It doesn't say if you can mix and match. There is a second sign by the register that does say trio but also confuses you more into thinking you get one of each. The tacos themselves are bland but at least it was packed with eggs. Red salsa is pretty spicy.
I really wanted to like The Invigatorium, especially because of its high rating and fun, creative décor, but unfortunately the food and drinks did not live up to the hype. We ordered a lavender matcha and an iced honey cinnamon latte, and both were extremely bland. The matcha had no noticeable lavender flavor, and the latte lacked so much flavor that we had to ask for sugar. The strawberry toast looked creative and photographed well, but the combination just wasn't very good. The tacos were also disappointing and lacked flavor. There was a long line, which made us think the experience would be worth the wait, but the ordering process felt rushed because the menu wasn't readily available to look through while waiting. Indoor seating was also very limited, especially in the area with all the décor that initially attracted us to the restaurant. It's definitely an interesting place visually, but based on the food, drinks, long wait, and overall experience, I don't understand the high rating. Sadly, I wouldn't return.
I work near here and I'm so lucky to have a really good coffee shop option!!! If you're visiting just to eat here parking is a bit tough - mainly street parking. Lovely shop, well decorated and clean!! Great staff too. I had visited a few months ago with coworkers and I tried their matcha, which is pretty subpar, wouldn't recommend. I recently came back to try their coffee and I had their seasonal maple latte - literally one of the best drinks I've ever had. 10000/10. I would drink this all the time. I also had their poached eggs for breakfast and it was delicioussss, I love this meal wherever I go, lots of protein and fresh herbs.
Such a cool place! Loved all the decor.. Tried their breakfast soyrizo and egg tacos and omg I'm definitely going back to have some more.. service was quick and the guy was super nice.. didn't get his name but I remember blondish curly hair, maybe lol.. a must try! Gotta take a pic w Ronald lol Also the wallpaper in the restroom is so neat! Haha loved it
Owned by the same people who own morning glory. This small cafe has a fun and funky vibe, similar menu items as the famous morning glory in little Italy, but half the price and virtually no wait. The hashbrowns were delicious. Came out hot and crunchy with a side of chipotle aoli and a green sauce. 10/10. $5.99 The poached eggs were devine. Creamy, tangy, herby and spicy from the chili oil. Another 10/10. $10.99 The avocado toast was just okay. The scrambled eggs we added for $2 were the best part but otherwise i wouldnt order this one. 5/10. $9.99 The strawberry toast. Probably the biggest flop out of all the dishes. Flavors just did not complement each other. Goat cheese was abrasive, as was the balsamic, when paired with the strawberries and pistachio sauce. This toast was surely having an identity crisis. Dont order this. 2/10. $9.99 However, hot coffee came out VERY hot which is amazing tbh. And the iced earl grey tea was delicious they really nailed it. Overall, i would definitely come back. Especially if you're craving morning glory but dont want to wait 2-3 hours for a table.
Great find! Came for their coffee-forward cocktails and they were both 10/10, looking forward to coming back to try their food and coffee drinks. Service was pleasant. Lots of fun decorations and seating but ideal for smaller groups, maybe a maximum of 4 people. It's walking distance from the trolley. Its a CH project (https://ch-projects.com/projects?type=restaurants) and has a similar quirky and trendy vibe to some of their other bars/restaurants
New spot downtown for drinks. I love modern times IPA so I'll be definitely coming back. Modern Times Took over the space of an old brewery/ restaurant "The Local", so very large atmosphere which is nice. Parking can be difficult because it's downtown. Menu selection is good, with guest taps too. Even cocktails!
I can't believe I've lived in San Diego for so long and am only just discovering this gem, it came highly recommended by a friend. I stopped by for a latte, which was delicious, and the food menu looked so good I was very tempted to order more. I absolutely loved the bar area, it has an exotic feel with bench-style seating all around and plenty of space to sit. There are also regular tables for groups and a few outdoor tables. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the unexpected highlight for me was the heated toilet, hands down the best surprise of the visit.
Cool place, nice people, absolutely terrible drinks. Matcha was ceremonial grade but that meant nothing. Lavender vanilla matcha- tastes like water and Colgate. Maybe matcha just isn't their specialty
Stopped by on a whim and ordered the poached Turkish eggs...honestly, so good! The labneh was super creamy, the chili oil added just the right amount of heat, and the toast was perfectly crisp (which matters when you're scooping). Everything worked together, flavorful, rich, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The space itself is really cool. Eclectic and a little funky in the best way. It was lively but not loud, and it felt like a spot where you could hang out for a while without feeling rushed. Definitely not your average brunch vibe. I'd come back for sure, there were a few other things on the menu that looked fire, and I wouldn't mind posting up here with a friend and trying more.
Cute ambiance and interesting design overall. Bathroom has a bidet. Got the matcha with banana cold foam and was happy with my choice. However there should not be a line out the door... the worker takes your order and starts working on making it. There might be some benefit to having a self order kiosk to make things move more smoothly.
The vegan breakfast sandwich is a 10 out of 10 for me! The bread was soft, the cheese reminded me of real cheese, and I can appreciate the freshness of the arugula. The place is super cool looking. The eclectic decor is a vibe. Brian the cashier was super friendly and appreciated him being so attentive.
I was meeting up with a friend for coffee and a quick bite near her new apartment. A quick Yelp search, and I found The Invigatorium. As for the coffee and food, I tried their: - Lavender Vanilla Latte (with Oat Milk) - Classic Breakfast Tacos Both were delicious! Service was friendly (order at counter and someone will bring food to your table). Ambiance was classy. This place is hella cute and classy! Be ready with your cameras! ENJOY!!
The invigatorium has been on my list for quite some time. I've seen pictures online and the reviews were also pretty good. It's street parking only, so can be challenging depending on when you come. I stopped in during the week, as I walked from the nearby Padres stadium. It wasn't very busy when I came in around 11:30, but after I ordered it really picked up. They do have a counter where you order the food, and also a bar that you can sit at that appears to have a pretty good selection of alcohol. There are a few tables to sit at. After I place my order I decided to sit at the table with the Ronald McDonald statue, because why not? I asked the very nice server about the menu, and she let me know what was popular and answered my questions. I decided to go with the muffaletta as it was on focaccia bread, which I really love. The sandwich was huge, and I definitely needed someone to share it with. They do cut it in half, so it is actually perfect for sharing or taking the other half home. It is filled with several different types of Italian Meats, including salami, sopressata, mortadella, some cheese and arugula and onions, and a sauce they use. I've never had a muffaletta before, so I can't speak to how authentic this is, but I can tell you it was a very good sandwich. I loved all of the flavors and the way they came together, and the fact that it was on focaccia bread just made it all the more perfect. Overall this is a very cute place to grab breakfast or lunch, I believe they are only open until 3:00 p.m.. The decor is very cute, with several different statues, disco ball, and a music area , and I think kids would love it as well as adults. I also enjoyed the food, and would like to try some of the other things on their menu as well. I could see myself going back if I'm in the area. read more
2 months ago
Cute spot with a really unique ambience and decor. We live nearby so we walked, and luckily the line was short with a spot available outside. Service was a little slow and our food actually came out before our coffee, which was strange, but they do make each coffee to order. The cold brew was just okay and tasted watered down. The avocado toast with an added egg wasn't anything special. The breakfast tacos were definitely the highlight though. Three tacos for a great price and the hot sauces was delicious! Overall, the ambience is what makes this place stand out, but the coffee and food were hit or miss for me. read more
2 months ago
Cool eclectic vibes. Stopped by for coffee since we were already walking through the area, and I had it saved on my coffee shops to try. Our drinks were mediocre. I got a vanilla iced latte with a banana cold foam, and my foam was perhaps rushed? (it was just liquidy froth, unlike my friend's). I also did not taste a single hint of banana in mine (so not use if they forgot or what). It wasn't busy, but took over 7 minutes to get our two drinks. read more
Street, metered parking only. Exterior and interior seating. Service was not so friendly this visit. Stood in line to order, got to front and cashier walked away to talk to staff and adjust something on the wall for a bit. Not sure why they didn't take our order before walking away. Tried: Moccanut latte $6.75 - this was awful tasting. Avoid. Hashbrown sticks $5.99 - only get if you like garlic. Tasted like it was soaked in garlic oil. Overwhelming. Breakfast taco $10.99 - really confusing in that it doesn't show it's a trio on the main menu. It doesn't say if you can mix and match. There is a second sign by the register that does say trio but also confuses you more into thinking you get one of each. The tacos themselves are bland but at least it was packed with eggs. Red salsa is pretty spicy. read more
2 months ago
I really wanted to like The Invigatorium, especially because of its high rating and fun, creative décor, but unfortunately the food and drinks did not live up to the hype. We ordered a lavender matcha and an iced honey cinnamon latte, and both were extremely bland. The matcha had no noticeable lavender flavor, and the latte lacked so much flavor that we had to ask for sugar. The strawberry toast looked creative and photographed well, but the combination just wasn't very good. The tacos were also disappointing and lacked flavor. There was a long line, which made us think the experience would be worth the wait, but the ordering process felt rushed because the menu wasn't readily available to look through while waiting. Indoor seating was also very limited, especially in the area with all the décor that initially attracted us to the restaurant. It's definitely an interesting place visually, but based on the food, drinks, long wait, and overall experience, I don't understand the high rating. Sadly, I wouldn't return. read more
I work near here and I'm so lucky to have a really good coffee shop option!!! If you're visiting just to eat here parking is a bit tough - mainly street parking. Lovely shop, well decorated and clean!! Great staff too. I had visited a few months ago with coworkers and I tried their matcha, which is pretty subpar, wouldn't recommend. I recently came back to try their coffee and I had their seasonal maple latte - literally one of the best drinks I've ever had. 10000/10. I would drink this all the time. I also had their poached eggs for breakfast and it was delicioussss, I love this meal wherever I go, lots of protein and fresh herbs. read more
Such a cool place! Loved all the decor.. Tried their breakfast soyrizo and egg tacos and omg I'm definitely going back to have some more.. service was quick and the guy was super nice.. didn't get his name but I remember blondish curly hair, maybe lol.. a must try! Gotta take a pic w Ronald lol Also the wallpaper in the restroom is so neat! Haha loved it read more
Owned by the same people who own morning glory. This small cafe has a fun and funky vibe, similar menu items as the famous morning glory in little Italy, but half the price and virtually no wait. The hashbrowns were delicious. Came out hot and crunchy with a side of chipotle aoli and a green sauce. 10/10. $5.99 The poached eggs were devine. Creamy, tangy, herby and spicy from the chili oil. Another 10/10. $10.99 The avocado toast was just okay. The scrambled eggs we added for $2 were the best part but otherwise i wouldnt order this one. 5/10. $9.99 The strawberry toast. Probably the biggest flop out of all the dishes. Flavors just did not complement each other. Goat cheese was abrasive, as was the balsamic, when paired with the strawberries and pistachio sauce. This toast was surely having an identity crisis. Dont order this. 2/10. $9.99 However, hot coffee came out VERY hot which is amazing tbh. And the iced earl grey tea was delicious they really nailed it. Overall, i would definitely come back. Especially if you're craving morning glory but dont want to wait 2-3 hours for a table. read more
Great find! Came for their coffee-forward cocktails and they were both 10/10, looking forward to coming back to try their food and coffee drinks. Service was pleasant. Lots of fun decorations and seating but ideal for smaller groups, maybe a maximum of 4 people. It's walking distance from the trolley. Its a CH project (https://ch-projects.com/projects?type=restaurants) and has a similar quirky and trendy vibe to some of their other bars/restaurants read more
8 months ago
New spot downtown for drinks. I love modern times IPA so I'll be definitely coming back. Modern Times Took over the space of an old brewery/ restaurant "The Local", so very large atmosphere which is nice. Parking can be difficult because it's downtown. Menu selection is good, with guest taps too. Even cocktails! read more
I can't believe I've lived in San Diego for so long and am only just discovering this gem, it came highly recommended by a friend. I stopped by for a latte, which was delicious, and the food menu looked so good I was very tempted to order more. I absolutely loved the bar area, it has an exotic feel with bench-style seating all around and plenty of space to sit. There are also regular tables for groups and a few outdoor tables. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the unexpected highlight for me was the heated toilet, hands down the best surprise of the visit. read more
1 year ago
Stopped by on a whim and ordered the poached Turkish eggs...honestly, so good! The labneh was super creamy, the chili oil added just the right amount of heat, and the toast was perfectly crisp (which matters when you're scooping). Everything worked together, flavorful, rich, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The space itself is really cool. Eclectic and a little funky in the best way. It was lively but not loud, and it felt like a spot where you could hang out for a while without feeling rushed. Definitely not your average brunch vibe. I'd come back for sure, there were a few other things on the menu that looked fire, and I wouldn't mind posting up here with a friend and trying more. read more
Cute ambiance and interesting design overall. Bathroom has a bidet. Got the matcha with banana cold foam and was happy with my choice. However there should not be a line out the door... the worker takes your order and starts working on making it. There might be some benefit to having a self order kiosk to make things move more smoothly. read more
2 months ago
The vegan breakfast sandwich is a 10 out of 10 for me! The bread was soft, the cheese reminded me of real cheese, and I can appreciate the freshness of the arugula. The place is super cool looking. The eclectic decor is a vibe. Brian the cashier was super friendly and appreciated him being so attentive. read more
2 months ago
5 months ago
I was meeting up with a friend for coffee and a quick bite near her new apartment. A quick Yelp search, and I found The Invigatorium. As for the coffee and food, I tried their: - Lavender Vanilla Latte (with Oat Milk) - Classic Breakfast Tacos Both were delicious! Service was friendly (order at counter and someone will bring food to your table). Ambiance was classy. This place is hella cute and classy! Be ready with your cameras! ENJOY!! read more
8 months ago
After a much needed vacation. I jumped on a train to San Diego. Once I arrived, I saw this place around the corner from my hotel. The interior and vibes looked very fun and eclectic which i loved so we decided to stop in. The place was alittle busy yet not crazy. We got there around 11:45 and there wasn't a line. I ordered a hot cardamon latte while my boyfriend ordered an iced Honey cinnamon latte with banana cold foam. My latte alone was $7.73 which is crazy for a latte. We waited about 10 minutes for our drinks. Once getting them, we noticed that neither of our drinks had cinnamon or cardamom in it :( They use syrups instead of the actual spice. My boyfriend's banana cold foam cost a couple extra dollars yet it looked like they just poured extra milk on top. My hot latte just tasted like burnt spices. Not coffee or cardamom. My boyfriend's iced latte tasted like an iced vanilla latte for some reason. No banana, no cinnamon or honey??? idk maybe the made the wrong drink. I went up to ask if they can remake mine at least because it tasted really burnt so maybe the shot was bad. Yet the worker was busy talking to some lady on the other side of the counter so we just left. I really don't recommend this place at all. We threw both of our coffees away. Maybe start using real spices or better syrups for these drinks and make it worth the price point. read more
8 months ago
3 months ago
The place has a cool vibe. Neat things to look at and open area with a bar side. There's outside seating which is nice. It wasn't busy when I went around 9am. People looked like they could pop in grab and go. I ordered a vegan breakfast sandwich on pretzel bun. Drink that was recommended by the employee was a honey cinnamon latte. I got that hot with oat milk. I got a number and waited outside at a table. I got my sandwich quicker than my drink. I had to go up and ask if I missed it and found out it wasn't made yet. It wasn't busy, so I'm not sure what happened there. The coffee was okay in my opinion. It tasted sort of bland. I really enjoyed the sandwich. It tasted super yummy. I would go again for the atmosphere. read more
2 years ago
Went for breakfast on a trip recently. Got the vegan breakfast sandwich. I'm not vegan but absolutely loved this sandwich. It was unexpected how delicious it was. We also got the veggie taco trio, which was not that great. The server was very nice and everything was very quick. Also loved the unique decor and fun music. read more
3 months ago
Very delicious and just right with the banana cold foam was a perfect balance. Menu is really simple and easy for new customers that are trying for the first time! read more
1 year ago
We tried this place based on rave reviews from instagram. The decor was unique and interesting and I very much appreciated it. Our drinks were very tasty. We also had the sandwich, which was a big portion to share for two. It was delicious. The only reason I gave it a 4 out of 5 was that nobody came by to check on us. Other than that, I wouldn't mind coming back to visit again. read more
Egg nog latte - nutmeg flavor is pretty mild, drink is sweet but milk and cream balanced it out. I'm not a nutmeg or cinnamon fan and I enjoyed it! Mocanut latte - mocha flavor is very subtle, you can definitely taste the coconut milk but there's not a strong coconut flavor (like coconut cream or candy). It just tastes like a watered down cappuccino, I would recommend trying the iced version to see if flavor is more prominent. Interior is super cool, there's dinosaurs floating around and there's Ronald McDonald just chilling at one of the table. Pretty cool place to bring the kids - minus the bar area which gave retro and vintage vibes. Great place to just chill midday. There's even a jukebox playing! read more
What a fun little cafe! They also have a bar for alcohol. The decor is very unique and welcoming. They have a Ronald Macdonald, old 90s snacks and cereals, and plenty of dinosaurs. I thought it was cool everything they had around. Seating is a little tough. I can see people rushing to the Ronald booth. They have a few rounded booths inside and a bunch of tables outside. The Super Basic is their signature drink. Regular latte with cinnamon. It's a good classic! read more
2 years ago
This place is super weird, but weird in a quirky, must visit type of place. It's a IYKYK spot! Come on a day where you're ready to wander and linger; there was a steady line from the entry to the register the entire time I was there. But have no fear, there was something to see at every corner and turn. The drinks are good, and the tables around me looked like they had great meals too! Inside seating is tight and done on a first come, first serve basis read more
8 months ago
So good! One of the best breakfast spots in San Diego. Very friendly staff, uniquely designed, coffee is amazing and the food is delicious. Having coffee anywhere else after having theirs feels like you're cheating yourself. I'll be back! read more
Really cool spot, love the ambience and wow the prices are so fair for a hip restaurant. They do everything well. They have coffee, cocktails, food, and really good decor/gram worthy for pics. Food is really good, i got the poached eggs and the hashbrowns. Really delicious. I got the maple latte, nice microfoam and latte art. Cortado was also really good as well. Def coming back. They were so busy but on top of it with the service too. read more
Really quirky spot spinning up some solid food! Spaces neat. There's indoor and outdoor seating. Bathroom has a bidet and the seat is heated. That's def one thing I missed about Japan! Anyhow, wished the service was a bit more welcoming. They were fine but it wasn't anything special and I wished they would have asked some more questions about my coffee that most people usually ask - because I forgot to ask for it to be sweetened. So I got it exactly how I had ordered it. Oh well. Got the breakfast sandwich and also the classic tacos. Both were amazing. read more
Super fun trendy breakfast spot in downtown SD. It definitely gets crowded but the staff is very friendly and it's a very laid back atmosphere. Ordered poached eggs, breakfast sandwich, and an iced coffee. Everything was excellent, but the poached eggs were my favorite. They had an unexpected list of ingredients that came together really well. I would definitely want to come back and try out the nighttime vibe too. read more
Saw breakfast tacos and just had to try it out, love the breakfast taco-hating dragon. This place is a super cool coffee shop to hangout at if you appreciate art pieces and pop culture. Cinnamon Honey latte: A Delicious drink, super foamy and had a good amount of cinnamon. Breakfast Taco: B Pretty good sized taco, would describe it as more like a fat taquito. It's got egg, pickled onions, potatoes, and some other breakfast stuff in it. Mostly was tasty, eggs could have used more salt. read more
2 years ago
My boyfriend and I have been here twice, and we love the vibe of this place. It's very cool and eclectic. Plus, the concept of coffee AND cocktails is always a winner in my book. The first time we went, we got coffee/matcha and breakfast. My matcha was a bit clumpy, but my boyfriend really enjoyed his coffee. If mine was sifted more, I am sure it would have tasted better. (We did go a second time, and my matcha was made better.) I think the true star of our visit were the hash browns. They were cooked to perfection with the loveliest crisp. You could hear the crunch from across the establishment. And the sauces it came with were heavenly, especially that chive crema. I specifically remember the first time we went, there was only one barista and it was very busy. She was so sweet and trying to crank out those drinks as fast as she could, which is why I didn't mind the matcha. The second time we went, there were (luckily) more workers, and they were just as nice! read more
This place is cool and eclectic! The food and coffee is so good and makes a great work space too! I love how it opens up in front letting in the San Diego sea breeze. The decor is eclectic and fun and the music creates a vibe. We had breakfast here as our last stop before heading back to the bay. We tried: Mocconut latte (didn't get a pic cuz it was in a paper cup) Breakfast sandwich Hash browns Strawberry toast read more
1 year ago
This place is so cool! I loved looking at all the funky decor. The coffee and food were great! It's self order at the bar. The staff was friendly. I definitely would recommend this funky cafe! read more
It's bold, it's different, it's fun! The Invigatorium is a fun clash of aesthetics, from dino decor, to a mish mash of patterned chairs and tables, to the random ronald mcdonald statue. Similar to it's decor, the shop itself has a wide variety to offer, from coffee, to alcohol, to food as well! Alas, my friend and I were only here to get breakfast (and not alcohol), but we enjoyed what we got! I ordered the poached eggs, which were just runny enough and had a nice chili oil crunch that really brought the dish together. It also came with some perfectly toasted bread to munch on. My friend got the vegan breakfast sandwich, which she said was also tasty! I also got a lavender iced latte which hit the spot. If you're looking for a unique place to grab a bite, definitely check this place out! read more
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More info about The Invigatorium
631 9th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
East Village
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(855) 634-7664
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https://theinvigatorium.com
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Ask the Community - The Invigatorium
Do they take reservations?
No. First come, first serve. Be mindful of high traffic times of day.
What time is happy hour?
Usually 10p weekdays 11p weekends sometimes later depending on vibe - best place in SD
Is it better to go for breakfast or happy hour?
I went for breakfast and I absolutely loved it. The bar looked pretty incredible though, I think either way you can't go wrong! :)
Is this a good remote working spot? What's the outlet situation?
Yes it is a great spot. Saw many people there working both at the bar and in the dining room.
Are they open on Tuesday's? I saw a pic on Yelp indicating they were closed on Tuesday's but it says open every day on their info.
They are open Tuesdays now!
Is it dog friendly?
Extremely. Mot only have I seen dogs inside, but there's also a welcoming front porch area.
Is it street parking or is there a parking lot?
Street Parking only, but there seems to always be parking right in front.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
8 reviews that are not currently recommended
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