The Lean Bean

183

206

163

6 years ago

Made a quick stop through lean bean on my way home one day for an açaí bowl and I wasn't pleasantly surprised! It is a little shack that you pull up too, and luckily there are two sides so if there is ever a line it can move super quickly! Both of the workers were very friendly and took my order really quickly. I ordered the peanut butter banana açaí bowl for $6.50 and it was an extremely good price for the bowl. The bowl was the perfect amount for lunch, and I really liked how crumbly the granola was. If I were to order it again, I think that I would ask for extra peanut butter because It didn't have a lot. The açaí was really smooth and had a nice sweet texture and wasn't bitter at all. My favorite touch was the coconut flakes on top because they weren't too large and you could still get a good coconut flavor. read more

The Lean Bean - Peanut Butter Banana Açaí Bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Briana F.

3 years ago

It's good but they never go in order of the way you pull in. There is 2 windows so they'll alternate sides even if you waited longer than the person at the other window. Not fun to see other people being served after only waiting 5 mins when you had to wait 20. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tonya K.

4 years ago

The food and coffees are decent and well priced. Nothing special. Sometimes it can take up to 45 minutes to get a coffee which is less than ideal. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Robert G.

2 years ago

I've been coming here for a long time, the drinks are delicious, the acai bowls are so good they're addicting and the staff is always friendly and welcoming. The lean bean is where it's at, forget starbucks and support an amazing small business. I don't ever write reviews but this one is long overdue and well deserved. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Adam W.

2 years ago

You used to have the best acai bowls in town but now you are shiesty on the acai portion of the bowl. Now the bowl is majority peanut butter and not acai. I'm happy you guys advertise on your business the acai is from "acai roots" and you can purchase it at Costco. My good friend had the same experience as me and he too is no longer supporting your business. We are all now making the exact same acai bowls at our homes and cutting you guys out. I suggest everyone else does the same. read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Steve S.

4 years ago

I'm an avid customer here. Always get great service. Today I went to get my usual acai bowl I was next In line and for 10min I watched the girl flirt or socialize with the car in front of me. After they got there order they socialized for another 5 or more minutes. I watched 3 different cars pull up wait then leave because socializing was more important. Just a heads up be aware of waiting customers. Other than that I like the acai bowls here. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

An D.

367

180

193

6 years ago

This place is adorable! It's a small little drive through at the end of a plaza and it's so convenient. I got the açaí bowl here and it satisfied my cravings! They may not have an extensive menu and crazy options but it really is quick and easy to grab a bowl. The bowl is quite small but the price is fair. The bowl tasted great and the fruits on top were fresh! Definitely recommend if you're nearby and need a place to swing by and grab breakfast. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jake D.

348

4 years ago

Everyone at Lean Bean is SO nice! They have the best acai around and great coffee. It is also a great price. I love stopping after a nice hike through Mission Trails or birding at Santee Lakes! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Sarah V.

Elite 23

126

511

6 years ago

I woke up not feeling great and craving something with lots of fruit and antioxidants. I needed a quick fix and saw this place was right around the corner, so I decided to try it. They have great açaí bowls. I'm used to paying $9-$11 for açaí bowls, and while they are just a little smaller here, they're only $5.75 and the perfect size since I never finish the other ones. Service was extremely quick and friendly. Definitely making this my morning staple from now on. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Rebecca C.

175

196

4 years ago

This is a drive/walk up place. Adorable and small. One worker so I'd there's a line be prepared to wait. They have açaí bowls and smoothies. I asked to buy just a fruit by itself and they sold me a banana (woo!) not somewhere to work or meet a friend but definitely a place to stop by quick if you're nearby! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Alina H.

120

7 years ago

I love this little hidden treasure! I can say these are my favorite acai bowls ever. I have tried to satisfy my craving elsewhere but no where else is the same as here! My husband and I get one every Saturday morning on our way to church as a quick breakfast. We go to church around the corner on prospect ave at The World Mission Society Church of God and The Lean Bean is very well known among our church members as a favorite spot for everyone to go lol read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Laney W.

3 years ago

The best little hidden gem. A tiny, and I mean tiny shop in the middle of a parking lot. The drinks are delicious. But the acai bowls with peanut butter is to die for!!! The baristas always welcome me with a smile. Quick service. I love the monthly specials! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jaime H.

131

342

6 years ago

The coffee at this place is made with the older steamer espresso machine, automatic machines detune easily with out warning to the barista. The coffee GiGi sells here is high octane, tons of caffeine. I order the Hammerhead most of the time, super caffeinated, it's all the coffee I need for the day. Lean Bean sells açai bowls too, they are very popular here, I don't order them but everyone in Santee loves them. I support this business because they are very courteous and attentive. This place deserves 6 stars. read more

The Lean Bean - a close up of a coffee cup lid - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

The Lean Bean - the american flag on the lid - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

The Lean Bean - the lid of a coffee cup - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Vikki D.

3 years ago

All the ladies are so nice here! Absolutely a pleasant experience every time! They make the BEST smoothies!!!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jade E.

276

5 years ago

A good bang for your buck! First thing I love is she's open at the crack of dawn. Super friendly, fast service, and great iced coffee. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Steven H.

100

4 years ago

So, I hate to say this, but the quality of the coffee has gone down since the last time I was there. While the service was fantastic and very attentive and knowledgeable, my wife got an iced latte with brown sugar syrup, and it was so bad she didn't even drink more than a sip. Very watered down. I had a Mcflugel? I think that's it, but it also tasted a little watery and had too much spice in it. We would consider going back and just trying something else but we were not impressed. Good prices though and good amount of options. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Ashley W.

7 years ago

I used to go here often when I was in high school, but since college, I haven't really been back since because I just never really crave açaí bowls much anymore. This is honestly my favorite place to get açaí bowls, though. I've tried other places but no one else compares. They give a good portion for the price and they're REALLY good. I also ordered a PB frost (i think that's what it's called) with oat milk and coffee in it. I originally wanted the java one, but she said she was out of that one. The lady was nice enough to add in the coffee for me, and oh my godddd......IT WAS SO GOOOD. I was a little hesitant because i thought "how good could it possibly be" but knowing Lean Bean, they do not disappoint. I would order this everyday if I could. The people who work here are super friendly and have great customer service, which is a reason I will continue to keep coming back. Also, the prices are fair and affordable compared to a lot of other places that offer the same items. The only con about this place that I know some people would complain about is the wait. There is only one person and they take orders from both sides of the stall, so depending on how many people are ahead of you it can take at least 10+ minutes. I don't mind waiting because I know one person can only do so much. So if you're not in a rush, definitely stop by and try out some of their stuff. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Alysha B.

4 years ago

Favorite smoothie place where everyone remembers your order. Definitely long wait lines but absolutely worth every minute

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emily N.

4 years ago

Although limited, the drinks are delicious and always hit the spot when I need a little pick me up :D

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Juliana K.

4 years ago

Normally love this place. I get their chai tea latte and acai bowl everytime. This time , I guess they were low on acai . If I'm going to pay $7 for a bowl, it would be nice to have it filled to the top. Also my chai was very bland. I could hardly tell there was chai in it. Maybe they were low on that too. Probably will skip coming here for awhile. The girl working didn't seemed too thrilled either read more

The Lean Bean - Acai bowl - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

The Lean Bean - Chai tea latte with almond milk - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amanda F.

5 years ago

Lexi made the Most delicious drink I've ever had! She was super nice and cheerful!! Will be back soon!

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Adri A.

5 years ago

I loved this place !!! Drive thru !!! super affordable tasted great!! Will be my go to coffee shop now read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Jessica H.

Elite 23

10 years ago

Addicted to the acai bowl with peanut butter!!!!!! I came two days in a row!! The young working was super sweet & made sure that I would like all the ingredients. Yes, the line can get long but it moves rather quickly and it's totally worth the wait. I brought my dad the next day & he loved the bowl as well. All the fruit is fresh & delicious. I will be returning!!! read more

The Lean Bean - Acai bowl with peanut butter!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amanda S.

Elite 20

883

255

6 years ago

I love acai bowls and this is my favorite in all of the San Diego area! I love a thicker acai and theirs is perfect. You can get it with either peanut butter or without. The staff is always very friendly and if there's a line it goes fast as well! read more

Helpful 6

Thanks 0

Love this 4

Oh no 0

Benjamin H.

6 years ago

Super friendly service! And so convenient. I have early childhood memories of my mom pulling through here for coffee. Happy to support them through COVID-times. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Angela F.

5 years ago

Tiny little drive thru/walk up that I really like. The customer service is great and the people that work there are so friendly and sweet. I've had their smoothies and açaí bowl and they were yummy and fairly priced. It's a refreshing treat that you don't feel guilty about. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Katelyn M.

6 years ago

Their açaí bowls are INCREDIBLE! It's like eating ice cream, and with peanut butter added, it's so filling! Their smoothies are really good too. Super friendly staff too! All around 5 stars from me! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Rosanna B.

Elite 26

124

10 years ago

I began coming to the Lean Bean for coffee on my way to work. Little did I know I was missing out on their Acai bowls. The acai bowls come with granola, optional peanut butter, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, fresh banana, and optional coconut for $6.25. Its super filling and extra tasty. Gigi, the owner, and her team are all very sweet and quick. I highly recommend checking out the Lean Bean. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Hayli R.

278

11 years ago

Another place that killed my taste buds and sent them soaring to Acai heaven. Holy moly Lean Bean. You sure knocked it out of the park with this one. Yet another hidden gem blessing the community of Santee with yummy-ness. I don't know if this is the best or the worst discovery of my adult life but it's official. Acai bowls will be the death of me. Equal part Acai. The other part? Awesomesauce. Seriously. The toppings and peanut butter are generous but they've nailed it on evening the playing field between the two. Can't. Stop. EATING! Did I mention I love their spoons? I know. Strange thing to love. But they're SO deep!! No shallow bites allowed. Some notes! You may miss this place on first try because it's one of those drive up kiosks. I bailed on my first quest trying to find the place and vowed to come back again some other time. Don't give up!! It's green and small. Don't let the size fool you!! The hunt Is always worth the treasure inside. There WILL be a line. But they have two windows and the service is speedy quick. I waited all of three minutes while they prepared my yummy and fresh Acai.. These ladies are the sweetest! Almost as sweet as the Acai. ALMOST. Seriously though. Always a genuine smile with an attitude that shows they care about their customers. Super important in the day and age where there's thousands of food places vying to please our taste buds. I'm not even kidding when I say good customer service makes the food taste that much better. Now that I'm back in the hood, this will absolutely be my go to when I'm on the go!! Thank you Lean Bean! read more

The Lean Bean - I didn't even get to take a photo before diving in. Before I knew it.. it was gone. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Santee, California

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Mel B.

Elite 19

545

596

243

12 years ago

The only reason I stopped at this tiny little drive up stand was for the stellar reviews of the acai bowl and I'm so glad I did. Given the size of this place is as big as a mall kiosk, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. It was just what I was hoping for. The price is $5.75 for an acai bowl, and a bit more for a acai peanut butter bowl. I chose the original and it came with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, coconut, and granola. She keeps the fruit assortment basic, which makes sense, and all in all it was a delicious bowl for a great price. I'm used to a little honey with my acai bowl, but the acai puree (or maybe sorbet) was sweet enough without it. The lady that helped me was super nice, and quick too. Service with a smile is always a plus. I'll be back, and this time, I'm trying the peanut butter version. I may even get a coffee to go with it. read more

See all

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jessica M.

5 years ago

No more issues regarding hours! Drinks and bowls are yummy. Staff members are friendly! Highly recommend.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Paige C.

9 years ago

Best acai bowls around! I honestly didn't expect much from this place bc it's just a little drive up coffee stand. However, a friend of mine raved about it so I thought I'd check it out. Man was I pleasantly surprised!! The acai bowl with peanut butter is the best! To add pb might sound weird, but it's just the perfect flavor to compliment the acai, bananas and berries. The girls that work there are all very sweet, too. The only reason why I didn't give it a 5 star rating is bc I'm not a fan of their coffee. It has a weird taste to it, and I'm not sure why but I just can't get on board with it. I'll just drive up, grab my bowl, and head on down the road to Starbucks. I would highly recommend checking this place out!! read more

Helpful 3

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Denisse G.

5 years ago

Oh my goodness I was craving an acai bowl alllll day and wasn't able to step away from work. When I finally got a chance to get there they had JUST closed and Nora went above and beyond to make this craving happen. Not only are the acai bowls delicious but the service is amazing as well! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Stacie J.

6 years ago

This coffee place is amazing! I love their iced blended coffee drinks. They aren't overly sweet and artificial tasting. The service is always great and surprisingly fast. They have yummy acai bowls as well. I highly recommend this coffee spot. I love the convenient drive-thru too. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Weishin S.

6 years ago

Delicious made to order Açaí bowls. Great taste, lots of good food, great customer service.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Dean S.

115

9 years ago

This is a TWO sided drive-through coffee shop that you can still walk up to. They have all the drinks that a coffe shop can have. Also a few snacks to munch on. Their biggest plus is that they have TWO drive-throughs! So if your in a rush this is your coffee shop. They like dogs too! read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Mike R.

298

184

165

13 years ago

Came here by chance and so glad I stopped by. Found another goto place for Acai bowls. One of the best I've had in San Diego (behind Juice Adventure). Came on the weekend so it wasnt too busy. I can only imagine how busy it gets in the weekday mornings. GREAT customer service too! I'm def coming back when I'm in the area. read more

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lexi G.

3 years ago

Best Acai in town! Also very reasonably priced compared to others around.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Gabriela R.

4 years ago

Had an acai bowl today and it was literally rotten, had to come back and return it. Check on ur acai bowl when you order them!! Will not be coming back, i'm pregnant and feeling so nauseous now. read more

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Page 3 of 7

9161 Mission Gorge Rd
Santee, CA 92071
Directions
(619) 733-3339
Call Now

Hours

What time does The Lean Bean open?

The Lean Bean opens at 5:30 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The Lean Bean opens at 7:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Lean Bean close?

The Lean Bean closes at 4:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.The Lean Bean closes at 3:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 5:30 AM - 4:00 PMSat 7:00 AM - 4:00 PMSun 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Lean Bean take credit cards?

Yes, The Lean Bean takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Lean Bean have catering options?

No, The Lean Bean does not have catering options.

Indoor Amenities

Does The Lean Bean allow dogs?

Yes, The Lean Bean allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Lean Bean have bike parking?

Yes, The Lean Bean has bike parking.

Does The Lean Bean have outdoor seating?

No, The Lean Bean does not have outdoor seating options.

Does The Lean Bean have parking?

Yes, The Lean Bean has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Lean Bean have free WiFi?

Yes, The Lean Bean has free WiFi.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - The Lean Bean

View 1 Question

Review Highlights - The Lean Bean

“first of all this was my first time going here, gotta say the peanut butter acai bowl was phenomenal.”

Mentioned in 11 reviews

You might also consider

Coffeentalk - Santee

4.4(113 reviews)

0.8 mi

One of the best horchata lattes I've ever had…read more Cute decor and great customer service. The location was a bit off but glad I checked this place out. Will most definitely return to try others and the pastries.

Yes, I give this place 5 stars the coffee at this small mom & pop shop brews fresh coffee…read more I've been to the location downtown but this is where the magic happens. The roasting of the beans that are done right behind the counter. They have all the standard flavors and dairy free options. They also have decaf options in small, medium and large cups. I usually get the chai coffee during the week and there is a small morning rush but the coffee is worth the wait. They have croissants, muffins and avocado toast. There is street parking and you can enjoy coffee indoors or outside on their tables. This used to be just the roaster warehouse then they added the coffee shop for patrons. Enjoy!

Staging a bit:)

Fun figurine!

See all

Pistachio honey latte

Kaffee Meister

4.2(401 reviews)

0.4 mi

Good food and great coffee. Nice comfy ambiance indoors, and outdoor seating as well. I recommend…read moretheir avocado toast and iced lattes. Their hot seasonal drinks are great as well!

Always a good time at Kaf! The banana bread latte is a MUST get this time of year. So flavorful and…read morecomforting. The barista was super helpful in figuring out my sweetness level. The couches are cozy and the music hit. Love the vibe for a meeting with friends. Walkable to the park, so take that iced coffee to go!

Inside

Carrot cake muffin, YUM

See all

Inside

The Coffee Corner

4.4(272 reviews)

0.8 mi

The service was friendly and fast. This was our first visit but won't be our last! We enjoyed our…read moredrinks and plan to try some other things on the menu. The coffee was delish, I enjoyed it more than my usual order from Starbucks - my friend loved her chai. We will be back

False advertisement on some pricing. I ordered a medium iced Carmel macchiato which says $4.95 on…read moretheir board and when she was inputting my order into the register I saw a charge for ICE .50 cents!!!!!! I asked about it and she said it had something to do with their cups SO! Just be aware that you will be charged an EXTRA .50 for LESS actual drink!!!!!!!

Espresso

Blue Berry Biscuit and Iced Coffee

See all

Daboba

4.6(203 reviews)

0.2 mi

I love it here. The inside is so quaint! They make the most of the space they have. It smells…read moredelish inside. They offer roasted brown sugar boba, milk teas, coffees fruit teas, smoothies and yogurt series bobas. Everything I've tried is delish and I've tried at least one menu item in each category. You can't go wrong! Shhhhh... I think it's my fave boba spot in Santee! Stop in!

Stopped by Daboba in late December 2025 and really liked it. I got the Roasted Brown Sugar Pearl…read moreFresh Milk with brown sugar pearls, and it was really good - just hit the spot. The staff was nice, and the place has a chill vibe with plenty of seating to hang out and enjoy your drinks. Everything looked clean and well kept, even the restrooms. Prices were pretty good too, starting around $5 for medium and up depending on what you order. They also have a good variety of fruit teas, smoothies, and yogurts if you want something different. I'd come back again and would recommend if you're in the area.

Strawberry smoothie with brown sugar pearls, Thai tea with honey pearls and Taro smoothie with brown sugar pearls. So yummy!!!

Mango Kumquat Green Tea

See all

Strawberry Yogurt with Boba and Creme Brulee

The Coffee Bar

4.9(23 reviews)

2.4 mi

Strong coffee that tastes good. I ordered food for my friend here and she liked it. It's at a…read morechurch I've gotten a couple books from here. I like how they are all back up with God's word/ scripture and plan to get more.

Lovely place! Great study space with amazing prices and delicious beverages + food. Wish I found…read moreout about this place sooner :)

I forgot to take a picture when it was full but this is the remains of the mango green tea with boba bursts! Yum!

See all

Crushed that churro latte. And I did have an amazing day. Thanks guys.

Public Square

4.5(1.2k reviews)

5.2 mi

My new favorite coffee spot! I'm currently in my pandan obsession era and this place does it RIGHT…read more I've already been back more times than I can count. So far, I've tried the pandan, the brown sugar, and the sesame latte all iced w/ oat milk and they've all been a hit. The pandan is easily my fave, but if you're trying the brown sugar and don't love super sweet drinks I'd recommend adding an extra shot to balance it out. The drinks are consistently good and you can tell they really care about the quality. It's one of those spots you keep thinking about and end up going back to without even planning it. Customer service was solid and there's plenty of seating, which makes it a nice place to hang out or get some work done. Parking was also easy, which is always a win. Highly recommend checking this place out especially if you're a pandan lover like me!

This place gets a lot of hype for their scones, but honestly, that was the only thing special. They…read moreoverall they are very expensive and service is slow. Be prepared to wait, or order a mobile order for pick up. Cleanliness...could be better. Looks clean from ground level, but if you look up the plants and ac vents are covered in layers of dust. Scones were fantastic but not sure that makes it worth the wait.

Coffee grinder

Avocado & Beet-Hummus Toast

See all

Breakfast Sandwich

The Simple Coffee House

4.6(325 reviews)

3.6 mi•San Carlos

What is not to love about this place!!! Just a random stop in on our adventures today! I'm so…read moreimpressed!! Need to go back and snap some more photos because the 2 sitting areas are just as cute. So many people enjoying the space I wanted to be courteous. Coffee was VERY good! I'm all about a cold brew to really taste the coffee. Theirs is amazing!! Definitely a place we will be back to!

I'm glad I decided to stop here for matcha--it was delicious! I ordered the strawberry matcha cream…read morewith oat milk. The cream is dairy, but that was fine since I had lactaid on hand. Flavor-wise, it was excellent: the strawberry wasn't overpowering, and the oat milk didn't mask the matcha. You could still taste both the matcha and the strawberry. The consistency was just right for a cream-style latte. It's sweeter than traditional matcha, so if you prefer your matcha strong and slightly bitter, this might not be the drink for you. But if you like a lightly sweetened matcha where the flavor still comes through, this one is perfect. I'm curious to try their regular matcha next. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I mentioned my dietary restrictions (celiac), and they were accommodating, though there's always a possibility of cross-contamination, so keep that in mind. The shop itself is a great place to catch up with friends, study, or just relax. They offer light snacks like pastries, bagels, toast, parfaits, and acai bowls--unfortunately, nothing gluten-free for me, but still great options for others. Even though they were busy, the line moved quickly. Overall, this is a great matcha spot, and I can't wait to try more drinks next time I'm in town!

Indoors

Toasted iced coffee! wish i took a shot before i started drinking! ‍

See all

Spacious interior!

The Coffee Corner

4.2(125 reviews)

0.9 mi

Ashlyn & Harmony provide the right "Harmony" of coffee greatness and personable customer service!…read moreRelaxed atmosphere, great attitude. Friendly employees who treat you like family.

Amazing! I got the Black Forest signature drink blended and it was the best coffee I've had! I will…read moredefinitely be back! Service was excellent and the ambiance is like a coffee shop. Nice coffee shops aren't too different from each other in terms of ambiance I think :)

See all

Jaunt Coffee Roasters

I love jaunt! The cinnamon cardamom latte is outstanding - not too sweet and has a wonderful coffee…read moreflavor. The pastries are always fresh and delicious! It's one of my favorite spots to grab a bag of coffee (usually roasted within the last couple days!) or grab a breakfast treat!! Stop in if you're looking for a great cup of coffee, yummy pastry or a good quality bag of coffee to take home!

I came here because it was recommended by a friend, AND because their pastries are made fresh each…read moremorning! I ordered the matcha & rhubarb danish, and an americano. The texture of the danish was good, nicely moist. The rhubarb compote was yummy! But the matcha creme was weird. I like matcha in a drink, but I don't think it belongs on a pastry. It was odd. Pretty standard prices and service. Interior is very pretty...deep green walls, plants, and a mural. Bustling environment. Overall, a pretty good place.

Flat White

Freshly baked empanadas are available in beef, chicken, mushroom & goat cheese, sweet corn & basil, bacon & egg, and ham & cheese.

See all

Five different breakfast burritos! Comes with a side of salsa.

Red White and Badass Brew

4.7(104 reviews)

4.6 mi

Veteran-owned & operated

Drive-thru

If you're in the La Mesa area of San Diego and you need a quick caffeine fix, this little…read moredrive-thru packs a big punch. I was on my way to church and needed an early cup and was surprised how many shops were not open at 7 AM. I'm sure I could have found a Starbucks but that's always reserved for a last resort. Big props to this spot being open early on a Sunday morning, so I could make it to church prayed up and fully caffeinated. The barista opened right on time (7 AM) I loved how friendly she was for it being that early, and she got me my drink within 3-4 minutes. I am not a big coffee drive-thru guy, but if I lived in the area, especially knowing it is veteran owned, I might become one. Thanks guys and best of luck!

I've been feeling the deployment blues lately so I figured I'd grab a coffee from one of my…read morehusband's favorite spots to lift my mood a little. I've had Red White and Badass Brew one other time after my husband raved about this cookies and cream latte he got here. It's a small, local, veteran owned shop, which honestly makes supporting it feel even better. So, I thought getting his favorite drink would help, but turns out that was a seasonal winter drink... please bring it back, it was sooo good. I got in line around 8:30 and there were two cars in front of me. This place is so small and cute, I actually used to work in one of these drive-thru kiosk style cafes so I didn't mind the short wait at all as usually its only one or two people working in there. I do wish they had a menu visible from the line because I couldn't decide what I wanted while waiting. The only things visible were the specials like an avocado toast and a "no lucks given" drink. I ended up pulling up the menu on my phone which works, but it would be more convenient if they had something displayed out front like a sandwich board or something. The employee was incredible, super friendly, my order was taken quick and my drink came out even quicker. It is a little on the pricier side for a cup of coffee but you are supporting a local business. With tip it came out to over $9 for a regular size. I ordered the no lucks given, which is a chocolate Irish cream latte, and swapped to oat milk. My first sip was amazing, a medium dark roast that wasn't bitter at all with a rich chocolate flavor. You could see the chocolate coating the walls of the cup and I'm pretty sure there was a cold foam on top that made it extra creamy. The overall drink was smooth and well balanced, just a little too sweet for my liking but that's something I can adjust next time. I did have a kind of odd moment though. My second sip was great until I got hit with a sudden punch of salt. Like a full on salt crystal just melted on my tongue for a good 10 seconds. It was strong and definitely woke me up... which I guess is what the coffee was supposed to do, I just didn't expect a surprise salt bomb to help with that. After that I checked my drink and everything looked fine and the rest of it tasted great. Overall I'll definitely be back. The service was great, the drink was solid, and I love supporting a spot like this. I can't wait to come here more often, and hopefully one day come back with my husband when comes home from deployment, with his cookies and cream drink back on the menu.