This is another wonderful visit to the local coffee shop and cafe. The Mental Bar has the best coffee cake! We got here after Church and the coffee cake was sold out. Unfortunately, we missed the coffee cake last slice and it went to another customer ahead of us. That's okay because we were able to still order what we wanted. The owner, Tommy, was great and took our order. We ordered: Dirty Chai Hot Latte Reese's Peanut Butter Cookie Salted Caramel Hot Latte Everything Bagel with Cream Cheese We made our order to-go but we did have the option to stay and enjoy the space. The vibe here is super chill, wellness focused, and they are great at customer service. read more

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Stopped by for a quick breakfast sandwich. I went with the bacon, egg, and cheese English muffin. The bacon was thicker and salty. Went great with the egg and cheese. I got it to go so not sure if they had hot sauces...that would've elevated it. It was pretty busy for a Saturday late morning. Not a place to stop by for a quick bite as the sandwich took a little bit of time. read more

Been living in the neighborhood since feb 2023 and have enjoyed The Mental Bar's coffee, drinks, food, ambiance, service, options for seating, and artworks (created by local Artists). There is something special about The Mental Bar and the artists they showcase... it's giving gallery-like energy, truly one of my favorite places to take in multimedia artworks! One highlight from the winter holidays was the ornaments display from multiple artists. Recently, we stopped by for breakfast and ordered the chicken & waffles, 10/10 would highly recommend, read more

We came to SD to celebrate my best friend's birthday, and after a night out and some good sleep, I needed my morning fix. Found this spot on the app, of course. The pictures on Yelp don't do it justice, because this place is super cute and the decor is very unique! They have multiple quotes that I really like and I can relate to, about coffee. The staff were super friendly and polite. The coffee was very good and not super sweet. Overall, another satisfied customer that will return if I have the opportunity. read more

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Service is always amazing. They went above and beyond as I asked questions about menu items as it relates to food allergies. The music is perfect, we were greeted warmly. Coffee was delicious (goes without saying). Ordered a grilled cheese and my kid loved it! I always say that food tastes better when it is make with intention and good energy. Even a "basic" grilled cheese was DELICIOUS here. read more

The Mental Bar - Vanilla Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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The Mental Bar is one of my favorite places to go in the neighborhood. This time, I ordered the Chicken and Waffles and my go-to, The Ginger Pop Latte. Loved the Spicy Maple syrup for my chicken wings. They were seasoned to perfection. The waffles were alright but would have been better with some special flavored butters like honey butter or a savory one like whipped jalapeño or garlic herb with chives, parsley and thyme. It would have made it worth the price. The service was great. The woman at the register made great suggestions for food and the ambiance was pretty relaxed and not too busy. 4.5 stars!! read more

Love the concept of this coffee shop, the coffee is pretty solid too. There is seating inside and a small patio as well, it's never super crowded or loud which is so nice. I really enjoyed their brown sugar iced latte, and the cheese danish. I also tried the cali latte which has avocado powder that adds a nice almost nutty flavor to the coffee. Service here is super friendly and welcoming, Highly recommend stopping by and enjoying a little treat for yourself. read more

The Mental Bar - Brown Sugar Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I love this beautiful hidden gem here in encanto/near spring valley! It's sooo goood! I have tried their croissant breakfast sandwich which is amazing! Also their bagel sandwich is delicious if you're a fan of chai, you must try their chai drink hot! It's honestly the best chai I have ever had ! If you want a food item make sure you go early cause I have gone twice 30 min before closing time and they stop making food (totally understandable)! This cafe is always clean and has cute art from local artists ‍ Another plus the owners are so nice and friendly! I will definitely be coming back again and again! read more

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Shout out to The Mental Bar for sponsoring breakfast for the Black Entrepreneurs Leaders & Learners 5th Annual Business Summit today! I always want to show love to businesses that support other businesses. I enjoyed chicken breakfast wrap, bagel with cream cheese and tea. Look forward to visiting your brick and mortar soon! Thank you kindly! read more

The Mental Bar - Breakfast Burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Excellent customer service. Cool vibe in the place, people working on laptops, reading book, solid music playing. Ordered a iced mocha, they offered whipped cream, I accepted. Sweet, smooth, soft mouth feel on the drink. The perfect pick you up drink. Charged an extra .40c for whipped. Ordered Turkey Melt in sourdough, it is what it is, buttered toast, turkey, melted provolone. Delicious. Love what they're doing with the place. read more

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This place was great! Had some work to do on my laptop and found this place nearby. Ordered a lavender matcha latte and it was delicious. Came with a little cookie too! Love that. Service was great, they delivered my drink right to my table. Good place to work/study, good vibes, good music, and cute interior! read more

The Mental Bar - Lavender matcha latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Coffee dates with friends are priceless. However if you want to spend money on really good coffee go here! This spot is a community hub with information on community gardens, art made by local artists and tons of other cool stuff. I loved it! Not only do they have caffeine but the food here was great too. The gentlemen at the counter spent time explaining the different coffees to us and was patient with out indecisiveness. The food was eaten rather quickly and I forgot to take a photo. I'll definitely be returning. read more

The Mental Bar - A lovely coconut paradise - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been here twice, and the owners are nothing short of hospitable. Their drink menu is well thought out. Whether you're a health nut who wants to feel great about what they're feeding themselves, or what to indulge in a sweet treat, they have everything you need. I've been here once with a friend, and once to work in the morning. Their calm ambiance allowed me to work in the morning. Everyone has always been so welcoming, and it's such a nice spot in this neighborhood. read more

I have been meaning to come here for a while. It's somewhat near me, but not on my route. However I wanted to try it and, I was treating some staff to coffee. I walked in an Janet Jackson was playing so immediately I was hooked. But I put the order in for pick up, it said 15 minutes for pick up so I got there a little sooner an I was immediately greeted and told my order would be ready soon. I took a look around in the meantime. The walls had lyrics by wu tang, which hey also sell coffee with the same vibe. They offer breakfast, teas, mimosas and cbd drinks. I meant to grab one of their canned coffee to try but forgot. They also offer energy boosters and I asked if it changes the flavor or drinks and was told no. Well we ordered a variety from Blueberry Vanilla Lemonade, Matcha, lattes and a black coffee! Everyone loved their drink and kept asking where it was from to check it out. I don't buy coffee daily, but it is a bi-weekly treat and this will be my new regular spot. read more

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Was in the area one morning and stopped by here for some coffee and small breakfast. Street parking only. Love the vibe of the cafe. Beautiful artwork by local artists. Asked the employee at the register what's recommended and she answered in detail. She said the wellness drinks are most popular, but we opted for the lavender chai, one dirty (espresso) and one without. My Dirty Lavender Chai tasted great and gave me the pick-me-up I was looking for. Was a tad bit too sweet and I recommend using a straw because the lavender bits get in your mouth. Besides that, it was fine. Surprisingly impressed by their English Muffin breakfast sandwich with the sausage. The cheese was so melty and the English muffin was soft. We were in there for about 30 min for take out order which felt slow at first but after trying our goodies I feel like they put love into it. Pretty popular shop especially on a weekend! read more

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Never disappoints - my go to is the ginger pop latte (thank me later). The vibe is very grassroots, community, and wellness. Great place to meet up with friends for a game of backgammon or to catch up on community events. Many people host community meetings and events inside or outside on the patio. The food and other beverages are pretty awesome, too. Feel free to tell them I sent you! read more

The Mental Bar - The artistic ceiling that continues the motif of the decor. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Super cute decorations and good vibe. Croissant chicken breast sandwich was really tasty. Always appreciate a generous portion of avocado. My friend liked the strawberry lemonade. Staff were very friendly and offered info and recommendations. Glad I found this place not far from work. Look forward to coming back. read more

The Mental Bar - Chicken breast. Yum!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This is my new coffee spot! So far I've only tried a few items on the menu, but what I've had so far has been really good. My favorite drink, the Vanilla Latte. The sandwiches are pretty tasty too (I love their breakfast sandwiches especially)! Nice vibe inside with the colors, artwork, & quotes on the walls. The staff & owners are so friendly and helpful. They take special care in serving their customers! A great community spot! read more

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More like 3.7! Cute little coffee/tea spot we stumbled upon before my friend dropped me off at the train station. She ordered coffee, we both ordered the breakfast sandwiches. The sandwiches were a no no. They didn't taste fresh at all. Seemed more microwaved. When I'm back in the city and if we're in the area I'd stop in again. read more

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Our first time trying this coffee out and we were not disappointed! Probably some of the best coffee I've ever had! The service was fenomenal and the art work on the wall is so beautiful. The staff were so welcoming, we will definitely be coming back! read more

The Mental Bar - Dynamic latte with immunity boosts - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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I loved everything about this black owned business. The vibe when you first walk in is all about culture and pride, the staff is very nice and the owner was there when I visited. I had a chance to talk to her about her business and her dream. She was awesome! The drinks were amazing.. we didn't have any food this time around, but the next time I am back in San Diego, this will be one of my first stops! If you are a coffee lover, please stop by. You won't be disappointed. read more

DANG, why is this coffee so good?!? Got a caramel latte today. Words elude me: mind blown! Great customer service. Beautiful art on the walls, sweatshirts available for sale, modern decor, chill music. Will be back! read more

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Very exquisite coffee spot, also serves breakfast burritos, wraps, snacks, and other items. Cool relaxed atmosphere-! Nice find-! Gluten Free Pecan Pie Bar read more

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More than just your local coffee shop. Service is great and every food recommendation has been on point. The dining area is very quaint. One of my favorite morning stops for coffee, breakfast and a great meeting spot with a friend. read more

The Mental Bar - Strawberry Cream Latte w/coconut milkand a Strawberry lemonade. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Our first time at "The Mental Bar" as it's on the way to my sons practice at the "YMCA" so we finally made a stop in this morning for coffee before my sons 9am game. I loooove that they took a phone order, it was ready when we got there. Ambience is insta worthy and the coffees were delicious. We got 2 salted caramel iced coffees and one hot vanilla/caramel latte. Also "Black Owned" which I love! read more

The Mental Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Have been here a couple times and had a good experience. Being new to the area I look for coffee shops to grab a healthy bite. Happy to find the mental bar. I ordered a matcha with almond milk very tasty. Also have had the breakfast bagel and avocado toast both great options to have. My husband got the breakfast burrito which he also enjoyed. Service was great, you are greeted with a smile and they are happy to tell you the story behind the quotes on the wall. Being a rap fan I love that! Parking is a bit tough since it's street parking. Seating area inside and outside. The have merch for sale abs other local items on display. Will be back to try out lunch items. If you're in the area this is worth a try. read more

The Mental Bar - Bagel Sandwich with Bacon & Breakfast Burrito - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Decided to go to The Mental Bar for some coffee this morning and my favorite barista was working(next time I will get his name). Got our coffee and my partner decided to get some ground coffee for home. The cafe wasn't too busy and the environment was nice, friendly, and, quiet. I look forward to returning. read more

The Mental Bar - Ground coffee selection - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

We found this little spot close to our Airbnb, what a lovely shop! I ordered the Americano and my son got the hot Mexican mocha. Great service, great atmosphere, great coffee! read more

The Mental Bar - Hot Mexican mocha - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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i finally made it to the mental bar and i was very pleased! i got the lox bagel with a jalapeño cheese bagel and a watermelon lemonade! the bagel was very filling and tasty! the watermelon lemonade was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy! i loved the ambiance! they have beautiful art all around the cafe from local artists! it was so beautiful seeing black art and art that told a story! i look forward to visit this cafe again! read more

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Enjoyed a breakfast bagel, chai, and a pastry. Grabbed a bag of coffee to take home as well. Nice patio with a place to lock my bike in front. read more

I think EVERYONE should pay a visit to this gem! Just move to La Mesa from Otay Mesa a few weeks ago and after trying Scrimshaw last week I decided to look up other local coffee shops around me. The Mental bar popped up and wasn't too far- about 10 mins away- so I decided to come check them out before I started my day and, ooooooh LET ME TELL YOU, I am sooooo happy I did. Everyone there was so welcoming. Since it was my first time there, this lovely woman, who I now believe is the owner or one of the owners after visiting their IG, gave me a tour of the menu and told me to take my time deciding, she helped answer my question about one of the items on the seasonal menu - even though the description was literally printed underneath it and I just didn't realize it until after she finished explaining ‍ I felt like such an airhead and obviously needed to get some caffeine in me and wake up! we shared a laughed about it (sorry again) The other barista came in to finish helping me, I think to allow the other woman to help with preparing the other orders that came before me. She was also very helpful and kind, giving suggestions when I would pause, she probably saw my indecisiveness starting to take over lol When she called me up for my coffee, knowing it was my first time, wanted me to let her know what I thought about the coffee I ordered. I just thought was really nice knowing that they cared what newbies like myself think. I ordered Coconut paradise in case you're wondering, and it was delicious for all my fellow coffee and coconut lovers lol I also happened to come in on a morning they had a live cellist performing. Talk about luck! She was sweet and played so beautifully, Claire Roberts - go check her out if you enjoy the sound if a cello! I stayed for a few songs, even after receiving my BLT which the chef WALKED my order out to me with a warm smile, when they could've just called me to the counter and I wouldn't have minded at all lol. And I called him a chef because that BLT was so damn good, he ain't just cook - that sandwich was made with love in every ingredient ! lol If you don't get what I meant, then you just don't get it lol it absolutely makes a difference. I loved everything about my first visit to The Mental Bar, not just the coffee and sandwich I had, EVERYTHING. The people that work there, the people that came in, witnessing the interactions they had with everyone, the interactions that we shared. I'm so bummed I didn't ask for everyone's name because I would've liked to thank them each BY NAME in this review. Just know, I will be coming back and am excited to try more of your delicious variety of drinks and food and to enjoy all of your company! read more

The Mental Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Visited from LA while celebrating my birthday. Very nice space. All of our drinks were really good and I appreciated all the autumn inspired drinks. The service was just ok. The cashier didn't speak and wasn't very warm. I did like that there was an outdoor area that was really cute! read more

The Mental Bar - pumpkin spiced almond milk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Such a community gem I love how inviting the space is, the chicken and waffles are my absolute favorite (っڡ) Everyone is super friendly and lovely to talk to. I have yet to attend an event, but knowing that they're fostering opportunities for people in Southeast to connect warms my heart. Thank you for all that you do! read more

The Mental Bar - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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Offensive art work on the wall of their outdoor patio seating area and a female owner rudely refused tp resolve the issue. Go to Lemon Grove Cafe! read more

5 stars hands down! I've been wanting to check out them out for a while so I went in this morning about 10am and was able to find parking in front of the building. I didn't see a parking lot for them but there was plenty of street parking. As soon as you walk in you feel a sense of calmness and fun vibe. I love all the song lyrics on the walls referencing coffee! Very very fun! EVERY, SINGLE, STAFF MEMBER was beyond kind and friendly! Not once did they make you feel you're a bother to them. They are warm and inviting. I love love love all the neighborhood names they used for their different ground coffee. If you grew up in the southeast you will be able to relate. Their muffin and cookies will make your tastebuds do a little dance and their drinks will make you forget about all your problems - just keep sipping. There was a few tables and chairs inside but I needed a quiet space and avoided the music by seating outside where it was clean, calm and the morning air was crisp fresh. Shoutout to Bianca for being so kind to my son in I and helping answer our questions. Can't wait to see more locations open up! read more

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We had a great experience at this coffee shop. It was in our radar to try it even though is a little out of our way. Service was amazing. We got to try some wellness drinks as well as their amazing coffee. Their sandwiches were yummy too. Ambiance was okay as their location is not super great but I liked that they are in a neighborhood location. Music! Was missing for me as I think music adds to a lovely ambiance and I am referring to outdoor music as they have outdoor sitting. Their menu items have reasonable prices. Love this one! Will definitely go again. If you are in the neighborhood, try this place. They yummy menu will not disappoint you. Happy breakfast! read more

The Mental Bar - Delicious cup of - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

What a lovely black owned coffee shop to find on Juneteenth! Parking in the area is a little tough but this place is definitely worth it. The staff is very kind and they gave us a great rundown of the menu. I highly recommend branching out and getting a coffee from their wellness drink menu. I got the ginger pop latte and my roommate got the Cali latte (both iced) and both were fantastic. For food we got a BLT, spicy wings (which were incredible) blueberry muffin, chocolate chip coffee cake and a gluten free lemon bar. We loved every single thing but especially the wings and baked goods. The cafe relatively small but there's additional seating on a back patio and in the front. Their playlist inside is fire and it seems like a good place to work remotely as well. If you're anywhere near the area, definitely check it out! read more

The Mental Bar - BLT - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

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So I'm bringing a group of high school students down to Encanto to look around the area. There is a developing Black Arts District that we need to survey because we are working on a project in City Heights. Saw this along the walk and had to try. This is a great space! Calming inside! Very relaxing vibe! I did tell them to expect a group of students in the coming week. I ordered one of their signature coffees, the Brown Sugar latte....Oh man....sooooooo good! I would definitely order this again! They also have a great little patio! I would've photographed that latte but it was gone! read more

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This is legit a hidden gem in SouthEast SD. Even though it's street parking only with limited spaces, I never have an issue finding a spot. The inside is so cozy and doesn't look or feel like you're in Encanto anymore. There's always a couple people in there on their laptops working or studying. I usually get the breakfast sandwiches (either English muffin and on croissant), and it legit tasted like how the OG Tiger Muffins did at Morse from back in the day (Class of '06 babyyy). Try the Coconut Paradise with oat milk. Trust. read more

Great espresso. My and my kids like to go here if we are not at Subterranean coffee. The hot chocolate is good too!