10 Epic Coffee Shops in La Mesa You Can’t Miss

When I first moved to San Diego in 2021, a lot of people told me to avoid La Mesa and East County as a whole. For some reason, it seemed everyone in San Diego proper had their nose upturned to anywhere east of Mission Valley, and I trusted their opinions and avoided this area like the plague.

After some life events wound up landing me in La Mesa as a resident, my only question toward all the hatred is — why?

Although La Mesa is definitely a more suburban life than in the city, there isn’t anything out of control or off-putting around it. The homeless situation is under far more control, the pricing is much more affordable, and they totally crush in one of my favorite sectors of the food and beverage industry: coffee. There are some fantastic coffee shops in La Mesa, and here are my favorites:

Also read:
Best Coffee Shops in San Diego
Best Coffee Shops in La Jolla

Brew Coffee Spot

One of the things I love the most about Brew Coffee Spot, apart from the fact they roast their own “Brew Love” craft coffee, is their focus on the community. During the pandemic, they hosted markets and live music, and their shop sells other local products like candles to highlight additional businesses in the area.

Plus, they do their part to remain an environmentally responsible coffee and stay committed to reducing their ecological footprint through ceramic cups and glassware for in-house diners. For those on the go, they offer 100% compostable cups, straws, and cutlery. Because their coffee is so good, expect a line at any hour of the day, and consider yourself lucky if you’re able to snag a table.

Lightbulb Coffee

Another café I frequent — partially due in part to its proximity to FireSnake Fitness, where I teach EMS — is Lightbulb Coffee in Downtown La Mesa. This coffee shop does it all, from catering to partnering with local San Diego roasters to having a bakery that lets them bake everything fresh.

The company stands behind the idea of fostering genuine connections, and the bright and open atmosphere inside paves the way for just that. They, too, have a strong community focus, where they give back by hosting workshops, being a venue for artists and entrepreneurs, and supporting the overall creativity and talent in the area. 

Pink Rose Cafe

If “Instagrammable and gorgeous” is on your requirements list for a coffee shop in La Mesa, look no further than the Pink Rose Café. This is the haven for all things pink and girly, with a photo op in every corner of the building. Besides the decor, the food and drinks also aspire to be just as photograph-worthy, especially if you order the waffles.

There’s also plenty of pink merchandise for you to peruse, though this is a spot perhaps best left for a brunch outing or a bachelorette party. Still, if you’re only in for a quick cup of coffee, they’re still a great choice to get the job done. 

Public Square

Life is all about fostering connections, which is the exact focus of Public Square. They hail themselves as a “place to see and be seen, a place to hear and be hear, and a place to serve and be served.” This local and family-owned specialty roaster puts the spotlight on direct-trade coffees sourced from around the world.

If you’re a tea person instead, they also have a line of their own curated artisanal teas for you to choose from. They roast all of their coffee for cafés, online, and wholesale on Mondays and Wednesdays, which guarantees a fresh cup at all times. 

La Mesa Bistro & Bakery

Known for their hearty breakfasts, La Mesa Bistro & Bakery is a great option if you’re looking for good coffee and good food. Although you can just order a coffee to go and head out, this family-owned and operated bakery invites you to stick around a little longer and enjoy what they’ve got on the menu.

Apart from the good coffee, some local favorites from the food menu include the Healthy Acai Bowl, the French Toast, and the Steak and Eggs. They also offer a VIP membership that offers discounts, loyalty rewards, and $10 off your birthday.

Elevated Coffee and Confections

Although Elevated Coffee and Confections is technically just past the La Mesa border and into Lemon Grove, it’s still a coffee shop that should be on your list to check out at least once. Their partnership through The King’s Craft coffee roasters has allowed them to tailor their flavor profile to their passion, which results in a complex and balanced cup of coffee.

Apart from their delicious coffee, they also have a selection of vegan desserts they handmake daily in small batches from products sourced locally as often as possible. You can also sign up for their Birthday Club for a “special surprise” on your birthday. 

Marathon Coffee

One of the newer coffee shops around, Marathon Coffee, sits conveniently inside the Grossmont Center mall, so it’s easy to find. Inspired by the owner’s love for both marathons and coffee, the basis for this café is meant to be a gathering spot tailored to the running community in San Diego.

They welcome non-runners just as equally but only have one request: You must be a lover of coffee. From book signings to tasty treats to a great proximity to the Bath & Body Works, Marathon is a great place to “run in” for a quick cup of coffee.

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a small, local chain, check out Dark Horse Coffee Roasters, which has eight locations throughout San Diego County, with a special location in Koloa, Kaua’i, and another in Truckee, California.

They originally opened in Normal Heights in 2013 before they began their expansion, and their signature “The Champ” drink features the cold brew coffee that started it all. If you’re a fan of their coffee—which you will be— you can also start a subscription service that allows you to either choose your favorite blend or go with the roaster’s choice. Subscription options run either bi-weekly or monthly, and each shipment is based on whatever is “tasting incredible at the moment.”

@SPACEBAR Café

Two of my favorite things out there are coffee and wine, and @SPACEBAR Café serves up an epic selection of both. This is a good spot to have on your list for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and everything is made from locally sourced ingredients.

They’ve had over a decade of service in the heart of La Mesa, and their live entertainment ranges from jazz band concerts to comedy shows. If you’re on the hunt for a venue to host a private event, you can also rent it out. All of their coffee and tea is 100% organic, and they welcome questions about who they source from and the practices behind every purchase.

BONUS: Better Buzz

I have a confession: I’m obsessed with Better Buzz Coffee. I love that there’s a growing number of locations that have taken it outside of California. Over the last two decades, the coffee cart started by Tim Langdon and Stephanie Garden has grown into an incredible company that still keeps its focus on quality products that they continue to roast themselves.

Since San Diego was one of the first areas they focused on, finding a Better Buzz is becoming almost as easy as finding a Starbucks. With that in mind, you only have one possible location in La Mesa, and the giant coffee cup on top of the roof alone is a good enough reason to come and check this one out.

Where will you get your fix?

The more I explore La Mesa, the more I’m happy I landed here. The reputation did not live up to my experience, which I appreciate because it wasn’t exactly my first choice from the start.

Apart from the fact there are a number of popular coffee shops in La Mesa in general, I love how many roasters there are on top of it. It’s like going into a brewery or a winery versus just purchasing something from a popular bar or restaurant. It adds a personal touch that makes it more memorable and worth the visit.

The next time you’re on the hunt for a good cup of coffee, don’t sleep on these coffee shops in La Mesa.

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