This article describes the top 5 coffee shops/roasteries for the best cold brew coffee in San Diego in 2024, as written by a local.
As a self-proclaimed coffee fanatic and a resident of San Diego, I am very excited to share what I consider to be San Diego’s most delicious coffee shops and roasteries for cold brew coffee and espresso! Whether you’re looking for a cup to go or a place to sit and relax, I’ve got you covered.
San Diego has a vibrant coffee culture that caters to third-wave enthusiasts. As a devoted cold brew, espresso, and pour-over aficionado, I embarked on a mission to find the tastiest coffee shops for the best cold brew coffee in San Diego. I tried a lot of coffee shops around the San Diego area and rated each one. Here is a summary of the factors that went into my rating system:
- Coffee taste and quality are paramount.
- Roasteries are rated higher on my list because of their freshness. Recently roasted coffee beans result in a much better-tasting coffee. Plus there’s nothing I love more than supporting local businesses and grabbing a bag to bring back home.
- A nice atmosphere and good location are an important part of my rating system. I prefer the coffee shops to be easily accessible and have a welcoming seating area that is enjoyable to spend time in.
- Bonus points for good espresso and pour-over coffee in addition to high-quality cold brew coffee.
Join me on this journey through San Diego’s coffee scene, and let me know if you think I got it right! I always appreciate reading about the top coffee shops to try when I am in a new city, so I hope this guide helps you- residents and visitors alike.
If you’re searching for coffee in San Diego, you may also be looking for the top 15 things to do in San Diego. If that’s the case, then definitely check out my comprehensive list of the best things to see and do while you’re in San Diego!
Short on time? Here’s the main takeaway:
The best cold brew coffee in San Diego can be found at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and Achilles Coffee Roasters. The coffee flavor is incredible, and the beans are freshly roasted.
Table of Contents
1. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
In the heart of La Jolla, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is the OG in San Diego’s coffee scene. Well known for roasting high-quality beans, you’ll find perfection in every cup. When you ask residents “What is the best coffee shop in San Diego”, most will quickly answer “Bird Rock”. From the rich espresso shots to the smooth cold brew, Bird Rock has it going on. Grab a brew before you head to the beach! They have numerous locations.
You might recognize the name Bird Rock Coffee Roasters already. It is a common brand you’ll find in subscription coffee services, like Trade Coffee.
2. Achilles Coffee Roasters
I live in downtown San Diego, and one of my personal favorites is Achilles Coffee Roasters. When I go out for coffee I often find myself here. They have a wide selection of beans, and I insist you try the pour-over. It is perfection. Not to mention the nitro cold brew is fantastic. They have great branding and a few different locations. Try to grab a cup if you’re downtown!
3. Portal Coffee
If you find yourself by the waterfront in San Diego, Portal Coffee is well worth the visit! This is a welcoming little shop right behind the Waterfront Park. It’s the perfect spot to spend the afternoon chatting or getting some work done. Or grab a cup and continue your walk along the beautiful San Diego waterfront. Port Coffee has a laid-back atmosphere and dedication to quality, with top-tier cold brew.
4. Spill the Beans
Located in East Village and elsewhere, Spill the Beans is high on my list because it also serves great food! It is an easy stop on a Saturday morning when you’re looking for a solid cup of coffee and something to eat. The baristas are extremely friendly and the atmosphere is fun, making Spill the Beans a standout in San Diego’s coffee scene.
5. Caffe Calabria
Concluding my journey for the tastiest coffee shops for the best cold brew coffee in San Diego, we find ourselves in North Park at Caffe Calabria. They are a well-established roastery that consistently delivers a good experience and tasty coffee. Make sure to stop in if you’re close by!
Map Of The Top 5 Coffee Shops
To make life easy, I’ve put all of my top coffee shops/roasteries for the best cold brew coffee in San Diego into the map below.
Conclusion – Tastiest Coffee Shops For Best Cold Brew Coffee in San Diego
I love all five of these delicious coffee shops in San Diego! I admit this list only brushes the surface of all of the options in southern California, but these are definitively the standouts. Each offers a very pleasant experience and the highest-quality coffee.
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