Best Coffee Shops in Carlsbad
San Diego is saturated with high-quality coffee shops and Carlsbad has no shortage of them (16+ plus in the Village alone!). The best coffee shops in Carlsbad feature locally roasted beans from sustainable growers and grinding perfected over decades. We are coffee lovers and here is where we go to get a quality cup of java in Carlsbad (and maybe a fresh bag of roasted beans and something yummy to go with it). This list is long because there are lot of great choices. And don’t forget to check out our Best Breakfasts in Carlsbad List as many of them serve great coffee.
Criteria: Taste, Prep, Quality of Roasted Beans, Service, Variety, Food Quality, Ambiance
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Neighborhood: Carlsbad West
This is the same great coffee as the famous original in La Jolla, and offers many types of high-quality roasted coffee beans at a convenient location featuring a large indoor and outdoor space.
Why We Recommend: Delicious espressos and coffees made by professional baristas with excellent ingredients. Extensive nearby shopping with roomy outdoor patio.
Hints: Buy a bag of roasted coffee beans, and get a free cold brew. Try the monkey bite espresso or maybe the best oat milk latte in town. Great roasted beans for the coffee snob.
- Hours (7am - 4pm)
- Roasted Beans (Yes)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Steady State
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
Steady state was one of the Carlsbad pioneers of fresh roasted coffees and espresso drinks and their beans are top-notch.
Why We Recommend: Quality roasted beans, brewing expertise, warm service and great food makes it one of the best. Can’t go wrong with beans from Steady State and always appreciate their customer-first service mindset.
Hints: Space Traveler is our go-to roasted beans for daily home grinding and brewing, but we love their Ethiopian offerings almost as much. Join their club for deals.
- Hours (7am - 2:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (20+)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Lofty Coffee - Carlsbad
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
This is a north county chain that helped create the reputation for high-end coffee shops. Excellent coffee drinks, big selection of baked goods, food and roasted beans. They have 6 locations – 2 of which are in Carlsbad – the other newer one is in the village.
Why We Recommend: Every location has a different, but equally chill atmosphere, and consistently great coffees.
Hints: This location has a patios on both sides, so find the one that is cooler or warmer.
- Hours (7am - 4:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (9)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
This is one of the most popular coffee chains originating in San Diego with 17 locations. They are known as organic coffee roasters with delicious options and cool vibe locations. Carlsbad is their latest addition located right near many popular beaches.
Why We Recommend: Excellent delicious coffees, excellent wait staff and a cool vibe space to hang out and enjoy.
Hints: This location is very close to Frazee Beach, so it’s the perfect to-go option on your way down the hill to the sand. There is a takeout window or go inside and check out the food options.
- Hours (5:30am - 8pm)
- Roasted Beans (5)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/GF (Limited)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Nearby)
Revolution Roasters
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
Originally from Oceanside, this 2nd location in Carlsbad adds another great coffee shop in a very competitive market – but great for us coffee drinkers. Revolution roasters are known for excellent roasted beans and carefully brewed and cupped by top baristas.
Why We Recommend: We’ve been fans of their Oceanside location for years – so their pedigree is unquestionable.
Hints: This location is right in the heart of the village, and worth a visit – try the Burrata Toast.
- Hours (6am - 6:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (5)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/GF (Limited)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Nearby)
Lofty Coffee - La Costa
Neighborhood: Carlsbad South
This is a north county chain that helped create the reputation for high-end coffee shops. Excellent coffee drinks, big selection of baked goods, food and roasted beans. They have 6 locations – 2 of which are in Carlsbad – the other newer one is in the village.
Why We Recommend: Every location has a different, but equally chill atmosphere, and consistently great coffees. They also have one of the largest selection of breakfasts.
Hints: This location has patios on both sides, so find the one that is cooler or warmer.
- Hours (7am - 4:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (9)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
La Costa Coffee Roasting
Neighborhood: Carlsbad West
Another long-time local favorite location for coffee connoisseurs and for delicious pastries and more.
Why We Recommend: Quality coffee and beans to take home. Large indoor and outdoor space to use when you don’t want to take it to go. And they also have Italian Sodas for non-coffee drinkers.
Hints: With a lot of long-term customers, this place gets busy during coffee rush hour. So plan accordingly – especially if you want to sit outside.
- Hours (7am - 6:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (20+)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Baba Coffee
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
This is a cool coffee shop conveniently located in the heart of Carlsbad on State Street. Warm, friendly neighborhood vibe with a surprisingly large menu of drink, breakfast and lunch choices.
Why We Recommend: Great place to get all kinds of coffees, teas and other drinks. They also have live music street-side which is always a pleasant surprise.
Hints: If the sun isn’t cooking the outside patio, snag an outside seat and watch Carlsbad life pass by.
- Hours (6am - 6:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (8)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Sleeping Tiger Coffee
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
An unusual combination of wine bar and coffee cafe, Sleeping Tiger is located in the Witch Creek Winery and offers quality coffee at a convenient village location.
Why We Recommend: Fresh roasted coffee (in-house), close to the beach, and cool digs to hangout in. Live music starts in the afternoon for both wine and coffee lovers.
Hints: They do have outside seating if you go beyond the coffee counter to the right – but it can get hot out there. Homemade syrups for coffees or teas.
- Hours (7am - 5:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (Yes)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (A few)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Mostly Inside)
- Dog Friendly (Limited)
- Restrooms (Yes)
Vinaka Cafe
Neighborhood: Carlsbad Village
Nestled in the upstairs level of the Village Faire, Vinaka Cafe is a long-time neighborhood favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Why We Recommend: Friendly workers, good coffee and yummy muffins with outdoor tables with a view of the courtyard. They sell sandwiches, ice cream and more.
Hints: The tables along the railing are a great place to take in all the action at the Village Faire.
- Hours (7am - 10:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (Yes)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (nearby)
Invita Cafe
Neighborhood: Carlsbad West
Nestled in a mixed-use building complex next to the Poinsettia train station, Invita brews up delicious espresso coffee drinks and breakfast fare for locals and those just passing through. They are a 3 location chain in North County with an Italian identity.
Why We Recommend: Good coffee and an interesting patio make this a good morning location.
Hints: Parking in the complex can be tight, but if you park free in the train station parking lot – it’s a few steps away.
- Hours (7am - 2:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (4)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street & Lot)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Yes)
- Restrooms (Yes)
The Story Caffe
Neighborhood: Carlsbad West
This coffee shop is actually owned and operated by a church, but it’s open to the public and there’s no recruiting. They offer high quality coffee and food in a unique setting.
Why We Recommend: Their seating area is set up like a really large living room, so it’s super roomy and comfortable. Good place to work and have a coffee. Check out upstairs (outside).
Hints: Hours are a bit funky – open 8-4 Monday – Thursday, till noon on Friday, closed Saturday, and til 1pm on Sunday. So make sure you check before coming over.
- Hours (8am - 4:00pm)
- Roasted Beans (Yes)
- Non-Dairy Options (Yes)
- Vegan/Gluten-Free (Both)
- Parking (Free Street)
- Seating (Inside & Outside)
- Dog Friendly (Limited)
- Restrooms (Yes)
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