A Guide to Ocean Beach Coffee Shops
OB Beans Coffee Roasters
Near and dear to the heart of town, OB Beans is a hallmark among Ocean Beach coffee shops, given its bohemian vibes, warm earthy tones set against minimalistic walls, lush plants, photo galleries, and tantalizing aroma of diligently sourced java that’s been small-batch roasted on-site. The attention to detail that has gone into designing this beloved abode with a delightful balance of charm and utility makes it an easy go-to for daytime meetings with colleagues, long overdue coffee dates, and solo study sessions. OB Beans also donates a percentage of profits back into the community via several non-profit partners.
The Template
Located just off the main drag, The Template transports visitors to an Alice in Wonderland-like world with hints of Andy Warhol and Meow Wolf, vibrant greenery, cute eclectic furnishings, a live-edge wooden bartop, countless art pieces, amenities for a productive day, birdcage light fixtures, open mics, live music performances, dance parties, an occasional painting class, and the steady background hum of creatives sharing ideas. The whimsical decor serves as an accomplice to thoughtfully crafted, rewardingly delicious specialty beverages like the Lavender Fields and Rose Cardamom.
Newbreak Coffee & Cafe
Situated just a few sandy steps from the seashore, Newbreak has been serving OB since 1994 and is a relaxed hangout with wall-mounted surfboards, plenty of wooden tabletops, and accommodations for remote work. In addition to gourmet coffees and a wide variety of nutritious smoothies, the friendly folks behind the counter here maintain a tempting selection of grilled paninis, healthy wraps, egg specials, open-face bagels, and vegetarian options.
Espresso Lab
To those Instagram connoisseurs of cuteness ever on the prowl for all things pretty, search no further than Espresso Lab, which showcases an inviting atmosphere accentuated by posh furnishings, flower walls, hot pink neon signage, and a quaint streetside patio. The menu features specialty coffee drinks, pure acai from Brazil, creative smoothies, vegan and nonvegan pastries, and healthy sandwiches.
The Coffee Method
The Coffee Method specializes in excellent handcrafted coffees made utilizing locally roasted java sourced from the world’s premier growing regions. Whether you’d like to grab a quality pick-me-up on your way to work, peruse through the neighboring florist’s succulents, house plants, and flowers, or take your morning joe on a stroll by the beach, whatever the case may be, this precious hole-in-the-wall gem, has got you covered.
Val’s Coffee Corner
What this adorable corner cafe may lack in size, it more than makes up for with wholesome hospitality, an intimate outdoor common area where guests can mingle, and last but certainly not least, premium Brazilian java. The founder, Val, had been working in Ocean Beach cafes since 2002, when in 2016, she decided it was time to have her own place, an oasis that would specialize in quality espresso and coffee drinks, fresh juices, smoothies, and the famous acai bowl.
If you enjoyed this guide to the best Ocean Beach coffee shops, check out our list of the Top 20 Coffee Shops in San Diego!
I do not claim to own any of the images used in this article, unless otherwise noted, they are sourced from each business’s Facebook page, website, or Google account.