Super cute, tiny coffee shop next to a pottery studio. There are only a few tables inside, and there are two large picnic tables and a few little seating spots out front. The staff were so sweet and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julie
Their pizza - so good. And they make a very good cappuccino. No chocolate power on top like I prefer (Aussie style), but not many cafes in the area have this either.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Arielle Estoria
Our first time visiting Necessity and the vibes did not miss. The coffee was delightful and so was the service. The space is cute and tucked next to a beautiful pottery studio- the two coexist so seamlessly! It’s located in its own little cozy corner but worth the venture to such a treasure spot! Will definitely be back every time we’re in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Codd
The best coffee I had in San Diego by far.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Brendan Kenny
Latte was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hannah Trib
One of my favorite coffee shops in San Diego!! The owners are so friendly and are super passionate about what they do! Coffee is also amazing and crafted like cocktails! Best specialty coffee in San
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Abby Lindstrom
Parking: Sweet little cafe where they take their craft super seriously. Each drink on the menu is thoughtfully created. The owners are also the baristas and are extremely friendly. There are only a couple indoor seats and then a few picnic tables outside with umbrellas. It’s hidden away but definitely worth the trip. Support local coffee artisans!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul B
Hidden gem near Moonlight Beach. Although on the pricier end, it was well worth it. All of our beverages exceeded our expectations!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Geoff N.
This is precisely the kind of place I honestly love: out of the way, set in a pretty rough, almost rustic spot harkening back to an older coastal California. The employees are great and it is clearly a professional operation. It makes a wonderful contrast to some of the flashier spots along the 101. The inside of Necessity Coffee's small shop is handsome and inviting; the sitting area outside is basic and unpretentious. They roast their own beans, of which I always approve. I recently sat outside, reading a book (yes, an actual book) in the watery winter sunlight and enjoyed a well-crafted cortado. So why three stars? Basically, it was the coffee itself. While well made, it did not overly-impress. The flavor was reasonable and well-balanced, but there was no depth. It tasted thin and watery--something especially surprising as cortados are fairly concentrated and I also asked for whole milk. Will I be back? Definitely; I loved the spot and it may be that I just got the occasional "off" espresso drink. It happens. If that turns out to be the case, I will definitely revise my opinion and this review. I WANT Necessity Coffee to succeed. But right now, I can only go on what I experienced.
Charlie G.
This is a stand out, unique place with serious coffee. Delicious pour over, very tasty, and a charming spot. Love it.
Stop reading reviews and just go to Necessity Coffee! I have visited dozens of coffee shops and this is by far my favorite. The owners are truly passionate about their craft and love to connect with the customers. They host movie nights and community events so even if coffee isn't your thing, there's another way to hang out with friends. I highly recommend their specialty drinks and they rotate in new favorites.
Ebony H.
Best coffee in North county!! Co-fermentations are my fav, along with draft lattes. John and Curtis have done an incredible job. Grateful to have this gem in the neighborhood.
Jordan Baroody
Best coffee spot in Encinitas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nichola Linamen
Loved our first time at Necessity! Super friendly staff and really great coffee. We loved the attention to detail, like the beautiful ceramics and description cards that is served with coffee. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
lori s.
Great coffee and the friendliest service! Love the Mexican flavored syrup in an iced latte (Pilloncilo?). Really cute space also.
Super cute, tiny coffee shop next to a pottery studio. There are only a few tables inside, and there are two large picnic tables and a few little seating spots out front. The staff were so sweet and friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Their pizza - so good. And they make a very good cappuccino. No chocolate power on top like I prefer (Aussie style), but not many cafes in the area have this either.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our first time visiting Necessity and the vibes did not miss. The coffee was delightful and so was the service. The space is cute and tucked next to a beautiful pottery studio- the two coexist so seamlessly! It’s located in its own little cozy corner but worth the venture to such a treasure spot! Will definitely be back every time we’re in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best coffee I had in San Diego by far.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Latte was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of my favorite coffee shops in San Diego!! The owners are so friendly and are super passionate about what they do! Coffee is also amazing and crafted like cocktails! Best specialty coffee in San
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Parking: Sweet little cafe where they take their craft super seriously. Each drink on the menu is thoughtfully created. The owners are also the baristas and are extremely friendly. There are only a couple indoor seats and then a few picnic tables outside with umbrellas. It’s hidden away but definitely worth the trip. Support local coffee artisans!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hidden gem near Moonlight Beach. Although on the pricier end, it was well worth it. All of our beverages exceeded our expectations!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is precisely the kind of place I honestly love: out of the way, set in a pretty rough, almost rustic spot harkening back to an older coastal California. The employees are great and it is clearly a professional operation. It makes a wonderful contrast to some of the flashier spots along the 101. The inside of Necessity Coffee's small shop is handsome and inviting; the sitting area outside is basic and unpretentious. They roast their own beans, of which I always approve. I recently sat outside, reading a book (yes, an actual book) in the watery winter sunlight and enjoyed a well-crafted cortado. So why three stars? Basically, it was the coffee itself. While well made, it did not overly-impress. The flavor was reasonable and well-balanced, but there was no depth. It tasted thin and watery--something especially surprising as cortados are fairly concentrated and I also asked for whole milk. Will I be back? Definitely; I loved the spot and it may be that I just got the occasional "off" espresso drink. It happens. If that turns out to be the case, I will definitely revise my opinion and this review. I WANT Necessity Coffee to succeed. But right now, I can only go on what I experienced.
This is a stand out, unique place with serious coffee. Delicious pour over, very tasty, and a charming spot. Love it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Stop reading reviews and just go to Necessity Coffee! I have visited dozens of coffee shops and this is by far my favorite. The owners are truly passionate about their craft and love to connect with the customers. They host movie nights and community events so even if coffee isn't your thing, there's another way to hang out with friends. I highly recommend their specialty drinks and they rotate in new favorites.
Best coffee in North county!! Co-fermentations are my fav, along with draft lattes. John and Curtis have done an incredible job. Grateful to have this gem in the neighborhood.
Best coffee spot in Encinitas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved our first time at Necessity! Super friendly staff and really great coffee. We loved the attention to detail, like the beautiful ceramics and description cards that is served with coffee. We will definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great coffee and the friendliest service! Love the Mexican flavored syrup in an iced latte (Pilloncilo?). Really cute space also.