50 Best Cafes near Imperial Beach

“I am new to IB and am just so impressed with Katy's Cafe! They are busy (so you know they're good!), but they get your order out quick. The staff is friendly, inviting and accommodating! I had my dog and daughter and they could obviously tell that I had my hands full and brought my order outside to me without me even asking. I have definitely found my go to local coffee shop!“

“Today we received wonderful service and comforting food. I’ll be honest I didn’t come with the highest expectations due to some of the reviews but I’m so happy we gave it a chance. Kind service and friendly smiles. Our lattes were made perfectly, really meshed well with the outdoor vibe. We had the chilaquiles and hot chicken Benedict’s. Very good if I had to make a suggestion just a pinch of salt but nothing major. Overall very happy with everything. I would say if you come starving, then just be aware food is made to order and fresh so it does take a little bit which is normal. Also just 2 people serving perhaps because it wasn’t as busy but on a busy day they may have more help. Regardless I highly recommend it, you won’t regret it. Thank you for giving us a pleasant experience.“

“Ana at Trident Coffee is incredible! She greeted me with a warm smile and expertly recommended the perfect drink based on my preferences.
Her friendly and enthusiastic attitude truly elevated my experience—Trident is lucky to have her!“

“Cannot wait to go back and enjoy the the food, excellent service and ambience of this restaurant. We often each brunch here and their chef events are amazing! I savor every bite 🤤“

“Great food, fun and quirky vibe.“

“Charming atmosphere and wonderful tasting as well as beautiful dessert s.“

“Highly recommend- tell them it's your first and you get the tour of the menu and art. Great prices, food, drinks and outstanding service. See you there.“

“I’m a local customer for over 25 years. I love this place every thing is well prepare with love. The owners are always happy to see the customers! One of my favorite is the Mexican Mocha, the breakfast sandwich. To say the least everything on the menu is excellent. I’ve rather support this small family coffee shop, then Starbucks. Thank you so much for caring for you’re customers and the great food. Many Blessings!“

“The best food! The best steaks, drinks and deserts and popovers! The staff at every level is friendly, helpful and professional. The ambiance is amazing. The place feels classy, but not intimidating or unwelcoming. Chef Deborah knows what she is doing with this successful restaurant. I hope you are always here to come back to!“

“la nieve muy deliciosa(Gelato) matcha late no esta muy concentrado como ami me gusta, el pan que venden muy rico, la chicas que atienden muy amables, pero sobre todo una vista maravillosa... P.D. precios accesibles.“

“Always great service and delicious food prepared fresh. Family atmosphere and worth the wait.“

“The best lemon berry tea ever!“

“Great space! Loved the food and the service and the whole ambiance of this shop💕“

“I have walked my dogs past this cute cafe more times than I can count and we finally made it over for breakfast this morning. So happy we did - wish we had done it sooner. It’s a small cafe with (as I counted) 7 tables and six counter seats inside and another 7 tables outside. We were fortunate there was no wait for a table inside. Atmosphere feels a bit crowded because you are right on top of the next table over but that’s more a space issue and trying to fit more tables in than anything else. If you don’t like others hearing your conversation this isn’t the place for you. That being said the service was fantastic and the food was scrumptious. We had the Biscuits and Gravy and it was probably the best I’ve had in San Diego. Tastefully peppery and plenty of gravy for the dish. It also comes with potatoes covered in gravy which I’ve never really experienced before but were good. I might ask them to skip the potatoes and give another biscuit or two next time as the potatoes seemed heavier than the fluffy biscuits. We also ordered the Breakfast Burrito covered in “Mexican Sauce” (read red Enchilada Sauce) and served with retried beans. My partner loved this dish and I had a taste and concurred it was tasty. It has green chiles inside which are mild. My partner is super picky about anything claiming to be Mexican so the fact it was a positive review on that is saying something. Couple other menu items we are interested in trying next time are the Waffle with Fresh Strawberries and the Stuffed Banana Peanut Butter French Toast. We saw both dishes coming out to other tables and they looked delicious.“

“Love the coffee shop! Perfect lattes with our giant cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting. Excellent employees! Atmosphere is adorable. Highly recommend 10/10!!“

“Amazing cultural events. Ongoing. Something for everybody: music, dance, celebration.“

“Great customer service great food Great coffee Highly recommended“

“Best coffee in San Diego!!!! ☕️✨“

“Nice place to relax and chill away from the house“

“highly recommend this place! AMAZING coffee, DELICIOUS acid bowls and incredible breakfast croissants. The owner is awesome and the staff is incredibly friendly. I will definitely be returning (:“

“Always a fun visit. Every location has been great.“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

“Audrey was the best! We came from Maine and short notice we were able to get a dozen cupcakes ordered for pickup with 2 days notice. They were fantastic and gone quickly!! Thank you again!!“

“I got the soy chorizo burrito with breakfast potatoes and a mimosa. There's some other veggie options like a veg omelette, a wrap, chilaquiles, impossible burger, and some other things. Coffee and drink selection looks good. There's a nice little patio outside I sat in. There's a few 1 hr reserved spots in the parking garage for this place. Definitely a nice morning treat for myself.

Parking: There's some 1hr reserved spots in the parking garage.“

“was able to get my MexiMocha fix Tuesday. so good to see Jen and her dad. She makes the BEST MexiMocha 😋“

“Good coffee. Cute shop. Barista's were friendly.“

“Great and friendly service and nice new iced coffee option.“

“The best sandwiches and flavors!“

“i frequent Lollicup for the Boba which is an option for any drink on their menu- hot, warm, or cold. The menu covers the usual flavored drink combos with just as many unique signature flavored drinks. Of course, like the Boba you have the option to get a traditional iced tea or hot cocoa But Why?? Lollicup also serves Slushies, Smoothies, Milkshakes, Snow, Dairy & Non-Dairy just ask the staff are always friendly and know their drink ??. Been here for 10+ years and Lollicup does not disappoint/hits the brain-freezing/warm-soothing spot Everytime.“

“Hidden health Cafe/Coffee bar on third avenue. They open at 5:30am Mon-Fri! Great way to start your day. They have a variety of smoothies/coffee flavors and treats. Staff is very nice. I wanted to tip on the pinpad..but could not? Cash only. I hope the owner changes it soon. Recomend coffee heads to try it out muscle heads! ? and every1 in between“

“Very authentic-feeling Italian cafe experience. Staff is very friendly, but both times I've been, they seemed understaffed and we had extremely long wait times for food/coffee.

No dogs inside, but they are more than happy to accommodate them in outdoor seating.“

“Great coffee shop, comfortable and delicious coffee. there is a girl who works there cute short with tattoos with great attitude and perfect smile who always make your morning better. Come with my dog and always happy with her terrific vibe“

“recommendation from a friend. tried some Gelato, delicious.“

“Very friendly staff, quick service, and excellent coffee! Do yourself a favor and stop by this place.“

“Great little hidden cafe! Located on the 4th floor inside the civic center (must enter building). Tucked away in the back as you enter the 4th floor. Very decently priced food (best priced food I could find on Google maps for breakfast/lunch in the area) and nice options!“

“We ordered the hamburger and spicy chicken sandwich. Honestly the best tasting meal we'd had in the 5 days we spend in San Diego. The homemade chips were the best I'd ever had. Also the price was very reasonable. We had spent double the money at a cold meal at Roy's and after having this meal our last night there, we wish we'd eaten as the Marina Kitchen more than once. Our server was pleasant and attentive as well.“

“Best Cold Brew coffee! Baked items and burritos! Never disappointed.“

“So delicious, sometimes I’m almost done with my🥤☕️ before I take a picture🤦🏻‍♀️ AND the pastries 🍩🥐 The donuts are yummy but don’t even get me started on the 🤤battery🤤croissants🤤👍🏼👍🏼.“

“Quiet Cafe to meet with ppl or study! Variety of Drinks: teas, milkshakes, espresso bar, milk teas, slushies, blended lattes, ...3 sandwiches. What this place is known for is the pastries! UBE EVERYTHING! Halo Halo as well! Obsessed over the ube truffle and Ube Butter Bar!

Dietary restrictions: Contains egg, milk, nuts, shell fish, etc“

“Juan Jasper’s Wine Bistro - A Golden Hill Treasure

Don’t let the simple “wine bar and restaurant” description fool you - Juan Jasper’s is the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars before they’ve finished their first glass of wine. Tucked away in Golden Hill, this cozy spot has mastered what so many other places try to manufacture: genuine community.

Let’s talk about the food, because it deserves the spotlight. They serve what might just be the best fries in San Diego - no small claim in a city full of great food. Their burger? It’s a standout served with bordelais. The menu changes regularly, offering a thoughtful selection of global classics that pair perfectly with their wine selection.

Speaking of wine, Juan Jasper’s maintains an impressive and ever-rotating selection of wines from around the world. Whether you’re staying to enjoy a glass (or bottle) with your meal or picking something up to take home, their knowledgeable staff will help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

But what truly sets this place apart is the atmosphere. Walk in and you’ll likely be greeted with a hug rather than a formal hello. Regulars welcome newcomers like old friends, making introductions all around. It’s the kind of place where solo diners end up joining other tables, where conversations flow freely between strangers, and where everyone seems to be having a wonderful time together—even former strangers.

This isn’t a pretentious wine bar or an exclusive club - it’s a neighborhood gem where great food, excellent wine, and genuine hospitality come together to create something magical. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot in San Diego, Juan Jasper’s should be at the top of your list.“

“Market One, inside the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel
Photos tell it all. Day 1. Needed a breakfast option. The sausage sandwich ($14) came with 2 eggs and 2 sausage patties. $5 for small bottle of Gatorade, $7 for a “tall” 20oz cup of regular coffee. Eight variations for your coffee creamer. A tasty sandwich and filling. A variety of options for food. See menu photos. Seems to be the going rate for food prices. Quality of the food was good, helpful and friendly staff.
Day 2, did the lunch, grilled chicken ($18) and not knowing in advance the proportion size, got a prepared Caesar salad ($16). One of these alone would have filled me up. Again, like the day before, excellent food friendly helpful staff.
Clean establishment, professional service, helpful, friendly. Prices seem to be the going rate in California somewhere between $15-$25 for anything. Will be back next year.“

“I love that the workers are so nice and friendly and the food is delicious 😀

Dietary restrictions: Love how they make the wafers healthy

Kid-friendliness: That they have the Burritos and the kid friendly drinks“

“Great food and fun with 2 Daughters and 1 Granddaughter.“

“Kids meals are super cute. The "spaceadilla" (rocket ship shaped quesadilla) was especially good and plenty of food for a kid. My husband and I got sandwiches and they were both good, especially the chicken one with pesto. Healthy and yummy and decently priced. Also, the guy who took our orders was super helpful and great with kids and patient with us switching around the order a little.

(We were on vacation and came to the New Children's museum and stayed longer than we expected and did lunch. If I were coming again as a tourist, I would plan on eating here. If I were a local museum member, I'd bring my own food some of the time, but occasionally eat here for fun when staying longer).

Kids meals cost around $7 and adult meals around $12“

“Great place and wonderful staff. Unfortunately it's for military only. If you or somebody you know can get on base I highly recommend a visit. Food is very good and the staff is very polite and friendly. Maybe a bit pricey for some things but the visit is worth it.“

“good hospitality and service an the prices are reasonable an the food is very good an the place is nice an clean , really like an enjoy eating their , may God bless them an their families 😎“

“Best coffee in San Diego!“