44 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.“

“Really cool and unique coffee! I went in and just asked the barista to give me two coffees he recommended and it did not disappoint! We got the black nitro cold brew and the honey lavender and both were delicious! Also got a donut and it was also great. The barista was so friendly! I would totally make this my go to coffee spot when we visit Coronado.“

“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!“

“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 (:“

“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.“

“Great food, fun and quirky vibe.“

“You can't beat the view if you can secure a window seat. Waiting here at the restaraunt is not hard as there is plenty to see as you walk around. Food was good. View was better. I wouldn't hesitate eating here for a great experience.“

“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!!“

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

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

“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 🤤“

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

“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.“

“Great customer service great food Great coffee Highly recommended“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

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

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

“The chillest Grill and Cafe. The food is fresh, crispy soft chibatta bread, Chai tea latte is perfect and the Berry smoothie is flavorful. Definitely will come back. The atmosphere is blend of city and home style. The staff is very helpful and attentive.“

“amazing! I had their burger which was great! and their coconut shrimp on salad. which both were amazing! the salad dressing was so good. everything must be home made.“

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

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

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

“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!“

“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.“

“I hate this place. Coffee way too perfect, the toast tastes like spring, and even the wallpaper looks like it could solve my problems. A flower basically tried to give me life advice. The kindest service by SUPER models. Please, stay away so I can keep this hidden gem to myself.“

“Best coffee in San Diego!!!! ☕️✨“

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

“Papaleco is a true gem in the neighborhood! Their gelato is absolutely amazing — so creamy, flavorful, and authentic. You can really taste the quality in every scoop.

All of their paninis are perfect, with the freshest ingredients and just the right balance of flavors. I’ve also tried their toasted sandwiches, and they are just as delicious — warm, crispy, and satisfying.

The place has such a charming, local vibe. It’s the kind of spot that makes the whole neighborhood feel cozy and welcoming. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick treat or sitting down for a bite, Papaleco never disappoints.

Highly recommend if you’re in the area — it’s one of those places you’ll want to come back to again and again!“

“Omar is not only a coffee wizard, he is a pillar of the community. He has always been kind and caring when we’ve crossed paths at nonprofit events and boy does he know how to craft specialty drinks. Unique flavors, good vibes, and now a brick and mortar shop!

This is the spot. Go support an amazing local business!“

“The best sandwiches and flavors!“

“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.“

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

“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🤤👍🏼👍🏼.“

“I really like the protein shakes and the food. They have all your macros spelled out for you so you know what you're getting out of every bite or sip. I'm just not super keen on the service. They often forget to check if you get a discount, stamp your card, and don't welcome you in. It's a quick stop shop. You don't really hang out there so it's fine.“

“Absolutely loved my visit! 🥑 The avocado toast was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared! The staff were so warm and friendly. And as a dog lover, I really appreciated how dog-friendly the place was! ❤️ Ssuch a welcoming vibe for both people and pups. Definitely coming back!“

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

“FABULOUS ALL THE WAY AROUND!!“

“my husband had a back issue that would make him for over 5 years hurt tremendously. Dr/ Lcdr Lawless did a laminectomy, a minimal invasive procedure surgery. After 2 weeks my husband started noticing 50% reduction on back pain, and after 1 month he has made 80% recovery and pain is minimal now. Dr./Lcdr Lawless patiently answered all of our 100 questions and was very thorough Thank you Dr. Lawless for blessing us with such carefully scheduled laminectomy. My husband is enjoying life again with very minimal manageable pain. God bless you dr./ Cdr Lawless, M.“

“The desserts are out of this world!! The ube crack cheesecake is a favorite!!! They ran out of pastrami and cheese the day we went for a sandwich, but we still enjoyed our visit. Customer service was great!!! A nice friendly place!!! Parking availability was fine.“

“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.“

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