45 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.“

“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 🤤“

“Randomly went into this hidden gem while visiting the island. Said I was looking for cold brew and Adrian recommended one incredibly delicious that ruined other cold brews for me. It was so smooth and had such good flavor right out of the tap. Don't know the name but it was a dark version. Wish I had access to this place where I live.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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!!“

“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 (:“

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

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

“Great customer service great food Great coffee Highly recommended“

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

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

“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 😋“

“Love the bakery and matcha latte!“

“The best sandwiches and flavors!“

“Best coffee in San Diego!!!! ☕️✨“

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

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“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“

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

“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!“

“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!“

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

“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🤤👍🏼👍🏼.“

“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.“

“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.“

“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“

“FABULOUS ALL THE WAY AROUND!!“

“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.“

“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“

“I was in town for the 2025 NAFSA conference and stayed at the Marriott Marquis. On my last night I made a reservation here and was not disappointed. Food and service was delicious. My family and I all had the short rib ragu, which we definitely recommend!“