Arrived at 7:57 am. Door locked. Stood outside with delivery person. Once the delivery person was let in I still was not welco.ed in. Left. Idiots.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
T V.
I'm disappointed to write this review. My wife and I prefer spending our money at local coffee shops, as opposed to big ones like Starbucks, so we have frequented this spot over the past few years since we moved here. It's been a bonus that we live up the street. The ambience is cute. The service has never been very friendly but we've over looked that because until recently we have always enjoyed their coffees. Over a month ago, Light Bulb let us down for the first time. Both of our coffees tasted so bad, they were undrinkable. That day I called multiple times but the phone just kept ringing and never even went to voicemail. Had it done so, I would've left a message. Since we were busy all day prepping for a trip, we didn't go back in-person that day and decided to toss out our drinks and call it a loss. Then, a week ago we decided to give Light Bulb another chance, hoping our previous experience was just a fluke. This time we ordered the Vietnamese coffee and a hot Turkish hazelnut via their online system. The system said it'd be ready in 5 minutes so I thought it'd be ready when I arrived 15 minutes later. It wasn't busy inside but it took over 10 minutes to be acknowledged and to receive my order. I tasted my drink when I got back into the car and it tasted fine. After we left, I realized that was only because the sweetness was on the bottom and had not been mixed in yet. Once I had enough room to stir, I mixed and it tasted like very stale coffee beans were used. I was bummed my coffee was bad a second time but didn't want to deal with the frustration of calling Light Bulb again, only for me to not get through. Plus, I needed the caffeine so I plugged my nose and drank fast. My wife didn't taste hers immediately because it was too hot. When she finally did, she said it had a very offputting chemical taste and the viscosity was unusually thick and foamy. She couldn't bring herself to drink it. Upset her drink was also undrinkable for a second time, she decided to forego the frustration of calling with no answer. However, since it was so late when we got home, she made the decision to take the full drink back the next day. The following day, she took the drink in and asked if she could exchange it for something different. The barista said her manager wouldn't allow her to since it wasn't from the same day. My wife explained the situation about how this was the second visit we were not satisfied with our drinks but just wanted this one, single coffee to be exchanged for something else. The barista said her manager wouldn't allow giving her a free drink. Realizing the barista didn't have the ability to help her, my wife gave the barista her contact information to relay to the manager hoping she could discuss it them. The barista assured her the manager would call that day. A week has gone by and the manager hasn't reached out to my wife. I really hoped the manager would've made things right for us so we could continue supporting them. We're beyond sad we can't refer to Light Bulb as our favorite coffee spot anymore.
Mustapha Mohamed
I like this coffee shop! High quality taste (always a good Turkish coffee ), lots of food options and even for bakery, nice decor, and most importantly great vibes. :) The staff are friendly and remember you & your orders, plus they are easy to communicate with & work fast. Definitely swing by if you’re visiting La Mesa…
I like this coffee shop! High quality taste (always a good Turkish coffee and another great drinks), lots of food options and even for bakery, nice decor and most importantly great vibes. :) The staff are friendly and remember you & your orders, plus they are easy to communicate with & work fast. Definitely swing by if you're visiting La Mesa...
Anna K
The coffee shop itself is cute but service here is bizarre. I also asked the workers and apparently the 4 parakeets never leave the cage. When I told them that that's really sad, they looked at me like I was crazy (they were all teens, though). Come on, kids. Parakeets need room to exercise and spread their wings on account of their BIRDS.Another strange experience was when I went to use the bathroom 5 minutes before the place closed and saw that there was a sign blocking one of the restroom. I asked the young male worker if the bathrooms are closed and he said yes, and a girl cleaning the other restroom said that yes they are closed because she just finished cleaning them. What?! Your coffee shop isn’t even officially closed yet and you’re not letting customers use the restroom so you can bolt out the door? That’s so messed up. I made this point and she raised her arms and said fine and let me in. We spent $25 on two coffees and a cookie and you’re telling me I can’t even use the bathroom? How bizarre ?.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Natasha Anne Cabilin
Cute café but they have a huge bird cage close to the coffee prep station. I saw feathers flowing around that area as I waited for my coffee. It's a nice addition to the shop but it should be moved away from the food/drink prep station. Not sure if I want to come back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
Derek L.
I stopped here for a work afternoon and it was PERFECT! I got a Turkish Hazelnut latte which was fantastic but there are tons of other coffee and even non coffee options. So overall, fantastic menu. They have baked goods as well as a variety of food options if you want something more. The setup is awesome, there are big tables for groups, small tables for one/two, as well as some nice outdoor seating. Very spacious so it doesn't feel crowded even when there are lots of people there. WiFi was also fantastic and reliable so great place to work or study. Overall would absolutely recommend a visit for a quick coffee, or a study and work day!
Cherie P.
Came here to do some reading. Ordered a latte: delicious. Settled in with my book. Comfortable vibe. Will come back.
Missbecky T.
Too pricey for drinks and pastries. I can get more for way less at my local eateries.
Cindy W.
First time here to pick up a Too good to go order here and was unimpressed. Although the staff was friendly, they hadn't a clue about this app order. Normally at other businesses they give you a nice bag filled with goodies, I was only able to pick one item. Poor service and the manager should be up to date on things such as this.
Latte taste is average however the place is very cozy and nicely designed with books and very unique art. Service is fast and everyone is welcoming.
Hannah E.
Great place to grab a coffee or snack and get some work done. Will definitely be back.
Alicia Aguayo
This coffee shop has a lovely ambience and is a good place to sit and study or work for a while. The wifi works well and there are some electrical outlets. I would like to see them add some vegan options to their menu. I ordered avo and hummus toast without the cheese, which was good, but it would be nice to have more options. Also, points docked for charging extra for non-dairy milks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
James S.
Very expensive now! $6.50 for pastry and no sign for cost. All drinks $6.50 and up. I like to support local business but don't like the increase.
Eva G.
I like their app. I didn't realize I've been there enough times to claim a reward. What a treat!! Ordered my favorite coffee .. Turkish Hazelnut -special beans with cardamom flavor. I also tried today their *Turkey Pesto Panini- turkey breast, provolone cheese, pesto, mayo, and roasted red peppers served on focaccia bread The reason why I enjoy the coffee is that I like the creaminess and flavor of it. I was a bit disappointed with the sandwich .It is a good sandwich but it's way too much bread. I feel it could have been so much better if they had used a panini press or toasted the bread to give it a little more depth. (The bread was NOT toasted )
Arrived at 7:57 am. Door locked. Stood outside with delivery person. Once the delivery person was let in I still was not welco.ed in. Left. Idiots.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I'm disappointed to write this review. My wife and I prefer spending our money at local coffee shops, as opposed to big ones like Starbucks, so we have frequented this spot over the past few years since we moved here. It's been a bonus that we live up the street. The ambience is cute. The service has never been very friendly but we've over looked that because until recently we have always enjoyed their coffees. Over a month ago, Light Bulb let us down for the first time. Both of our coffees tasted so bad, they were undrinkable. That day I called multiple times but the phone just kept ringing and never even went to voicemail. Had it done so, I would've left a message. Since we were busy all day prepping for a trip, we didn't go back in-person that day and decided to toss out our drinks and call it a loss. Then, a week ago we decided to give Light Bulb another chance, hoping our previous experience was just a fluke. This time we ordered the Vietnamese coffee and a hot Turkish hazelnut via their online system. The system said it'd be ready in 5 minutes so I thought it'd be ready when I arrived 15 minutes later. It wasn't busy inside but it took over 10 minutes to be acknowledged and to receive my order. I tasted my drink when I got back into the car and it tasted fine. After we left, I realized that was only because the sweetness was on the bottom and had not been mixed in yet. Once I had enough room to stir, I mixed and it tasted like very stale coffee beans were used. I was bummed my coffee was bad a second time but didn't want to deal with the frustration of calling Light Bulb again, only for me to not get through. Plus, I needed the caffeine so I plugged my nose and drank fast. My wife didn't taste hers immediately because it was too hot. When she finally did, she said it had a very offputting chemical taste and the viscosity was unusually thick and foamy. She couldn't bring herself to drink it. Upset her drink was also undrinkable for a second time, she decided to forego the frustration of calling with no answer. However, since it was so late when we got home, she made the decision to take the full drink back the next day. The following day, she took the drink in and asked if she could exchange it for something different. The barista said her manager wouldn't allow her to since it wasn't from the same day. My wife explained the situation about how this was the second visit we were not satisfied with our drinks but just wanted this one, single coffee to be exchanged for something else. The barista said her manager wouldn't allow giving her a free drink. Realizing the barista didn't have the ability to help her, my wife gave the barista her contact information to relay to the manager hoping she could discuss it them. The barista assured her the manager would call that day. A week has gone by and the manager hasn't reached out to my wife. I really hoped the manager would've made things right for us so we could continue supporting them. We're beyond sad we can't refer to Light Bulb as our favorite coffee spot anymore.
I like this coffee shop! High quality taste (always a good Turkish coffee ), lots of food options and even for bakery, nice decor, and most importantly great vibes. :) The staff are friendly and remember you & your orders, plus they are easy to communicate with & work fast. Definitely swing by if you’re visiting La Mesa…
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Turkish Hazelnut, Turkey Pesto Panini, Sandwich, Pitcraft Turkey Sandwich, Lox Bagel, Pistachio Croissant, Pastries
I like this coffee shop! High quality taste (always a good Turkish coffee and another great drinks), lots of food options and even for bakery, nice decor and most importantly great vibes. :) The staff are friendly and remember you & your orders, plus they are easy to communicate with & work fast. Definitely swing by if you're visiting La Mesa...
The coffee shop itself is cute but service here is bizarre. I also asked the workers and apparently the 4 parakeets never leave the cage. When I told them that that's really sad, they looked at me like I was crazy (they were all teens, though). Come on, kids. Parakeets need room to exercise and spread their wings on account of their BIRDS.Another strange experience was when I went to use the bathroom 5 minutes before the place closed and saw that there was a sign blocking one of the restroom. I asked the young male worker if the bathrooms are closed and he said yes, and a girl cleaning the other restroom said that yes they are closed because she just finished cleaning them. What?! Your coffee shop isn’t even officially closed yet and you’re not letting customers use the restroom so you can bolt out the door? That’s so messed up. I made this point and she raised her arms and said fine and let me in. We spent $25 on two coffees and a cookie and you’re telling me I can’t even use the bathroom? How bizarre ?.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Cute café but they have a huge bird cage close to the coffee prep station. I saw feathers flowing around that area as I waited for my coffee. It's a nice addition to the shop but it should be moved away from the food/drink prep station. Not sure if I want to come back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 4
I stopped here for a work afternoon and it was PERFECT! I got a Turkish Hazelnut latte which was fantastic but there are tons of other coffee and even non coffee options. So overall, fantastic menu. They have baked goods as well as a variety of food options if you want something more. The setup is awesome, there are big tables for groups, small tables for one/two, as well as some nice outdoor seating. Very spacious so it doesn't feel crowded even when there are lots of people there. WiFi was also fantastic and reliable so great place to work or study. Overall would absolutely recommend a visit for a quick coffee, or a study and work day!
Came here to do some reading. Ordered a latte: delicious. Settled in with my book. Comfortable vibe. Will come back.
Too pricey for drinks and pastries. I can get more for way less at my local eateries.
First time here to pick up a Too good to go order here and was unimpressed. Although the staff was friendly, they hadn't a clue about this app order. Normally at other businesses they give you a nice bag filled with goodies, I was only able to pick one item. Poor service and the manager should be up to date on things such as this.
Restaurantji Recommends
Latte taste is average however the place is very cozy and nicely designed with books and very unique art. Service is fast and everyone is welcoming.
Great place to grab a coffee or snack and get some work done. Will definitely be back.
This coffee shop has a lovely ambience and is a good place to sit and study or work for a while. The wifi works well and there are some electrical outlets. I would like to see them add some vegan options to their menu. I ordered avo and hummus toast without the cheese, which was good, but it would be nice to have more options. Also, points docked for charging extra for non-dairy milks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Very expensive now! $6.50 for pastry and no sign for cost. All drinks $6.50 and up. I like to support local business but don't like the increase.
I like their app. I didn't realize I've been there enough times to claim a reward. What a treat!! Ordered my favorite coffee .. Turkish Hazelnut -special beans with cardamom flavor. I also tried today their *Turkey Pesto Panini- turkey breast, provolone cheese, pesto, mayo, and roasted red peppers served on focaccia bread The reason why I enjoy the coffee is that I like the creaminess and flavor of it. I was a bit disappointed with the sandwich .It is a good sandwich but it's way too much bread. I feel it could have been so much better if they had used a panini press or toasted the bread to give it a little more depth. (The bread was NOT toasted )