The Forum Coffee House

Love Forum & their unique drinks + fresh pastries! One star lost as most of their syrups/fun drink mixes are whole milk and there aren’t dairy-free alternatives for them.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

What I liked was the location (close to everything, like discount tire and home depot), the funny names of drinks, good service, and they had cream in addition to half and half for my Americano. It was a little bit dark inside, and there were tables with people chatting, so this might be best for groups to study together (if able to tolerate the talking) or for solo workers who put on nice noise-cancelling headphones. Parking was not an issue in this location, but the turning and parking might be tight for some drivers.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is one of my favorite spots when I'm at work. Close to UCSD and a great variety. Dubai chocolate croissant is amazing. Tried a few different drinks here and they have all been delicious. Good spot to go.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

This place is great. I was between meetings and couldn’t have asked for more. Really good coffee, a great cookie, nice/accommodating staff, comfortable seating, GREAT music, easy parking and a clean bathroom. Will definitely be back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Favorite coffee place. Excellent coffee/tea. Interesting & delicious items to eat baked on site. Staff is friendly and helpful

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pastries

The KoKo was the best cold brew I've ever had! Nearly everything is made in house from syrups and milks/creams to the amazing looking pastries. We would have loved to try them all, but settled on a cardamom bun. An excellent choice!

It was very busy, which is not surprising. We will look forward to the next time we can travel to San Diego. We'll definitely visit again!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

GREAT TEAM
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Clean, fast, pleasant, and a total chill vibe. What more could you want from a coffee shop?

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I love the creativity of the drinks, and the quality! Very original and delicious. It makes it stand out amongst other coffee shops.
And special thanks to Angie who made my day! She was very sweet and helpful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really solid coffee

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Seriously ???

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

If you’re thinking of coming here for the matcha drinks, save yourself some time and money—don’t bother. I personally prefer my matcha on the richer side, so I was caught off guard when I realized they use water instead of milk for their matcha. That alone was already a big letdown. As a result, the matcha tasted super light and didn’t pair well with the ube cream foam I added, it just didn’t come together.

The staff experience was hit or miss. The space itself is quite large, which is a plus. If you’re coming for drinks other than matcha, it’s probably a better experience. I just wouldn’t recommend the matcha here.

That said, it’s a nice spot to study or get some work done, so I’d still consider coming back for the environment—just not for the matcha.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

I think it’s time for the forum to tear down a wall and expand their space. Or maybe even join forces with Feng Cha and take up a whole floor of the building and become a remote worker friendly mega coffee spot that also sells paninis or tacos.

This café is so so good!! I’ve tried the lavender latte and the BB code (banana bread cold brew, sounds weird but It’s delicious) and to be honest I’m struggling to try anything else because those two are both so great that I typically go back when I’m craving one of them. I’m lactose intolerant and there’s no way for them to make the BB code lactose free, but I will just pop to Lactaid and take the chance because it is one of the most unique drinks I’ve ever had and it’s exceptional!

A lot of people like to work and study from here so I would suggest getting there early if you need an outlet! Everyone is super friendly and the energy in there is really community oriented, so I feel comfortable asking people to watch my stuff as I went to the bathroom.

Was just told they are not offering food from the kitchen anymore. Not everyone goes just for pastries. The Rule 34 was always my go to. Would drive out of my way just to grab a coffee and decent bite to eat. Don’t know who made that decision. As far as place to sit, good luck. Mostly filled with people on laptops that stay forever. Coffee was okay. Staff friendly. Have to look for a new spot. Good luck Forum I see the writing on the wall. P.S. the tip screen shouldn’t be 20% and higher, and yes I know tipping is optional.