40 Best Cafes near San Marcos

“great smores and also a strawberry and nutella crepe today. great size. flavor on both. will be back for sure.“

“Tried this spot on a Saturday before driving down to SD. We got a chai latte and strawberry scone. Both were delicious. I am not big on scones, however, the nice young lady at the counter let me know they are made in house by the owner. No joke, had to be one of the BEST scones I’ve ever eaten. Wow! Ambiance is nice too. A must try cafe in San Marcos.“

“This place is so good. I wouldn't necessarily hang to work or study, but the drinks are the best. My favorite is the monster boba latte. It's an iced latte worth boba, then they drizzle brown sugar molasses down the sides. The windows are a bummer, you can hardly see out of them, but I'm a window cleaner so i notice these things.“

“Great food, reasonable prices 🤗“

“Hablan mi Idioma y el servicio es excelente y siempre esta muy limpio 🧼“

“Amazing customer service and the WiFi is fast! My coffee was out quick and was made perfect! The barista Sky was very helpful when it came to my questions about sugar free and healthy options. He took the time to care for me and answer all my questions. I will be coming back soon!“

“Best breakfast burritos ANYWHERE! great service! Accommodating! Great new bowls! Fantastic, high quality coffee and tea! Clean! Safe! Can order there, online, or through phone! Can eat inside, outside, pick up, or get curbside pick up service! They follow ALL CDC guidelines! I've been going there since they first opened. 👍👍👍👍👍😊“

“Thr best place to eat funtastic food. great service 👏 love“

“Every dish felt both thoughtful and indulgent — the kind of food that looks beautiful but also delivers on flavor.

We ordered the çılbır (Turkish eggs) and added the hanger steak, and honestly, it was perfection. The steak was grilled beautifully — juicy, tender, and right at medium rare — and it paired seamlessly with the soft-poached eggs. The herbed yogurt added this cool, tangy balance to the rich chili-garlic butter, and the torn herbs gave everything a bright, fresh lift. Every bite had that ideal mix of creamy, spicy, and savory. The toast was golden and crunchy, perfect for chasing down every bit of sauce.

Then came the torrija (Spanish-style French toast), and wow. It’s rich without being heavy — a thick-cut sourdough soaked in yuzu cheesecake custard, topped with pecans, pear, and candied ginger. The textures were layered beautifully: crisp edges, custardy center, bright citrus notes cutting through the sweetness. It’s one of those dishes that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening.

Manna feels like the kind of place where brunch becomes an experience — cozy, elevated, and genuinely creative. Every plate feels crafted with care, and it shows.

If you love brunch done thoughtfully, this is it.“

“I love the coffee here!! 🤤“

“Authentic and genuine staff. Friendly and welcoming. Guided us to new drinks that were the 💣!!“

“On my first visit I was greeted with an incredible smile and the willingness to get my straight matcha perfected even if she had to add more matcha or more water. On top of this amazing hospitality, I was treated to a beautiful message on my cup. 20 plus years at Starbucks and I have never got a heart. ❤️“

“If you’re looking for a local gem, this woman-owned café is it! Elissa, the owner, has created a French-inspired menu that’s both comforting and delicious. From fresh sandwiches and crisp salads to daily specials and baked goods, everything here is made with so much care and flavor. The empanadas are an absolute must-try (so good!).

What I love most is the variety—whether you’re in the mood for a deli-style favorite or something with a French twist, Elissa always has something incredible on the menu. It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch, a casual meeting, or just treating yourself to something fresh and homemade. If you live or work in the area, you definitely need to stop by—you’ll leave already planning your next visit.“

“Great coffee and convenient. Always pleasant staff. ☕️🌈“

“2025- it's been a while, So Needed this place ! Still in Love w/everything here! #2 Burrito 🌯

- Update! - Cards Accepted; Must Visit and Food is still incredible!!

$ Cash Only! -But SO Worth it! Everything's larger portioned & Delicious! !“

“The epitome of classic Encinitas! The food hits the spot every time—especially if you love a good diner meal. The staff are long-term, friendly, and familiar (I’ve enjoyed this place for 11 years and counting). I always love the art, decorations and environment. Encinitas Cafe is a regular spot for my family! I hope it never changes 🥰“

“My favorite food in the area! The chef and owner always gives such generous portions, and the staff are always super friendly. Big shout out to Junior for the great conversations. I usually go with a veggie burrito or veggie hash, incredible value, and portion size. They also make fresh juices that you can’t miss“

“Best food i have had in my life. Nice people and good service. I have ate there so many times and order diffrent things every time. Best café in all of rb“

“I love this place and the sweet people who work here! My favorite meal is the trifecta of a basil chicken wrap, naked salad, and the best carrot ginger soup ever! It’s not on the regular menu anymore, but can be requested as it’s still in their computer listing. The new back grass patio dining area beneath giant old pines is a hidden treasure that opened during CoVid.“

“Everyone there is so nice and helpful.“

“My friend and I have been here several times and for the most part like it. My only pick at is the potatoes either hash browns or home fries. Both of which are considered a breakfast staple. First, the hash browns… they are too soft and no flavor. Like they are boiled first. Not sure, but there’s a certain expectation with hash browns, like crispy on the outside and just done on the inside. Asking for extra crispy still doesn’t do it.
Okay, for the home fries, they are always usually precooked. That’s fine, but these are boiled not baked which makes them too watery… yes it’s a thing. And the pieces are way too big, not crispy at all and no flavor again. So eating them isn’t pleasant especially when having to use ketchup. In my opinion should never happen with a good home fry. All home fries should be fried with some oil, crispy on at least two sides and nicely bite sized with bell pepper and onion. The flavor bursts. I love potatoes and hope this post helps with making them better. Otherwise, we always loved the atmosphere, most of the food, and coffee is decent.“

“I love the vibe at Lofty. The coffee is great, food is delicious and the staff is very welcoming, helpful and professional! I frequently to the the one in Carlsbad, because I can charge my Tesla at the charging station, but also go to Encinitas at least twice a month as well! Lofty is my favorite coffee in N. County San Diego!“

“My order was wrong, so the young lady said she would remake it. She started to just dump some and use some of the original drink until she saw me watching, and then she remade it from scratch.

She then gave me a card good for a free drink, and I thought that was very nice until I realized that it had multiple footprints on the back. Now I'm just grossed out. 🤢“

“Everything I’ve tried has been delicious, filling, and healthful. Sometimes I grab a smoothie or coffee after working out so I don’t have to settle for overpriced fast food while I’m on the road. I order ahead and it’s always ready!“

“Absolutely the Best and most welcoming Coffee shop Ive enjoyed! To know that it's Mission oriented is so pleasing to the Lord♡! Great salads and of course coffee too!“

“North Coast Church Coffee House is one of the best. They serve the best coffees under the Lord’s name. The staff are always smiling, and cheerful. Thanks for a place to hang out, or have a bible study session.“

“First come, first serve. It’s a nice place. kind of tight to back into as you’ll be backing off of a small somewhat busy road. two docks, one truck unloading/loading at a time. fast crew though. you’ll be able to find parking on the side of the street, which is a nice plus.“

“Delicious healthy food. Coffee is amazing. Shelley’s homemade granola with cinnamon bark essential oil is to die for. The staff is always friendly and attentive. They always ask me how I liked everything. They really care about their customers!“

“Incredible folks out here at James. Really a locals-only gem in Escondido. Pastries can't be beat; the cortado gives me hope. ☕️🥐“

“"Cat & Craft - Cafe" good“

“April Cardenas is the skill behind the scenes/in the kitchen. 100% respect to her commitment to this long standing little gem of Leucadia. The personal touch she infuses in everything she does cannot be quantified in dollars nor words. And the beautiful women at the counter are professional and nice.“

“Milk Organics is the best place to eat healthy in Vista! Delicious açaí and pitaya bowls, vegan pastries, amazing sandwiches, awesome smoothies and superb homemade granola. I definitely recommend stopping by. The decor is super cool and the staff is friendly and kind!“

“I ordered the breakfast sandwich served on a pretzel croissant, and it was sublime! Eggs were cooked perfectly. The croissant just added an extra flavor profile I am hooked. This is a little hidden café, literally in front of the library entrance.“

“The owner, Isabelle, is friendly, helpful, and works very hard. I obviously love this bakery as I have been going for years. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is like being in a small town. I highly recommend going to Isabelle's often ❤“

“love ❤love.... only get out this way once a year but we have fallen in love w Encinitas and we come back here every time“

“Best local coffee! The lovely aroma of freshly roasted coffee is heavenly!“