Located at the Irvine Spectrum, the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine is a small spot with  Hello Kitty merchandise, handmade hot and iced beverages, cakes, donuts, other sweet treats, and seasonal goodies.

The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe offers merch like t-shirts, tote bags, pins, keychains, and more. It's quite small, and there is a queue to order food. There is no indoor seating. Reservations are required for the Bow Room afternoon tea with seating. There are tables and chairs outside for mall patrons to use. The treats are packaged in Hello Kitty boxes or packaging for you to take with you.

* This post may contain affiliate links.

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe interior

Drinks and Treats

You can expect mini donuts like cinnamon sugar, rainbow, and cookies and cream. Desserts are limited in quantity. The Hello Kitty Cafe has birthday cake, strawberry cake, chocolate cake, mama's apple pie, mixed berry pocket pie, macaron set, freshly baked cookies, and other sweets. They also have the seasonal strawberry tart, blueberry pocket pie, and rainbow mini donuts.

If you want something cold, they have pineapple and vanilla Dole soft serve. The Hello Kitty Cafe has iced drinks like teas (green or black), lemonades, blended drinks, espresso drinks, and strawberry milk. Even if you don't go for the tea service, you can still make a quick stop to soothe your sweet tooth. Get a couple of little cakes or donuts before you leave the Irvine Spectrum.

Supercute menu at Hello Kitty Cafe

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine Address

Located at the Irvine Spectrum at 860 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, California 92618. It's near the Giant Wheel Court. Park for free at the mall and then walk to the store. Depending on the day and time you arrive, parking might be hard to find, so I recommend just going to the parking structure. There's a lot more parking there. 

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine sign

Hello Kitty Cafe Irvine Hours

Monday - Thursday 10 am - 9 pm 

Friday - Sunday 10 am-10 pm 

Afternoon Tea Hours

Wednesday - Friday 11 am - 2:30 pm (last seating) 

Saturday & Sunday 10 am - 3:30 pm (last seating) 

Afternoon tea at the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe starts at $60 per person. The expanded menu has savory foods like the pesto tart, salmon croissant, and cucumber sandwich with dill cream cheese served on milk bread. It also serves sweet options like strawberries and cocoa cream, seasonal scone, Hello Kitty mini cake, and more. This is a cute spot to come with a Hello Kitty-loving friend for a fun afternoon tea service and a sweet experience. 

Cocktail Service 

Wednesday - Saturday 5 pm - 9:30 pm (last seating)

Hello Kitty Grand Cafe also has a cocktail menu featuring items like the Kitty Colada with rum, pineapple soft serve, and coconut or the Bee Kind with gin, vermouth, lemon, lavender honey, and ginger.

Bow Room at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe Irvine

Bow Room

The Hello Kitty Cafe's chic pink Bow Room has a bar area, tables, and chairs. This is a separate space inside of the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe where you can dine with a reservation.

You should check out the Hello Kitty Grand Cafe at the Irvine Spectrum if you or someone you know is a Helloy Kitty fan. Making reservations to experience the afternoon tea service and ensure its availability. It is something kids will never forget for a birthday celebration or special occasion. You can also pick up Hello Kitty Cafe merchandise if you want to take a souvenir home that you can wear.

Take videos and enjoy the moment.

Oceanside Harbor Village has delicious waterfront dining, fresh seafood, and incredible views. It's the perfect spot for you and your family to have a fun experience in the sun. Oceanside is a beach town in North County San Diego, California with a range of shops, waterfront restaurants, and breweries. Whether you're in the mood for spicy salsa and delicious Mexican cuisine or fish and chips, the Oceanside Harbor restaurants have great food options for your tastebuds.

Oceanside Harbor Village - 280 Harbor Dr S, Oceanside, CA 92054

It's located near cities such as Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, and San Marcos. Oceanside Harbor Village is a cool local spot. You'll find rows and rows of sailboats docked. You'll see people strolling leisurely or grabbing a bite of fish tacos or fresh seafood at one of the Oceanside Harbor restaurants. Oceanside Harbor Village is a buzzing location to spend the afternoon. Forget bringing a snack, eat at one of the local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner instead.

Parking

There is free parking as well as paid parking in the area. It depends on how close you want to be and if you are good to walk a bit. While you're in town you can visit Oceanside Pier. Click here to read all about Oceanside Pier -  nearby restaurants, fishing, parking, everything you need to know! 

Dominic's Italian Restaurant

You can find pizza, pasta, subs, soups, salads, spaghetti at Dominic's Italian Restaurant, sometimes also called Dominic's Pizza. Order a dipping sauce: Marinara, Alfredo, Meat Sauce, Arrabbiata, or Pesto. They also have seafood dishes such as lobster bisque and New England clam chowder.

Address: 268 Harbor Drive S, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-754-1881 

Website: Dominic's Pizza / Dominic's Italian Restaurant

D’Vino Cafe & Wine Bar 

D’Vino Cafe & Wine Bar offers classic, Italian dining with an awesome view overlooking the Oceanside Harbor marina. It is part of Dominic's Italian Restaurant with the same menu but a different seating area. Grab a bite to eat here or next door.

Address: 262 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-754-1881

Harbor Fish and Chips

This Oceanside favorite is family owned and operated business since 1969. Harbor Fish and Chips is open daily from 11 am but call for their current hours. They serve dishes like fish baskets, chicken tenders, corndog, jumbo shrimp, combos, New England clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, grilled or fried chicken, burgers, fish tacos, and more. They have drinks too: beer, wine, soda, water, coffee, tea. Their patio is dog-friendly.

Address: 276 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-722-4977

Website: Harbor Fish and Chips

Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart 

Come to Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is a choice of omelet, Pelican Burrito, and ham and cheese croissant. Lunch dishes such as the fish sandwich, hotdogs, fresh fish plate, and pizza. You can also buy fresh fish here such as yellowfin tuna, white sea bass, swordfish, and more. They sell drinks such as Red Bull, Perrier, and juice.

Address: 1380 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-722-5853 

Website: Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart

Joe's Crab Shack 

Peel 'n eat shrimp, crispy calamari, garlic bread, spinach and artichoke dip, oh my. Joe's Crab Shack has a pretty extensive menu with appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, crab buckets, cocktails, and believe it or not, a lot more. They have great views of the harbor and happy hour specials Monday through Friday.

Address: 314 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, California 92054

Phone Number: 760-721-1345

Website: Joe's Crab Shack

Jolly Roger - Permanently Closed

Address: 1900 N Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-967-6539

Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill 

If you're seeking award-winning chefs to create your seafood dishes, Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill is a match made in tastebud heaven. Their specialties are fresh fish from local fishermen, oysters, steak, and dessert. They have a pretty extensive happy hour menu. Due to Covid, they're currently offering dine-in on their two patios, take-out, curbside and online ordering.  

Address: 262 Harbor Drive South, Suite 201 Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-433-1900

Nana & Pop’s Sweet Shop

Soothe your sweet tooth with a stop at Nana & Pop's Sweet Shop. Get your ice cream, fresh hand-made waffle cones, old-fashioned candy, taffy town saltwater taffy. You'll find hand-dipped chocolate bananas, shaved ice,  and dozens of candy bars.

Address: 280 South Harbor Drive

Phone Number: 760-722-1723

Nautical Bean Coffee Company 

Established in 1994, Nautical Bean Coffee Company offers coffee, espresso, cappuccino, Americano, mochas, lattes, hot chocolate, iced coffee drinks, smoothies, and an assortment of teas. They serve breakfast all day with options such as bagel sandwich, oatmeal, muffins, bacon wrap, and more. 

Address: 240 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, California 92054

Phone Number: 760-722-4851

Website: Nautical Bean Coffee Company 

Oceanside Broiler Seafood, Steaks, and Sushi 

Waterfront dining in Oceanside is a must-do, especially when Oceanside Broiler offers happy hour food every day 12 - 6 PM. They have lunch, dinner, kids, and delectable desserts menus. The menu is seemingly endless with fresh seafood, filet mignon, lamb, ribs, soup, salad, tacos, and literally so much more.

Address: 1325 Harbor Drive North

Phone Number: 760-722-3474

Rockin' Baja Lobster 

Get a taste of Puerto Nuevo at Rockin' Baja Lobster in Oceanside. They currently offer both outdoor dining and indoor dining as well as to-go orders. They've got weekly specials as well as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, adult beverages, sides, desserts, and more.

Address: 258 Harbor Drive South

Phone Number: 760-967-6199 

Stratford at the Harbor 

Stratford at the Harbor fosters a family-friendly restaurant atmosphere in hopes that every visitor feels like an Oceanside local. They offer a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you'll find omelets, eggs and scrambles, pancakes, bagels, sandwiches, fish and chips, fish tacos, salads, and soup.

Address: 280 S Harbor Drive Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-453-2073

Website: Stratford at the Harbor

Tony’s Bar & Grill

Pop into Tony's Sports Bar And Grill. The menu includes lunch, dinner, beer, and wine. Locals say it's a good joint to sip beer and watch football. Reviewers often mention the 22 ingredient bloody Mary! 

Address: 274 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-433-8466

North County San Diego

Come to Oceanside Harbor Village for waterfront dining and to eat fresh seafood! Oceanside is located in North County San Diego near Carlsbad. Click here to discover Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See. You might also want to check out Things to Do in North County San Diego, California as well as 8 Things to Do in Encinitas, Ca. Encinitas is right next to the Oceanside area.

DANCIN Vineyards is located in Rogue Valley just minutes from Ashland, Medford, and Jacksonville, making their Medford winery and tasting room a convenient beacon amongst travelers and locals who seek good wine.

This Southern Oregon vineyard is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Port-style wine. 

They craft award-winning wines for you to enjoy. Some popular wines are the 'Assemblage' Chardonnay, 'En Croix' Chardonnay, 'Pas de Chat' Pinot Noir, 'Encore!' Pinot Noir, and more. Visit DANCIN Vineyards website for more details. Drink your wine in the sun or sit in the shade. No matter where you sit, savor the beauty, atmosphere, and location. It's a great community hub whether you're visiting from out of town or if you're a local. You can make reservations ahead of time or just pop in. 

DANCIN Vineyards Address: 4477 S Stage Rd, Medford, OR 97501

Medford & Southern Oregon Wineries

Explore the theaters, brewpubs, wineries, and cuisine in Medford, Oregon. The city of Medford is home to Craterian Theater, Prescott Park, Roxy Ann Peak, and more outdoor gems. You can spend a lot of time outdoors in Southern Oregon's forested foothills, enjoying fishing, hiking, and rafting. Check out the Visit Medford website to learn more about the area. 

But I know why you're here, and that's for the wine. I get it. When I visited DANCIN Vineyard, it was in the middle of a pretty brutal heatwave in the area, around 113° Fahrenheit. Phewie. Shade, water, air conditioning, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen were my best friends. I visited DANCIN Vineyards and Rellik Winery (which I reviewed on Yelp).

DANCIN Vineyards Tasting Room

DANCIN Winery in the Rogue Valley has a solid food menu with appetizers, artisan pizzas and flatbreads, salads, and desserts. I was there during a heatwave and they have a bunch of shade as well as misters to try their best to keep people cool. You can enjoy perfect views of the vineyard and hills of Southern Oregon. You'll love the outdoor experience with the occasional bee floating past you as the wind ruffles through the vines.  They are dog-friendly so you can bring your pupperoni too. Eat food, sip wine, and enjoy the wine tasting experience. 

DANCIN Vineyards Menu

This is the link to their menu on their website.  I had the beet salad, which I couldn't find online on their menu, so that might've been a seasonal item. DANCIN Winery has artisan pizzas and flatbreads. You can get gluten-free crust for an additional fee. The Brie & Berries Pizza sounds phenomenal with olive oil, Pennington Farms blackberries, brie, crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and a sprinkle of green onion. They offer bites like stuffed mushrooms, bacon-wrapped dates, shishito peppers, and even a bread and balsamic vinegar situation. There are salads such as Caesar salad, green leaf salad, and Caprese salad. Don't forget the dessert! S'mores, panna cotta, sgroppino, port wine, and more.

Wine Flight

I ordered a wine flight, which allows you to pick five of their wines to sample. Wine flights are the ideal option if you don't want to commit to one wine. Try a few first! They also have some local beers if you prefer. I had a wonderful, peaceful experience in the warm summer afternoon in Medford.

DANCIN Winery Hours

Membership

North County San Diego offers plenty of friendly coffee shops to explore. Whether you're searching for the perfect breakfast menu for a family gathering or local restaurants to grab a fresh cup of coffee, there are so many amazing options near Encinitas. 

Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Encinitas!

This town is really the perfect location to find a cool cafe especially if you love beach vibes, cool breezes, and the smell of salt in the air. Want to eat in or get takeout? You can always enjoy a cup of coffee in this fun beach town. 

This list covers some of the best coffee shops in Encinitas, with locations in Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. 

I’ll be adding more great locations to this list in the future.

*Updated as of September 2022

Better Buzz

Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas 

Better Buzz offers quick single-origin drinks like macchiato, latte, cortado, to name a couple. Their handcrafted beverages, served hot or cold, include options such as Best Drink Ever® (classic americano with their signature creamy vanilla), Honey Latte (espresso, creamy vanilla, honey, steamed milk), and more things to sip on. This cute shop also has teas, smoothies, sandwiches, fancy toasts, and cold brew on tap. Free Wi-Fi, open for takeout, dogs are allowed, vegan options too.

Address: 578 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 487-5562

Website: Better Buzz Encinitas

Coffee Coffee 

In this space, you'll find organic coffee roasted on-site by Revolution Roasters. Gotta love a quality coffee roast! The aroma smells delicious. Get a quick bite to eat from Coffee Coffee's breakfast menu with food such as the Jose Especial made with scrambled egg, spinach, tomato, red onion topped with avocado and feta. Pick between the housemade salsa fresca or choice of bread. lox bagel, acai bowl, avocado toast, breakfast wrap, and a lot more. They serve lunch too if you want to come for an afternoon meal.

Address: 970 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 436-2233

Website: Coffee Coffee

Related reading: Things to Do in Encinitas: North County San Diego Gem

Encinitas Cafe 

This cafe has a long history in town, originating in the 1930s as Fred's Cafe, then known as Zim's cafe into the 1950s. By 1960, the name was The Coffee Mill. The Encinitas Cafe name has stuck since 1989. If you're on the hunt for food, as in a full-on breakfast brunch, lunch menu scenario, this is the perfect spot to check out. Encinitas Cafe has an extensive four-page menu filled with breakfast classics such as delicious eggs benedict, mimosa, scrambles and lunch items like burgers, soup, salads, and hot open-faced sandwiches.

Address: 531 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 632-0919

Website: Encinitas Cafe

GOODONYA® Organic Eatery 

Find organic coffee and tea, such as a classic coffee to the Repair latte with collagen, lucuma, raw honey. From breakfast scrambles to organic sandwiches and salads, GOODONYA® offers a variety of organic, non-GMO goodies. This is one of those restaurants that has a little bit of everything. Open for delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, sit-down dining, indoor and outdoor seating, you name it. Great place to eat outside or grab a quick coffee by the coast.

Address: 1051 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Phone: (858) 264-8550

Website: GOODONYA® Organic Eatery 

Lil Jungle Java 

On a mission to support small businesses? Then this Encinitas coffee shop is worth your time. Available in the drive-through/takeout only, you can pick up a quickie drink before heading to work or on your next errand. Located in Encinitas Village Square II, Lil Jungle Java is a local favorite and hidden gem because it's a coffee stand versus a larger shop. 

Address: 1500 Encinitas Blvd 

Phone: (760) 917-5589

Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California

Lofty Coffee

Lofty Coffee Company 

Lofty is a popular spot with multiple locations in San Diego County. I also included Lofty Coffee in my Carlsbad Coffee Shops guide: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California. This coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating too. They serve fresh coffee, tea, pastries, hand-rolled croissants, muffins, and cookies. Who doesn't love a quality cookie?! They have yummy things such as their house coffee, Kyoto-style cold brew, Iced Hibiscus Lemon Grass and Blood Orange Tea, baked from scratch pastry and dessert such as almond croissant. Eat outside and enjoy the great scenery.

Address: 90 N Coast Hwy 101 #214

Phone: (760) 230-6747

Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works

Address: 97 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 230-6747

Website: Lofty Coffee Encinitas

Related reading: Things to do in Oceanside, California - visit here to read!

Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Ironsmith Coffee Roasters 

Order ahead to takeout and pick up at the counter or stay around to enjoy your beverage at this locally-owned Encinitas coffee shop. Ironsmith Coffee Roasters is a fresh, independent coffee shop and roastery that sells espresso beverages, specialty drinks, tea, chai tea, hot chocolate, and retail bag coffee to purchase to make at home. Roasts on pour might range so be sure to ask what they have or check their current menu.

Address: 458 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (626) 429-6397

Website: Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Bump Coffee

This little coffee shop is located in Cardiff by the Sea park; it has a hole-in-the-wall vibe that you might just walk by on accident. Bump Coffee selects ingredients from geographically diverse regions in South America. Come for the coffee but stay for the empanadas. 

Address: 126 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007 

Website: Bump Coffee

Pannikin Coffee & Tea 

Pannikin has been serving the local community with coffee, tea, and other baked treats since 1968. This family-owned and operated business based in the heart of Leucadia, California roasts coffee and bakes daily for all four Pannikin locations in San Diego County. The Encinitas CA Pannikin is located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888.

Address: 510 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 436-5824

Website: Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Peet's Coffee 

You might have heard of this coffee shop chain that sells handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly made coffee, Mighty Leaf teas, as well as warm breakfast. Peet's Coffee in Encinitas Village Shopping Center has the Peet's standard range of menu including hot coffee, seasonal drings, hot tea, iced drinks, and more.

Address: 1486 Encinitas Blvd

Phone: (760) 274-1280

Website: Peet's Coffee

Philz Coffee 

Philz Coffee has quite a few locations throughout California as well as Chicago and the D.C Metro area. They serve some pretty interesting drinks in their featured creations, from Iced Coffee Rosé smooth and sweet iced coffee, topped with subtle rose cream to the Tesora, original coffee blend, which they recommend with cream and honey. 

Address: 1060 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 230-6880

Website: Philz Coffee 

Queenstage Coffee House 

Coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch

Address: 190 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Website: Queenstage Coffee

Surfdog's Java Hut - Temporarily Closed

Address: 1126 S Coast Hwy 101

Woodsy Coffee

This cute spot features menu items such as the beet hummus toast or the buttermilk biscuit served with maple butter and local jam. They have specialty lattes like honey lavender and salted maple, coffee drinks, tea, and smoothies too!

Address: 875 Santa Fe Dr

Phone: (760) 452-6380

Website: Woodsy Coffee

Zumbar Coffee & Tea 

Established in 2003, this San Diego boutique coffee roaster has locations in Sorrento Valley and Cardiff. Zumbar Coffee & Tea sells, you guessed it, coffee and tea: espressos to 16 oz. cold brew coffee to pastries such as locally baked almond croissants. People tend to love the friendly service and good prices.

Address: 111 Chesterfield Dr #115, Cardiff, CA 92007

Website: Zumbar Coffee & Tea

Coffee, Tea, and More in North County San Diego

Experience coffee with a view! Grab a cup of coffee then head near Moonlight Beach to watch the waves ebb and flow. Encinitas CA is close to Carlsbad/Carlsbad Village. You can also find a range of cafes in the area as well. These are more than what you'd consider an average coffee shop. L’Atelier de Paris is popular for its drool-worthy desserts. Visit a couple of the best coffee shops in Encinitas and savor the gift of caffeine. Click here to visit Encinitas Visitors Center website.

What are your favorite Encinitas coffee shops? Do you have a go-to order?

The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa, California feels fresh. It's the cool spot I would like to have hung out at with friends every weekend if I were 12 again. An enormous fiddle leaf fig plant towers over the open space common area touching the wooden ceiling as it tries to makes its way through the skylight. Three neon signs that say Yes, No, Maybe hang on the wall. People sit at varying seats, stools, chairs, & tables sprawled out; typing on their laptops, nibbling on a bite to eat, chatting with a friend. Other patrons walk to & fro with their masks on as they shop. The world comes alive again as it adjusts itself in a world with COVID. From restaurants to small local businesses, The Lab Anti-Mall Costa Mesa isn't your average shopping mall experience.

The Lab Costa Mesa

I sit down at a tiny table with a pair of mismatched chairs at the LAB Anti Mall. I take off my mask to enjoy a bite of my mini donut haul from Good Town Doughnuts. I snagged the Raspberry Pistachio & Chocolate Strawberry doughnuts. Good Town Doughnuts offers vegan & non-vegan options. We accidentally picked both vegan versions since the flavours just appealed to us. I particularly loved the Chocolate Strawberry with the chocolate doughnut base & tart strawberry glaze. Take a look at the Good Town Doughnuts Instagram page for photos of their delightful doughnuts. This is the perfect destination to go shopping in Orange County.

The LAB Anti-Mall Costa Mesa, California Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States

Located at 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States, the LAB Anti-Mall has food & drink options, clothing shops, thrift stores, barbershop, hair salon, record store, & some other bits & bobs. I've actually been here before, although it was quick, in & out. This time I was able to get a better feel of the  LAB Anti-Mall & What makes it so great, exciting. I'm glad to be back. Take a look at the LAB website!

Fred & I said what the hell, drove an hour away from our usual haunts to explore Costa Mesa, California. Located close to the 405 Freeway on Bristol Street, LAB Anti-Mall was a doughnut, vegan food whirlwind. 

Please check out my Instagram post about my Orange County day trip to the LAB Anti-Mall. There are plenty of online reviews so you can really get a feel of places nearby, what people think,  the type of art, the best restaurant to check out, & more.

Whether you're an Orange County local or came to Costa Mesa CA for a day trip, there's quite a lot to see at the LAB. If you're tired of the same old same old then you'll like the unique shops & restaurants that the LAB Anti-Mall provides. This place is different. There's music, art, & installations, an attention to detail in every corner. Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States.

Related reading: Things to Do in North County San Diego, California

Parking

There are parking options throughout the LAB. However, if you come on a busy day, it's likely that all the spaces in the parking lot will be full. We came on Sunday & it was busy. We drove around a couple of times & had to do a bit of walking from our parking space. I'm not sure if there's street parking, at least not very close by.

You could check out LAB Anti-Mall's other restaurants, eateries, & drinkeries Baba's Chicken, Bootleggers, Habana, Hana Re, Nook Coffee, Refresh Stream, Ruin Bar, Seabirds Kitchen, & The Den (formerly known as Gypsy Den).

Fun Fact: "LAB" stands for Little American Business. Their goal to combat retail monotony began in 2003. Now it's a relatively popular hotspot for pretty much any age group to shop, eat, & enjoy Costa Mesa.

Experience unique shopping opportunities at the LAB's stores. You'll find a great variety. We went to 2nd Street USA; Fred & I each scored something. This thrift store has a mix of funky vintage blouses to modern name brand sneakers, so men & women alike can get some shopping done. If you want to find a great place to shop local, LAB Anti-Mall is one of those one-stop shops.

Store hours may vary: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. View the LAB store list website for links to each business & up-to-date hours.

Popular shops include Urban Outfitters and Buffalo Exchange. Find some music at a record shop or eat a doughnut in the sun at one of the outdoor seating areas. This eclectic destination area is a little bit more exciting than your average shopping mall experience. Bring a friend and make it a day.

Lab Anti Mall Store List

Shopping

Blends + Carve

Buffalo Exchange

Eco Now

Red + Blue Vintage

Sundressed Inc

Terra Nova Vintage

Urban Outfitters

Food & Drink

Baba's Chicken

Bootleggers

Good Town Doughnuts

Habana 

Hana Re

Nook Coffee

Refresh Stream

Ruin Bar

Seabirds Kitchen

The Den

Other Shops

Barber Shop

Crew Salon

Creme Tangerine Records

The Artery

We had dinner at Nice Guys Vegan, an all-vegan restaurant that ultimate vegan comfort foods such as burgers, fries, & desserts). Think vegan fast-casual restaurant. The BBQ Bacon Burger & Spicy Chicken Burger. Both were absolutely incredible & believe me because I’ve had a lot of crapy burgers in my 15+ years of being meat-free. 

Then there's the eco-friendly retail campus, The CAMP, that's dedicated to supporting the community through an active, healthy lifestyle mindful of environmentalism. View The CAMP website for more information.

Located at 2930 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, you could spend the day at the LAB Anti-Mall shopping, exploring the place, taking cool photos of the art and culture. The indoor-outdoor aspect means you can have shelter on rainy days & still enjoy the sunshine on those beautiful California days. It really is the best of both worlds. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, this small anti-mall feels pumped with life & a thriving community. So yeah, that's my review of the place. Read the Yelp or TripAdvisor LAB Anti Mall reviews to see what places call to you.  Please leave a comment to share your thoughts - have you visited? It's like a South Coast Plaza alternative with more affordable and artsy vibes. From fun shopping to restaurants and coffee, there is a lot to do in this cool area. Search online to learn about updated hours and and Covid updates.

Related reading: Warner Brothers Studio Tour Gilmore Girls in Burbank, CA

Have you been to the LAB Anti Mall? What are your favorite shops?

Related reading: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad's beachy vibes make it an ideal spot to sip on a comforting cuppa coffee - or an Earl Grey tea with a  glug of oat milk. From Carlsbad breakfast joints to buzzing coffee spots, I'll break down some of the best coffee shops in Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of local joints to choose from. There are vegan and gluten-free options too.

If you are searching for operating Carlsbad coffee shops near me, you've come to the right place! 

*Updated as of September 2022.

Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Carlsbad

As a precaution, search online or call ahead to check if these coffee shops in Carlsbad are open or closed. You never know these days. I've done the work & put the address, phone number, & website all in one place for you. No need to do an extensive search, it's right here. Dine in or takeout. You'll have a flavorful experience. California. Coffee? Tea? What'll it be? There are quite a lot of things to do in North County San Diego, California. These are the best coffee shops in Carlsbad, so take a sip and enjoy.

Baba Coffee

I've used Baba Coffee as my office away from office multiple times. They have it all. They have solid Wi-Fi, ample seating, & a full menu of goodies. They actually have one of the most impressive food & drink menus out of the Carlsbad coffee shops. Dine in or takeout. With options like avocado toast, breakfast sandwich, açai bowl, lox bagel sandwich, smoothies, & salads, you won't go hungry here. Don't worry though their beverage menu is even more extensive with a slew of coffees, cold brews, lattes, cold brew tea, hot black teas, herbal teas. Secret menu item: Order the whipped latte or whipped espresso. Ask about it the next time you're there!

Address: 2727 State St #100, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0666

Website: Baba Coffee

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters Carlsbad

You might've heard of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters as they have 6 locations: La Jolla, Bressi Ranch, Little Italy, Torrey Pines, Morena, & Pacific Beach. They're committed to direct trade & sustainability. You can buy their roasted coffee online or head to a brick & mortar location for a different experience. Their menu includes cold brews, pour overs, iced espresso drinks, & hot drinks. Find their Bressi Ranch location near Trader Joe's, Sprouts, & popular grocery stores. Their shop inside the Square at Bressi Ranch has outdoor seating. You'll always find people chatting, sipping coffee, & occasionally someone working on their laptop. 

Address: 2656 Gateway Rd #150, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone: (619) 272-0203

Website: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop

This cute cafe in Carlsbad serves breakfast, lunch, & coffee with open patio dining so you can spread out & get out of the house. Dine in or takeout. They have a full menu of breakfast plates, omelets, eggs Benedict, even burgers. Cafe Elysa spreads out tables & staggers line to encourage social distancing. They even have Wi-Fi. Cool space, nice place.

Address: 3076 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008 

Phone: (760) 434-4100

Website: Cafe Elysa Coffee Shop

Cafe Ground Up

The owner is Gaetano Cicciotti, also the owner of the Italian Restaurant, Cicciotti’s right across the street (they also have a location in Cardiff-by-the-Sea). This coffee shop has a menu which includes cafe caldo (hot coffees) such as espresso, hazelnut mocha, & event an affogato al caffe (espresso, vanilla gelato, & cocoa powder). They have frappes, smoothies, & a food menu with a range of sandwiches, fresh pastries, muffins, & more. Inside you'll spot bold green pops of color & an Italian-inspired collage wall with a young Sophia Loren & Italian news headline clippings.

Address: 550 Grand Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 637-5077

Website: Cafe Ground Up

Cafe Topes

Fun fact: Cafe Topes & The Goods are family-owned & operated. One brother & his wife runs Cafe Topes while another brother & his wife runs The Goods. Their top items include the dirty cinnamon roll (house made cinnamon roll with extra frosting) or their “double header” Benedict where you can choose twp types of Benedicts on the same plate. As for drinks, the Hawaiian Express is the star of the show with its coconut milk latte, hazelnut syrup, & Ghirardelli chocolate. If you order all three items, you pretty much hit their top-seller list.

Address: 3091 Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 434-8673

Website: Cafe Topes

INVITA

INVITA is another family-owned coffee shop in Carlsbad. Once COVID-19 hit & San Diego faced its lockdown, INVITA was afraid of losing the shop. Ten of the women cousins banded together & saved the cafe by working as a team to keep the business afloat. Customers love their lattes & quality Italian ingredients. INVITA imports its coffee beans straight from Italy. Try their crema cafe, a signature drink that's kind of like a whipped creamy coffee. The outdoor space is open & airy, so you don't have to search for a place to sit.

Address: 6806 Embarcadero Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Phone: (760) 685-0411

Website: INVITA Cafe

La Costa Coffee Roasting

The no fuss, no muss ambiance at La Costa Coffee Roasting feels comforting. You can tell by the diverse influx of people that this place is popular amongst locals. The casual coffee shop smells like you're floating in a coffee cloud. The roasting coffee radiates through the air & into your hair similar to the lingering scent of smoke from after a campfire. La Costa Coffee Roasting ethically sources its international array of coffee beans.

Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0458

Website: La Costa Coffee Roasting

Leap Coffee Roasters - Temporarily Closed

I've been to Leap more times than I can count. I spent hours at the communal table with the other laptoppers, typing away & working remotely. My go-to is a pot of tea, but they have so many delicious options. Although unintentional, Leap is staffed by all women-owned, managed, roasted, you name it. Men have certainly been a part of the team, but none ever stuck around, so that's how Leap became accidentally fully-female run. Top orders include the Vanilla Bean Latte, Caramel Latte, & the Bee Sting (cortado, half & half, & a drippy drop of honey). Their syrups are housemade. Vegetarian, vegan options are available too.

Address: 5611 Palmer Way Suite D, Carlsbad, CA 92010

Phone Number: (760) 448-6167

Website: Leap Coffee Roasters

Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town (Solana Beach is nearby)

Lofty Coffee La Costa

Lofty Coffee is an Encinitas staple. I included it in my Things to Do in Encinitas, California guide. They also have Little Italy & Solana Beach cafes, so it's no surprise their La Costa location in Carlsbad launched without a hitch. Lofty Coffee allows fans throughout San Diego County to have access to their fine coffees. The Aztec Mocha with dark cacao, cinnamon, & cayenne tastes like a hot chocolate with a spicy kick in the palate. They also have a collection of loose leaf teas available for purchase on their website (along with coffee beans) such as black lavender or hibiscus lemongrass.

Address: 7740 El Camino Real Unit A, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 230-6747

Website: Lofty Coffee La Costa

Peet's Coffee Carlsbad

Although not on the same level as Starbucks, Peet's is a relatively popular chain of coffee with about 200 locations total. Peet's Coffee has a range of espresso drinks, brewed coffees, cold brews, as well as teas. The Espresso Forte stands as the foundation for their signature espresso beverages. All espresso drinks can be made hot or iced. Peet's Coffee has a breakfast menu with offerings such as breakfast burritos or roasted tomato & kale quiche.

Address: 2641 Gateway Rd #103, Carlsbad, CA 92009

Phone Number: (760) 448-1835

Website: Peet's Coffee Carlsbad

Sleeping Tiger Coffees

Located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, Sleeping Tiger Coffees offers a large space to enjoy your drinks. Beverages range from espressos, macchiatos, & cortados to their local favorites such as the vanilla bean latte or hibiscus lemonade. They include plant-based milk on the menu: almond, coconut, soy, macadamia, oat. This is one of the best places to work on your laptop with open seating. Stay long enough & it shifts to a winery, Witch Creek Winery that is. Take pictures of the cute, cool, colorful mural of sleeping tigers. 

Address: 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 720-7499

Website: Sleeping Tiger Coffees

Steady State Roasting Co.

Sip the world of coffee right at Steady State Roasting Co, tucked in an unassuming corner of Carlsbad. They have more than 12 kinds of coffee from around the globe. The Indian Summer, a chai latte, is of their fan-favorite beverages. In addition to the chai, customers love the pour over coffees. Their shopfront includes a black accent wall with a minimalist mural of an astronaut driving a van along with indoor seating. Things are different with COVID, so you can now you can get caffeinated under an umbrella in their outdoor seating.

Address: 2562 State St Suite G, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone Number: (760) 994-0001

Website: Steady State Roasting Co.

The Goods Doughnuts

Breakfast in Carlsbad is a remarkable experience with a couple outdoor seating options so you can people watch & social distance. Head over to the Visit Carlsbad website for all about the city. The interior feels minimal, modern, with an eye toward design. Munch on delectable donuts that'll make your tastebuds explode at The Goods Doughnuts. Vegan & gluten-free options are available too. There is always the chance they'll sell out, so grab a couple donuts while you can. They have monthly flavors that come & go, like the Banana Almond Cream, a doughnut in a banana almond glaze filled with a banana dulce cream topped with a French macaron. What good is an artisanal donut without coffee? They have house drip, flat white, & all the essentials.

Address: 2965 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 994-0458

Website: The Goods Doughnuts

Succulent Cafe

The Succulent Cafe feels like a plant oasis amongst coffee shop Carlsbad options. Breakfast Carlsbad choices just got better. Succulent Cafe has coffee, tea, bagels, & other items to nosh on as you're surrounded by a potpourri of succulents & plants. It feels like you're in a garden or a corner of the a gardening store rather than a cafe. 

Address: 505 Oak Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Website: Succulent Cafe

Vinaka Cafe

Carlsbad Village has a thumping life of its own. There are so many food & drink options but Vinaka Cafe remains a staple. It's one of those places in town where you might run into an old neighbor or schoolmate. They have organic coffee, tea, espresso, pastries, sandwiches, & the golden ticket: outdoor seating. Their vegan sandwich tastes scrumptious & fills you up. Vinaka Cafe is not a new trendy place with funky merch & fun designs, it's a Carlsbad staple with hundreds of online reviews dating back to 2014.

Address: 300 Carlsbad Village Dr #211, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 720-7890

Website: Vinaka Cafe

Related reading: The San Diego County Fair Tradition

Carlsbad Village

If you're in downtown Carlsbad Village area, you'll find Vinaka Cafe & Sleeping Tiger Coffees very close to each other. Succulent Cafe, Cafe Ground Up, Baba Coffee, & Steady State Roasting around Carlsbad Village as well. Drink in the Carlsbad Village coffee shops, restaurants, fresh seafood, Pacific Ocean air, & sunny days.

Unless something new opened up (or one of these is closed), these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops!

Coffee, tea, blended frappes, & every type of delicious caffeine awaits you in the city of Carlsbad. North County San Diego has plenty of coffee, tea, & other drinks, whether you're in Oceanside or Escondido. 

Search coffee near me online or order ahead to check if a coffee shop is open or closed before heading over directly. There's nothing more disappointing for remote workers than packing up your laptop & everything you need for the afternoon, heading to the coffee shop only to find that it's closed or completely packed. If that happens, now you have pretty much all coffee shops in Carlsbad area right here in this blog post at your fingertips. Visit the downtown Carlsbad Village website for more insight. What's your favorite coffee shop in North County San Diego? Please leave a comment!

What do you think? From cold brew, coffee, tea, and more, these are the best Carlsbad coffee shops.

Related reading: Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See