12 Best and Must-Try Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, CA
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you will love Carlsbad. This beautiful coastal city in California has a lot of coffee shops to choose from. You can find a coffee shop that suits your mood and preference in Carlsbad.
In this article, we’ll tell you about some of the top coffee shops in Carlsbad based on their location, menu, reviews, and ratings.
You will discover some famous and popular coffee shops in Carlsbad, such as Baba Coffee and Steady State Roasting, as well as some of the local and hidden coffee shops, such as Sleeping Tiger Coffees, Vinaka Cafe, and Interim Coffee.
Read on to see where you can get the best coffee in Carlsbad and what makes each coffee shop stand out.
Coffee Shops in Carlsbad
Baba Coffee
Baba Coffee was established in 2016, and they are committed to supplying customers with the freshest coffee beans. They source their beans from small farmers, roast them weekly, and deliver them to your doorstep.
In addition to coffee, they also bake fresh pastries daily to complement your latte, espresso, or cappuccino.
Other coffee options include cold brew, nitro cold brew, pour-overs, and bulletproof coffee.
For non-coffee drinkers, Baba Coffee also provides hot and cold brew and boba milk tea.
They also offer plates with an array of options for breakfast and lunch, such as hummus plates, avocado toast, acai bowls, lox bagels, and more. There are healthy sandwich options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Additionally, you can pair their wine or beer with your meal. Enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch in the open-door front of Baba Coffee.
Steady State Roasting
Steady State Roasting is a hidden gem in Carlsbad Village. If you’re looking to escape the tourist scene, Steady State is the perfect option for those desiring a quiet and relaxing environment.
The staff exudes a calm and collected demeanor, making guests feel welcome when they walk through the door.
Their Americano with a dash of steamed milk and cinnamon is popular. Especially their Rosemary Latte is a must-try for latte lovers.
Steady State always fills its pastry case with treats, from scones to cookies to turnovers. Don’t miss the delicious items!
The seating inside is limited, but fear not; it’s never too crowded. If you prefer to enjoy your coffee outdoors, Steady State covers you. They set up tables and umbrellas in the parking lot, providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
Sleeping Tiger Coffees
Sleeping Tiger is a full-service coffee roastery and winery in the heart of Carlsbad Village. The coffee shop offers single-origin, fair-trade organic coffee, tea worldwide, and their own fair-trade organic espresso blends.
What sets Sleeping Tiger apart is that they source and roast all their coffee in-house three times a week. You can find an outstanding choice of coffee and tea at this Carlsbad coffee shop.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional espresso, cappuccino, or cortado, this is the spot. The ratio of espresso, milk, and foam is perfect.
Make sure to try their house-made vanilla syrup, which they make using 100% Madagascar vanilla beans.
If you’re looking for entertainment, Sleeping Tiger has live music Thursday-Sunday, worth checking out! Overall, Sleeping Tiger is one of the best coffee shops in Carlsbad.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Bird Rock is one of the oldest coffee shops in Carlsbad. It is their first North County Cafe in Bressi Ranch, and it has quickly become a local favorite.
They present a wide range of coffee drinks, including whole-bean coffee, brewed coffee, lattes, cold brew, nitro cold brew, and espresso beverages.
Their cinnamon honey latte is simply delightful! Despite the honey and cinnamon flavors, it is not overpoweringly sweet.
In addition to coffee, the shop also serves a delicious selection of in-house kitchen items that are carefully prepared from scratch and cooked to perfection.
The menu features mouth-watering burritos, breakfast sandwiches, granola, avocado toast, yogurt parfaits, and vegan pastries.
You can also enjoy different iced and hot tea, making it a perfect destination for those who prefer tea over coffee.
With an inviting ambiance and outstanding service, it’s no surprise why Bird Rock Coffee Roasters has become a go-to spot for coffee lovers in Carlsbad.
La Costa Coffee Roasting
La Costa is a famous neighborhood coffee shop with a friendly and efficient staff, ample indoor and outdoor seating, and clean facilities.
With a few tweaks to the coffee selection, La Costa is a fantastic coffee spot that satisfies its customers’ caffeine and food cravings.
The menu includes various beverages, including drip coffee, iced coffee, flavored lattes, cold brew, and mocha.
Still, the standout feature is the quality of their food items. Bagels and cream cheese are a must-try, and the sweeter pastries are a hit among younger patrons.
Find this casual place for a quick caffeine fix or a casual catch-up with friends.
Lofty Coffee Company
Lofty is a business prioritizing quality, environmental responsibility, and community ties. This locally owned enterprise has expanded to operate in multiple locations across California, such as San Diego, Solana Beach, and Encinitas.
Try their Kyoto and Nitro Brew a shot if you want something new. They also offer homemade almond milk and bread, which adds to the uniqueness of this establishment.
As one of the top-rated coffee shops in Carlsbad, Lofty is a perfect place to relax and indulge in some delectable treats. Come on down to Lofty and enjoy a cup of coffee!
Vinaka Cafe
Vinaka Cafe in the Village Fair of Carlsbad is a hidden gem offering an array of treats that will satisfy your cravings.
The indoor and outdoor seating areas are perfect for relaxing and enjoying food and coffee. This place also serves custom-made sandwiches, cakes, and pies, and they make them with great care and diligence.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with their delicious 100% natural “Niederfranks” ice cream!
One of the best things about Vinaka Cafe is its comfortable tropical atmosphere. Parents can also bring their young ones as there is a newly renovated play space downstairs where kids can have fun while adults enjoy their meals.
Vinaka Cafe also has a great gift store to buy unique souvenirs, such as a cafe tee shirt.
Cafe Elysa
Cafe Elysa is a located eatery on Carlsbad Blvd and one of the best breakfast spots in Carlsbad. If you’re looking for a delicious Stuffed French Toast or a quick coffee break, stop by this place.
Their mocha is just as good as any you’d find at a standard Starbucks or Coffee Bean location, and their omelet is simply delicious, featuring mushrooms and cheese inside a perfectly cooked egg layer.
The hash browns are also generously portioned, making this an excellent choice for anyone who loves them.
Enjoy the lovely weather while sitting on their outdoor patio with your coffee and meals!
The Story Caffe
The Story Caffe is located in North Coast Calvary Chapel, where individuals can gather, make new friends, and feel part of a family.
The cafe serves an extensive menu of coffee, tea, and delicious pastries that satisfy any palate.
The cafe’s turmeric ginger latte with oat milk is a must-try, offering a perfect blend of comforting and refreshing flavors.
Whether looking for a cozy spot to study or a comfortable place to catch up with friends, The Story Caffe has something for everyone.
Interim Coffee
If you’re looking for a charming, vibrant coffee shop, look no further than Interim Coffee.
Even without indoor seating, the front patio is delightful and a perfect place to sit and enjoy a coffee in the fresh air.
We tried the Iced Caramel Latte and the Iced Vanilla Latte. The small number of tables contributes to the relaxed atmosphere, with 2-3 chairs each and no crowds.
Be sure to check out the vintage camera gear and other items for sale while you’re there.
Worth a stop if you need better your caffeine fix. There’s plenty of parking out front, so parking isn’t a problem.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s is a popular coffee chain that offers a variety of drinks and snacks.
One of their specialties is the golden latte, a creamy blend of turmeric, ginger, honey, and steamed milk.
The baristas at Peet’s are passionate about their craft and always greet their customers with a smile.
They also pay attention to the details, such as pouring espresso shots with precision and adding hearts to their drinks.
Peet’s has a loyal fan base of regulars who appreciate its quality and consistency.
The location in Bressi Ranch is conveniently close to work for some people, but it can also be crowded and hard to find parking.
However, many customers will brave the traffic for a taste of Peet’s Coffee.
INVITA Cafe
At INVITA Cafe, you can enjoy authentic Italian coffee made from Cafe Vergnano blends, which are also available for purchase to bring the taste of Italy to your home.
Whether you want a classic espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or a specialty drink like a vanilla flat white, INVITA Cafe has it all.
You can also pair your coffee with a delicious breakfast egg croissant or one of their other mouth-watering options. INVITA Cafe is more than just a cafe; it’s a culture.
Come and experience it for yourself and see why their customers love it!
FAQs
What are the best coffee shops in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has several coffee shops to choose from. However, our top three picks are Baba Coffee, Steady State Roasting, and Sleeping Tiger Coffees.
What types of drinks do Carlsbad coffee shops offer?
Carlsbad coffee shops offer various beverages, including espresso, drip coffee, cold brew, lattes, cappuccinos, and more.
Many Carlsbad coffee shops offer specialty drinks like chai lattes, matcha lattes, and other non-coffee options.
Additionally, most places have a selection of pastries and other snacks to enjoy with your drink.
Are there any coffee shops in Carlsbad that offer vegan options?
Yes, several coffee shops in Carlsbad provide vegan options. One of the most popular ones is Sleeping Tiger Coffees, which has a wide selection of plant-based milk, vegan pastries, and vegan-friendly menu items.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
