OCEANSIDE
Kettle On Coast — 223 N. Coast Hwy. The most talked-about new opening in North County. Specialty coffee with exceptional beans and precision in every pour, with an onsite bakery and a full coastal brunch program. Open Mon–Fri 7am–2pm, Sat–Sun 7:30am.
Revolution Roasters (“Revo”) — 1836 S. Coast Hwy. The South Oceanside institution, roasting beans on-site since 2009. Signature drinks include a butterscotch latte and cold brew float with ice cream. House-made syrups, pastries, and a seasonal cold foam program that changes regularly.
High Tide Coffee — 332 S. Coast Hwy. Specialties include nitro, cold brew, a refreshingly fizzy coffee tonic with a hint of vanilla, and a rose cardamom latte with house-made almond milk. Open-air, relaxed vibe. Open daily 7am–2pm.
Better Buzz Coffee Oceanside — 1004 Mission Ave. San Diego’s homegrown success story, now with over 24 locations, featuring a dedicated cold brew lab. Opens at 5am — the pick for early beach days.
🏄 CARLSBAD
Steady State Roasting — 2562 State St. Their certified organic nitro cold brews are well worth the drive. Single-origin focused, great sandwiches if you’re hungry.
Baba Coffee — 2727 State St. Roasts beans weekly and offers cold brew and nitro cold brew alongside wine, beer, boba teas, live jazz on weekends, and a stunning rooftop lounge. Open late on Fri–Sat.
SAN DIEGO CITY
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters — 3330 Adams Ave, Normal Heights (plus 7 other county locations). Founded in 2013, they’ve been serving cold brew and direct-trade coffee since the beginning. Try their nitro cold brew and honey-cinnamon latte which is excellent.
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters — 5627 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla. Their cold brew and nitro programs are world-class, widely considered one of San Diego’s most respected roasters, with shots that are excellent. Multiple locations across the county.
