Carlsbad’s coffee scene is a vibrant mix of cozy cafes and trendy roasteries. In this guide, we curante the city’s top coffeee spots where you can find the best coffee and liveliest local communities.
Each Carlsbad neighborhood offers a unique blend of specialty coffee spots. From perfectly brewed espressos to delicious flat whites and cold brews, Carlsbad’s coffee shops know their craft. Join us on a journey through Houston’s top coffee spots.
Interim Coffee
10/10 (85 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-696-3334
Amazing coffeeChill atmosphereUnique vintage decor
Great vibes and amazing coffee. This little hidden gem in Carlsbad is the best place if you’re a coffee lover. The outdoor seating area is full of beautiful flowers and succulents, creating a relaxing spot to sip your coffee.
The Story Caffe
9.4/10 (100 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-929-0029
Hidden gemCozy atmosphereFriendly staff
The Story Caffe in Carlsbad is a hidden gem worth discovering. Located in a church, the environment is not overly religious, making it welcoming to all. The property is stunning, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. The staff is friendly and attentive, creating a peaceful and quiet space to enjoy a good cup of coffee or non-coffee drinks like the delicious turmeric drink with pea protein milk. Whether you’re looking to relax with a book, catch up on work, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with a friend, Story Caffe provides a comfortable and welcoming setting that feels like a mini getaway.
Vinaka Cafe
9.2/10 (385 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-720-7890
Cozy atmosphereFresh ingredientsVariety of seating options
Vinaka Cafe, located in Carlsbad, is a charming coffee spot in the Carlsbad Village Square. With plenty of seating options both inside and out, this cozy cafe offers a relaxed and casual atmosphere perfect for studying or catching up with friends. The cafe provides a range of tasty treats, including quality pastries and sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The staff is always friendly and attentive, making sure customers have a pleasant experience. The variety of mugs for in-house use adds a touch of sustainability to their service, while the abundance of outlets and extension cords make it easy for guests to work or study with their devices.
Lofty Coffee Company
9/10 (132 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-230-6747
Craft coffeeHigh-quality ingredientsCozy outdoor seating
Lofty Coffee Company in Carlsbad is a fantastic spot for delicious craft coffee and high-quality ingredients. Their Aztec mocha is a stand-out drink with a perfect balance of dark chocolate and a hint of chili peppers. The food options, like the Hummus and Avocado Toast, are also top-notch. The Cloudy with a chance of cold brew is a must-try for any coffee lover, and the cozy outdoor seating with overhead heating makes it a great place to relax and enjoy your drink. The vegan options are a great addition, and the friendly staff are always ready to offer recommendations. A visit to Lofty is definitely worth it when you’re in town.
Ascend Coffee Roasters
9/10 (481 reviews)
Cozy AtmosphereDelicious CoffeeFriendly Service
Ascend Coffee Roasters in La Costa offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a morning coffee or afternoon break. The reusable cups and plates for in-house orders are a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall experience. The regular drip coffee is a standout, delivering a perfect dose of “bean juice” while the breakfast burritos are described as big and filling. The staff is friendly and the ambiance is peaceful, making it an ideal location to relax, study, or catch up with a friend.
INVITA Café
9/10 (114 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-685-0411
Charming ambianceQuality coffeeFriendly service
INVITA Café in Carlsbad near the Poinsettia coaster station offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing with a delicious cup of coffee or enjoying a small but quality selection of food. The outdoor seating area is charming and the friendly service adds to the overall welcoming vibe of the café. The White Mocha and Chai Tea are standout menu items, perfectly complementing the cozy ambiance of the space. With fresh pastries, tasty breakfast bites, and a range of coffee options, INVITA Café is a hidden gem that will have you coming back for more.
Cafe Elysa
9.2/10 (788 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-434-4100
Generous portionsWarm, cheesy quichesLaid-back beach vibe
At Cafe Elysa, the portion sizes are generous and the quiches are warm and cheesy, making for a satisfying breakfast stop. The outside seating area has a laid-back beach vibe, perfect for enjoying the cozy fire pits and strong coffee. The friendly service adds to the welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the fresh pastries.
La Costa Coffee Roasting
9.4/10 (357 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-438-8160
In-house roasted beansFriendly staffCozy atmosphere
La Costa Coffee Roasting is a local gem that offers delicious in-house roasted coffee beans. The staff is friendly, the ambiance is perfect, and the coffee and pastries are always top-notch. The cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to chill and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. With live music on weekends and a cute decor, this is a great place to support local businesses and indulge in a flavorful coffee experience.
Steady State Roasting
9.6/10 (434 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-696-3066
Consistent coffee qualityVariety of coffee beansExcellent service
Steady State Roasting is a must-visit coffee spot that has captured the hearts of many with its consistent coffee quality, variety, and excellent service. Located in Southern California, this beachside gem offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Customers rave about the delicious and frothy almond milk lattes and the top-notch coffee beans. The baristas are friendly and accommodating, providing a delightful experience whether you’re enjoying your coffee in the comfy indoor space or soaking up the sun in the expanded outdoor seating area. Steady State Roasting truly stands out as a top roaster in the area, making it a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
DING TEA CARLSBAD
9.6/10 (341 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 442-500-2049
Vast drink menuFast and friendly serviceConvenient location
DING TEA CARLSBAD is a popular coffee and tea spot conveniently located near the Carlsbad mall. With a wide variety of drinks on the menu, including coffee, lattes, bubble tea, slushes, and shakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The service is fast and friendly, with drinks made quickly, and the abundance of drink pictures makes ordering a breeze. The Hokkaido coffee, a blend of Vietnamese coffee and caramel, is a standout choice, as well as the honeydew milk tea for those with a sweet tooth. The location is easy to access and not overly crowded, making it a great spot to relax with friends or take a break while shopping. Prices are reasonable, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience each visit.
The Goods
9.4/10 (612 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-994-0458
Delicious donut assortmentInviting atmosphereFriendly and knowledgeable staff
The Goods in downtown Carlsbad is a charming spot offering a delicious array of donuts. The gluten-free options are a standout, with moist and flavorful selections that cater well to those with celiac or a gluten allergy. The regular donuts, though lacking in variety, are still a delightful treat. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the bakery. The brown sugar latte comes highly recommended, while the unique flavors of the donuts, such as the moose munch and strawberry shortcake, are worth exploring for a sweet and satisfying experience.
Happy Lemon Carlsbad
9.8/10 (130 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 442-325-3017
Perfectly made wafflesHigh quality teaFriendly and passionate staff
Happy Lemon Carlsbad has created quite a buzz with their impeccable tea and waffle offerings. The Oreo waffle, with its perfect texture, is a standout item that customers rave about. The smoothies are also a hit, showcasing the high quality ingredients used by the talented staff. Despite some minor hiccups, such as understaffing and limited waffle availability towards closing time, the overall experience at Happy Lemon Carlsbad is a delicious one that keeps customers coming back for more.
Café Topes
9.2/10 (816 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-434-8673
Creative menuFriendly staffBright ambiance
Café Topes, located in the heart of Carlsbad Village, is a delightful breakfast spot with a menu full of creative and delicious food options. The local-inspired dishes are prepared exceptionally well, with a special mention to the fruit-filled pancakes that burst with flavor. The staff is welcoming and the service is efficient, adding to the overall enjoyable experience. The space is bright, open, and airy, exuding a surfer vibe that fits perfectly with the coastal location. With a wide selection of menu items, including plenty of options for vegetarians, Café Topes is a must-visit spot for a satisfying meal in a laid-back setting.
Dutch Bros Coffee
9.4/10 (639 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 541-955-4700
Wide varietyQuick serviceReasonably priced
Dutch Bros Coffee offers a wide variety of coffee options, from basic to elaborate blended sweet treats. The menu boasts an impressive array of flavors and syrups, including sugar-free options. The service is quick and the staff is known for being friendly. With a large drive-thru and ample parking, this spot is convenient for a quick stop on the way to work or a road trip. The drinks are reasonably priced and prepared fairly quickly, making it a popular choice for coffee lovers on the go. With accessible parking and wheelchair access, Dutch Bros Coffee aims to cater to a wide range of customers.
Revolution Roasters
9/10 (638 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-529-9736
Open-air conceptTop-notch pastriesFriendly staff
Revolution Roasters in Oceanside is a fantastic coffee spot with a great vibe. The coffee is top-notch and the pastries are delicious. The open-air concept adds to the cool atmosphere, perfect for people-watching. While the noise level can be a bit high, the friendly and well-organized staff make the experience worthwhile. The cold brew prices may be a bit steep, but overall, it’s a wonderful place for coffee and pastry lovers.
Swami’s Cafe Carlsbad
9.2/10 (1171 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-434-7455
Delicious menuLaid-back ambianceFriendly service
Swami’s Cafe in Carlsbad offers a delightful dining experience with a great selection of healthy and delicious menu items. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for a leisurely meal with friends or family. The staff is prompt, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, providing excellent service for a satisfying dining experience.
Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe
9/10 (442 reviews)
Website | Directions | +1 760-729-2241
Delicious pastriesAmazing creme bruleeVaried assortment of cakes
Carlsbad French Pastry Cafe offers a delectable array of pastries and baked goods that are sure to please any craving. From the rich and hearty French onion soup to the amazing creme brulee, each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail. The selection of cakes and desserts is a must-try, with treats like the Florentine cigars that are perfectly crunchy and gooey with a rich French pastry cream filling. While the prices may be a bit higher than expected, the quality of the food definitely makes it worth the splurge.