Food & Drink

Sunny Sips: 16 San Diego Cafes with the Best Outdoor Seating!

San Diego is known for its beautiful weather and stunning scenery, making it the perfect location for outdoor cafes.

Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or a trendy brunch spot with a view, San Diego has plenty of cafes with outdoor seating to choose from.

From the bustling city streets to the beachfront, San Diego's cafes offer a variety of outdoor seating options.

Whether you prefer a rooftop terrace overlooking the city or a quaint patio tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, there's a cafe for everyone.

Not only do these cafes offer great food and drinks, but they also provide the perfect setting for people-watching, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying the beautiful weather.

So, whether you're a local looking for a new spot or a tourist looking to unwind, San Diego's cafes with outdoor seating are definitely worth checking out.

1. Caffe Calabria

Caffe Calabria
3933 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (Google Maps)

Caffe Calabria is a charming cafe with outdoor seating that offers a variety of coffee, pizza, and light fare.

The friendly staff provides fast service and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a European coffeehouse. The decor is beautiful and the high ceilings create an airy ambiance.

The cafe also features a balcony and patio for outdoor seating. The pizzas are made with thin crusts and are delicious. The coffee is roasted in-house and is of high quality.

The cafe also serves beer, wine, and cocktails. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks, Caffe Calabria is a must-visit spot for coffee and pizza lovers.

2. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
2295 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is a must-visit cafe for coffee enthusiasts. Their fair trade coffee is sourced and roasted by locals, making for a delicious and ethical cup every time.

The baristas are skilled and quick, ensuring that customers get their coffee in no time. The outdoor seating arrangement is fantastic, adding to the already great ambiance of the cafe.

Watching airplanes landing into the nearby airport is a unique and exciting experience. The pastries and baked goods from Praeger Brothers bakery are a must-try, especially the addictive shortbread cookies.

The cafe's commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every cup, making it a great place to enjoy a coffee and relax.

3. Dos Palmas Cafe

Dos Palmas Cafe
3562 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (Google Maps)

Dos Palmas Cafe is a cafe with outdoor seating that offers a great atmosphere and delicious food. They serve tasty and generous sandwiches that are perfect for grabbing a quick bite or a coffee.

The cafe also offers a variety of breakfast options, including their popular Pig sandwich with bacon, ham, cheese, mixed greens, tomatoes, and red onions inside a sourdough panini.

The cafe has a sweet patio in the back that is dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy your meal.

The staff is sincere and welcoming, making the cafe a hidden gem that is worth checking out.

4. Scrimshaw Coffee

Scrimshaw Coffee
5542 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115 (Google Maps)

Scrimshaw Coffee is a trendy cafe with outdoor seating. The cafe has a clean and industrial decor with a relaxing atmosphere.

The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks. They offer a variety of high-quality coffee drinks and pastries.

The cafe is also dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners. The limited seating inside the cafe can be a downside, but the outdoor seating makes up for it.

Scrimshaw Coffee is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great cup of coffee in a trendy and relaxing atmosphere.

5. Copa Vida

Copa Vida
905 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Copa Vida is a modern cafe with outdoor seating. The menu is amazing and the coffee is delicious.

The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is nice. The location is great and the space is large with plenty of seating.

The cafe is dog-friendly, but could use some healthier options for pups.

The pour-over coffee is high-tech and the avocado toast is a must-try. This is a solid spot for breakfast or a quick coffee break.

6. Swami's Cafe Downtown

Swami's Cafe Downtown
611 B St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Swami's Cafe Downtown is the perfect spot for a laid-back breakfast or lunch in a casual setting.

With outdoor seating available, customers can enjoy their meals while soaking up the sunshine and fresh air. The cafe offers a great selection of coffee and delicious food, with vegan options available.

The staff is exceptional, providing friendly and attentive service to all customers.

Whether you're in the mood for a classic breakfast or a unique twist on a dish, Swami's Cafe Downtown has something for everyone.

7. James Coffee Co

James Coffee Co
2870 Fourth Ave #107, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

James Coffee Co is a small coffee shop with outdoor seating. The cafe is known for its great coffee and friendly staff.

The iced lattes are a must-try, and the cold brew is among the best in San Diego.

The cafe also has an eco-friendly approach to sustainability. The outdoor seating is limited, but it's a great spot to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee.

If you're looking for a quality cup of coffee, James Coffee Co is definitely worth a visit.

8. Achilles Coffee Roasters @ The Rey

Achilles Coffee Roasters @ The Rey
800 B St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Achilles Coffee Roasters @ The Rey is a coffee shop/cafe that offers organic, locally sourced breakfast and lunch eats.

They also roast their own beans and are big on pour overs. The outdoor seating area is the only seating available.

The service is fantastic and the staff is knowledgeable about their coffee offerings.

If you're looking for a unique coffee experience, Achilles Coffee Roasters @ The Rey is definitely worth a visit.

9. Blue Bottle Coffee

Blue Bottle Coffee
180 Broadway Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Blue Bottle Coffee is a trendy cafe chain that offers upscale coffee drinks and pastries. Their coffee is made with quality beans and takes time to ensure excellent taste.

The staff is friendly and provides great service, walking orders outside to customers. The cafe has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee while checking emails or studying.

Their iced hojicha latte and cascara fizz are both delicious and refreshing on a hot day. The minimalist design of the cafe is appealing and adds to the overall experience.

It's a must-visit for coffee lovers looking for a great cup of coffee in a trendy atmosphere.

Old Gallery Coffee House
641 B St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Old Gallery Coffee House is a cozy cafe that offers a mix of Mexican and American breakfast and lunch dishes.

The cafe has outdoor seating and a 2-story interior with a warm and intimate atmosphere. The menu includes delicious food, great coffee, and smoothies.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and the owners take pride in their business. Prices are affordable and the portions are large.

Old Gallery Coffee House is a great local spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy some coffee.

11. Lofty Coffee Little Italy

Lofty Coffee Little Italy
444 W Cedar St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Lofty Coffee Little Italy is a stylish cafe with outdoor seating that serves locally roasted coffee and delicious pastries.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The menu offers a variety of options for breakfast and lunch, and the prices are fair.

The open space allows guests to enjoy the lovely San Diego weather while sipping on a hot cup of coffee or tea. Despite the limited seating, the cafe is well-organized and offers a great place to study or catch up with friends.

If you're looking for a hip coffee spot with great food and drinks, Lofty Coffee Little Italy is definitely worth checking out.

12. MOE COFFEE LITTLE ITALY

Moe Coffee Little Italy
2542 State St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

MOE COFFEE LITTLE ITALY is a charming cafe with outdoor seating.

They serve great coffee and pastries, and have a cute patio for outdoor sipping. The espresso coffee is roasted by Moe's and is well balanced.

They offer many vegan and non-vegan options for treats. It’s perfect for a cozy hangout with specialty coffees and breakfast sandwiches.

The venue is warmly decorated and offers free Wi-Fi. If in the area, MOE COFFEE LITTLE ITALY is definitely worth a visit.

13. Lani Coffee

Lani Coffee
101 Market St #100, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Lani Coffee is a charming cafe that offers an excellent selection of Hawaiian coffee, smoothies, and tea.

The cafe has a cheery atmosphere and outdoor seating that provides a perfect spot to sit and relax. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the service is fast and efficient.

The menu features a variety of breakfast items, burritos, pastries, and cakes that are all freshly made and taste delicious.

The coffee is roasted daily and is of exceptional quality, making it a must-try for coffee lovers. Lani Coffee is an excellent place to grab a quick bite, relax with friends, or work remotely.

14. Hob Coffee East Village

Hob Coffee East Village
1068 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 (Google Maps)

Hob Coffee East Village is a charming cafe with a cozy outdoor seating area. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, serving up high-quality coffee and pastries.

The open and bright space is perfect for a quick bite or getting some work done.

The avocado toast and cheddar bacon biscuit are highly recommended.

Don't miss out on their signature cold brew and carbonated coffee berry tea. A must-visit spot for coffee lovers in the area.

15. Influx Cafe

Influx Cafe
Influx Cafe, 3000 Upas St STE 103, San Diego, CA 92104 (Google Maps)

Influx Cafe is a charming cafe with outdoor seating. The cafe offers delicious coffee and fresh, simply prepared food.

The atmosphere is clean, comfortable, and bright, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a bite. Influx Cafe is known for their difficult-to-find nutritious breakfast options and their amazing soy latte.

The cafe also offers a variety of pastries, bagels, salads, and sandwiches that are consistently delicious.

In addition to their great food and coffee, Influx Cafe is also environmentally conscious and uses solar power to roast their coffee beans.

16. Cafe Bassam

Cafe Bassam
3088 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (Google Maps)

Cafe Bassam is a charming cafe with outdoor seating. The vintage decor and collection of antique furniture give the place a unique and cozy vibe.

The cafe offers a wide variety of drinks, including tea, coffee, wine, and champagne. The menu is posted on blackboards, and the friendly baristas are always happy to help customers choose their favorite drinks.

The food is also worth trying, with delicious snacks and sandwiches available. The service is fast and friendly, and the staff is always willing to accommodate customers' needs.

With its warm ambiance and delicious drinks, Cafe Bassam is a must-visit for coffee and tea lovers.