San Diego is a city that's known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food scene. However, one thing that often goes overlooked is the city's love for iced coffee.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll find that San Diego has no shortage of coffee shops and cafes that offer delicious iced coffee.
Iced coffee is the perfect drink for a hot summer day, and San Diego's warm climate makes it the ideal place to enjoy a refreshing cup.
With so many options available, it can be tough to decide where to go for your caffeine fix. That's why we've put together this list of the best places for iced coffee in San Diego.
From trendy cafes to local roasters, we've scoured the city to find the best places to grab a cold brew. Our list includes everything from classic iced coffee to unique creations like nitro cold brew and iced lattes.
Whether you're looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, we've got you covered.
So, whether you're a die-hard coffee fan or just looking to try something new, be sure to check out our list of the best places for iced coffee in San Diego.
Who knows, you might just discover your new go-to spot for a refreshing cup of joe.
1. Jaunt Coffee Roasters
Jaunt Coffee Roasters is a hidden gem of a coffee shop that offers some of the best iced coffee in town.
Their expertly crafted coffee is served at the perfect temperature and the milk is frothed to perfection. They also offer a variety of house-made syrups that add a delicious twist to your iced coffee.
The outdoor seating area is casual and laid-back, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing cup of coffee on a warm day.
The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. If you're a coffee lover, Jaunt Coffee Roasters is definitely worth checking out.
2. Cafe Moto
Cafe Moto is a stylish coffee shop that serves delicious iced coffee made from their own house-roasted beans.
The cafe offers a variety of brewing methods, including pour over and press, along with the usual espresso-based drinks.
The atmosphere is chill and industrial, with a place to play chess and a store to purchase gear, large bags of beans, and large cold immersion jugs.
The drive-thru service is fast, and the prices are reasonable. Cafe Moto is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a great cup of iced coffee.
3. Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters is an award-winning coffee shop that serves organic and fair-trade java.
The coffee is farm-to-cup, meaning that it is sourced and roasted by locals. The baristas are known for their skills and consistently deliver great coffee and espresso.
The venue is airy, with stone-and-wood digs and big windows that let in natural light. Although they don't offer actual food, they have a nice variety of pastries and snacks that pair well with their coffee.
If you're looking for a great place to grab a cup of iced coffee, this is definitely worth checking out.
4. James Coffee Co
James Coffee Co is the perfect spot for a refreshing iced coffee with a chic atmosphere and unique vibe.
This hip coffee shop offers a wide variety of coffee and espresso-based beverages crafted from their own house-roasted beans, and their iced coffee is no exception.
Located in a trendy market with fun stores and a nice breeze, James Coffee Co is a great place to hang out with friends or get some work done.
5. California Bean
California Bean is a cozy coffee shop that serves up some fantastic iced coffee. The baristas are friendly and the prices are reasonable.
They offer a variety of flavors and nut milk options. The pastries are fresh and delicious.
Although there is no seating, it's a great spot to grab a coffee on the go. The service is quick, even when there is a line.
If you're in the area, be sure to stop by California Bean for a refreshing iced coffee.
6. Genteel Coffee Co
Genteel Coffee Co is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers in the city. Their baristas are skilled and knowledgeable, serving exceptionally good coffee that will leave you wanting more.
The cozy and minimalist interior, along with the porch outside, provides ample seating to enjoy your drink.
The aesthetic and outdoor seating are lovely, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of iced coffee.
The iced vanilla latte with almond milk is a must-try, and the cold brew is great too. Genteel Coffee Co is a great addition to the local coffee scene, and you won't regret stopping by.
7. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a stylish coffee shop that serves some of the best iced coffee in the US. With their house-roasted French press, pour-over, and cold-brew coffee, customers can expect a quality coffee experience.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about their products, making it a great place to grab a quick coffee or hang out with friends.
The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee in good weather. The shop also offers a diversity of vegan alternative milks and tasty vegan donuts.
Although parking may be a bit of a challenge, the overall experience at Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is definitely worth it.
8. Portal Coffee
Portal Coffee is a must-visit for coffee lovers. This modern coffee shop offers a convenient ordering system on tablets and a great selection of drinks.
The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and trendy.
The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying a refreshing iced coffee and taking in the breeze.
If you're looking for a cool spot to grab a delicious coffee, then Portal Coffee is definitely worth checking out.
9. Chiefy Cafe
Chiefy Cafe is a must-visit for coffee lovers looking for a refreshing iced coffee. This cozy coffee shop offers quick service in a pleasant environment.
The staff is friendly and always ready to greet you with a smile. Chiefy Cafe serves light bites such as bagels, sandwiches, and croissants that are freshly made daily.
They also offer smoothies and acai bowls that are a perfect match for their delicious iced coffee.
This relaxed coffee shop is a great place to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or simply relax and read a book. Chiefy Cafe is definitely worth a visit!
10. S3 Coffee Bar
S3 Coffee Bar is a trendy and vibrant coffee shop that's perfect for a quick pick-me-up or a relaxing break.
Their iced lattes are a must-try, with the perfect balance of cream and coffee flavor. The spacious seating area makes it a great spot to catch up with friends or get some work done.
The avocado toast and prosciutto are a delicious breakfast option, and the staff is always friendly and welcoming.
If you're looking for a unique and creative coffee experience, S3 Coffee Bar is definitely worth a visit.
11. Scrimshaw Coffee
Scrimshaw Coffee is a hidden gem that offers high-quality iced coffee. This small coffee shop has a clean and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for getting work done.
They have a limited amount of seating inside, but the friendly staff and great coffee make up for it.
The iced mocha is a must-try and is served in a clear glass cup, which is a nice touch.
They also serve delicious pastries and have a rotating selection of small-batch coffee. Scrimshaw Coffee is definitely worth a visit for any coffee lover.
12. Communal Coffee
Communal Coffee is a trendy coffee shop that's perfect for those looking for a unique iced coffee experience.
They offer a variety of fun flavors and different choices that are sure to satisfy any coffee lover's cravings.
The atmosphere is great for working or studying, with plenty of seating available. The staff is friendly and the shop is super clean.
They also have a flower and gift shop inside, which adds to the overall ambiance of the place. Highly recommended for a great cup of coffee and a unique experience.
13. The Invigatorium
The Invigatorium is a unique spot for coffee lovers. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's a great place to relax and enjoy a strong and smooth coffee.
The quirky decor and friendly baristas add to the laid-back atmosphere.
The menu offers a huge variety of flavors, including lavender in lattes, and there are even vegan options available.
Although it can get crowded later in the day, it's a perfect spot to work during the day. The Invigatorium is definitely worth checking out for an amazing coffee experience.
14. Mixed Grounds Coffee
Mixed Grounds Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop that offers high-quality iced coffee.
The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and the menu offers a variety of options, including cortados, macchiatos, and lavender iced coffee.
The indoor and outdoor seating options create a relaxed atmosphere, and the art installations add a unique touch.
Mixed Grounds Coffee is definitely worth supporting and is a great spot for coffee lovers.
15. Coffeentalk
Coffeentalk is a cozy coffee shop that serves exceptional iced coffee. They roast their own beans in-house, ensuring that the coffee is always fresh and of high quality.
The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even better.
The outdoor seating area is lovely, with greenery and comfortable seating. The prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious.
If you're looking for a great iced coffee in a welcoming atmosphere, Coffeentalk is the place to go.
16. Garden Coffee
Garden Coffee is a hidden gem of a coffee shop with a secret-garden-like atmosphere. The vintage furniture and abundant plants make for a relaxing vibe.
The baristas are friendly and professional, and there are plenty of socially distanced seating options available.
Their iced lattes are a must-try, and they offer vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options for pastries.
While they could use more savory options, their vegan muffins and treats are delicious. The bathrooms are surprisingly nice, and it's definitely worth a visit for the atmosphere alone.
