Best Coffee Shops in Oceanside

I love exploring different coffee shops, and it’s one of my favorite ways to support small businesses over chains. That being said, I still grimace at the idea of spending $10 on a latte, so it has to taste really good and actually feel worth it for me to rave about it. I’ve made a point to try to support more local coffee shops over the last year, and have love getting to know the vibe of all of the different places in Oceanside. My list of favorites might seem long, but I like each one for different reasons, so keep reading for my top recommendations and tips to make the most out of your visit.

best coffee shops in oceanside

1022 Cafe & Gelateria - If you’ve seen other posts on my website, you know I’m obsessed with their gelato, which is incredible. I didn’t want to love their coffee because of the prices, but the owners and baristas are so friendly that this has become my go-to spot. It has the old-school neighborhood vibe I miss, and the coffee is consistently good. Whether you want to hang out for a little or grab and go, this is my favorite coffee shop in Oceanside. Also, if you’re someone who doesn’t like the “iPad tip” situation, go here. They profit share, so tips are not required and are zeroed out on the iPad.

Pannikin - I absolutely love the decor and vibe of this shop; it’s big and roomy so I recommend it if you have a larger family or want to meet up with a group, especially since they have a decent food menu, too. The Nutella toast is really good (but a little hard to cut), and the chai is authentic - you can tell it’s made from tea, not a powder or syrup.

Rose Cafe - Right next to the super popular Revolution Roasters, don’t let the drab exterior fool you. This shop is so much cuter than I thought it would be, and the food is really good, rather than an afterthought thrown onto the menu. The chai has the perfect amount of spice whether you order or hot or iced, and it’s a great place to meet friends or bring your mom for a cute brunch. That being said, their scones can sometimes be a little dry, so I’d skip those.

Revolution Roasters - Popular among locals and tourists alike, I love that they make their milks in-house, since so many of the store-bought alternatives are full of gums and other unnecessary ingredients. Late mornings are typically their busiest; I recommend going in the afternoon if you can (they’re open every day until 6pm).

High Tide Coffee Co - A newer addition to Oceanside, this is a great place to bring kids. The shop looks small, but there’s a play kitchen inside as well as an outdoor play area. They’re always coming out with new specials, but I don’t love the food. The chai is good - I recommend getting it iced instead of hot.

Communal - The first time I went here, the vibe was definitely uppity, but it’s become one of my favorite places to work early in the morning before things get busy. The baristas are friendly and engaging, and the tables have QR codes so you can prioritize grabbing an empty table instead of waiting in line. They have fresh, healthy food (not just pastries), and their chai is one of my all-time favorites.

Vigilante Coffee - An Oceanside staple, this shop is big and has indoor/ outdoor seating, but it can be tricky to find a table on the weekends. Everything is priced fairly; the cold brew is really good and the chai is perfect (not too sweet, not too spicy), but skip the regular drip coffee, which never tastes fresh.

The Cup Coffee - The best spot if you want to go somewhere late, since they’re open until 10PM. They also serve alcohol and have a TV inside that typically has sports on. I jokingly call this the “his and hers” coffee shop since I can get a chai and read while my boyfriend watches a baseball game.

Ignite Coffee Company - It’s a little more rugged than girly and doesn’t have the cutest aesthetic, but the baristas are super knowledgable and want you to love whatever you try. It doesn’t get too crowded so it’s a nice place to work without getting too distracted, and it’s also just a few blocks from the beach so it’s convenient to grab and go.

Plantology Cafe - A really cute shop even though it’s a little out of the way. They sell plants and flowers like Communal does, but while Communal is more about the aesthetic, Plantology knows a lot about what they sell. The chai is a little too sweet for my liking, but their specialties include Mexican mochas and mushroom coffee.

Parlour Donuts - Good if you want a treat with your coffee (the donuts are amazing and there’s lots of fun flavors to choose from), but not the place to go if you want to sit and hang out. They’re open late (til 7pm) so it’s my top recommendation if you want a late coffee while you walk the Strand (or for sunsets during the winter). To keep things simple (especially if you’re ordering for a group), you can order ahead online or through their app.

Do I mention the ones to skip? I might regret this, but for full transparency…

Better Buzz - A very popular San Diego chain and they have a drive thru, but it’s painfully slow and the baristas refuse to talk to you… like do not even consider even asking a question about the menu. It’s a quiet place to work and open late, but it’s empty because the vibe is not friendly.

Camp Coffee - Open until 4 which is nice, but if you order anything after 2pm (even if it’s to-go) the baristas are noticeably not happy with you. Their speciality drinks are fun, but the chai is too spicy and bitter, which I never thought I’d ever say.

Captain’s Grounds Coffee - A worthwhile spot if you catch them on a good day, but they’re just too inconsistent to confidently recommend.