The Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego
San Diego has a thriving coffee culture, with over 600 coffee shops in the city. This is more coffee shops per capita than any other major city in the United States. The city’s coffee scene is known for its diversity, with independent coffee shops, roasters, and cafes serving a wide variety of coffee drinks, from traditional espresso drinks to more unique and creative offerings.
San Diego is home to a number of award-winning coffee shops and roasters. In 2022, Bird Rock Coffee Roasters was named the “Best Coffee Roaster in the United States” by the Specialty Coffee Association. And in 2021, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters was named one of the “Best Coffee Roasters in the World” by Roast Magazine.
What makes San Diego’s coffee scene so unique?
One thing that makes San Diego’s coffee scene so unique is its focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing. Many coffee shops in the city source their coffee beans from sustainable farms and cooperatives, and they are committed to fair labor practices. Additionally, many coffee shops in San Diego offer a variety of plant-based milk alternatives and other dietary options.
Table of Contents
Must-Have Items for Any Coffee Roaster
Before we jump in to the Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego, have a quick read of our articles to get you underway with your roasting needs:
- Coffee Grinders: Elevate your coffee with reviews on manual and electric grinders, unlocking optimal flavor from your beans.
- Coffee Makers and Machines: Explore our curated coffee makers and espresso machines to complement the nuances of freshly roasted beans for a delightful cup.
- Coffee Storage Containers: Preserve peak flavors with airtight storage containers, acting as guardians for optimal bean conditions in every brew.
So who are the Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego? Read below…
Spill the Beans Coffee
Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagels is a popular coffee shop located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, California. It is known for its fresh bagels, made in-house daily, and its high-quality coffee, roasted by local roaster Dark Horse Coffee Roasters.
Spill the Beans offers a variety of bagel flavors, including classic options like sesame and poppyseed, as well as more creative flavors like everything bagel with bacon and cheddar cheese. The coffee shop also offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso drinks, cold brew, and pour-over coffee.
In addition to its coffee and bagels, Spill the Beans also offers a variety of other breakfast and lunch items, such as breakfast sandwiches, salads, and pastries. The coffee shop also has a full bar, serving beer, wine, and cocktails.
Spill the Beans is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, or to relax with a cup of coffee and a bagel.
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Sourcing sustainable coffee beans: Spill the Beans sources its coffee beans from sustainable farms that are certified by organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. This ensures that the coffee beans are grown and harvested in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.
- Using compostable cups and lids: Spill the Beans uses compostable cups and lids for all of its to-go coffee drinks. This helps to reduce waste and protect the environment.
- Partnering with local businesses: Spill the Beans partners with local businesses to source its food and drinks. This helps to support the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Pricing Options
| Product | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spill the Beans House Blend | El Salvador, Ethiopia, Colombia | 12 oz | $18.00 |
| Spill the Beans Espresso Blend | Brazil, Guatemala, Indonesia | 12 oz | $20.00 |
| Spill the Beans Decaf Blend | Colombia, Ethiopia, Peru | 12 oz | $19.00 |
| Spill the Beans Single Origin Coffees (Rotating) | Varies | 12 oz | $22.00 |
| Spill the Beans Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Varies | 16 oz | $12.00 |
Website spillthebeanssd.com
Opening Hours
- Monday-Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
OB Beans Coffee Roasters
OB Beans Coffee Roasters is a coffee roastery and cafe located in Ocean Beach, San Diego, California. The company was founded in 2016 with the mission to provide high-quality, ethically sourced coffee to the San Diego community.
OB Beans roasts all of its coffee in-house using a 10kg Mill City Roaster. The company sources its coffee beans from farmers all over the world, including Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil. OB Beans is committed to ethical sourcing and direct trade, and it works closely with its farmers to ensure that they are paid fair prices for their coffee.
OB Beans offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brew. The company also sells whole bean coffee and ground coffee. In addition to coffee, OB Beans also offers a variety of pastries and other food items.
OB Beans is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The company is known for its high-quality coffee, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere. OB Beans is also a strong supporter of the local community and regularly hosts events and fundraisers.
Deservedly they make our list of the Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego.
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Sourcing sustainable coffee beans: OB Beans Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans from sustainable farms that are certified by organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. This ensures that the coffee beans are grown and harvested in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.
- Using compostable cups and lids: OB Beans Coffee Roasters uses compostable cups and lids for all of its to-go coffee drinks. This helps to reduce waste and protect the environment.
- Roasting with renewable energy: OB Beans Coffee Roasters roasts its coffee using renewable energy from solar panels. This helps to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and combat climate change.
Pricing Options
| Product | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| OB Beans House Blend | Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $18.00 |
| OB Beans Espresso Blend | Guatemala, Sumatra, Indonesia | 12 oz | $20.00 |
| OB Beans Decaf Blend | Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $19.00 |
| OB Beans Single Origin Coffees (Rotating) | Varies | 12 oz | $22.00 |
| OB Beans Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Varies | 16 oz | $12.00 |
Website obbeans.com
Opening Hours
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The WestBean Coffee Roasters
The WestBean Coffee Roasters is a cozy, modern coffee shop located in San Diego, California. They are known for their house-roasted coffee, friendly staff, and relaxed atmosphere.
The WestBean Coffee Roasters sources their coffee beans from sustainable farms all over the world and roast them in-house. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brew. They also sell whole bean coffee and ground coffee. In addition to coffee, The WestBean Coffee Roasters also offers a variety of pastries and other food items.
The WestBean Coffee Roasters is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to grab a quick breakfast or lunch, or to relax with a cup of coffee and a bagel. It is also a great place to meet up with friends or to work on your laptop. The shop has free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating.
The WestBean Coffee Roasters is committed to giving back to the community. They donate a portion of their profits to local charities, and they work to support the local economy.
If you are looking for a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee in San Diego, be sure to check out The WestBean Coffee Roasters. You won’t be disappointed!
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Sourcing sustainable coffee beans: The WestBean Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans from sustainable farms that are certified by organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. This ensures that the coffee beans are grown and harvested in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.
- Reducing waste: The WestBean Coffee Roasters uses compostable cups and lids for all of its to-go coffee drinks. The shop also recycles as much waste as possible.
- Supporting the local community: The WestBean Coffee Roasters donates a portion of its profits to local charities, and it works to support the local economy.
Pricing Options
| Product | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The WestBean House Blend | Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $18.00 |
| The WestBean Espresso Blend | Guatemala, Sumatra, Indonesia | 12 oz | $20.00 |
| The WestBean Decaf Blend | Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $19.00 |
| The WestBean Single Origin Coffees (Rotating) | Varies | 12 oz | $22.00 |
| The WestBean Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Varies | 16 oz | $12.00 |
Website thewestbean.com
Opening Hours
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a coffee roastery located in San Diego, California. They are known for their high-quality coffee, which is roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and consistency. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans from sustainable farms all over the world, and they work closely with their farmers to ensure that they are paid fair prices for their coffee.
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters offers a variety of coffee blends, including a house blend, an espresso blend, and a decaf blend. They also offer a variety of single origin coffees, which rotate seasonally. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters sells its coffee beans whole or ground, and it also offers a variety of brewed coffee drinks, such as espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brew.
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is committed to social responsibility. The company donates a portion of its profits to local charities, and it works to support the local community. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is also a member of the Rainforest Alliance, and it is committed to sourcing coffee beans from sustainable farms.
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters is a great place to buy high-quality coffee in San Diego. The company is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and it offers a variety of coffee products to choose from.
This is why they make our list of the Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego.
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Sourcing sustainable coffee beans: Dark Horse Coffee Roasters sources its coffee beans from sustainable farms that are certified by organizations such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. This ensures that the coffee beans are grown and harvested in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible.
- Using compostable cups and lids: Dark Horse Coffee Roasters uses compostable cups and lids for all of its to-go coffee drinks. This helps to reduce waste and protect the environment.
- Reducing waste: Dark Horse Coffee Roasters recycles as much waste as possible, including coffee grounds and packaging materials. The company also uses energy-efficient appliances and lighting in its roastery and cafe.
Pricing Options
| Product | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Horse House Blend | Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $18.00 |
| Dark Horse Espresso Blend | Guatemala, Sumatra, Indonesia | 12 oz | $20.00 |
| Dark Horse Decaf Blend | Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $19.00 |
| Dark Horse Single Origin Coffees (Rotating) | Varies | 12 oz | $22.00 |
| Dark Horse Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Varies | 16 oz | $12.00 |
Website darkhorseroasters.com
Opening Hours
- Monday-Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) is a coffee and tea company founded in California in 1963. It has over 1,000 stores worldwide, including many in San Diego, California. CBTL is known for its high-quality coffee and tea products, as well as its friendly and inviting atmosphere.
CBTL sources its coffee beans from all over the world, including Colombia, Brazil, and Ethiopia. The beans are roasted in small batches to ensure freshness and flavor. CBTL also offers a variety of specialty coffees, such as its Original Ice Blended® drinks and its Nitro Cold Brew.
In addition to coffee, CBTL also offers a wide variety of teas. The company sources its tea leaves from all over the world, including China, India, and Japan. CBTL offers a variety of black teas, green teas, herbal teas, and fruit teas. CBTL also offers a variety of specialty teas, such as its Matcha Latte and its Chai Latte.
CBTL is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company sources its coffee beans and tea leaves from sustainable farms and pays its farmers fair prices. CBTL also donates a portion of its profits to local charities.
CBTL is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in San Diego. The company offers a wide variety of products to choose from, and its staff is always happy to help you find the perfect drink.
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Sustainability Initiatives
- Sourcing sustainable coffee beans and tea leaves: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf sources its coffee beans and tea leaves from sustainable farms. The company is a member of the Rainforest Alliance and the Ethical Tea Partnership.
- Reducing waste: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf uses compostable cups and lids for all of its to-go drinks. The company also recycles as much waste as possible.
- Supporting the local community: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf donates a portion of its profits to local charities. The company also works to support local businesses.
Pricing Options
| Product | Origins | Package Bag Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf House Blend | Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $18.00 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Espresso Blend | Guatemala, Sumatra, Indonesia | 12 oz | $20.00 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Decaf Blend | Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia | 12 oz | $19.00 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Single Origin Coffees (Rotating) | Varies | 12 oz | $22.00 |
| The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate | Varies | 16 oz | $12.00 |
Website https://www.coffeebean.com/stores/ca/san-diego
Opening Hours
- Monday-Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Best Coffee Roasters in San Diego Wrup-up
San Diego is a vibrant and diverse city, and its coffee scene reflects that. From cozy neighborhood cafes to award-winning roasters, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a quick espresso on the go or a leisurely afternoon spent sipping a cup of coffee with friends, you are sure to find the perfect spot in San Diego.
In this article, we have highlighted ten of the best coffee shops in San Diego. But this is just a small sample of the many great places to get a cup of coffee in the city. We encourage you to explore and find your own favorite spots.
And once you have had a chance to try some of the delicious coffee that San Diego has to offer, we invite you to leave a comment below and share your experience. We would love to hear about your favorite coffee shops and coffee drinks.
We hope you have enjoyed this article!
