If you’re not familiar with San Diego, or more specifically Encinitas, let me share a local secret: Encinitas has all the charm you’re looking for in a San Diego trip. Known for its laid-back, beachy, sometimes “crunchy” vibe, Encinitas once held the record for the most yoga studios per capita in San Diego County. You could probably say the same today about its coffee shops.
The city is walkable, vibrant, and brimming with options, you can barely stroll a block without running into a cafe, roastery, or even a coffee mocktail bar. Below are some standout shops leading the way in Encinitas’s coffee scene, but there are plenty more worth exploring. One more tip: all of these spots are within walking distance of the beach. So grab your drink of choice, head toward the ocean, sink your toes in the sand, watch the surf, and savor the moment. It’s pure magic.
Ironsmith Coffee Roasters
On the northern stretch of Coast Highway 101, the main road running straight through Encinitas, you’ll find Ironsmith Coffee Roasters. Owner Matt Delarosa is a USMC veteran and a hands-on operator, so there’s a good chance you’ll catch him behind the bar pulling shots or pouring your drink. The shop itself is small but full of character, with a roll-up garage door, sleek metal finishes, and the roaster prominently displayed behind the bar. Though the space is tight, the atmosphere is magnetic, fueled by an obvious labor of love. Seating is limited, just a few tables inside, some bar spots, and a couple tables outside, but that’s all you need when you can sip your coffee while watching old Woodys cruise down the 101, like something out of a Beach Boys album cover. Delarosa is just as involved in sourcing as he is in service, traveling often to coffee producing countries and serving a range of delicious offerings from across Latin America and Africa.
Necessity Coffee
On the border of Encinitas proper and its northern neighborhood of Leucadia, tucked away quite literally in a residential area, you’ll find Necessity Coffee. Sharing space with an art studio, Necessity has that charming stumble-upon feel, like you’re discovering a gem. The shop is beautifully built out with polished concrete floors, warm wood accents, pops of pink, and plenty of greenery, but beyond looks, they take coffee seriously and are leading the way in Encinitas’ coffee-mocktail scene.
One recent stand-out signature drink was called the Bloomed Fig: Black Bondor espresso with Turkish fig, orange peel, vanilla, orange blossom, and milk. If you’re more of a purist, you’re covered too. Necessity takes pride in its sourcing, from exciting Colombian varieties to bright, fruity Ethiopian offerings. Ask the baristas and they’ll happily walk you through the details. A new location will open in late 2025, conveniently located just off the 101.
BUMP
BUMP (all caps, always) serves up juice, empanadas, and, most importantly, coffee, all under one roof. Actually, two roofs. They’ve got a pair of locations: one in Cardiff-by-the-Sea and another in Leucadia. The flagship Cardiff shop sits in a retro shopping center just off the 101, tucked behind the Cardiff Campground and across the train tracks. It’s the perfect spot to grab a cup if you’re staying at one of California’s most popular campgrounds. Bonus: it shares the plaza with the legendary VG’s Donuts. Coffee and donuts? Yes please.
Their Leucadia location, meanwhile, sits right on the 101 and shares a building with Haggo’s Organic Tacos. Both shops have limited indoor seating but plenty of outdoor space to sip, snack, and hang. BUMP sources coffee from farms dedicated to preserving land and water ecosystems, and it shows in every cup. Their cold brew in particular is a standout—smooth, bold, and just what you want after a surf session.
Coffee Coffee
Right on the 101, a couple storefronts down from Beery Beery (Regal Seagull bar), and next to Bing Surfboards (formerly the legendary Surfy Surfy surf shop), sits Coffee Coffee. It’s a true staple in Leucadia, perfectly planted in the heart of downtown. But Leucadia’s “downtown” isn’t stacked or polished like most city centers. It’s low-key, quirky, and full of its own surf-town charm, which makes Coffee Coffee fit right in. The shop itself is beautifully designed with huge windows that flood the space with natural light. There’s plenty of seating both inside and out, and along with the standard coffee lineup, they’ve got an extensive tea menu and some light breakfast and lunch bites.
One of its most iconic features is the massive retro mural on the side of the building: “Welcome to Leucadia!”—perfect for a photo op before or after your caffeine fix.
Lofty Coffee Co.
Lofty Coffee Co. helped kick off the third-wave coffee scene in Encinitas back in 2011, starting with a small shop on the 101 just off the Encinitas Blvd exit from the 5 freeway (the main gateway into town). Expect the unexpected here, including recent experiments with Kyoto-style slow-drip cold brew. Lofty is also an independent roaster, with two spots sitting directly across from each other. If you’re at one, you’re literally looking at the other. The flagship shop offers a cozy street-corner vibe with ample outdoor seating. The roastery across the street has a larger footprint but the same focus: carefully sourced organic beans roasted in-house. Plus, it’s perched just high enough for beach and city views.
Signature drinks include the Aztec Mocha, made with dark cacao and cayenne pepper, and the Salted Caramel Latte featuring caramel and Fleur de Sel. And of course, don’t sleep on their cold brew, they’ve been refining it for over fourteen years, and the difference shows in every sip.
Ricky Adams is a freelance journalist and publisher of Gentle Fawn Publishing based in Boise. Read more Ricky Adams for Sprudge.
