Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge

Came here because I had a
certificate. Was told rather curtly they no longer accept them. Instead of making an exception to gain a customer, they happily turned me away. Was it really worth turning away new business over a $ 5 sale… I’m surprised because by the looks of it, they could use all the patronage they could get! Now looking back, all the 1 and 2 star reviews make sense.

A little strange when you first walk in but Café Moto and some smooth jams made it all good. They didn’t know a Vienese but did a nice job on one.

This is a very cute little coffee shop not too far from where I live. The owner is super nice and will make you feel at home right away. The atmosphere is comfortable, the coffee is excellent, and there is a small selection of other food items available as well. My daughter and I got a coffee each and split a quiche and a pastry. Both were delicious. I’m not a person that goes out for coffee a lot but I would rather go to a small indy place like this then to Megabucks, Inc. I believe in supporting small businesses in general and besides that, they’re just more fun to go into and usually have better service. This one is A+!

I tried this coffee shop for the first time this morning. I have been a Cosmos patron for many years and now they are out of business. Firstly, I met a friend about 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday, his idea to meet here. Nobody was in the place. It is very small and funky, but also a bit crusty and dirty. There was one drip coffee thermos on the counter, and an array of espresso drinks on the menu. The barista looked like he would rather be somewhere else, and so did I after entering the place. I had a decaf latte, and it was ok. Honestly it was difficult to separate the drink from the mediocre atmosphere and the unhappy barista standing behind the counter. The creamer selection was half and half, & Carnation fake vanilla flavored non-​dairy cream. Certainly, this is a window of opportunity for this coffee shop to shine given they are almost the only game in town (All the Perks in the Vons shopping center — stellar place). There was no music playing, and the entire transaction was awkward. When we asked if he could turn on music, he went over to the old stereo player and put on a record album that was very loud and certainly didn’t seem like Sunday morning coffee house vibe music. There are interesting old photos hanging on the walls, and blanket covered old furniture. Obviously someone had a vision at one time, but it has lost its way. I won’t be going back, and I’m hoping that someone with business acumen will consider reopening Cosmos to its original quality and space. Sorry Marcella June’s Coffee Lounge, a one star is generous based on this experience.

Cosmos closed (sad faces), so we tried this place out. I cannot believe this place has good reviews. They must be paying Unilocal off, it’s a conspiracy.
The barista was a mute and very apathetic. There was a girl literally sleeping on the disgustingly dirty couch. The entire transaction was awkward. Never going there again.
Bonus! We asked for an iced coffee and he made an Americano. Wow.

How embarrassing! Came here after driving by daily for over a year and reading the excellent reviews. One employee was asleep on the couch, it was muggy hot inside, and smelled like weed. The other guy quickly got up to help me, yet his attitude oozed apathy… He clearly did not want to be there. I asked what iced coffee drinks he recommends and he said, «I dont know, I don’t drink the stuff». Definitely a bad sign when your barista doesn’t drink coffee or wear anything that identifies him as an employee or food handler. He said «people order mochas, lattes, and stuff»…hmmmm, really helpful. While I stood there trying to read a menu that looked more like chalk art than something legible, the guy started rattling off names of basic drinks. He clearly wanted me gone, body language and tone doesn’t lie. I obliged him and left. Tip to owner, get rid of these apathetic employees, make a legible well organized menu, and have a barista with knowledge, passion, and an apron serving customers cheerfully.

came here when my boyfriend was getting a haircut next door and their caramel macchiato is to die for! I can’t wait to come back.

I don’t know what was going on the day I walked in, as the reviews had me quite hopeful, but I will never walk into this place again. I don’t write reviews that often, you’ll notice only a handful, which means that when I do write one, it really had to be an experience… and boy was this an experience… a terrible one. I walked in, there was no one behind the counter, and there was one guy sitting on one of the chairs. apparently he was the one working here, as he slowly got up and walked behind the counter in a manner that could have convinced me he was shooting heroin in the corner. slow. wobbly. head drooped down. eyes almost shut. completely disengaged and disinterested. not one single time did he even acknowledge my presence or that i was there. i stood there. looking right at him. for about 45 seconds. just waiting to see if he’d ask me if i was ready, if i had any questions, or, at the very least, to just look at me. he never did. he didn’t even realize i was staring at him until i said thank you and walked out. when people bitch and moan about the utter complete lack of customer service these days, this guy was the poster child for that sentiment.
conversely, i drove right down the road to a place called bugsy’s brew and it was the complete opposite experience. friendly guy behind the counter. made me feel welcome and comfortable the second i walked in. the fact that these two joints are only separated by about a ¼ mile and the difference can be sooooo glaring plays testament to the importance of customer service to one’s business. one will never see my dollars. the other, every time i’m in the area.
and for that guy at marcella… sorry to have bothered you by walking in that day.

If you are trying to get away from all the noise and enjoy your sweet coffee mixes and Fabulous assortment of teas, this is the spot to go to. It is calm, very welcoming and warm. They have an old record player playing the classic tunes that will make you remember that special moment you once had. My favorite is the breakfast sandwich that they always know how to make right every time. I just show up and with no word begins to get made just the way i like it. The coffee is Great and made in timely fashion.

love getting my coffee here every morning!

Ah… Marcella June’s… Relaxed atmosphere, great coffee drink and loose tea variety. Chill music always playing. Not to mention an eclectic variety of vinyl records. i’ve listened to everything from Classical to Neil Diamond; from Julio Iglesias to Journey. Strike up a conversation with a La Mesa local, or perhaps the owner, Alex.
Choose something new from the large menu, or just have your usual drink. My fave is a Moto Chai Latte with soy milk, an espresso shot, and a squeeze of honey. Consistently fabulous. Get outta the corporate coffee grind, and into something new and better. You’ll be glad you switched.

I love this funky down home local coffee shop. Indy cafes don’t need permission from HQ to dress the manikin greeter on the sidewalk, «Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.» Also bold is their better, stronger coffee than I’ve experienced at the other local café – Coffee is hot, fresh, made to order and worth the little wait. Waaaay better than the one size fits all generic thermos carafe up the street. Alex (mixes his own Café Moto blend) & Hilda (and bro Michael) carry on the MJ’s tradition David started, complete with a dearly vintage Marcella June gazing lovely from her portrait over the phonograph table. Extra bonus, they carry CityBeat which, like good coffee, is sometimes hard to find out here in the hinterlands. Soooo much better than that other paper – which they also offer, being equal opportunity and such.

My husband and I just had breakfast here early on a Sunday morning. The ambiance was quiet and homey, with a real record player softly playing Italian music. For $ 19, we ordered a quiche, pastry, breakfast sandwich and two coffees. I thought it would be great, but we were sorely disappointed. The quiche was a 4 inch circle, mostly made of soggy crust straight out of the microwave. No fruit, no sides of any kind. The breakfast sandwich was a small plain bagel, a single microwaved egg, and slice of cheese. No meat, no mustard, no nothing. Wish we had gone to Cosmos instead, where we can share one sourdough sandwich complete with ham, mustard and fruit on the side… for far less money!

This little coffee shop offers a relaxing setting to enjoy great coffee and treats, the old fashion way, quietly! While I have been known to alter that at times, it is not like all the other chains out there, where even thinking to yourself can create issues! Hilda, Alex, and Mike, are very gracious and want you to enjoy the experience they are serving.
Oh, The coffee and Espresso drinks are superb.
I feel that this review is way over due, considering I have be coming here almost everyday since their grand opening about 5 years ago!

NOM NOM NOM!!!
My husband and I are here right now enjoying a delicious breakfast (or brunch, rather).
My order: Quiche Lorraine (bacon swiss) and a decaf iced mocha.
Husband: Red Expresso Latte (I think) and a breakfast sandwich.
Mine: decaf espresso is Illy and drink was mixed and executed perfectly. Creamy and strong and made before the ice was added, so NOT watered down — THANK YOU!!! Quiche has amazing flavor. It’s an individual quiche and tastes fresh. Definitely satisfying my preggo craving for quiche!
Husband’s: drink is «Damn delicious, red, robust, milky, nom nom.» mixed well and with a unique and strong flavor. Breakfast sandwich was tasty and fresh with southwestern eggs and cheese on a yummy buttery bagel.
Service: outstanding. She was patient while I was indecisive and made suggestions without being pushy. I could probably rave about her for another paragraph or so haha. When I thought about having an iced pumpkin latte and she had never made it iced before, she even got curious and made a little for the 3 of us to try when we were done eating! And it was DELICIOUS and will be my next drink! Who does that?! Magical coffee wizards… that’s who.
Ambiance: cozy and comfortable. Relaxed.
We will be back many Times indeed!

This sweet place is a gem. Amazing menu and finest coffee in the area.
David has the skills to make you a divine drink. I suggest trying the green tea latte. Baked goods are tremendous.

Small and put together almost like a Ross shopping trip — I’m not sure how the reviews got so high for this joint. Loud street noise and only a single couch and chair to sit on inside does not make this an ideal coffee house.

If you are looking fir a quiet neighborhood café, this is the place.
It’s clean. Only three inside tables but they have a chair to fit you (note; I am extremely fat so seating is an issue).
The roaster is Café Moto, if I need say more well go someplace else. For out of towners… Café Moto is one if the best and the oldest roaster in San Diego County. You can sample their fair at some if the best coffee houses county wide.
Steel cut oatmeal is on the menu as well as a small but adequate menu. Pastries and a rather complete tea selection round out this homey experience.
Closed Sundays

Another hidden gem. This place is so easy to miss that it isn’t even funny. I knew exactly where to go and I still drove right past it. It’s nestled right between a barber shop and a salon, with hardly any indication that it is there except a small «coffee» sign.
Although it may seems a little uninviting on the exterior, the interior is a completely different story. It’s pretty small yet it is still nice and cozy and includes a warm welcome by David. David is one of the nicest, friendliest, helpful (fill in the blank with flattering compliment) that I have encountered at a coffee shop. He went over the menu, informed me about the choices and some of their more unique offerings. A great conversationalist, he keeps things lively while making your drink and makes you feel like you feel like family.
I ultimately decided on a latte made with almond milk since I have never had a beverage made with that. Overall it was good, but was a little saltier tasting than I would prefer. I need to go back in and try some of their «red» beverages and other offerings. I didn’t see too many pastries/​food items that really interested me but I did come in pretty late (1:30) so the selection may have been slightly depleted.
As I said before this place is really a diamond in the rough, although not as extravagant or roomy as some other places, it’s still really a local treasure especially with someone like David working there. I hope this place stays around for awhile and if you haven’t given it a try, I definitely recommend doing so.

The outside of this place does not give justice to the comforts that the inside offers. The inside makes you feel like you are in someones small living room enjoying your favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. There is even a nice pretend fire place. (
)
I had a Mexican Mocha for a little over $ 4. The Mexican spiced chocolate was certainly noticeable and very good. It had a nice sweet and ever so slightly bitter after taste. It was very good. They also have pastries, quiche, oatmeal, and limited sandwiches, but I did not have any this time around.
The service was very pleasant and friendly. While I was there, a few locals and newbies as my self rolled on in. Everyone was treated with the same genuine politeness.
Great Little Coffee Shop with a lot of Love…