Lofty Coffee

I just love this place the drinks, the food, and the service all amazing all the time! I thought they couldn’t possibly get any better but now they’re even making their own organic green juice. I really love the staff at this location they are all so friendly and nice and they always remember my daughter and I which I think is pretty special. I’m here for breakfast at least once a week since it’s one of the only places that serves local farm fresh eggs. I do love all the Lofty locations but this one is my favorite for sure!

Lofty is simply amazing! I Love that we have one in Solana Beach. Everything that we have ordered has been delicious. They make their own almond and hazelnut milk both of which are delicious. The staff is super friendly as well. The only downfall can be the long wait times and only one cash register but it is always well worth the wait.
Favorites:
Eggs and toast with avocado and arugula.
Gluten Free Toast
Gf cookie is like a mini cake… so good!
Arugula salad
Almond milk latte
Cold brew
You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu!

I haven’t tried the food (YET– it looks so good), but I am a sucker for their lattes. The menu looks amazing and is mostly (or all?) organic. Last time I also tried the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie— fantastic. I know this isn’t a very helpful review, but the latte was truly special. Can’t wait to go back.

Found this gem of a place thanks to Unilocal while visiting the area. What’s not to love?! Love the whole vibe of this place; from the seating to the mugs they use for the coffee. Oh the coffee, so wonderful after having many mediocre lattes on our San Diego area travels. The people working here were so friendly and obviously care about what they do. If you appreciate and love quality coffee, come here. My husband and I could have sat here all day, but alas the beach was calling us back :)

Total fan and what better place to have a coffee joint, than on Cedros. Busy but they do have some community tables to share. I love that it is dog friendly. They also have a secret menu. Toast with hummus and avocado is on it and a great snack if you aren’t quite ready for breakfast. They also serve it with poached eggs. The one bummer is they do not reheat your coffee and it goes cold fairly quickly if it is not in a to go container! I suggest you order it that way. I know I will next time. The staff is so nice, they take your order and bring you your food and coffees. Great coffee and some incredible looking pastries. They only make these very large and yummy looking cinnamon buns on the weekends and I must make a date with my son to take him here for one. He will love it!

This is such a cute little coffee shop! I really love the atmosphere and décor here, especially their outdoor seating! Like most coffee shops, you order up front and wait for your coffee/​food.
For my friend and I, we got a pound cake to share while I got a jade oolong tea and he got a flat white. I really like that they bring you your coffee to you though because sometimes I don’t like standing there waiting for my drink or taking someone else’s drink on accident because we all ordered the same thing. Plus points on their cute tea presentation and latte art! The tea was very subtle but very good. I am a tea lover and I’ve grown up drinking Chinese tea and this tea was pretty good! It wasn’t too strong or bitter, it was pretty light in fact and I really like that. I do like my tea extra brewed and bitter but this was really good, too! My friend’s flat white was good, according to him. He’s a coffee enthusiast so I trust his words (haha).
Overall, this is a nice coffee shop for a coffee date with friends or your S.O. or family. I hope to come back!

Everyone raves about Lofty Coffee… moms, Earl Warren middle schoolers, tourists, but I wasn’t that impressed. Maybe it was a bad day (the couple times I’ve been — so bad DAYS), but both my husband & I have yet to have a great coffee there. The lattes aren’t bad, they are just fine — just as good as Peets or Starbucks or any chain in the neighborhood. But more expensive because they make a bigger deal out of the coffee-​getting experience. The baked goods, not so great. Maybe it’s their breakfasts that are so amazing or maybe I just don’t get it. But the truth is, with Claire’s just down the street and so many other comparable places for coffee and snack on Cedros, I don’t think I’ll be back for another try.

Pretty solid shop. Usually bounce between here and IronSmith when I’m in the area.
Beautiful space with a bit of an attitude. Not that friendly staff, but sometimes you can look past it.
It’s just coffee, no reason for the frumpy attitudes.
Aside from that, great coffee!
Espresso
Had a really nice blend. Citrus and Chocolate made for a fantastic shot. Was really happy.
Cappuccino
Well steamed milk into a well made shot, made for great drink. Fantastic each time. Not the best I’ve had, but still damn good and worth a visit when in the area.
Would have been 5 stars if it wasn’t for the attitude.

We had no clue they had opened up a location on Cedros! Sweet! We stumbled in here while I was making a few pit stops at the local antique shops and was thrilled these guys were here. I needed an extra pick me up after the days events.
Location and vibe are awesome! Coffee… even better! We might have to sneak to this location more often.

The iced salted caramel latte is delicious! Not too strong or sweet & you definitely still get the coffee kick. Came here on a Sunday just before lunchtime & there was a line of about 3 – 4 parties in front of me, in the next few minutes the line behind me grew & was spilling onto the sidewalk! The breakfast/​lunch plates they offered looked healthy & simple, made with organic ingredients which is a plus. This place is also dog friendly.
Service was fast & friendly, can’t wait to come back here for another salted caramel latte! Yumm

Had this a few days ago and I still yearn for coffee this good! Went with the salted caramel latte and it did not disappoint. The espresso was so bold and rich, perfectly pour with pristine steamed milk. Cute latte art on top. I was pumped afterwards! And I’m a frequent coffee drinker.
Venue is very trendy. Small serving building with the coffee bar and most of the seating is outdoors. Dog friendly. I don’t think there is dedicated parking so street parking is the option.

Well hello lover, nice to meet you. Before we become better acquainted, let’s see how you do on coffee first, yeah?
I ordered an iced Aztec mocha and some poached eggs, AVO, and toast. Perfect breakfast for a girl on the go working at her «mobile» office.
People watching was epic, but seating was a little tricky. I understand this location has the most variety, but it can be tricky for a solo commuter.
Luckily, I arrived after 1030AM and was able to snag a table eventually. You need to have hawk eyes and/​or be willing to share a table. I did.
The food and service were awesome. Along with the free wifi and and delicious coffee, this joint has definitely made my list!

All good with the cold brew coffees we got. Smooth, lightly bitter, and SO good with some sweetener and a dash of half-​and-​half.
Very affordable and an inspiring ambiance.

Incredibly slow service. She knew everyone’s name and order but wasn’t making the drink. 10 minute wait!

Perfect place for breakfast, had several meetings here, and it’s definitely great location, decent prices and delicious food.
Keep doing well!

We stopped in here after having a few at Culture because it looked like a cute coffee shop. Well, it is a cute coffee shop. There’s outdoor seating, not a lot but enough I guess. At first glance this coffee shop looks super hipster. My opinion was backed up when a customer asked the barista to describe the taste of hazelnut milk and he was desperately trying to hide how annoyed he was. Like, «You uncultured swine, how do you not know how hazelnut milk tastes?»
Anyway, I ordered the sea salted latte and I wasn’t that thrilled with it. It was pretty thick where it felt like I could almost eat it. It wasn’t full of caramel like how that major coffee chain makes their lattes but I just wasn’t with the consistency. My bf ordered this big cookie looking thing that he said looked good but it looked kinda dry to me.
This is probably a cool place to grab a cup of coffee and catch up with friends, though.

I’m here at least once a week — sometimes twice. Okay, last week it was 3 times.
In my not so humble coffee lovers opinion, Lofty is one of the coffee joints doing it right in North SD. They’ve got the java, they’ve got the execution, they’ve got the pastries and cold brew — it’s all there and wrapped in a branded package that is so SD Coastal. We always went to Encinitas — but this one is closer to our house. No inside seating at all so beware, on an El Niño day you’ll be empapado mi amigo — or lucky enough to be under the few tables with canvas cover.
My BF and I are weekend patrons and always order a light breakfast and coffees early to start our days off right. They also do a very nice presentation of hot tea if you’re staying onsite.
My order is always as follows for food:
Gluten Free Bread, toasted, with butter
I get a side of sliced Avocado to put on top, sprinkled with salt and pepper
A vanilla latte, or Early Grey tea. Sometimes, the Salted Carmel drink they do if I’m feeling like sweets (its VERY sweet)
The BF gets drip coffee or a pour over and a croissant. If he’s super hungry, he adds the slo steamed eggs and avocado. Side Note, the avocado is always perfectly ripe here. I don’t know how they pick them, but I’ve never had a bad side of avo here.
Cheers to another amazing local business.

Absolutely love this place. Everything you could want in a small coffee shop. They make their almond milk themselves which is my fave for lattes and flat whites. The staff is always awesomely friendly and they always get my drink out super fast.
I will say that this place is perfect for an early quite morning retreat, but after 9, especially on weekends it gets crazy busy. I can never justify standing in that long of a line for coffee, so I reserve my trips for quite early mornings.

Got the Turkish coffee and a gluten free banana muffin. They were both great. The sitting area is super cute and comfortable and the staff is very friendly. Would come back.

Stopped by for brekky this morning after hearing some good reviews. This place is located on the charming cedros ave and is a perfect pit stop in the midst of your design shopping.
I opted for their zucchini cranberry muffin, toast with a side of hummus, avo, chicken sausage and a double espresso to wash it all down.
Their housemade muffin was divine — super duper moist with shreds of zucchini and juicy cranberries throughout. Definitely something I would order again.
Their toast was chewy and I loved their hummus, not like the gross store bought sabra stuff. Ate one piece of toast with mashed avocado and the other with hummus. I could live off avocado hummus and bread so this was a no brainer.
Their chicken sausage was really really good but I could not for the life of me get over a $ 3.50 price tag for a little side of this sausage. Does that make me stingy?
The espresso was good with tonic water served on the side. By the end of it I was out almost $ 15 which seems steeper than I would like for a basic brekky.
The seating is all outdoor so bundle up if it’s a rare chilly SD day!

Great experience. Nice energy, staff and clientele. Simple menu but done well. Very adorable spot! Thanks for a great respite !
Cappuccino tasty (and pretty) eggs perfect, gluten free bread yummy, everyone enjoyed their various eats.

I popped into Lofty Coffee a few weekends ago because I was in the area. It’s such a cute space and very dog friendly. It would definitely be a hangout spot for me if I lived closer. As for the drinks, I got a Turkish latte, which I’ve never had before, but since trying it at Lofty, I’ve seen a version of it at several other coffeeshops so maybe it’s a current trend in the world of coffee. Lofty’s Turkish latte was very good — spicey, rich, and creamy. I also tried my friend’s salted caramel latte which was also delicious. The salted caramel latte was sweeter, but not overly sweet. The barista said the two drinks we got were the most popular and I can see why.

I really like what Lofty is doing these days, not just because they have expanded a little bit, but they continue to provide great coffees, and simple yet effective quality eats. At this location, I ordered a drip coffee and some avocado toast made from their excellent multigrain bread.
The coffee was bliss and had that strong and robust yet smooth flavor. They certainly know how to roast and brew coffee here. The Avocado toast was very nice. They serve the avocados sliced on the side and sprinkled with a freshly ground quality black pepper and sea salt. The avocado was at a creamy ripeness and easy to spread. Although the multigrain toast was unevenly toasted, it still was quite good, but I recommend they be careful with that, because a portion of the bread was crunchy and the rest soft. I usually ask for a re-​toast, but they were so busy I decided to go with it.
They do get very busy during peek hours and seating fills up fast. They are few concrete round picnic tables around back as well. Customer service was top notch at the counter and with the servers who brought out the food. Careful on that toasting!

Great location in the Cedros Design District of Solana Beach with outdoor seating. Excellent coffee (I had decaf). Enjoyed a healthy breakfast of organic poached eggs with fresh salad greens (arugula, I think) and salt and pepper sprinkled on top. I felt refreshed after going here. Cool place. As Arnold would say, «Oll bee bock.»

It may feel a little hipster, but this place is relaxing and yummy! The caramel latte with a leaf design brings a smile to my face every time. The open atmosphere is a plus, but probably not recommended on a rainy day. I’d add more parking, but what place has good parking these days? Oh, enjoy the cinnamon rolls. (Tip– they only are around on the weekend!)

My favorite coffee place ever! It’s so nice to just sit and drink coffee when it’s nice out (which is pretty much everyday in San Diego). Definitely try the Salted Carmel Latte iced with the gluten free chocolate chip oatmeal cookie — sooooo good!
Highly recommend this coffee shop! And bring your friends to enjoy it together!

Excellent coffee, overly priced, great new larger location with parking, and proximity to The Belly Up Tavern, Culture Brewing, and Carruth Cellars,…oh, and did I mention the excellent yet overpriced coffee?

My new favorite spot! Recently moved to the area and was looking for a spot to get some work done and enjoy a healthy breakfast. I got the 2 poached eggs breakfast with toast, jam, and added a side of avocado. I also ordered their delicious cold brew on tap! Love that! I only drank half as it was pretty strong (I rarely drink coffee). Food was made in a very reasonable time and it arrive hot and flavorful.
Place gets packed in the morning. Wish they had more 2-​top tables. It’s pretty wasteful for one person to take up a 4-​top while they work. Will be back again.

5 stars all the way for this particular Lofty. Service is awesome, the product served is absolutely delicious and even the lunch dining options are fantastic. My go to with Lofty is the Iced Caramel Latte, it’s delicious and I’m not really a coffee drinker. Pair the awesome drink with a delicious panini and it makes this outdoor eatery a little gem in Solana Beach. Overall, I love Lofty in Encinitas and absolutely love Lofty in Solana Beach.
Pros–
Location
Coffee
Sandwiches
Menu
Service
Outdoor seating
Pet friendly
Decent parking for the area
Cons–
What happens if it rains? No seating…
A bit pricey

Spotted this on the way out of the farmer’s market last weekend.
Busy little coffee spot. At 10:30 AM Sunday the parking lot was half-​filled. Might pay to get here early. Still, a bit of a line to get in.
Non-​dairy cream options were available, but very few other accommodations for vegan folks, but then again it’s coffee we’re there for.
Lots of dogs and bored children in the outdoor seating areas, so be forewarned.
Great coffee, Turkish with cardamom was fabulous.

If you’re in or around the Cedros Design District, this is a great place to stop for a cup of coffee or a quick snack. Not only do they have a good amount of outdoor space for seating, it’s a great place to perch up and just people watch on the weekends when there is more hustle and bustle. Depending on what’s happening, there might be live music or other fun entertainment nearby take in if you’re lucky.
I always go with their Americanos and depending on the weather, I usually get it iced so that it acts as a nice refresher from the heat while walking around. Their cold brew coffee is pretty stellar if that’s the route you want to take, too. The menu isn’t super extensive and they focus on the staples. They also have a good variety of coffee for home brewing, so make sure you ask lots of questions. Every region’s blend is a different in tastes, notes, acidity and boldness, so it might take a bit to find what is right for you.
They have some pastries for the choosing as well as some egg dishes, but since I’ve hit this spot up after a big meal, I just watched people enjoy their treats from afar. Stay to enjoy your beverage or take it to go to enjoy the beautiful sights of Solana Beach — either way, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

This is the third location of the lofty coffee drinking San Diego specialty brewing fun house.
When I went to place my order they were bumping some classic voodoo d’angelo laced with the classic jdilla production, it got me so nostalgic about the days of blazing sky high out of my skull that I just felt high as a kite right then and there when I was placing my order, I was blitzed and just nodding to the hypnotic rhythm of such a classic record in a classic spot in San Diego. So refreshing to hear people that appreciate one of the best collaborations of all time in the history of baby making music rhythm. Anyway back to my review…
It was blazing hot this day and not much shade, but it was ok they had tonnnnns of cold brew on tap for me to keep ordering and pouring over myself to stay cool and alert on a hot Friday early afternoon.
I came to try the salad and ordered the arugula. They didn’t give a lot of dressing but that was ok since I was already drenched in delicious cold brew I couldn’t tolerate any more liquid for the day. The figs and berries in the salad were really something special for my mouth I couldn’t get enough of it in there!
BEWARE of food stealing sparrows!!! I went to check the toilet and like always it was occupied and not available, and when I returned to my table there was a sparrow having his way with my blueberry muffin! So be weary to notify one of the frequent local hipster doofuses to guard your snacks when u are on the hunt for the vacant toilet.
Like I mentioned above this is a dangerous zone as there is only one toilet, so if u really have to let loose after u down a huge fig and berry salad with gallons of cold brew u are in for a lofty surprise! Luckily I had a table in the back by the shade with some bushes to help me bide my time just in case. So that is definitely the choice seating area during the hot summer days as u can really let the cold brew soak in your skin and drawers without the heat evaporating all of the cold brew off your body.
The parking can get a bit tricky as there is not a huge parking lot, but luckily there are some spots that are exclusively only for lofty customers. Luckily I found a spot that was close so I don’t have to walk to far, I love to drive with the cold brew still soaked under me while I drive to the next choice spot.
I really hope u can experience this joyous place and hear the neo soul rhythms of a jdilla laced gem to really get ur cold brew body ready for a mouthful of fig and berries.

Amazing coffee! I love the design they do in the foam :)
Nice outdoor seating. Definitely a nice atmosphere. I haven’t tried their food, only their coffee and it was good! I went here on a date before and it was definitely a nice place to have a good conversation!

I am so pleased that Lofty has opened this location! The slow-​cooked poached eggs, french toast (can be made gluten free), chicken apple sausage, and chai tea lattes are some of the best in San Diego. The café fits right in with a nice Sunday stroll along Cedros. I will visit and re-​visit often.

This new location of Lofty coffee co is all about outdoor space.
The café has very large patio where you can enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee/​espresso beverage, soak up the sun and do some people watching :)
So far i’ve tried their regular latte and Aztec mocha, both drinks are totally different. Latte is strong and flavorful (they put 2 shots of espresso). Aztec mocha is packs a very robust punch with cayenne pepper and cinnamon.
Lofty doesn’t have different cup sizes. Just one, i think it runs as a medium size.
They do have some breakfast items, but i would say its mostly snacks, like slice of bread with some boiled eggs and small sides.
Check it out!

We’ve been waiting to see what kind of place would replace Zinc Café; we are very happy with Lofty Coffee!
There was a short line at 8:30am on Sunday, but our order was taken and we were served fairly quickly. Plenty of staff on hand, which is key when opening a new place.
The poached egg plate with spinach and heirloom tomato salad, avocado, sausage and toast w hummus was really tasty! My husband had the French toast which was also very good.
The only real issue is seating – they opened up the space so there’s more room to walk around, but it seems like there is less table space.
Definitely will be back!