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Guide to California

Chai and donuts

Made for those who start their day with a spiced tea and a sugary, fried pastry.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dam Good Coffee LLC image 1
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Hipster coffee shop with cozy outdoor seating and stylish decor creates an inviting, quiet atmosphere. Skilled baristas serve quality drinks while great beats play softly. The spot draws a crowd looking for a warm, heartfelt vibe and a place to relax or gather.

Cold and hot chai lattes come sweetened to order with a honey vanilla twist available. The chai has a rich flavor that pairs well with pastries like croissants and donuts.

Purple ube donuts stand out with a flavor that recalls cider mill treats. Donuts here pair well with coffee and chai lattes for a simple, tasty combo.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be damn good."

"I had the best chai I have ever tasted in my life."

"The ube donuts here are so good, they remind me of a cider mill."

Good to know

1

There is free street parking available nearby.

2

Bring cash for tips as they may not accept cards.

3

The cafe has nice curbside seating for outdoor enjoyment.

02
IYKYK! Coffee Lab image 1

Robotic barista and record player stations create a futuristic, interactive vibe in a modern, open space with indoor and ocean view seating. The atmosphere is stylish and chill with a busy, fun energy that blends coffee, music, and art.

Chai tea latte stands out with a rich, solemn beauty and amazing flavor. Other drinks like Honey Love and Strawberry Matcha complement the chai offerings well.

Donuts come out fresh and delicious with a good balance of sweetness. They pair well with the coffee and are enjoyed by both adults and kids.

People are saying

"The coffee here is perfectly balanced with a smooth finish."

"I found the donuts here to be delicious."

"I thought the chai tea latte was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is located in Lot 579 at Pacific City.

2

There is a small parking lot with 1 hour free parking available.

3

Public parking structure charges $8 per hour, but the first 2 hours are free with validation.

03
Carmen's Coffee Company image 1

Coffee shop with a welcoming atmosphere and creative, flavorful offerings including unique pastries and proprietary spice blends. Background noise from a nearby car wash can affect order calls. Regulars appreciate the local community vibe and exceptional coffee selections.

Chai here is beautifully spiced and comes as a Chai latte that stands out.

Maple donuts stand out here, especially the maple vegan donuts. The Spanish Mocha pairs well with these sweet treats.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be the best in the area."

"Their Chai latte is beautifully spiced with ginger and cinnamon."

"The vegan chocolate donut was delicious."

Good to know

1

The coffee truck travels to local events like the Patchwork festival and car shows.

2

Carmen's Coffee offers a unique selection of seasonal drinks.

3

There is often no wait when visiting Carmen's Coffee Company.

04
Lazybird Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Cozy coffee shop with limited seating and a friendly, mellow vibe. Small indoor space complements outdoor sidewalk tables often shared with dogs. Music selection stays consistently on point, creating a relaxed atmosphere for chatting or quick visits.

Chai comes as a latte with a noticeable sweetness. It pairs well with coffee but stands out on its own.

Creme brulee donut stands out with its rich, custardy filling and crisp sugar topping. Filled donuts overall offer a crazy good flavor experience, available mainly from Friday to Sunday.

People are saying

"The Cafe's iced latte ratios need fixing, and it only comes in one massive size."

"I found the chai to be good."

"The creme brulee donut is other-worldly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but it can be hard to find.

2

The cafe has a wheelchair accessible front door and space.

3

Lazybird Coffee is busy on weekends, so expect a crowd.

05
Lazy Eye Coffee image 1

Tiny coffee cart squeezed into a narrow alley offers a walk-up window with no seating. The vibe stays chill and casual, attracting those who enjoy quick, quality coffee by the beach. Friendly to dogs with treats available, it stands out for creative drinks and fresh pastries.

Chai features a distinct spice flavoring and comes in hot or iced versions. The iced chai has a unique taste similar to ras malai and costs $5, payable in cash.

Gluten-free donuts stand out with exceptional flavor and texture. Pastries offer variety that satisfies different tastes, and the donuts consistently earn approval from all ages.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and perfectly satisfying."

"The breakfast burritos are yummy and light."

"I loved their delicious chai with a distinct spice flavoring."

Good to know

1

There is no seating as this is a small walk-up establishment for to-go orders.

2

I should get there before 9am if I want to enjoy pastries and other hot foods.

3

The iced chai costs $5 and is payable in cash.

06
1951 Coffee Company image 1

Coffee shop with a modern, inviting interior and quiet, chill college town vibe. Many students study here, using plenty of outlets and enjoying outdoor patio seating. The space supports a refugee employment mission, adding a meaningful atmosphere.

Chai here stands out for its rich flavor and phenomenal chai latte. However, the iced chai can be overly spicy and lacks creaminess, tasting watery and unbalanced.

Mochi donuts stand out here with a chewy texture. The ube mochi donut offers a unique flavor twist.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great and made very well."

"This cafe is surprisingly quiet, perfect for studying."

"I thought the chai here was phenomenal, the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Handicap accessibility should not be a problem.

2

Seating might be slightly hard to come by at 1951 Coffee Company.

3

Prepare to spend around $6-8 for any drink ordered.

07
Marathon Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small, quaint coffee shop blends Greek, African, and marathon themes with yellow decor and counter seating that feels like a barbershop. Atmosphere is cozy and friendly, with nice background music and a homey vibe. Regulars appreciate the premium coffee served at good prices in a peaceful, local setting.

Strong, flavorful Chai Latte stands out with a rich, delicious taste. It pairs well with scones and offers a satisfying, smooth experience.

Donuts here taste delicious and come at a reasonable price compared to commercial spots. Pairing them with an iced caramel macchiato works well.

People are saying

"The owner, Simon, is so sweet and makes delicious coffee."

"The tea here is served by the friendliest, most welcoming staff."

"I found the chai tea latte to be super good."

Good to know

1

You can ask for different kinds of milk and customize your drinks.

2

The shop is located in the Grossmont Mall.

3

The prices at Marathon Coffee are comparable to the giant coffee company around the corner.

08
Slow Bloom Coffee Cooperative image 1

Coffee shop combines retro-modern design with lush plants and sunny outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels like a cozy social club, bustling yet welcoming, with a vibe of family and union. Space offers ample seating indoors and outdoors with accessible outlets and free Wi-Fi for working or meetings.

Vanilla spicy chai tea latte offers a perfect amount of spice and a flavor similar to Augie's famous chai. Adding a shot of espresso makes it completely delicious and worth the wait.

Seasonal flavors stand out with options like mango+sumac and vegan choco halva donuts. The selection also includes unique choices such as tahini cookies and chocolate hava donuts.

People are saying

"The coffee here is incredible, especially the pour-over."

"The chai latte had the perfect amount of spice."

"You have to try their mango+sumac donuts; they're the best."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop is about 1 minute off the freeway with easy parking.

2

Seating is hard to come by here, especially during peak hours.

3

Expect a long line after 8 am, wrapping around the building.

09
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters image 1

Large, spacious cafe with plenty of seating and plugs for laptops supports both work and casual visits. Music plays softly, creating a relaxing, chill vibe that suits conversations and study sessions. Dogs are welcome, adding to the casual, friendly atmosphere.

Chai comes brewed in house and tastes super good. Options include a Chai latte with oatmilk and a dirty chai latte, both popular choices.

Little donuts stand out with their great flavor. The vegan churro donut offers a tasty twist. Donuts here are dangerously good.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and strong."

"Their chai latte with oatmilk is the best around."

"Their little donuts are dangerously good."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop closes at 4 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Metered parking is available after 9 am in the downtown area.

3

The wifi often goes down, especially when the shop is crowded.

10
Cake Garden Bakery image 1

Small bakery with old-school charm and handwritten signs offers a chill vibe filled with the scent of fresh buttercream and warm ovens. Bright cases and the hum of mixers create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Open late, it serves a mix of Indian-inspired pizzas and desserts alongside classic pastries in a clean, no-frills space.

Freshly made masala chai comes hot or iced and tastes delicious. The chai pairs well with southern Indian snacks like egg puff and veggie puff.

Chocolate and glazed donuts have a dense, cake-like texture. Mixed berry filled donuts add a fruity twist alongside classic flavors.

People are saying

"The croissants here are so flavorful and made to perfection."

"I found the hot chai to be fresh and delicious."

"I found the donuts to be dense and cake-like."

Good to know

1

Cake Garden Bakery is open until midnight or later, seven days a week.

2

The bakery offers a variety of foods, including breakfast bagels and Indian street food sandwiches.

3

There is plenty of parking available in a shared parking lot.

11
MADE Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop with great outdoor seating and a warm, inviting atmosphere that balances cozy and modern vibes. The space attracts a mix of locals, students, and couples, creating a chill environment where people work, relax, and socialize. Dog-friendly with vegan and gluten-free options, it offers smooth Wi-Fi and attentive service.

Chai comes in several forms like chai latte and apple chai with espresso. Staff sometimes advise against mixing espresso with chai, but they do make it on request. A dash of cinnamon often tops the chai tea latte.

Offers vegan donuts with standout options like the salt chocolate-dipped donut. The vegan choices are extraordinary and cater well to those who enjoy sweets.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great, and the staff are super friendly."

"I enjoyed the chai latte with a dash of cinnamon."

"I tried the chocolate-dipped donuts; they were extraordinary."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby costs $5 per hour.

2

MADE Coffee has smooth Wi-Fi available for customers.

3

It can get busy, making it difficult to find a seat.

12
deaux image 1
Donut shop

Open kitchen reveals donut-making process through large windows, creating an engaging and interactive experience. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with clean, stylish decor and outdoor seating for relaxed enjoyment. The shop operates as a cashless establishment, emphasizing modern convenience.

Donuts here are artisanal and gourmet, with a crispy outside and moist, fluffy inside. Unique flavors like pastrami and pesto peach savory stand out alongside classics like chocolate peanut butter.

People are saying

"I found the savory donuts to be amazing."

"The coffee here is excellent and pairs perfectly with the donuts."

"The chai latte was fantastic, full of flavor and a thoughtful recipe."

Good to know

1

Deaux is a cashless establishment that accepts only credit cards and Apple Pay.

2

Expect to arrive early as they often sell out of donuts.

3

Prices for donuts can be high, with some costing $5 or more.

13
Schatzi's Bakery & Cafรฉ image 1

Small cafรฉ with Mediterranean flair and a quiet courtyard offers a cozy, European village vibe. Outdoor seating includes a shaded patio and garden area, creating a peaceful retreat. Decor features handmade art and a vinyl record player, enhancing the intimate atmosphere.

Iced chai offers a refreshing twist while the lavender chai stands out for its visual appeal and flavor. Chai lattes, especially with almond milk, deliver a delicious and smooth experience.

The raspberry donut stands out with its outstanding flavor. The Berliner donut lacks freshness, feels dry and crumbly, and has almost no vanilla cream.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be flaky and buttery."

"I loved the iced chai, it was very delicious."

"The Berliner with vanilla pudding was delicious."

Good to know

1

Oktoberfest celebrations happen every Sunday through October.

2

The bakery offers several vegan pastry options.

3

They allow kids to choose candy by the bag in an old-fashioned style.

14
Wild Strawberry Cafe image 1

Cafe offers ample outdoor seating with soft blankets for cooler weather, creating a pleasant and fresh atmosphere. Decor features tasteful, unique touches like fresh flowers and ceramic mugs. Space suits both quiet mornings and casual group gatherings.

Dirty chai stands out with its rich flavor and beautiful presentation. The Chai Latte is prepared perfectly and ranks among the most flavorful chai options available.

The Huckleberry donut stands out with its unique flavor. Some donuts, like the Spiced Coffee one, can be dry and rubbery with a strong burnt oil taste that overwhelms other flavors.

People are saying

"I thought their coffee was delicious and had a strong aroma."

"I loved their chai latte; it's the best I ever had."

"I was so enthusiastic about the Huckleberry donut."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and accessible, especially on weekends.

2

The cafe offers good food with little wait during lunch hours.

3

The facilities are clean and well-maintained.

15
Dinosaur Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop with dinosaur-themed decor and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating creates a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Lighting and music balance well for quiet work or casual chats, supported by fast, reliable Wi-Fi. The vibe is calm and welcoming, making it suitable for meetups or solo visits.

Dirty almond chai stands out as a favorite. The chai latte often includes cinnamon powder without notice and can taste strongly of ginger juice.

Devil food chocolate donut stands out with its rich flavor. Other donuts are good but this one is the highlight.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be really good and tasty."

"The devil food donut was unbelievable."

"I loved the dirty almond chai."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but street parking can be tough on Sunset Street.

2

The coffee shop has ample seating and outlets for remote work.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during peak hours.

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