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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of California

Donuts and espresso

You need a sharp shot of espresso to handle the sugar in a donut. Anything less than a strong pull leaves the experience feeling incomplete.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
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Coffee shop

Small, bright coffee shop with a shaded outdoor patio featuring plenty of tables and outlets. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, fostering a sense of community and calm amid a busy area. Dog-friendly space with friendly baristas and consistently high-quality coffee and pastries.

Donuts come in vegan options with sprinkles and classic flavors like maple pecan and passion fruit. They pair well with drinks like oat milk lattes and Mexican mochas.

Espresso here is creamy and non-bitter with a bold and intense flavor. Drinks like the Espresso Tonic with OBS syrup and Orange Brown Sugar Latte show smoothness and consistent quality.

People are saying

"The owners and staff here are so friendly and welcoming."

"I thought the espresso here was the best I've ever had."

"You have to try the passion fruit donut; it's super yummy."

Good to know

1

Parking is available off the street and is easy to access.

2

The outdoor seating area is shaded and has wifi, making it a good spot to work.

3

Vegan pastries and drinks are available and are highly recommended.

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.

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.

Award-winning coffee comes in fancy glassware with great tasting espresso and consistent preparation.

People are saying

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

"The espresso here is rich, balanced, and perfectly pulled."

"I found the donuts here to be delicious."

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
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.

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.

Espresso here tastes smooth and exceptionally good. The double shot stays the same in both large and small lattes, which changes the milk to espresso ratio.

People are saying

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

"The breakfast burritos are yummy and light."

"The espresso here is exceptionally good and smooth."

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.

04
Dreamwave Coffee image 1
Coffee roasters

Coffee roasters with a retro game console and unique monster-themed decor create a fun and funky vibe. The space feels like a creative oasis with bright original art and cozy seating inside and outside. Warm, welcoming atmosphere attracts mostly solo laptop users and families enjoying the kid's play station.

Small donuts look tasty and come with excellent coffee. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Donut stands out as a notable option.

Espresso here features a light and bright profile with distinct notes of almonds and vanilla. The in-house roast blend offers a unique and well-rounded flavor that shines through in drinks like the dream latte and the minty espresso tonic.

People are saying

"The coffee staff here are so friendly and helpful."

"The donuts here are served with top-notch, welcoming, and friendly service."

"The owner's genuine care for the espresso experience really stood out."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so plan accordingly.

2

Dreamwave Coffee makes their own syrups in-house for unique flavors.

3

Parking is easy, and the space is clean and inviting.

05
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.

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.

Espresso here is rich and creamy with smooth fruity notes. Every shot delivers consistent quality and a well-crafted roast.

People are saying

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

"Their espresso is rich, creamy, and outstanding."

"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.

06
mandarin coffee stand image 1

Small coffee stand nestled in a charming arcade with outdoor seating and a Parisian alleyway vibe. Atmosphere feels cozy and moody, with antique decor and a library-like ambiance. Spot attracts those seeking a quiet place with unique coffee flavors and occasional pop-up baked goods.

Fluffy donuts like pumpkin spice and devil's food chocolate balance sweetness well with coffee. Vegan and matcha donuts offer unique flavors and textures to enjoy slowly.

Espresso here is well balanced and carefully prepared with precise tamping and leveling. Unique drinks like the Toasty blend with rooibos tea and the Pineapple Espresso Tonic with housemade jam stand out alongside solid classic shots.

People are saying

"I loved the Vienna latte; it's so creamy and smooth."

"These donuts are perfectly sweet and fluffy."

"I thought the espresso here was the best I could get."

Good to know

1

Parking is metered near the coffee stand.

2

The coffee stand is cashless, accepting only card payments.

3

Expect long lines on weekends, often requiring a wait of 30-45 minutes.

07
Recreational Coffee image 1

Exposed brick walls and comfy couches create a cozy, home-like atmosphere with a friendly, relaxed vibe. Music plays loudly, sometimes making it hard to focus or have quiet conversations. The space feels small and smoothly decorated, offering high-end espresso and unique food options.

Donuts come in vegan and frosted varieties, both tasting very good. The vegan strawberry donuts stand out alongside classic options, making them a highlight here.

Espresso here is smooth and mild, served in a cute little cup. Even the decaf espresso stands out for its quality.

People are saying

"The coffee here is spectacular, comforting, and thoughtfully crafted."

"I found the donuts here to be the most delicious I ever had."

"I thought the espresso was very good and smooth."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers free refills on regular coffee.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for coffee preparation during busy hours.

3

Street parking is available, but can be challenging to find.

08
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.

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.

Espresso drinks come in all the classics with a unique twist. Lattes often need double espresso and extra ice to hit the right balance.

People are saying

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

"I wished they had smaller iced latte sizes and fixed the ratios."

"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.

09
Coffee Culture image 1
Coffee shop

Mini outdoor food hall design creates a cute, secluded space with plenty of outdoor covered seating. Warm, inviting vibe blends with a cool mural that adds an artsy touch. The atmosphere stays chill and welcoming, making it a relaxed spot for coffee lovers.

Donuts come three times a week with a variety of pastries. The guava-filled donut stands out as a game changer and is highly recommended.

Espresso here is balanced, velvety, and creamy. Double espresso over ice works well, though machine cleanliness might affect taste.

People are saying

"Their matcha is top-tier and generously portioned."

"I thought the pistachio latte was amazing and perfectly balanced."

"The espresso here is super smooth and creamy."

Good to know

1

Coffee Culture is located inside Urban Market, making it easy to explore.

2

Expect a late opening at 9am instead of the 8am listed online.

3

They donโ€™t have any vegan pastry options available.

10
Mnemonic Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Coffee shop offers a cozy, stylish interior filled with local art and a quirky retro diner vibe. Atmosphere feels welcoming and low key, with good music and a friendly, inclusive energy. Seating is limited, creating an intimate space that draws a diverse, neighborhood crowd.

Soft maple donuts pair well with espresso drinks like cortados. Old fashioned donuts complement the coffee selection and offer a tasty, classic option.

Espresso here is smooth and tasty with a sweet, slight acidic taste. It delivers a pleasant caffeine kick and works well in drinks like doppio espresso macchiatos and cortados.

People are saying

"The coffee here is really tasty and well-prepared."

"The espresso here is sweet, smooth, and tasty."

"The maple donuts here are so soft and tasty."

Good to know

1

They only serve oat and almond milk, not regular milk.

2

If allergic to oat and almond milk, this place is not suitable.

3

Parking is often difficult to find and not free.

11
Tectonic Coffee Company - Australian Owned Cafe and HQ image 1

Small coffee shop offers a cozy atmosphere with a relaxed beachy vibe and friendly energy. Shaded outdoor patio provides a peaceful spot to enjoy carefully sourced, high-quality coffee. Music complements the inviting space, setting it apart from typical chains.

Chocolate donuts stand out here, especially the gluten-free devils food cake donut. These treats are a solid pick for anyone avoiding gluten.

Espresso features a bittersweet taste with a blend from Ethiopia and Colombia. Decaf options with almond milk and hot Americanos highlight the high quality and great flavor.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing."

"I found the espresso tasted amazing."

"I found the chocolate donut to be to die for."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right in front of the coffee shop.

2

The coffee costs between $5 and $7 per cup.

3

The shop operates as a grab-and-go style with no seating available.

12
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters image 1

Small, cozy coffee spot with a walk-up stand feel and no seating area. Atmosphere stays calm with a neighborhood vibe where locals gather. Offers high-quality coffee, vegan donuts, and rotating baked goods alongside bagged beans and merchandise for take-home.

Freshness stands out with every bite, especially the doughnut holes. Vegan options like the churro donuts and bagels with vegan cream cheese add variety, all served alongside fun, ever-changing flavors.

Espresso here is insanely sweet and rich, served quickly after ordering. The drinks consistently deliver excellent quality.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be good and satisfying."

"The coffee here is arguably the best in San Diego."

"I found the espresso here to be rich and sweet."

Good to know

1

Dark Horse Coffee Roasters offers high-quality coffee at reasonable prices.

2

There is no seating area available for customers.

3

The shop sells various coffee accessories and beans to take home.

13
Little Joy Coffee Bar image 1

Tiny coffee bar with outdoor patio seating under trees creates a cozy, community vibe filled with friendly staff and high-quality espresso. Pastries stand out as exceptionally good, complementing the relaxed, local atmosphere.

Cinnamon doughnuts stand out with their freshness and flavor. Pastries and doughnuts pair well with coffee drinks like flat whites and lattes.

Espresso shots come out well-extracted with great attention to the beans. Drinks like the cappuccino and cortado show skilled milk texturing and pouring, balancing espresso and steamed milk perfectly.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the best coffee, it was well balanced and delightful."

"The espresso here is excellent and well-extracted."

"I found the coffee here to be even better."

Good to know

1

There is no interior seating at the coffee bar.

2

The coffee bar often closes unexpectedly, so check hours before visiting.

3

The owner provides great local tips for visitors.

14
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.

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

Espresso here features a top-notch shot with a delicious taste that meets industry standards. Variations include a cardamom espresso tonic and a decaf option with oat milk and vanilla syrup.

People are saying

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

"I thought the espresso here was delicious."

"The devil food donut was unbelievable."

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.

15
File Systems of Coffee image 1

Coffee shop blends early 90s Mac iconography with nonstop jazz music and quirky decor featuring old Apple monitors and ferns. Atmosphere stays calming and convivial, with a chill vibe that invites openness and relaxation. Seating varies from indoor to outdoor, including dog-friendly spots, supporting both casual visits and work sessions.

Donuts here include unique flavors like matcha and pumpkin, with the matcha donut being spongy and slightly dense at the center. Some donuts cost over $5, reflecting their specialty nature.

Cream tops the espresso with a smooth finish. Flavor develops as you drink, though some find it sour upfront with a harsh aftertaste from possibly fresh beans.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing and delicious."

"I tried the cinnamon coffee cake donut and it was delicious."

"The espresso was a delicious treat."

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers free wifi and has several outlets for working.

2

There is plenty of seating available for customers.

3

Milk alternatives are provided at no extra charge.

16
MEMORYLOOK image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious outdoor patio offers plenty of shaded seating and a cool, airy vibe. Indoor areas vary from quiet spots suitable for work to noisy sections with loud music from a nearby club. Private parking and dog treats add convenience and comfort to the experience.

Donuts come from a bakery partner and taste amazing, decadent, and creamy. The custard filled donut is fluffy and not overly sweet, rated 10/10 for flavor.

Espresso here stands out for its exceptional quality and consistent flavor across different drinks like latte and cold brew. Pricing is unique, charging the same for a solo, doppio, or half shot, which is uncommon elsewhere.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating here is spacious and perfect for a sunny day."

"The strawberry and crรจme brรปlรฉe donuts were amazing."

"I found the espresso to be on another level."

Good to know

1

Parking is available near the restaurant, with a spacious lot.

2

Going on Saturday early in the morning is advisable to avoid long lines.

3

There are indoor and outdoor seating options for working or relaxing.

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