Caffe Calabria
Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Park3933 30th St
(between Lincoln Ave & University Ave)
San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 291-1795
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
39 Reviews for Caffe Calabria
If you have every wanted a coffee shop that you go to where everyone knows your name, then run (don't walk) to Calabria! The staff is so incredibly friendly and upbeat. They are an amazing bunch of people who, coincidentally, make the best coffee in San Diego.
The baristas who work at Calabria are real professionals when it comes to their game. They are not some Starbucks flunkeys who just dollop some foam on a latte, they have the have the foam art down to a science!
The atmosphere is upbeat and fun; always some great song playing, and a great energy in the air.
Calabria is also a roaster and so all their coffee is sinfully fresh and full-bodied.
Best Capp I've ever had I had here. Best. Ever.
I wish they stayed open later. But I appreciate that they have their priorities. Really, really appreciate that. No, that was not sarcastic.
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Mexican Mocha....mmmmmmmmmmmmm *drool, drool*
This particular beverage has to be the most delicious thing I've ever places in my mouth. Seriously, I've had some amazing stuff en me boca over the years, but this takes the cake. It's espresso, chocolate milk, cinnamon, sugar, and heaven...I believe. I find myself craving it in the middle of the night. I'll wake up, pace around my apartment, chew on Tasters Choice or Yuban, anticipating the 7:00 a.m. wake up call. As I sip on my tasty beverage right now, I can't help but notice a little movement down below. It's that good.
Now, if you'll excuse me...I need to clip this review and spend some sexy time with my Mexican (mocha). Ay, ay, ay!
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Hell yeah! I am never disappointed. I've tried a variety of different espresso beverages, and they have all been the F-ing jam. I've been at different times of the day (So sad they close at 3) and everyone who has made my coffee has put a big smile on my face. The drinks are consistently good. Amen! The last time I got an iced vanilla latte they put it in a shaker like a cocktail. OMG did it hit the spot like no other! The people that work here are chill and friendly, and that is the type of environment they create. I only wish there were always parking outside on 30th street, but it is understandable that everyone else is going to where the good coffee is too!
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I heart this place. For 2 things, no, for 3 things...yeah 3 things. One: they are snooty about their espresso shots and so am I, I love that. Two: when they put their snooty espresso shots in a Mexican Mocha I love them even more, and they are clever with their whipped cream application. Three: This is where I buy my coffee beans, the dudes in the back are super helpful, and fun to chat with, ask for a punch card and buy tons of coffee, the Mexican roast is my fave... so far...
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i'll be honest -- not much of a coffee connoisseur. i am on the hunt of good environments conducive to working productively :)
free wifi: +
friendly staff: +
bright environment: +
crazy coffee!: ++
early closing time: :(
so lots of good things, would love to stay here later!
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So far, the only place in my neighborhood (I've only been here since September) where I consistently like the coffee. I buy freshly-roasted beans here every week, and when I don't have time to fix my own pot, I stop by Calabria in the mornings for a cuppa. I'm definitely something of a coffee snob already, but Calabria has contributed to ruining me for anything less than quality joe.
My favorite menu item by far is the "grab and go"--a prosciutto panini thingy on a baguette--that comes with or without slices of hard-boiled egg. I always get it with the egg. It reminds me a bit of sandwiches I'd get when living in a small town in Italy.
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Stopped in for a cappaccino after lunch at Marie's. Noticed the really cool windows and started thinking abou tthe fact that I am about to replace the windows in my house. I asked the barrista, who I expected to look at me like I was crazy, if she knew anything about the windows. Smiling, she said No, but directed me to a fella who happened to be the owner. I asked about the windows and he gave me a bunch of info. They are adjusting their decor again, and he was obviously not UNbusy, but he took the time to talk to me about windows.
Ya know what else? The cappaccino was Awesome!! =) I left a space for another star, because I have the feeling they will earn it with my next visit or two...
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This is another overpriced sub par quality menu place. Granted it looks great and feels very North Park, but to boot the hours of this place are completely unrealistic. It is almost never open whenever I walked by to go to the Newstand next door or to the bank. The coffee is ok, but not spectacular. Plus parking is always an issue in North Park so unless you are going by foot, or have time to hunt for street parking, go somewhere else.
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This is definitely my favorite coffee in San Diego. I can drink it black, no sweetener or anything. It is never bitter, watery...always perfect, day in day out.
Their specialty drinks are amazing too -- my favorite is the soy latte with a Splenda...it tastes like a toasted marshmellow, with the way they steam the milk, and how the espresso tastes (NEVER bitter). Many coffee places are inconsistent -- the milk either has no foam, watery bubbles, or is ALL foam...but Caffe Calabria always does a perfect job, no matter who the barista is.
The atmosphere is nice too, as well as all of the servers.
Also -- it now closes at 3pm, but will soon be opening at night, as a pizza place / wine bar!
This is good coffee.
Seriously.
They roast their own beans right there on the premesis, and it is actually a beautiful room that houses the roasting machine. Neat to see the whole process in a way. AND ... they roast GREAT beans.
The decor is cool. The high ceilings make it almost feel like the inside is outside
Staff: pretty good. they make good coffee, but they have been slightly inattentive at times (mostly recently).
Still, I dig it, and love that it survived the building of that Gigantic Condo place around it.
Yummy coffee. Yum.
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delicious lattes, always with a beautiful leaf design
the staff is so cordial and always makes me want to throw all my extra money in the tip jar
reasonably priced
the peach italian soda with no cream is also delicious
and they have freshly squeezed orange juice
meets my exceedingly high standards on cleanliness
and there's sidewalk seating to both watch and interact with some 30th St. crazies.
My only wish is that they were open later.
You know... I would have gave it 5 stars but..
IT CLOSES @ 3PM!! What the deuces? How can you run a business that closes at 3pm? I wanted to kick down the door when I saw that tiny little sign that said "We're sorry, We are idiots and we like to annoy our costumers and close at 3 in the afternoon" Well that is my interpretation. But anyway the coffee and lattes are G.R.E.A.T. It blows Starbucks out of the clear blue sky, which is easy since Starbucks coffee taste like shit-juice.
The service is pretty good... (there is this one chick there that is pretty lady there who is smoking hawt.. but don't tell my wife though) :)
anyway, I hate you Caffe Calabria from closing so early.
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Kinda like a microbrewery version of a cafe. Pretty neat with the tall ceilings and stuff, but somehow I don't find it a place I'd like to hang out and work. Maybe it reminds too much of a bar?
Servers are super nice. Good sandwiches. I'd come more often if I lived in the area and didn't have to deal with parking.
I've never been to Italy, yet i consider myself an espresso macchiato snob. Yes I will judge the entire coffee establishment based on if they follow Starbucks lead or if they make the real thing. And I can honestly say Calabria makes the best REAL espresso macchiato in San Diego. No Starbonicks is spoken here, their coffee is genuine and they roast their own beans on the premises so you know its fresh. I did deduct one star because the set-up inside is a bit awkward. I think maybe they were doing some remodeling, but there was only one outlet in the entire cafe (and it was taken) plus the chairs weren't comfortable enough to make you want to stick around. I'd recommend an espresso drink to go.
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I love this coffee shop...great coffee, great atmosphere, great food....yet horrible hours! They would get a 5, but the hours make such a difference.
I love that they have wi-fi, and comfortable seating. I recommend this coffee shop, but not for times after 3pm...they will be closed.
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I finally, finally had the chance to go to Caffe Calabria, despite the fact that I have lived in North Park now for a year and visited coffee shops in the area for nearly three. Why did it take so long?
Because the damn coffee shop is only open until 3pm. Seriously. Three pm. What the bloody hell? How the hell do you exist as a coffee shop and stay only open until three in the bloody afternoon?
The thought bounced around in my irritated brain as I walked up to the bar and ordered an iced mocha. The barista was really friendly, incredibly nice, and the mocha was top notch, an excellent blend of espresso and chocolate and milk and ice. I was at once taken with the place, with its beautiful high ceilings, eclectic artwork, welcoming furniture, classy booths, and well stocked interior. Again my brain screamed, "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU ONLY OPEN UNTIL THREE! People with actual jobs would love to come by and see this!"
Clamping down on my confused rage, I managed a friendly smile and asked the barista why exactly they were open only until three.
"It seems to slow down in the afternoon." I withheld a snort.
"But, once our pizza maker is installed, we're going to be open nights."
My heart leapt in my chest.
Seriously, this place will give coffee lovers something to be excited about. Free wireless, great menu, great location, fantastic ambiance...North Park will have yet another great coffee shop to call home, that finally people can visit.
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Caffe Calabria is located in the heart of North Park, walking distance to a number of new boutiques, and definitely surrounded by eccentric individuals. Caffe Calabria has adorable Italian-inspired decor, huge fake windows, amazing menu blackboards with beautiful art, and an adorable pastry display. The americano was decent, a little too watery than my normal drinks; however the service was amazing. I'd give Caffe Calabria 4 stars, but BUT BUT... the pastries aren't fresh but from Bread & Cie. Sucks. I like my pastries fresh!
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They roast their own coffee, need I say more? I love to come here for an afternoon iced coffee or for breakfast. They serve their coffee at grossmont college cafe 200 which is a plus, since I happen to go there. Only downside is they close at 4 ! Definatly check it out if you are in north park.
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star: fresh-roasted coffee
star: free wifi
star: super awesome panini
star: friendly staff
no star: closing early! and as Ray D. noted, the environment isn't really conducive to hanging around for long, working or chitter chatting. I believe it is the bar set up, which feels rather public. there aren't many outlets at all, either. If you want to utilize the wifi, maybe you can bring an extension cord and string it across a walkway.
less bohemian and more consistent than claire de lune, less comfortable but more in-business than caffe forte.
5 stars, because this is the only place in SD where I have always had delicous espresso in the ristretto style. and they gave me soda water to chase it, and usually there is someone sexy in there to look at, which I like about North Park.
Hard earned five stars! It doesn't get any better than this...no bitterness served here!
...seriously...
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2nd best coffee in san diego.
calabrians know their coffee (they roast it too!). the employees are always super friendly, and they make a mean cappuccino. and their house drip coffee is definitely the best in town. seriously, it's close to impossible to find good coffee in san diego, and this place never lets me down. unless it's after 3pm, in which case they would be closed.
their french press is awesome, espresso is a bit silty, caps are great, mochas are killer (although they no longer have that clutch homemade whipped cream), the chocolate-dipped macaroons and biscotti (OH MY GOD delicious), and now they carry izzes! i used to be a fan of their food, but they cut down their menu. it's good, but not great.
calabria, why do you close at 3pm??
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I love this place. It has the best lattes with coffee art included. The staff is well trained and it shows. The hours are short so get there before 3pm. Changes are blowing in the wind as they have added an imported pizza oven from Italy and alcohol that will be in the making soon. But it's all about the espresso drinks that brings me here and the atmosphere is huge, literally, with a roaster as part of the cafe. Would be a 5 star but the pastry is surprisingly not homemade and keep the flies out of the display case...ouch.
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Do you like coffee? Really? Then you know all about this place and are a regular.
Why? It's the best coffee in town. Roasted on premises to perfection and served by a knowledgeable staff that know what you, the connoisseur of coffee, are expecting.
Whether it be coffee, tea or even beer, Caffe Calabria does not skimp on the quality or cut corners on the quality of service and presentation.
If you consider yourself a coffee aficionado and have not been here, then consider yourself humbled as you have no idea what you're talking about. You might as well be drinking Nescafe.
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Caffe Calabria's great. To my knowledge, it's the only place in San Diego that consistently makes espressi and macchiati at a level of quality comparable to the best national roasteries. The training is good, and the owner is knowledgeable, dedicated and cares about his product. The roasted beans are the best in S.D. as well; Calabria Blend's my favorite for home espresso.
It could still use some improvement - the shots are not yet always as good as at the Division Street Stumptown or The Albina Press in Portland, or Cafe Luxxe in LA, to name a few. However, the quality is rapidly improving due to the current baristas; they're investing in a new roaster and better grinders, which will also contribute. Their goal is to become world-class, and I feel confident they will do it. I've had excellent shots here. You won't be disappointed.
It's worth noting that they have a small collection of espresso machines for sale in the back, meant for home use. I'd been told that they're looking to expand this aspect of their business. The prices are a little high.
To whoever said service is bad here, that is absolutely not true. Everyone is quite friendly, and are even starting to greet me by name.
Final comment: Soon there will be pizza, and Calabria will be open at night. It's going to be proper Neapolitan pizza. Given what I've been told about the plans, it will likely be outstanding. The owner has toured some of the best pizza restaurants both in the US and in Italy, and has very clear intentions to make his perfect. Wish him luck.
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Excellent Coffee, it's roasted on site, and equally excellent service.
They also have these little "Grab and Go" sandwiches that are tastey and cheap. The pastries are good too.
Last star is blank because they need to be open later then 3pm. The brick oven pizza is not in service but as I understand it they will fire it up in the future and be open for dinner. Apparently they need a smoke stack higher than the surrounding buildings.
I have to give Calabria 5 stars, just for the fact they are the best coffee I have had so far in SD. I've had the opportunity to interact and try many coffees in the Northwest.. Their drinks are consistent and tasty. And the baristas actually seem knowledgeable, which I can't say much for many places here in SD.
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Caffe Calabria's coffee is great and comes in a cool clear mug, or maybe I'm just lucky.
I've heard bad things about the service here but they always take care of me. This is the type of cafe that will bring the food to your table but you have to order from the counter first. So don't just walk in, sit at a table and wait. I doubt anybody other than my friends has ever made that mistake; My friends are kind of a little slow.
AV
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after having unbelievable coffee in europe, calabria has the best coffee in san diego. their double short latte is my favorite. i would drink it out of the gutter (so to speak). their $.50 charge for credit card purchases is a bit annoying, but given their small shop flavor, i just remember to bring cash. the manager, charles, is cute and awesome. typically good street parking. cons: they close at 3! perhaps they'll stay open later when their wood fired pizza restaurant is up and running?
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This is my go-to place for coffee beans. I get a half-pound of Organic Sumatra ground for a french press for $5 and scurry home to drink it til i can no longer see straight. Awesome!
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Just to give folks an idea of what kind of coffee drinker I am, I am a cream and sugar guy, and lattes (with sugar added) are what I love. So the first time I went to Calabria, I was in heaven, as I was served a perfect latte in a big white mug, and a perfect rosetta on top. I think it was the owner who made it for me. The missus also enjoyed her latte "extra dry". We are not expresso drinkers, but the missus ordered one. It was kind of bitter, and she did not enjoy it but what the heck do we know. The missus drinks coffee black so I was a little surprised she did not like the espresso.
That was over a year ago, and we've visited a few more times. The last time, I brought a friend who loves espressos. This time a younger barista, i.e., not the owner, made my latte and a double espresso. My friend also thought the espresso was bitter and did not care for it. My latte was great as usual, but the last couple of times, I noticed they served it in a tall clear glass instead of a big round soup-bowl of a mug. I really like lattes served in a big white soup bowl mug which is part of the ambiance.
So don't get me wrong. This place has the best lattes in San Diego. I am not an espresso drinker, so all I can go by is what other people tell me. These are the things I wish this place had:
1) Better pastries. Can't they get some from wholesale pastries, e.g., Opera? Most pastries shops in town don't have their own pastry chefs anymore.
2) I was there in August, 2007, and most food items were discontinued. Others have talked about pizza but I did not see any yet.
3) Real coffee mugs. Coffee is about all your senses. Taste, smell, sight (love that latte art but gotta have a real mug)
4) Longer business hours
PS - My kid loves blended coffee drinks, and she says the ones here are way better than Starbucks. Those look ok in a tall glass :-)
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Ok...so this is a beautiful place and the people are nice. But they are never open when they say they are and no one ever answers the phone. Their coffees are sub-par for the price you pay but their bakery items are tasty. I wouldn't sya their coffee comes close to what you get in Italy but it's better than most. I personally have found better coffee options around the corner at Claire de Lune for less than what I paid for my coffee. Plus there was a more homey atmosphere and it was actually open everytime I went by Calabria when it was closed.
Caffe Calabria is simple and straightforward. They roast their own bean and make damn fine coffee. Because the coffee is so good, I am willing to forgive them for the limited hours (they close at 3PM). It's usually pretty quiet inside, very relaxing and peaceful. I think Calabria is my favorite coffee in San Diego.
Note: don't be put off if you're not sure what kind of beans to buy. Ask for a half pound of Calabria Blend and you won't be disappointed. You can always get something more complicated next time.
The best coffee in San Diego.
I have looked and this is not just good coffee in San Diego, this is good coffee in the United States of America.
I put this in my top 3 with La Colombe in Philly and Stumptown in Portland.
Very friendly service and just excellent espresso.
I once went to read for a while and have a latte, it was so good I just kept ordering them and after 3 of them in an hour I wasn't really able to concentrate on my book anymore. It was awesome. Nice to go up there too if you live near the coast as it seems like it's always sunny in North Park, even when it's raining downtown.
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Their French-pressed French roast is pure dynamite. The space is very nice with high ceiling and cool art on the walls. This cafe is fairly big; it has its own humongous roasting room, which adds to the charm. The people working there are always super professional; and now that the next door construction is over with, they're back in business!
They roast their own beans. You can taste the elbow grease and it's flipping delicious.
Sip your fresh roast and look up....The art hanging on the walls is usually pretty rad. My only complaint is the weird hours. I'm a late afternoon cafe person. They cater more to the early morning cafe person. Oh, and the construction on the crappy/cheesy/out-of-place La Boheme condos next door is annoying. It's not the cafe's fault at all, but it seems like the construction peeps are constantly dropping huge metal pipes or drilling holes in cement.
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Great breakfast sandwiches.
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hands down best espresso in san diego
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