Influx
Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Golden Hill1948 Broadway
(between 19th St & 20th St)
San Diego, CA 92102 (619) 255-9470
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Free
28 reviews
San Diego, CA
"Ah Java Jones, the fact you are across the street is dangerous. The local vibe is fantastic and when you see all your neighbors makes it…" read more »
85 Reviews for Influx
All I need in life is here...Caffeine, cupcakes, wireless...
Oh wait no that's a lie. I need alchol, oh well still get 5 stars for the cupcakes
:)
This is one of the coolest little coffee places in town! Unfortunately, it's not very convenient for me to get there, so the only time I ever stop by is when I'm running errands in the area. I once contemplated moving to Golden Hill JUST so I could be closer to Influx--that didn't end up happening.
They have some of the greatest coffee around. Their organic roast is absolutely sensational. They've got a good breakfast selection too. Granolas, breakfast bagels, sandwiches, pastries and more.
This place a total magnet for laptop junkies seeking free wifi. Every time I'm there, at least 8-10 people are sitting against the west wall, downloading music, watching porn, or whatever else they do on their MacBook Pros. It's a little creepy though, because they're completely in their own World. Nobody talks to each other...they just put headphones on and escape behind the glow of their computer screens.
For being run by a bunch of "hipsters," they're quite friendly. There are a lot worse offenders at other java joints in town, trust me.
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Uber hipsters palace!
I kid you not, it attracts them like gum to my hair. Walking in the place has a simple mod decor. The menu is small ranging from a few salads, sandwiches and the ever-so-popular Italian sodas. The host is covered in sweet tattoos and is quite friendly. I want to call him Steve, but I'm not sure. Other cashiers not so much.
Food? It's overpriced but good. They're turkey sandwiches are delicious. Caesar salad? Ewweth! Italian sodas...how can you screw up Italian sodas? I definitely don't recommend the lemon bar. It has that "you added too many eggs" taste which breaks away from the lemon. It's a lemon bar, not an egg bar!
Overall, I only go there when I feel like I need a hipster fix.
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Influx gets an automatic 4 stars for having my favorite meal, dessert, AND drink! Meal = bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, onions, and capers. Dessert = red velvet cupcake. Drink = coffee.
+1 more star for friendly service, comfortable chairs (the place can seat about 25), and good prices (my mocha was only $2.75 for a 16 oz and sandwiches are only $5.95 for a pretty filling meal).
Food & Coffee
I was visiting a friend in San Diego who is a regular at this place, so I went here at least three times in three days for coffee and food. The first time was for lunch and I have to say my Bleu salad w/chicken was pretty tasty. Everything was fresh and it even came with focaccia bread. I tried both the House and Organic coffee and they were excellent. Strong and smooth the way coffee should be. However, if you really want a treat, get a cupcake. These are the kind of cupcakes you eat with a fork. They are made in-house by the owner and one is big enough for two people (not that you'll want to share). I had the chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting. I usually don't like too much frosting on cake because it's too sweet, but this frosting was delicious so having a good amount of it was perfect. The cake portion was super moist and even the blackberries that garnished the top were giant and sweet. P.S. They also have red velvet cupcakes which are my friend's favorite.
Ambiance
The staff and the clientele were super friendly and laid back. Since the weather was nice and the cafe is dog friendly my pal and I were able to just chill at an outside table for lunch. The tables are actually elevated and separated from the sidewalk by a half wall/planter which makes them all the more comfortable. If you prefer to sit inside there is plenty of indoor seating too and the cafe layout is nice and open, so you don't get that cramp coffee house feel at all. Each time we went there were quite a few people hanging out reading or taking advantage of the wifi.
I even left my wallet here one day and got it back with everything in it. When the hell does that happen?
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OK, this place is like hipster flypaper, but I dug it nonetheless. I sent my sister in there for a few hours as an advance scout while she was studying for the California bar, looking for places where she could sit for 12 hours on end without moving. It definitely has a touch of that retro-futuristic flair that I'm kind of into. The fact that it (usually) has air-conditioning and that it has free wi-fi may bias me a bit, but I hung out here quite a bit last August when it was 110 degrees in the shade and there warn't no shade, and when I would literally bake inside my AC-less apartment that had an ambient temperature of probably around 130 degrees with the windows open. I've got to say, though, there are some very pretty people who hang out here. I'm not usually much of a people watcher, but sometimes you're just compelled to do so. Especially around the end of the business day.
A short story to help you understand my love of this place:
I recently had to move due to a misunderstanding with my landlord (I thought I should be able to have hot showers and a recycling can, while he thought I should stop calling him to do his job) and my decision came down to either a room in hillcrest or golden hill. Making the decision was difficult--I even made 'pro' and 'con' lists for the rooms. As for the room in Golden Hill, the biggest 'pro' was that I could walk to Influx. Unfortunately, that did not outweigh the OCD girl I would have to move in with. Ultimately I chose hillcrest, but its a testament to my love of Influx that I still call it my 'corner coffee shop' and frequent it several times per week.
Ps- They have wonderful granola and their feta sandwiches are scrumptous.
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The place has a nice 50's cafe feel to it, a web site that actually provides information, free wireless, standard coffee shop menu items and friendly staff. I actually came here because it is down the road from Krakatoa and open until 9:00 everyday (Krakatoa closes at 6:00PM on Sunday - lame!). It's also part of my potentially exhaustive sweep through the cafes of San Diego looking for one that's actually really good for getting work/studying done.
The place is very spacious and bright and looks and feels very nice and hip and cool. The internet exists, but it is a neighborhood internet and though free, is very sparse and sketchy. I wouldn't go here if I were going to be surfing the net heavily, but nice if you need a word here and there for a paper or eBay checks. The coffee is drinkable but not delicious, the pastries look good but I'm not trying them. It's very typical on the menu spectrum.
If I lived closer (and I don't) then I'd probably come here frequently. Open till 9:00PM everyday is nice for me. Later than most places and totally consistent. I wish it had more REAL food (like the living room) or there were something good nearby, but there isn't really. There is also very little outdoor seating (not a problem for me since the inside is so spacious and open and bright), so don't come here if you're in the mood for that. All in all a good place, but not great.
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Influx, unlimited love to y'all.
That the best coffee in town is within walking distance of my house is pretty amazing, and lucky on my part. Or maybe I just chose my neighborhood well. In any case, once I make it through a cup or two of coffee, it's on to a Turkey 2 sammitch, which I think I need at least once a month. Maybe more than that.
Ordinarily, I don't get too excited about caesar salads, but the one here is outstanding. Great dressing, plus the addition of grilled chicken is even better.
It's best to come early, because weekend afternoons tend to get a little crowded, both due to great food and free Wi-Fi. Plus you also get first of the cupcakes, which are too yummy for words. that buttercream frosting? ohhh, man.
I came here every day while I was in San Diego for my morning fix. I am a cuppa coffee lady. I save my latte drinking for special occasions or for when I am unsure of what a place has to offer. I was skeptical about ordering house coffee here since I don't frequent Influx but Jenny said it was good and I trust that little woman. And she was right! Thank you Influx for providing a solid coffee drinker with a solid cup of coffee. No need to break the bank and order fro-fro drinks just to be certain I would get my caffeine fix.
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Forget Starbucks and all the other corporate "cafes/coffeeshops" and head over to Influx for a legit cup of JOE. Not only will you find good coffee but you'll also bump into some amazing pastries (made in house from scratch, some bomb teas, Coca Cola in old fashioned bottles, free Wireless, good music streaming through the speakers at a level where you can still enjoy a good read, and some down to earth service; no corporate BS. Become a regular here and be assured that the Baristas will make an effort to remember you, and don't be surprised if they smile!
Turkey melt on everything bagel = Goodness
Homemade Cheese Danish = delicious
Turkey 1 Sandwich = Yummy
The list of good things keeps going...
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When I go to Influx, people stare at me like I'm Bill Gates asking an Apple store employee if there's a bathroom he can use. The place is just so bright and modern that my dull and dusty ways don't come off as proper. That's alright though, the coffee is hot, black and tasty.
I've had a few sandwiches there and they all have been mighty good. There are pastries that will give you diabetes just for looking at 'em. The staff is nice. They call me, Sir. All in all, a good place for the morning, afternoon, or evening pick me up.
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Everyone stared at my friend and I when we walked in. I was okay with that because I was here to try their famous cupcakes and coffee. Unfortunately, I was unable to do neither. My friend and I just stood there for about 10 min while the guy working behind the counter didn't even acknowledge us. I just kept reminding myself that I was only here for the cupcakes and coffee. So, I chased down the guy working behind the counter (he was serving this girl on hand & foot - big kiss ass!) and asked about the cupcakes. He responded with no eye contact, no they didn't have anymore cupcakes. So, I decided to leave. I couldn't try the cupcake and I didn't want to spend another 30 min waiting for someone to help me.
I was SO DISAPPOINTED since I drove all the way there for nothing - and gas isn't cheap nowadays.
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frickin yummy
croissant melt 2 - tomato, basil, brie.. was delicious. simple ingredients but delicious!! and they made the plate look so elegant.
red velvet cupcake - i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeddd it. i got 2! one for me and one for a friend to give to later. after leaving the cafe i took a bite of it in the car and for a few moments i thought of not giving the other cupcake to my friend. it was that good!! yum! i will go back!!
i also like this place because sitting there made me feel.. artistic, smart, and unique. it was just all so soothing.. everyone there looked like they were in deep thought.. but no where near awkward. =]
go here!
Quaint and hip, Influx is a nice change from the Starbuck's crowd. I dropped by today for lunch. My girlfriend and I found it to be quite busy, but what the hell, it's Saturday. We waited patiently to place our order, while eying the limited indoor seating, hoping someone might be leaving soon, but most seemed to be in for the long haul with laptops and books open. With orders place, we found a quiet table outside and enjoyed our lunch there. My turkey sandwich with pesto was delicious and fresh. Soft bread, good veggies, and a hearty helping of turkey. My better half enjoyed a gorgeous goat cheese salad with cranberries and balsamic vinaigrette. My few bites were great and she loved it, too!
I found Influx to be a nice spot to cozy up and enjoy the individuality that we all posses. Seems like a place for people who want to break out of the norm, although their current menu offers slight departure from that norm. Overall, I enjoyed our food. Service was polite and as prompt as possible. I wish I could enjoy a nice quiet hour or two here with my laptop or a good book, but that's not really my thing.
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Best espresso in town. Period.
The pastries (Scones and Cupcakes especially) are delicious.
The service is great.
The atmosphere is perfect.
WiFi is quick, free, and never has issues.
Enough said.
if influx was in boy meets world, it would be mr. turner.
if it was a rap album, it'd be lupe fiasco's "the cool."
if it was a character from The Outsiders, it'd be a mix between ponyboy, darry, and sodapop.
influx is the perfect cross between cool and substance. with masterfully brewed coffee, from-scratch pastries, friendly staff, and a hip (but not pretentious) interior aesthetic, there's little to not like. lit brightly with sun, and decorated boldly with color rather than clutter, influx is one of the few coffee shops in which sitting inside is just as fine as sitting outside. the establishment is a wonderful complement to the golden hill neighborhood, indicative of the area's "eff you, establishment!" ethos and aesthetic know-how. totally worth the drive i have to make to get here.
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The red velvet cupcake has reaaaally delicious frosting!!!!!
I actually like this place as a study environment because there isn't a lot of seating so as to lessen the noise level of other conversations. The only downside is that the internet is not very stable - I periodically become disconnected and then have to reconnect.
And bathrooms are clean. yay. =]
This place has A+ food. I bought some stuff for my co-workers and it stayed pretty fresh for the remainder of the week. I think the fruit filled danishes are by far one of the best ways to wake up in the morning for breakfast. The bread pudding is pretty damn amazing. I liked this pecan desert that I had too. A little sweet, but it was amazing... I've heard the sandwiches are good and the salads are pretty decent.
The place is nice and cozy, but it was a little difficult to study in after hours because the lights were kept very dim. And I also had to fight for outlets sometimes. The chairs aren't the most comfortable to sit in for long periods of time as well, and the tables are a little small. So I would primarily just go here for a nice snack or breakfast stocking.
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Oh da 'flux. . . Influx is about 2.3 blocks from my friend of all friends' place . . . . we never think twice about stopping in for their excellent lattes. . the place is perfect for a tete a tete. .
SPACE is ingeniously used in this place. . it screams "open up!" be light, be airy, be free. . . cut the crap and just BE!
'Flux is not a poser with complicated menu items. . . it is not trying to be something that it isn't like a Wilson Elser Melt or a Gergosian mixed salad. . . .it is a Mozz 1, Feta 2, Spinach Salad. . . . its final offerings are delicious. . . there is no need for frills and hype. . its prices are more than fair. . its food is more than good. .
I've had the Feta 2, a tea, a 5-star double latte, and a croissant. . . . (not in one sitting! but over time with multiple visits!)
and of course, my introduction to Influx came in the form of a boxed up chocolate cupcake my friend of all friends brought to my place one evening. . Brilliant.
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Large Dark Roast and a Goat Cheese Salad (with chicken) please!
Influx has been my savior many a morning, noon, and early evening. The coffee is excellent, the food is even better, and the service is all I could ask for.
I sometimes wish their pastry selection would be a little more reliable, because then I would go to Influx just about every day for some of the bread pudding.
The only point lost by Influx concerns the design. While the whole minimalist thing might be cool to look at, it doesn't lend itself to a cozy coffee shop/studying atmosphere.
Influx has amazing pastries (cupcakes!!!) and very good coffee. Their sandwiches are well made and simple, and don't cost a zillion dollars. There are very cute tattooed hipster boys working there. I give 4 stars instead of 5 because sometimes it is hard to get a table.
Hip-hip-hooray for Gina and folks at Cafe Influx!
I live in the Bay Area where cupcakes are a Big Deal (Kara's, Miette, so many great cupcakes!). My wife and I wanted to serve cupcakes for our wedding reception in San Diego, but when we couldn't get any of the bakeries up here to ship, we had to search for a more local source. We tried Extraordinary Desserts, Michelle Coulon Dessertier, etc., but we literally took one bite of Influx's cupcakes and we had an obvious winner.
It's enough that Influx has amazing cupcakes, but it's even better that the cafe's owner, Gina, went to such great lengths to make sure we had what we wanted. Even though she had another wedding the night before ours (that she was attending as a guest) and limited cold storage for our cupcakes, she agreed to pull an all-nighter baking our order so that we'd have fresh cupcakes. The red velvet and coconut cupcakes were a huge hit -- the perfect thing to go with our Carolina brunch.
Influx is the epitome of a good neighborhood joint, the kind of local establishment that's worth going out of the way to support. Thanks so much, Gina!
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Influx is like my second home... I enjoy the people, the music, and the food. In fact, if you love Granola with fresh fruit, this is the place. Also, eat the red cupcake. Don't worry this is not Alice and wonderland, nothing will happen, I think.. Hmmm, maybe this is why I keep going back everyday... The cupcakes are laced with yummy deliciousness!!
Check it out. I did, in fact I never left..
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Wow...really tasty croissants. I've had both almond and chocolate. The croissants are buttery, flaky, and tender. The only drawback is, the chocolate croissants don't have enough chocolate (there's only a small baton of chocolate in the middle) and could use more.
Yummy vegan bagel, the yogurt & house-made granola is good as well.
Coffee is tasty and so is the blood orange iced tea.
Relaxed atmosphere and decent service.
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I am new to SD and I really miss the Bay Area. I came to SD via a 3-year stint in LA. I work a lot and miss out on regular human-to-human interaction. My hus & dog are still up in LA so sometimes I feel like the old lady on the Hill. Influx has helped me adjust. It has a community feel, is hip but not pretentious, and their coffee/food is delicious. When I am too busy to cook, Influx cooks for me. When I am lonely, I work from Influx instead of from home. It is definitely one of my favorite establishments in San Diego.
Also --- I have had the total opposite experience of the posters who claim the staff at Influx are not friendly. I am no hot young thing (MJ's song "pretty young thing" is awesome though, huh?) nor am I a hipster but every person who has worked there has been affable and helpful to me and every other customer I have seen them interact with.
Maybe, just maybe, you get what you give? I am just saying.
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I really like you, Influx.
I love the peeling paint on the houses nearby, the wide open streets, and the strangely familiar desolate feel of the hill leading up to the Balboa Navy hospital. In fact, this whole stretch of Golden Hill reminds me a LOT of growing up back home in San Pedro, home to the Port of Los Angeles, and the same working class homes not far from the wide vistas of ocean expanse.
I'm currently sitting at Influx, relishing the chocolate chip-pecan cookie I've just eaten and savouring the last dregs of my cup of coffee while I listen to Sufjan Stevens mournfully intone over banjo strings and soak up the free wireless with a quick trip to Yelp. It's a healing moment of just getting away from everyone, and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible. I'd heard quite a bit about Influx, but after having just visited for the first time, it is definitely a place has to be seen to really believed. It's in a house that looks just like all the others; oddly painted, weather-beaten on the outside, with angles and lines all reminiscent of a flash of prosperity a few decades ago.
All of that changes when you step inside. Ultra modern table settings, wood flooring, well-lit--Influx is a trendy, tasteful little coffee nook. I want to just curl up with a book on their L-shaped red sofa, stare out the window at the medium-paced traffic on Broadway, or tap contentedly on my little laptop.
While I love Krakatoa for getting work done and its own welcoming feel, I'm pretty sure I've discovered where I'm going to go whenever it's raining, and I want to feel warm, connected, and comfortable.
Hi there, Influx. It's nice to find you. This could be a delightful caffeinated relationship.
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Comfortable space, with great coffee and the best danishes around.
Very laid back, clean, airy and bright.
Have been going there for a year or two and the place is consistently good and friendly.
[Edit: I'm afraid that my review doesn't do this place justice.
I gave this place 4 stars from the start, but I should have emphasized that they bake their own pastries on site. Delicious muffins, danishes and later in the day, cupcakes. They have a nice light menu and use fresh tasty ingredients. Even the coffee from their air pumps is good, a rare thing at most place. The organic is my favorite. Tasty and warm enough, so it gives me my caffeine without having to wait for an americano.]
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With the minimalist theme running throughout the place, it is for sure a hip, trendy kind of cafe to read the morning newspaper, people watch, or surf the world wide web. And MacBooks are equivalent to people because of the free wi fi. This could potentially be a great study spot if you can deal with the masses coming in and out of the doors for their coffee and cupcakes.
I've had this place bookmarked for months now, and I finally got the privilege to review it myself. What draws me here is not its atmosphere or its food, it's simply the cupcakes. But starving from the night before I decided to try the food anyways, I ordered the Mozz 1. With fresh buffalo mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette, what is there not to love.
But what got me oohing and ahhing about this place is definitely their magnificent cupcakes. These cupcakes are giant and should be eaten with a fork. It's a bit intimidating with frosting so thick it's equal to the size of the cake itself. I thought I would only be able to eat a quarter of it, but once I started, I literally couldn't stop. My red velvet obsession was definitely satiated for the week. Carrot cake and chocolate were also tasty, but it's red velvet that makes me weak at the knees.
They get the generous five stars for having the friendliest service in town. Knowing that we were new to this hot spot, they were bending over backwards to make sure that we come back. For instance, they don't serve cupcakes until noon but were willing to bring what they had from the back and letting us get first dibs. There is no doubt why there is a constant influx of tourists and locals coming in here. Kudos to Influx!
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I have a crush. On Influx. I just like to flirt with it. It's not on my normal route or super convenient coming from OB, but it's still worth the drive every now and then. I'll stop in for a coffee or a yummy sandwich and end up lingering longer than planned. I've introduced friends and they always end up with a little crush, too. Influx is kind of like that hot, quiet guy in high school who is a bit mysterious and probably has no idea he's hot. He's not pretentious and he's not trying to get attention. He's just got that sexy, quiet confidence.
Or maybe it's the quality ingredients and the smart business they do. I do love an guy with a eco-conscience and the smarts for local biz. Maybe it's the free wifi. Who doesn't like genuine generosity? Maybe it's the fresh baked treats. It's obvious that I do have a sweet tooth.... Or maybe I am just completely superficial and like the design. Hey, if you've got it, flaunt it.... in an understated contemporary way, of course.
I don't know, Influx. You've got something I like. So keep whipping up those fresh preserves and brewing some coffee to seduce me into work mode. Just do whatever it is you're doing, cuz it's working, baby.
P.S. I'm knocking off a star because the service isn't always that friendly. Not bad, just not great. Maybe you're playing hard to get. Oh Influx, you sexy little bastard!
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Influx has a wonderful atmosphere about it... it's one of the few places i can actually sit and get my work done.
Aside from the non-cluttered set-up, the food is AWESOME.
I had the bleu salad, and it was to DIE for... not your usual "healthy" salad, but full of brilliant flavors and wonderful bread to accompany it.
On top of that, their sandwiches are great and they don't skimp out on any level.
The biggest thing I loved about the place is that they use Voss for their Italian sodas...
it's the little details like that which will keep me coming back :)
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I wandered over to Influx on the urging of a friend who knew I was near failing my math class.
He insisted this place is how he graduated college.
I get weird about checking out new places alone, but after walking in and grabbing one powerful cup of coffee, I settled into that corner booth/table by the window and unloaded my backpack.
I think I stayed for a good 5 or 6 hours, and got a lot done with school work to boot!
That was a week ago, and I've already been back twice.
I LOVE the bare bones, yet still modern decor. I was told "there is nothing on the walls to really distract you." And it's true.
As far as customers, I've seen all kinds. A scruffy dude needing water to a laptop army with scary looking textbooks to an airline pilot or two. People stay for hours, or pop in for a quick bite.
Food is delish. Beverages are bomb. The staff is friendly and helpful in the way that really makes it easy to lose yourself in some homework, a good book, or a fabulous turkey 1 sandwich.
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Vegan carrot muffins.
Coconut cupcake (What do you mean "too sweet"???).
Excellent coffee.
Mozz 1 sandwich.
Go there.
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I gotta give props to the 'flux!
There's nothing better than having a great coffee shop 1 short block from your house. When I'm feeling tired (which is often, cause my life is kinda crazy), Influx is there for a quick, easy, and delish meal. Granted, the options aren't huge, but everything is good.
My personal faves:
Blackberry muffins, chocolate croissants, bagel scramble, yogurt w/ granola, brownies, pecan bars,Turkey 1 and 2, Mozz 1, and the Caesar Salad. Strangely enough, I don't drink coffee, but I hear the Organic is good.
Influx also has a radical minimalist interior with those Eames type chairs and a custom couch. Unfortunately, the local populace has already unintentionally trashed the place. The couch is stained and the chairs are kinda scratched up. So Jason (Co-owner), when you find the cash, re-upholster and replace the chairs. Not that it matters, but it just makes me sad to see because I remember with joy the day that Influx opened and how pristine everything was.
They also just put in AC units which is great and bad at the same time. Great because, obviously, it got hot in there! Some parts of the year were just unbearable prior to the AC. But it's bad, because they also distract from the look. Maybe they can take them down in the winter.
Only other downside, they close too early 9 or 9:30! Stay open later for my crazy schedule, please... awww.... I can't hate on the 'flux. Don't change... just stay minimal.
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Influx is one of my favorite coffeehouses in San Diego County largely because going there is always good for my soul: The coffee is fine, the food very good, and the aesthetics even better. Both architecturally - interior and exterior - and in terms of graphic design, they have done an unusually good job on this place, particularly by San Diego standards; I can stare at the menu (printed elegantly in Adrian Frutiger's Avenir typeface) for an hour. The seating is fairly comfortable but could use improvement, and in the summer the place often is sweltering, but the overall vibe is good nevertheless. There's a little outdoor deck that's pleasant but could be larger. Influx feels like it's the hub of the neighborhood and may in fact be, but since I live far away I can't tell for sure. I'd go there every day if I lived nearby, especially since they have free Wi-Fi. If this place were open 24 hours it would be one of the best coffeehouses in San Diego, but it's only open 9am to 9pm.
this was described to me as the coffee shop with the best decor in san diego by a fellow grad student who spends much of his time planted in cafes with free wireless. so when i walked in, i wasn't expecting the kind of uninspired minimalism and painful seating that influx boasts. or maybe i should have known my friend was into the vanilla style of interior decoration while i prefer a little funk and personality.
furniture aside, it's not an awful place for a few hours of work, and it's in one of my favorite areas of san diego. the free wifi network helps, and although the staff is (as noted by many others) rather abrasively uninterested in service, their salads are affordable and hit the spot, they have gen mai cha tea and good espresso, and the jew in me loves the traditional bagel with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomatoes and capers. the cupcakes are beautiful to look at, with pristine frosting topped by whimsical berries - which makes me feel bad eating such a pretty creation. not to mention the sugar hurts my teeth.
consensus being - bland spot with decent food/drink and somewhat obnoxious staff if you're in golden hill and want to sit next to well-connected design students and freelance artists.
Great soups whatever it is for the day. Salads too. And if you don't own a laptop like me and still have space left on your table and in your tummy, go ahead and order the mozz 1 sandwich.
Good music and a very chill atmosphere. Parking is usually not bad.
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Influx is a local coffee shop in the Golden Hills area. Has good coffee/tea; great sandwiches; and is a good place to hang out.
I'm giving it a 4 Star Rating-- vs-- a 5 Star Rating because I much prefer Rebecca's Coffee shop because of the warmth of the ambience of that particular coffee shop as opposed to the starkness of Influx.
Both attract their own "crowds"-- but I much prefer Rebecca's.
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The best coffee shop in town, maybe in socal... Just a quick bike ride or walk over the 5 into Golden Hill on Broadway. They have good coffee (so I hear) and nice selection of loose leaf teas. They also have pastries (the cupcakes are a big hit, although I'm too manly for them... ), salads, and killer sandwiches. Free Wi-fi.
Recommendations:
Gen Mai Cha (Tea), Turkey 2, Feta - pretty much everything is good, the only thing I can't vouch for are the salads (since I haven't tried them). Oh yeah and the cupcakes... cupcakes are for girls...
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This cafe has been on my list of places to visit for over a year, and we finally stopped in. I had ordered a couple dozen each of the red velvet and chocolate cupcakes over the phone for an office birthday celebration, and Gina was the person who helped me. She was very accommodating with my budget, offering to bake smaller size cupcakes to bring down the price. Because the birthday girl lived in the area, she offered to pick up the order. Wow... The cupcakes were a hit. They were beautifully and elegantly decorated and tasted so delicious. They were also larger than I expected.
Tonight, we finally made it in, and we had a wonderful and relaxing experience. It also helped that my toddler was conked out, it wasn't crowded, and we laid her down on the super cool couch. We really liked the clean, simple, open, and retro decor in this cafe. The display case happened to be empty save the potato chip selection, and the pastries on top of the case appeared limited, yet all appetizing. I overheard the couple before me had cupcakes, which I noticed were not displayed with the other pastries. When I inquired if there were any more cupcakes, they had one chocolate cupcake left, which I immediately ordered. It turned out it was Gina at the counter. When I had mentioned that I ordered a bunch for work, she actually remembered seemingly little details about my order. I was really impressed!
We ordered coffee drinks, my husband ordered mozz 1, and I ordered tuna 1. My bite of mozz 1 was really flavorful, as was my tuna 1 on wheat. I savored every bite. The serving sizes were good, and I intentionally saved the other half of mine for tomorrow's lunch.
When my daughter finally woke up, we ordered her a croissant and milk. The croissant felt surprisingly weighty. She seemed to enjoy both the croissant and the milk. Of course, I had to taste the croissant, and it was delightfully flaky, soft, and buttery--what a croissant should be.
I couldn't resist ordering a very round raspberry scone for my sister, who loves scones. It felt heavy too, so I'm guessing it should be a good one too.
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