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Cafe' de L'Opera
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Restaurants French Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, French [Edit]
1354 5th Ave(between A St & Ash St)
San Diego, CA 92101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(619) 234-0425
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
aaron h. said: "Food 4.75 Ambience 3 Service 3.5 Value 5 Overall 4.06" read more »
55 reviews for Cafe' de L'Opera
Review Highlights
"The ham and cheese croissant was good."
(in 4 reviews)
"peppered turkey ciabatta (the proscuitto ciabatta is also..."
(in 4 reviews)
"I appreciate the charming French decor."
(in 3 reviews)
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55 reviews in English
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Review from Stefanie I.
Oceanside, CA
1/8/2012 21 Check-ins Here
Cafe' de L'Opera is a great little find in the downtown area. Its such a relaxing atmosphere. The owner is really a gem and sweet lady. I love going in there and just having conversations with her. She remembered my order within 2 visits.
I have never tried any food yet, but I can definitely say the coffee is great. As a frequent coffee drinker I definitely prefer the small local coffee shops over the usual Corporations. The mocha is awesome just the perfect combination on espresso, milk, and chocolate. The mocha storm is pretty delicious as well. It's a blended mocha, it threw me off guard first because it doesn't really taste chocolaty. I'm not really sure what she uses but its pretty good. But to me it doesn't taste like chocolate. I always get a couple add shots added to my blended drinks. I love the coffee taste and without the extra shots it just tastes like a sweet treat.
Also, try the cookies and cream blended, AMAZING!!
I hope to try some food soon, and I will definitely update about that. -
Review from Giselle W.
San Diego, CA
10/22/2011
I recently visited the cafe and it was great! The server (I think her name was Beth..?) was very friendly and attentive. The food was great. I had a half sandwhich + bowl of soup. The chicken noddle soup was pretty tasty! I also had a cup of coffee and an almond croissant. Beth warmed up the croissant and put butter on it --- it was so good!! :)
I had a great time there and the food was pretty great, too. I plan to visit often! -
Review from Esther H.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2011
When I got here, I realized I mistakenly looked up directions to this place and not Opera Cafe. I thought about finding the correct Opera Cafe, but I thought I'd give this place a try because it was such a short walk from work.
For a cafe that seemed to be "french", I was confused to see gyros on their menu. Seemed very random. Anyways, I ordered a tuna melt panini and a croissant (Total $10). NOTE: Their prices on the laminated to-go menu is lower than the menu on the wall, which are the CORRECT prices.
I was very disappointed by the panini. First of all, it came on a multi-grain sandwich bread, instead of ciabatta bread, which was what I was expecting. Second, the portion was small for the price ($6.WhateverCents). However, the sandwich tasted fine, came with lots of veggies (cucumber, sprouts, minced onions, etc.), and it didn't take too long to be served.
Their saving grace was the croissant and the two ladies that were working. The ladies that work there are very nice and when I was there, I noticed, they were greeting some customers by name. The croissant. Almost AMAZING. The croissant was not like the kind you get at the grocery store or Starbucks. These were more like the "real" croissants. I definitely recommend coming here at least for the croissants! -
Review from Hazel R.
San Diego, CA
1/10/2012
Searched on Yelp for a French Cafe, and we found this place. Right on 5th Ave. Parking was not too bad, meter parking and pay parking lots available. Typically that's what I dislike about downtown. Anyways the atmosphere was 'cute'. I order a Veggie panini thing, it was ok. Not the best. My friends complained the the bread was a little hard. I thought that most French bread is a little on the rough side. Oh the service was a little off that day. The poor cashier seemed to be on his first day. He was having some issues, and taking awhile. He was apologetic and the owner or cook brought us free sample of these amazing brownies. Not a total fail there. Would I come again? I wouldn't go out of my way, but if I was around the area I would.
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Review from Anya S.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2011 1 photo
NOTE: THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE MACAROONS ONLY.
Uh... no. The "dual flavored" pre-packaged macaroons here leaves MUCH to be desired.
Consistency: fair
Flavor: sweet with no distinction of flavors indicated on side of box
Size: just a tad bit smaller than average
Price: based on "fair" consistency and virtually zero flavor distinction, I would have to say that the price is too high for the poor quality. In all honesty, I don't mind paying $2 or even $5 per macaroon for a macaroon made correctly.
I had very high hopes for this place, as I am not too keen on driving 77 miles out to Irvine's Layer Cake Bakery. Well, I suppose that is actually a good thing so that I don't get too much sugar in my diet and so that I don't pack on 20# a year all because of indulging on macaroons.
Should you get these? Well, if you're simply looking for something sweet, then go for it. -
Review from Taku N.
Chula Vista, CA
10/21/2011
They have something you cannot get at other restaurants.
This place is good for lunch, and probably it's better to have to go. -
Review from Michelle W.
Woodland Hills, CA
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped here for a quick to go sandwich and I'm so glad I stopped here! It was a random stop and the closest place we could find near our hotel but I'm so glad we stopped here!
The people are great they remember your name and treat you like they've known you forever which gives you a loving welcoming feeling.
The decor and ambience is great, i wish i had more time to enjoy it!
I ordered the chicken pesto sandwich and oh my goodness! it was great! The chicken pesto was amazing and it wasn't just because I was hungry. It didn't taste so much like a panini but it was still amazing! Would definitely recommend the chicken pesto!
Will definitely come here again when I'm in the area! I would love to try their different coffees next time! -
Review from Mary D.
San Diego, CA
11/21/2011
Just stopped in here for a latte (a bit before 8am) and was greeted with a smile and fast service. The food smelled amazing but I didn't have time to try any. Will definitely be back, the latte was one of the best I have had and I really want to try the food. The woman at the counter was very friendly and made sure to ask my name and addressed me by it on my way out so I know that she made a point of remembering it, a nice touch. I will be a repeat customer.
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Review from Stella C.
San Diego, CA
4/5/2011
If I could marry this place, I would. Such a gem! It has charming decor where you can tell the owners really put their thought into it. The desserts and breakfast look amazing and it's a shame that I'm currently on a diet, otherwise I'd buy one of each! Seriously. The americano is the best I've ever had and the food is like none other. They have personal pizzas that aren't greasy at all and you can tell its fresh, a wide assortment of salads and sandwiches... and breakfast galore! They also have a lot of teas here so if you are a big tea drinker...check this place out! Today, I just got the Sakura Japanese Cherry which makes my attempt to cut out coffee a LOT easier!
If all this isn't enough...the customer service is UNREAL! They always remember your name and call you by your name....and there's always a GENUINE smile with a please and thank you. If I had a neighborhood cafe, this would be it.
I can't even explain how much I love this place!
My only disappointment is the parking situation as they have none...so street parking it is (meters nonetheless) Also, when I quickly want to go in for breakfast, the items are made right then and there...so go earlier than you would think. My breakfast sandwich with my OJ usually takes about 10-15 minutes...but the wait is oh so worth it.
If I break my diet, it's because of this place....which I guess woulodn't even be back considering there are so many healthy options! I'm considering it.....
****UPDATE: DIET BROKEN :-( I ate here today. -
Review from Nathaniel P.
Las Vegas, NV
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
It has a cute and comfortable decor, and also a small section of outside seating. Great selection of teas, and the menu is rather expansive. It is a family owned establishment, and the employees couldn't be more friendly. They serve many sandwhiches, paninis, soups, salads, pastries, espresso options, and teas.
They gave us great recommendations, and the food is made right before your eyes. I ordered the ham and cheese panini, and also got salad along with it. It's not going to be the best meal you've ever had, but it is satisfying.
There are comfy couches inside, which is always a major plus for me. If you're ever in downtown San Diego, do yourself a favor and stop by this local, family owned eaterie. -
Review from Heather W.
San Diego, CA
11/27/2010
I vacillate between 3 and 4 stars, so let's split the difference and say 3.5.
They had a large sports team here which took up most of the restaurant (young kids), so we sat outside. Heat lamps are very important in these parts, and their's did the trick.
They had a nice selection on the menu and the prices were extremely reasonable. Service was so-so. The server was very nice, just not exactly quick with checking on us, and took quite awhile to pick up our credit card after she delivered our check.
My tomato soup was okay. Nothing to write home about. Had better, had worse.
Boyfriend's spaghetti pomodoro wasn't a true pomodoro sauce, but was tasty. I didn't love the meatballs.
Our friends had the ravioli -didn't try it, and a penne dish. The penne was good and spicy. Could definitely clear your sinuses!
I'd go back if I was looking for something safe and reasonably priced, but Buon Apetito in Little Italy or Acqua al 2 also in the Gaslamp still have my vote for better Italian in the downtown area, although neither can beat the prices offered at Cafe' de L'Opera. -
Review from Nathalie R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/12/2011
Their almond croissants were absolutely delicious. Closest thing to the French pastries you can get in Montreal that I've found so far in San Diego.
Only downfall about this place is that they had no decaf coffee.
Will definitely go back! -
Review from Sandy D.
7/16/2010
I ordered the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta sandwich and took the suggestion of adding a side salad for one dollar. I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed the dressing (Kimi's) that came on it and the salad itself was really very tasty. Along with the chicken, the sandwich included provolone, peppers and pesto and was slightly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
If I make it here again, I'll order some kind of grilled chicken salad, I'm already craving more of that dressing. -
Review from natasha s.
El Cajon, CA
8/11/2011 1 photo
My tuna melt panini was awesome!!! I had been tempted to try to this place for a while but there was something about the outside that made me keep walking every time I passed it. Today I made up my mind that I was going to try it after seeing that they had a 4 star rating on yelp. I don't mean to be cliche' but I will quote the famous saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover". I was not at all expecting for a tuna melt to be as good as this one was. They used a multi grain bread that had a slight grill but was not too crunchy. The tuna had the basics, mayo, relish, mustard. But on the sandwich itself came tomato, cucumber, and cheddar cheese. All of these ingredients combined made one fantastic panini. I think I will put this on my weekly to-do list!
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Review from faye k.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/11/2011
Real croissants are hard to find in the south. Great early morning service, great coffee, 5 stars.
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Review from Jacqueline V.
Santa Ana, CA
4/15/2010
While getting my hair cut at the Paul Mitchell school, the guy who was cutting my hair recommended that I check out this place. After our hair cuts, my friend and I walked on over to this little cafe.
It's a small, quaint little cafe with a large menu offering. They have such a huge variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, pizzas, baked goods, and drinks! Even with their sandwiches, you can really customize it: ciabatta bread, baguette, panini, croissant, multi grain bread.
I got the Combo #2: 1/2 sandwich & 1/2 soup. I chose the Tuna Melt with the Soup of the Day (Tomato Tortellini).
My Tuna Melt really hit the spot! It had the perfect ratio of cheese-to-tuna and even had little sprouts in it. The multi grain bread was really good, too. But I must say that the best part of my meal was the soup. It was so good. The tortellini wasn't too cheesy or anything, and the tomato base was perfection.
We got our food to go though, because the place had a few flies. It was a bit gross, but it looks like all of the shops around there have flies because as we were walking back to our car, we noticed a lot of flies on that block.
I would definitely come back here if I was in the area, but other than that, it's a bit of a drive for me. If I have a craving for a Tuna Melt and Tomato Tortellini soup, I feel that I can get it (and just as good) at Boudin or something. -
Review from Josephine Z.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2008
I like appreciating the finer things in life. Cafe de L'Opera is one of the finer things I appreciate.
I appreciate the charming French decor.
I appreciate the smell of fresh bread baking.
I appreciate how the customer service was attentive and caring.
I appreciate the delicate detailing of every cookie, croissant, salad, and latte.
I stumbled upon this charming French cafe while waiting for a friend at a nearby office building. I decided to get some homework done. I came in and was ecstatic about this new cafe. The upholstery on the chairs, the adorable trinkets all over, the wood veneered refrigerator [thats some serious attention to detail!], the catchy french tunes in the backround, the portraits on the wall, and my favorite: the cheap prices!
$5.25 for chicken pesto pizza? In downtown? Oui.
Please try the chocolate or almond croissant. Have a rich chocolate chip cookie or two....maybe even the peanut butter ones. The fresh biscotti is waiting to be dunked in your coffee. The caprese, salads, sandwiches with bechamel, fresh paninis, and more! Simple, fresh, delicious french cuisine served with class.
J'adore Cafe de L'Opera. -
Review from Geneyem B.
West Covina, CA
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Food was good but small portion.
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Review from lilly g.
7/2/2008
I've driven by this cafe and kept meaning to go in. Finally today I headed over here, and I am so glad I did!
I have to agree with the other reviews here- L'Opera has it all- very charming French decor, a classy menu, delicious coffee drinks, and to top it off, excellent service. As soon as you step in, you're in another world- it's quite different than the other cafes in the area. I'm so glad I found it- when the proprietor told me to "come back soon" I could honestly answer that I'll be back tomorrow!
note: this cafe doesn't have internet, which is usually an auto-fail for me in cafes, but that's how freaking cute this place is! -
Review from Chris B.
San Diego, CA
3/10/2009 8 photos
Everything I've tried here so far has been delicious! The service, especially during the slower hours is top notch, they really go out of their way to make sure you're satisfied. I was sitting across from an older couple who had limited English skills, and the staff took the time to make sure they were taken care of and got what they wanted.
Also you can't go wrong with any place that has a GIANT coffee table book on cats! -
Review from Rob M.
San Diego, CA
11/10/2009
Cute cafe, great variety on the menu, and tons of drink options. The decor is nice, and it has outside seating which is always nice.
The food was good; I had the chicken cranberry sandwich, and opted for the side salad for an extra buck. Their special dressing is very good, and their Passion Fruit Iced Tea is light and refreshing.
I'd go back for lunch, and it's 4 blocks from my condo, which is nice. -
Review from Sandy Y.
San Diego, CA
4/29/2010
BY FAR THE BEST CROISSANTS IN TOWN!
If you are a croissant lover, you must check out this place. Their croissants are pretty much the kind you would get in Paris in a local boulangerie. Flaky and slightly crunchy on the outside, smooth and buttery inside, with a divine taste. The rest of their pastries (strudel etc) are also excellent. They also make sandwiches, salads that are fresh and very tasty. They cater to local businesses also and they are our favorites certainly! There are schools around (law, beauty) and you will see their students filling up the place every day.
So chek it out and say high to the ladies who work there, tell them Alex has sent you! -
Review from Marianne M.
New York, NY
4/30/2008
Yummmm. My go-to spot for lunch. Great atmosphere, good service and delicious food.
My favorite items here:
- turkey baguette
- kimi salad (alone or as a side salad with a ciabatta)
- peppered turkey ciabatta (the proscuitto ciabatta is also excellent)
- and of course, the croissants
I haven't tried everything on the menu, but everything I *have* tried is delicious. The prices are reasonable, too.
A lovely cafe that definitely brightens my days. If I could afford it, I'd eat here every day. Go Opera! -
Review from Tiffany L.
San Diego, CA
2/24/2011
Got some breakfast to-go the other day. My husband went to pick it up, and couldn't say enough about how sweet the two ladies working were. While some things about this place was great, some were not, but I would definitely give it another try. Iced Vietnamese coffee was good, and the Mexican Mocha was very sweet but also good. A lot of care and time went into making the drinks. I got the Egg and Cheese Bagel, which came on a blueberry bagel. Egg and cheese on a blueberry bagel...not a match made in heaven. It was very odd and the bagel was soggy. The ham and cheese croissant was good. Their croissants are very good, buttery and perfectly flaky. The almond croissant was also good, but I didn't care for the brownie, the texture was very off-putting, almost underdone. I would come back again to give them a fair run.
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Review from Susie G.
7/28/2009
This is a LUNCH cafe, not a LAPTOP cafe, and as a quick place to grab a light bite (sandwich / salad / coffee / tea) it is super awesome. Cute decor, friendly staff and a very extensive menu made it a perfect find for a quick, affordable, memorable lunch downtown.
Agree with another reviewer that it is clearly a hang out spot for students at the Paul Mitchell school, but whatever, that's what cafes are for.
Good food, good coffee, good service!! -
Review from Rachel R.
San Diego, CA
6/14/2010
This place is such a cute little cafe. I love the atmosphere and the two ladies who always are working are very nice but very overwhelmed, especially at lunch time. They have great lattes and their salads arent too bad either. I don't eat bread so I dont know about their sandwhiches but the consensus from my friends are that it was tasty as well.
4 stars for them really needing to hire some extra staff. Sometimes the wait is just too long. -
Review from Diana J.
San Diego, CA
9/3/2011
I absolutely love this place. I come here for my lunch break almost all the time, and it never fails to amaze me. Their veggie ciabatta is delicious, the blended coffees are addicting, and I recently tried the portobello baguette which was also tasty. The ambiance is adorable, not to mention the employees, who are extremely nice. I am a loyal customer, never going to leave it!
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Review from jenn r.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2010
My favorite cafe ever! These ladies really know how to take care of you with their awesome drink selection list and wonderful foods. I've probably had all of their pastries at this point and can tell you that they are all amazing. My fave? The little raisin roll! So buttery and flakey!
Keep up the good work ladies! Also could you please bottle the Kimi salad dressing? Haha thanks! -
Review from Claudia L L.
San Diego, CA
9/8/2010
Recently relocated back to San Diego from the Bay Area and I've been trying to find a little cafe that reminded of lunchtime in the FiDi. I think I found that cafe today! The ladies were really nice as soon as I walked thru the door and were just the nicest ladies throughout the whole meal. They were attentive but did not over do it either. The food was delish, I had the 1/2 sandwich and cup of soup (split pea w/ham) which was about $7. The ladies noticed that I was new to the place and even gave me a specialty pastry made from scratch. The whole meal tasted like it was made fresh.
I am definitely coming here again! -
Review from L. L.
San Diego, CA
1/5/2011
When I order a soy latte, I expect just that; a soy latte. Not one doused in cinnamon. Gross. Now I've lost my appetite :(
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Review from Grace T.
9/17/2010
was really excited to check this place out now that i'm working in downtown SD and wanted to find a place to grab lunches...but sadly was a little under whelmed (esp because their online menu doesn't match the one in the cafe and the item i was craving off the online menu was nowhere to be ordered/found!)...
the service was good as was the food, but it was slightly overpriced for what you got and honestly in this economy, you kind of are looking for more bang for your buck...
in any event, will likely be doing grab and go subs if i'm looking for a quick easy sandwich go in the future over l'opera... -
Review from Leslie G.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2011
I only discovered this place a couple of months ago, but let me tell you, I'm so glad I did! Since I visited France a few years ago, I've been looking everywhere for a place that had the same charm and tasty pastries as they did in France. L'Opera is exactly that place! Just wait until you see the charming, European-inspired décor, taste the deliciously fresh pastries (blueberry cheese croissant? Yes please!), and meet the wait staff who just couldn't be sweeter and more eager to please. It really is a treat to dine here and, in addition to the classic selection of baked goods, the lunch items are equally delicious and reasonably priced. So far, I've tried the grilled ciabatta sandwich with roasted chicken, the tuna melt panini, and the portobello baguette sandwich, and I found them all to be fresh and tasty. When you do visit, be sure to pay the extra $1 to add a side Kimi salad--I don't know what's in that dressing, but it's to die for!
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Review from John K.
Vista, CA
9/13/2010 23 Check-ins Here
First & best fact about this cafe is the service. Beth & Lane are sweet to all, & treat you like royalty. The baked goodies are addictive, and the blended, frozen mint tea will save the day on a hot afternoon. All they're food is French-based; but, consistently inviting to the taste buds. Lots of variety, a small outdoor patio, & comfortable couches to enjoy lates or cappuccinos. Great downtown lunch spot!
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Review from Sandra C.
8/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
I got a regular cup of coffee ($2). It was not burnt like some big chain coffee places. The barista brought my coffee to my table. (I don't if table delivery is "normal" because it was slow at the time).
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Review from MAY J.
San Diego, CA
2/17/2009
Amazing caprese salad, amazing bread. Cute little tables outside.
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Review from Leslie B.
6/2/2009
A great place downtown to get some lunch...Cafe de L'Opera offers a variety of sandwiches, soups and pastries. This place is "slightly" French. You can buy croissants, baguettes and pain au chocolat (chocoale-filled bread), but other selections are purely American. I was there for lunch last week and had a tuna melt...good, though not excellent (the filling had trouble staying in the croissant). My coworkers each ordered different salads which they seemed to enjoy. I really like the selection of delicious, though non-fancy pastries. I've enjoyed the pain au chocolat and the blueberry-cheese croissant. There is a good selection of coffe drinks as well. On occasion, I pick up the multigrain bread to bring home. Once for work, we had a sandwhich platter catered and it was filled with all different sandwiches with various breads, meats and cheeses....really great sandwiches.
The atmosphere is simple with European-lookin wrought iron chairs and tables under a dispay of impressionist prints and paintings of cats. When we were last there, trance music played.
It is important to keep in mind that to get a sandwich or salad and beverage, you will likely pay around $8. Pastries can easily cost $3-4.Listed in: Lunch HALF Hour Downtown
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Review from princess p.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2010
I work right around the corner from this place and went here a first time to be incredibley disappointed. Today I was starving and needed something quick. Because it was so highly rated on Yelp I decided to give it another chance.
Again I was let down by a deceiving menu; I ordered a mango almond salad but got instead wilted lettuce with grainy tomatoes and mozarella. needless to say I will not be going back.
On the plus side though, the women who work there are incredibly nice. -
Review from Bruce W.
Austin, TX
7/2/2008
Very flavorful choices that deliver. Classy joint. I'd be a regular if I knew more people I wanted to impress.
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Review from Troy A.
San Diego, CA
8/19/2009
I had lunch here before paying my parking ticket (don't ask). Heidi was very friendly and recommended the grilled turkey, which was very tasty. The salad wasn't much of an add on for the extra buck but I needed a couple pieces of tomato for the day, so we live and learn, right. Parking is not the funnest thing since everything is metered down here, and the portion size wasn't great, but for a lunch stop around downtown, it's a good spot to grab something quick and sit outside and watch the meter maids write up innocent folks trying to run their errands (oh, sorry, a little bitterness over the parking ticket).
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Review from Charity d.
San Marcos, CA
7/31/2008
I'm lucky enough to work nearby so this is my fav new lunch spot. I would go here for pre-pubcrawl food too if they were open that late. I ordered the Turkey Ciabatta (like a panini) and salad based on "the cute asian girl's" recommendation (there were two actually, they probably have names and I will be sure to learn them for next time) and my only regret was that I had made plans to takeout and eat at my desk, as the cafe turned out to be much nicer than the other casual eateries in the area and I should have brought lunch pals. Next time. Many next times for this one.
