- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe Loma - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bagels Coffee & Tea, Bagels [Edit]
3960 W Point Loma BlvdSte M
(between Sports Arena Blvd & Midway Dr)
San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood: Midway
(619) 222-1239
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Cafe Loma
Review Highlights
-
"...the Mexican Mocha and White Chocolate Mocha both with soy..." In 4 reviews -
"A great local coffee house." In 3 reviews -
"This is a very cute, artsy place." In 2 reviews
Loading...
41 reviews in English
-
Review from Bacchus F.
Venice, CA
3/23/2012
My... kind... of... coffee...
My... kind... of... place...
Can't... wait... for... another... LATTE! -
Review from Mike S.
San Diego, CA
5/1/2012
This place appears to be closed (as in out-of business). I went there Friday morning at 11 a.m. and the doors were locked w/ no one inside w/ some chairs scattered about.
-
Review from Matt G.
As you have noticed on my check-ins. I was here every morning for my weekend in San Diego.
This cozy café is located inside this plaza near Sea World and near Interstate-8 along Sports Arena Blvd.
I started my morning with a $2.00 bold tasting cup of coffee. The café also serves flavored-baklavas from "the Baklava King", located in Santee, Ca. For $2.50, I got the Apple-Cinnamon Baklava as my treat to complement my cup of coffee. I got tell you this baklava treat was really good. The Baklava King makes the best treat in San Diego. And I'm privileged enough to actually tasted the award-winning treat.
As I was enjoying my treat and doing work on my laptop with free Wifi, I was admiring the collection of arts all over this tiny café.
If the city of San Diego had nothing to do, I would definitely stay at this inviting café and get my work done.Listed in: San Diego from a San Francisco…
-
Review from Olivia F.
San Diego, CA
2/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Amazing tea selection, great coffees, excellent food, and perfect service. I simply adore this place. You must drop by for the comfy couches and eclectic art as well!
-
Review from Nam N.
2/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Comfy and quaint neighborhood coffee shop. It's not a large spot but there's a good amount of couches/chairs to plop yourself into while you sip on your coffee and peruse through their "library". How fun is it that they have a little library? Albeit, it's one bookshelf :)
Coffee is OK. I judge coffee quality on drip coffees and pure espressos. Both of theirs are average.
I do have to knock off a star for the fact that they don't have a bathroom for their customers. No bathroom in a coffee shop that sets up a venue for you to lounge there and spend hours drinking their coffee? WHAT? Yup, that's No Bueno.
Other than that, nice little spot to pick up a cup of joe.Listed in: My New 'Hood!
-
Review from Brutally Honest ..
San Diego, CA
12/11/2010
This place has gone through several incarnations. This latest one brings it just a hair's breadth from being the First Circle of Hell.
My friend and I have been coming here twice a month for over 5 years. Yesterday, I was in EXTREME need of a restroom, and suddenly they "don't have public restrooms." WHAT? Are you serious? You sell beverages, have comfortable places to sit and chat and offer free wi-fi, but don't have a toilet??
Let's just do some simple math here: we've been coming here for 5 years. We buy 2 coffees per visit (an average of $7 -- PLUS TIP). We come here about twice a month. That boils down to over $800 dollars we've spent in the past 60 or so months. And this place suddenly cannot afford me a 2-gallon flush and about 20 squares of toilet paper? Wow. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Yeah, if you need a coffee really badly, try the 7-11 across the street. They're cheaper, faster, don't cop an attitude during the service, and hell, they're not going to let you take a piss either. If you want to have a nice, leisurely cup of coffee with a friend, find somewhere else.Listed in: Grub
-
Review from Bo R.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 2/1/2012
I loved this place the second I stepped inside. The art is awesome, really different from the other small coffee shops I have previously visited. Then the girl at the counter spoke.....and she's British....haha this you REALLY don't get anywhere else! I had a piece of the chocolate chip coffee cake and a creme de month iced white mocha....recommended by the barista.......HELLO both 10/10. I'm going back, better yet, I'm taking my friends. I just read other reviews for this coffee shop, and cannot believe the low ratings some of you guys have given. I stayed for about 35mins, reading whilst I waited for my friend.....atmosphere, service, food, drink, art, music, all right on!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/3/2011
I love this place. It is chill and the ambiance is perfect for a coffee spot down by the beach. The… Read more »
-
-
Review from Christine S.
San Diego, CA
8/13/2011
I have been going to this coffee shop for years. I always have the same woman help me (she is fabulous), but today was quite different. The guy working accidentally knock something over. Instead of composing himself and picking it up. He threw it!!! and cursed! I was shocked and needless to say will not be returning. :(
-
Review from Angela F.
San Diego, CA
11/4/2011
This place has gone through several iterations of ownership and the current one is clearly the best so far. The folks taking care of you these days make yummy coffee and make sure you feel welcome. If you haven't been here in a while, be sure to come back and give it a try. The coffee is yummy and the atmosphere is bueno.
-
Review from Hazel R.
San Diego, CA
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like this cozy little place. You would miss this place if you are not a local as it is located in a shopping plaza. Very cute artsy place, away from all the trendiness that starbucks is all about.
-
Review from Rick D.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2010
OK, so some of you may know that I used to own the Bean Bar Coffee House down in the Point Loma area. We rocked. We really did. I'm not trying to brag or anything... ask folks who experienced our little slice of indulgence while we were open. It was a group effort all the way around from customers to staff to suppliers. Anywho...
Since a new owner took over, Cafe Loma rocks just as hard as the Bean Bar did. Their service, drinks and atmosphere is exactly what you want from your local coffee house. I'd been there under the old owner and the service was suffering. I totally get it: owning a small coffee house can be a huge struggle and Lord knows I wasn't always as friendly as I shoulda been on some of my worst days. You know, the days filled with stress, bills, lack of sales, and no relief in sight. The same day that you closed the night before at midnight and then had to open at 5 AM the next day. But I digress...
The new owner is a breath of fresh air and I think we should all go down and support such a shining example of a great neighborhood coffee house. They're doing everything right. So do yourself a solid and drop in to Cafe Loma the next time you're in the area. You'll thank me for it! -
Review from Shelli S.
San Diego, CA
Mmmmm soy iced mocha with a toasted croissant! I like the choices of breakfast items here, so you don't go out armed with too much caffeine and temper it with some tasty food ;)
It's been a while since I found an independently owned coffee place where I liked the owner and wanted to see them succeed. This is that coffee shop. It just changed ownership with Joanie. She is from England! I hope Kim, Dave, Rick & Lisa, Jaimie and Gabe join the old coffee shop gang here with us!
She has been slowly adding her own personal touches, last night they had a harp player.
She is looking for groups to come connect here as well. Please come check out this lovely little coffee shop near Soup Plantation, and say hi if I am here! -
Review from Candi C.
Tarzana, CA
5/1/2010
So I lived in San Diego not too far from little gem of a coffee shop.
I have always thoroughly enjoyed the Mexican Hot Chocolates and the Mexican Mochas, and when I lived in LA I swear on everything that is holy, you can't find them any where...
I decided to find a nice little coffee joint near my place because San Diego (especially the Point Loma/ Ocean Beach area) has them on every friggin corner
I took a walk over to Blockbuster, then TaDa, there's a coffee shop and I though hmm, don't mind if I do, I strolled in and what catches my eye right on that menu, Yep, you guessed it boys and girls a Mexican Mocha..
I tell ole chica at the counter to hook me up with the biggest size the got and she did.. It was like heaven in my mouth... I made it an every day occurrence not too long after that...
My only complaint is that they are kind of expensive and I could go to Starbucks and get a regular mocha much larger for the same cost if not less...
And my coffee was not hot enough.
I now live in LA, and I am lacking the Mexican Mochas again, I cry sometimes. -
Review from Elana D.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2011
I can walk here from my house and I like the mellow atmosphere and the friendly service. I try as hard as I can to never drink Starbucks or chain coffee and i think it is well worth it to support local coffee houses. This is the kind of place that deserves supporting, especially because it kind of gets lost in the always seems to be dying shopping center it is in. If you are in the area Cafe Loma is a great little coffee house!
-
Review from Jennifer T.
Minneapolis, MN
2/5/2011
Cafe Loma isn't your typical coffee house. Unique menu items include wraps and delicious baked delights. The OB bagel and Healthy Eater are two of my favorites. I am both a coffee and tea drinker. The selection of coffees and teas are more than ample. The couches, plentiful tables, and artwork make for beautiful ambiance. You will also find outside tables and a rocking chair.
Check out the library as well if you want to just chill and read on a lazy Saturday afternoon. They bring in events such as waffle Sunday's and jewelry parties for the public. The owner and barista both are very friendly, warm, helpful and fun to talk with. They make it a point to get to know their customers and make everyone feel welcome. Not only that, but you are sure to strike up conversation with one of the many regulars.
It's very close to the highway entrance and Midway. Free parking in the parking lot and lots of shops around there including CVS, Blockbuster, and a stationary/gift store.
I'd give Cafe Loma 6 stars if I could. You will be happy you came.. whether you are thirsty, hungry, and/or want a place to work or chat with friends. -
Review from Stephanie T.
San Diego, CA
1/21/2011
Very comfy atmosphere with a couple couches for those who want to hang out for a while and several art canvases for sale hanging on the walls. There's free internet and some nice patio furniture on the sidewalk outside for nice days. There is also a book shelf of $1 books and there was a posting that mentioned a book club starting this month.
In the time that I was sitting there, the guy behind the counter brought me over an iced coffee in a small cup for free. He told me he made extra for the last customer and that I could have it. About 15 minutes later he did the same with a smoothie, it was awesome! He was very friendly and courteous to all the customers during the half hour I sat there.
I could totally see this place being a regular hang out for me when studying or doing work. The only problem is they close so dang early. -
Review from Harry D M.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2011
This is a wonderfully friendly place one or two visits and they greet you by name and you feel at home. The New Management has changed the whole menu and if it on the menu they have it . The art work on th walls is a wonderful change. If you go once you will want to return and the rocker out in front are wonderful.
HARRY -
Review from Jenny C.
San Diego, CA
3/13/2008 2 photos
I needed some breakfast before heading into the field and was going to stop at Baron's, but it still wasn't open at 8am. What the...!! Anyways, so I cruised on over to the over side and to my surprise saw a coffee shop and was just praying that they have some breakfast items. It already scored a star for that, another for having free wifi, another for having organic products, and another for the chick at the counter who was awesomely laid back and just made my morning.
The whole atmosphere of the place just reminded me of Berkeley and I can't wait to go back even though the Cali wrap I got wasn't the greatest. All the veggies were fresh, but the chicken I added was just a bit dry.
The frequent buyers card that Violet M. mention also applies to bagels which I thought was cool. Got to love the typical "trying to be anti-starbucks" coffee shops.Listed in: What not to miss in SD
-
Review from Violet M.
Los Angeles, CA
2/25/2007
Cafe Loma is such a cool little place for coffee in the mornings. If you in West Point Loma area of San Diego and you are craving a Starbucks, the only Starbucks around is the one on Rosecrans. That one is always crowded... up the wa-zoo!
I used to work around here, and getting coffee before work started at 8am to get me through 5pm was a pain. Luckily, Cafe Loma was near my work (close enough that I could even walk on my breaks or lunch).
At first, I tried a drink that I thought would be similar to my usual Starbucks Caramel Macchiato (with extra caramel of course... because if you know me, you know I don't drink "real coffee" but rather sweet, sugared, way too much caramel drinks).
I gotta admit, my drink blew :( . I was disappointed, but because its an independently owned place and the girl in the morning is so chill, I decided to keep trying. Eventually, I got what quickly became my absolute FAV drink: White Chocolate Mocha. YUM. I soon became addicted to it!And, they have student discounts-with i.d of course, frequent buyer card (can't combine them though... I usually just got the student discount- saves more) and free wifi.
Oh, and they also have poetry readings and artists come in on certain days. I don't know which days though- only visited in the morning or right before I had class at night. I believe the cafe also turns into a hookah lounge after certain hours- if you are into that.
Cool place, I moved to LA but I occasionally think about that place in the mornings. So, in short, give this place a shot. It took me a couple drinks to find my favorite, but consider: I AM VERY PICKY. :) -
Review from Alycia H.
San Francisco, CA
7/20/2009
Not my favorite coffee shop in San Diego. Their drinks aren't bad and their sandwiches are decent. However, the baked goods and other offerings could use some work as far as quality and variety go. Customer service is usually friendly and efficient.
To me, it's really the ambiance that's lacking, and as far as coffee shops go, ambiance is a MAJOR factor. I feel like it's a retail space dressed up as a coffee shop. The outdoor seating is much more enjoyable and scenic. I'll continue to return due to convenience, but I'm sad to say this neighborhood coffee shop is not my fav :(Listed in: OB, Point Loma, Sports Arena
-
Review from Denise D.
San Diego, CA
1/15/2008
How long has this place been here? I have never seen this place before and I come by here a lot during lunch (there's a Souplantation a couple of doors down). We saw it on our way to go get lunch and decided to try it after we were done.
It's a cute, tiny little place, with cute vintage chairs, that are very low to the ground. My co-worker and I both ordered an Iced White Chocolate Mocha. It was pretty good, but where was the white chocolate part? It tasted more like a regular cafe mocha, but it was still tasty. You can also order food here along with tea leaves packed into cute little brown bags. (Jesus, have I said cute enough in this review?)
I would say this place is your typical "trying to be anti-star bucks" coffee shop. It was alright. I wouldn't go out of my way say from my home to go get coffee here, but If I happened to be in the neighborhood (work, or eating at Souplantation) I would probably stop by IF I felt the need for a coffee fix. -
Review from Audrey B.
San Francisco, CA
8/12/2008
Cute lil cafe near Souplantation. I've had the Mexican Mocha and White Chocolate Mocha both with soy and absolutely enjoyed them! Delish!
Support your local coffeehouse. -
Review from Feraz O.
San Diego, CA
6/9/2011
This is a great local coffee house, and should definitely be your first choice when deciding where to get a good ol' cup of the good stuff. The atmosphere is very inviting and comfortable and the staff is super nice. I have been going here for the past 5 months now and it has become my favorite place to chill around point loma/OB. Once the owner found out I was a comedian she even offered to help start a show there to support local comedians and musicians! super nice and generous people with a real local and community oriented attitude. Did I mention that the coffee is amazing too? cus it really is
-
Review from Nelley M.
San Diego, CA
8/24/2008
Pros: Cool atmosphere, free wi-fi and tasty brewed butterscotch coffee
Cons: Only one type of cream cheese..plain to top a "not so toasted bagel"
Please find a new brand of Hummus...what ever they use is horrible, I would recommend ..BaBa ..The guy behind the counter could have been a little more friendly and could have pretended to like his job a little more...it helps the coffee go down smoother. Other than that he had a pretty cool "Flight of the Concords" shirt on..I'm a fan :)
I would come back for coffee and probably skip the bagel next time -
Review from okay u.
San Diego, CA
2/8/2011
It's an okay spot. Coffee is good but not great. Atmosphere is relaxing and quiet. Good place to chill and surf the net on their free wifi.
-
Review from Staci J.
McPherson, KS
1/27/2009
It seems like almost all the reviewers have commented on the White Chocolate Mocha from this place. I will have to agree that it is right tasty. Their Chai Latte is quite good too. I'll admit that I don't go out of my way to come here--if I'm going to Blockbuster or Baron's I'll stop by--but its rarely, if ever my end destination.
The evening girl is super friendly and super chatty. How can someone talk so easily to a stranger??
Also, I like their bookshelf that you can borrow and return reading material from. More cafes need to have one of these, I think.Listed in: SD coffee
-
Review from Ranier D.
Mountain View, CA
6/27/2009
I recently moved to Sandy Eggo and it took a couple of days to get my cable/internet set up in my new apartment.
Enter Cafe Loma. They've got coffee, pastries and free internet. I ordered up this coffee that had a shot of espresso thrown in. Can you say caffeine jolt? It was enough to keep me fueled while I did work on my laptop.
It's a small place but they've got plenty of tables and chairs. Every time I've been there it's never been crowded. A great local coffee house. -
Review from Nance B.
San Diego, CA
6/10/2011
Great, friendly service. Nice, comfy atmosphere. The pastachio baked thingy was delicious. Good coffee, too.
-
Review from Teresa S.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2011 16 Check-ins Here
The OB bagel is a must
-
Review from Raina S.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011
Good coffee, cool genuine people, nice atmosphere
-
Review from Sheila R.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2011
Cafe Loma is the gem of Point Loma! This is the kind of coffee house I've been looking for since I moved here over a year ago. You are always greeted warmly by name the second you walk in the door by the owner Jodie who makes it a point of remembering your name and what you like. I always get the flavored coffee of the day with a shot of espresso, which is usually ready before I even ask for it and is soooo yummy! My son always gets the everything bagel with butter for breakfast, which is the best bagel he says he's ever had. It's not chewy or tough like some can be. They have many different kinds of bagels to choose from that are dropped off fresh daily. The scones, muffins, coffee cakes and croissants are made by hand each night at a local bakery and delivered early in the morning still warm from the oven. The coffee cake is one of the most popular bakery items and is my favorite - SO DELISH! It's sweet, but not overly sweet. Hey, what's not to like?
The ingredients for the wraps and sandwiches are fresh and come from the health food store across the street. My son loves the veggie wrap for lunch. It's got hummus and avocado and different types of cheese and much much more. Yummo!
I always look forward to going to Cafe Loma. They have great big comfy chairs and feature local artists work. I feel as though I'm in my living room, that's how comfortable and warm the atmosphere is. There are a few regulars that go and lots and lots of interesting conversation and laughing. Did I forget to say that they even have free wifi? WOW!
Right about now you're probably thinking, can this coffee place get any better? All I can say is oh yes it can and it does.
I've taken family members and friends to Cafe Loma and they all rave about it. Family as far away as the east coast.
What makes Cafe Loma special besides the food and coffee is Jodie. She makes folks feel so comfortable that you feel like you could stay all day, and this is why I keep going back over and over again. -
Review from Miccilina P.
San Diego, CA
2/19/2011
Cafe Loma is a great place to sit and relax with a delicious cup of Vanilla Chai and your laptop or paper. I had the Croissant Scramble and it was tasty and filling. Jody is a friendly and interesting host, the art on the walls is wonderful and the company genial. Give it a try, you will be pleased that you did. Miccilina Piraino - SoCal Media Surfer
-
Review from Patrick M.
San Diego, CA
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a very cute, artsy place. It is not too lively or overwhelmingly welcoming. The mocha is good with not too much chocolate. The rock music is different from the coffehoue stereotype. I would recommend it. Bring a friend though.
-
Review from Christie T.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2011
I cannot believe the other reviews of this place. Did we go to the same coffee shop? I come here every 3000 miles to kill time while my oil gets changed across the street.Their menu is incredibly limited. Everytime I go it seems to be a huge production to make me a breakfast sandwich. They should just take the food option away and stick to coffee and baked goods. I've never really been impressed with the quailty of the food, the atmosphere, or the service but today put me over the edge. I walked in and no one was behind the counter. There was no bell for me to ring or any other way to signal that I needed service. I waited patiently for around 5 minutes before wandering toward the back looking for someone. The girl seemed so suprized to have a customer! I noticed that they had wraps for lunch, but no breakfast wraps. I asked the girl if I could have my breakfast sandwich on a wrap instead of a bagel- and she said no, and informed me that they didn't do breafast wraps! I couldn't believe it and walked out. I'm done giving this place chances.
-
Review from Röbie P.
San Diego, CA
2/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was looking for coffee and didn't want to wait again in the packed Sports Arena Starbucks. So, based on its proximity to work and a "coffee" search on my phone I pulled in. It was about 8:00 am and I was hungry. I ordered a caramel macchiato and a croissant breakfast sandwich but they were out of croissants so I settled for the bagel version. The coffee was good. Not outstanding but good. My bagel breakfast sandwich was lacking... The eggs had that just nuked texture and the sandwich overall was very bland. I'd stop back in for a coffee if I was in the parking lot already but I don't think I would go out of my way.
-
Review from Devin S.
San Diego, CA
9/23/2010
A-OK indeed. This is a small boring place with overpriced mediocre coffee. Nothing offending, nothing exciting. The end.
-
Review from JP G.
San Diego, CA
8/8/2010 1 photo
Great coffee, good service, opens early. They serve a pretty good breakfast as well. It definitely was a great find when all the places I was going were closed Sunday morning..
-
Review from Ashley G.
San Diego, CA
6/8/2010
I personally love this place. i work in the plaza where this coffee shop is located and go there at least once a shift! I love that they brew a different mild, medium and bold roast everyday! They always have healthy food options and also have a lovely full menu of food including breakfast! I appreciate the free wifi and the tables and chairs to encourage people to sit down and enjoy themselves. I have had great sandwiches from here and its got a good neighborhood feel to it.
-
Review from Phil h.
Long Beach, CA
4/27/2011
Stopped by on the way to seaworld today. It took the girl 15 minutes to acknowlege I was there she seemed unintrested in taking my order. When she finally got to me she had insulted my son in Spanish (I understounderstood it). And told me that breakfast would take awhile so maybe I should go somewhere else. I did and won't go back again. Used to be ok service not anymore.
-
Review from K O.
San Diego, CA
1/27/2011
Cafe Loma came under new management a while back and has been a wonderful place every since. The inside of the shop looks 100 times better and all of the employees are quite friendly... The food and coffee is excellent, and you have a wonderful environment to enjoy it in... I have no complaints about Cafe Loma and I will continue to go there and support small local business as opposed to that other coffee place... Bottom line, If you want good coffee, tasty food, and good conversation in a nice environment this is your coffee shop!!!
