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Cafe Moto
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Cafes Coffee & Tea, Cafes
2619 National Ave(between 26th St & 27th St)
San Diego, CA 92113
Neighborhood: Barrio Logan
(619) 239-6686
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Cafe Moto
Review Highlights
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"It was fair trade and organic and delish." In 4 reviews -
"Check (Tom is the epitome of customer service." In 6 reviews -
"It's a storefront, cupping area, and roasting premises." In 5 reviews
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Sara Z.
Santee, CA
4/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Horchata latte=amazing!
You must stop the car! Go in and enjoy! -
Review from Tinie T.
5/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Aww, Chase made my day. Excellent customer service. You get greeted with a cheerful smile and good vibes when you get here. I got an iced coffee and - happy surprise - they are promoting their iced coffee and it's currently only $2. Not sure how long the promotion lasts but I am a happy camper anywho just knowing that I got a *special* *special* *special* price.
Decor is urban, sleek.
Think: European sports car transformed into a coffee shop. VRRROOOOM.
Final Conclusion - The customer service really makes this place stand out to me! -
Review from Eaton B.
San Diego, CA
4/19/2012
this is the real deal. i thought moto was good when id get it from some other shops but getting it here takes it up a notch. worth the trip if you are close. i prefer to go midday though for obvious reasons.
i really wanted to say....for the dude comparing the coffee here to a donut joint; you just lost all your credibility!! maybe if you made the comparison to starbucks you'd have a point (weak one at that) but to make that comparisonto a donut shop really shows you....
a. have a bias
b. dont know coffee
3. ur dumb
4. ur a drama queen -
Review from Marwin A.
1/9/2012
FREAKIN' FIVE STARS!!!!
I have been a coffee addict for a frakkin long time, that I have turned into a coffee "snob".
With apologies to Arne and Susan Holt who own Cafe Calabria, I have to go on record that Cafe Moto serves up THE BEST coffee in San Diego.
The customer service is beyond perfect. The owners actually work here,too.
They serve up any kind of coffee,espresso,etc,teas also that your little heart desires.
Much like a brewery or a winery,you can also get a tour of the place if you have some time.
Don't let the colorful neighborhood deter you from experiencing Cafe Moto.
I handed out several bags of coffees and teas from here for Christmas ,and everyone raved.
If I didn;t live so far away, I would be here everyday. -
Review from Getit T.
Solana Beach, CA
3/10/2012
Good products - but the owners are a security risk.
Two years after the owners gave up trying to correct mistakes they made which sent other people's private information to my email, the lesson learned is this: in spite of bright smiles, I'd prefer the owners were more interested in actual security.
But security is something the owners of Cafe Moto are seriously not interested in. -
Review from Allyson L.
La Mesa, CA
1/24/2012
Drive a few blocks west past Starbucks and get your coffee here instead! My first visit i asked for a cup of coffee. I was then greeted with a wealth of knowledge about my options and then how my choice was grown, should taste and a few other tidbits. The scientist in me was instantly gratified but the foodie in me was instantly salivating.
My second visit i asked for an iced mocha and was given a couple of options for my chocolate base, complete with a personal viewing of the chocolates in the jars! The recipe process was explained to me, and again, curiosity satisfied this cat.
I totally dig all the options you have here: cold press, french press, loose teas, vegan treats and all the cool eye candy gadgets on display. It feels like i'm inside a coffee laboratory every visit. With that said, why would you go to Starbucks and be just another customer when you can come here and know what you're getting and where it came from?! Put on your lab coat and join in on the taste bud experiments that Cafe Moto will concoct for you! -
Review from Ben W.
San Diego, CA
4/30/2012
Been there a dozen times and we drive out of our way to get our coffee and tea there. They are not only good at what they do but are truly a `forward thinking business with regards to recycling, solar power, fair trade, organic, etc. The rest of the brewers in town are just knock offs of this terrific spot. 5 star plus a few.
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Review from Mac C.
La Jolla, CA
I walk in and instantly feel like I am entering the real deal. The cafe is thoughtfully designed, cozy and modern at the same time. Baristas are top rate, big shout out to Tom and Chase. What impressed me most was there was no real menu to be found. The baristas are encouraged to create and offer their own specialty drinks. I had a cappuccino, perfect crema, with little to no bitterness, just how I like it.
The kind of place where if someone was to order a "Grande Machiatto", the Barista wouldn't tell you to get the hell out and head to Starbucks. They would explain what a Machiatto really is, and then offer to make you one in a properly sized cup.
The back order room is well worth a walk through too. Huge roaster back there producing roasted beans all day. You will find rows of equipment, beans, powders, teas, syrups, and antique machines to keep your eyes busy for awhile.
This place belongs in anyone's Tour of the Best. -
Review from ruth b.
San Diego, CA
11/11/2011
Stopped by this morning for the first time for a cup of joe and instead I enjoyed an amazing cup of spiced chai latte and a few other concoctions especially made by new barista Chase.
No kidding around, Cafe Moto is by far the best cafe in town. Everyone MUST try and be prepared to be whipped up in delight.
Thanks Chase. See you around soon! -
Review from Brendan Jude L.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2011
Generally, it's been my experience at San Diego restaurants that Moto is shorthand for very good coffee. So I'll try not to come off sounding too much like a broken record now that I've visited the new cafe setting. The 5-star reviews are warranted. Great coffee? Check. Great service? Check (Tom is the epitome of customer service). Cool interior? Check - this roastery did their cafe up in that urban chic style that seems popular these days, but in Barrio Logan, it makes sense. Plus, I've got a soft spot for old steel road bikes, bar seats to watch the brewing alchemy and actually converse, and cool concrete.
But enough. I've just got to shout out Tom. I came in, wanted some of the daily roast, he asked if I had some time because he was about to brew another bean, and before I knew it, he was leading me through the process of making a ristretto, before he added water to give me an Americano. He explained different grinds, time variables, a little bit of coffee history. Now, I added a little bit of cream and Splenda (sue me, I like the shit), but the flavor was delightful: rich and full flavored. Plus, this guy was actually affable, not some dickish hipster dripping with disdain due to my uneducated ways.
Since I don't work far from here and the whole experience tickled my pickle (not in that way, you filthy bastards), I can safely say I welcome coming back. And, again, for all the pussies who don't want to venture to Barrio Logan, nut up, drop the xenophobia off with your privileged children, and venture down to this culturally rich neighborhood. -
Review from Jane H.
Washington, DC
9/1/2011
Best coffee I had during my visit to California - Hands down.
Was in town briefly, and headed south of the Gas Lamp district to see what all the fuss was about.
I had an espresso macchiato in the little coffee shop on the front of the warehouse. The decor was fun, and the espresso was absolutely delicious. Utterly smooth and velvety and rich, with no bitterness or acidic shock at all. I could have had a dozen of them. And the foamed milk was perfectly executed.
They make their iced coffee with an awesomely science-lab-like beaker and drip system, which the friendly guy (Tory?) behind the bar explained to me.
Then I popped into the roasting / sales section, which is a huge warehouse like space. More really friendly service. A million fair trade and organic coffees to choose from. I snagged a bag of Las Hermanas Nicaraguan to take home, as well as a happy yellow coffee measure. :)
This is a 5 star joint, without a doubt. -
Review from Isaac Z.
San Diego, CA
So, my mechanic is tricking my vehicle into passing Smog and I'm stranded in Barrio Logan on foot. I walk into Cafe Moto and was greeted by their friendly barista Tom. After a knowledgeable overview of what they offer, I decide on an Americano. It was damn good. No sugar or cream needed. I took a couple of pastries from the case(from Bread & Cie), and I was ready to start my day.
I was made to feel very welcome, and since it was a slower morning, I actually got a quick behind the scenes tour. This place is awesome. They micro roast coffee from all over the world here. Organic? Got it. Fair Trade? Got it. Exotic roasts? Got it. All this, and more. No annoying music needed to create ambiance. It is quiet enough to read a book here. And here's the most important fact...you could not get fresher coffee if you tried.
Spotless restrooms. Private parking lot. Cool design to the building. Lots of character and good energy.
Free Wi-Fi to get your work done. A cool counter to enjoy your drinks, out door counters and chairs too. They also have a small side room with nice tables and comfortable chairs to relax on.
I saw countless people swing by for their favorite drink. Baristas know their customers by name. Workers, bike riders, professionals, students, etc...
Did I mention that Cafe Moto also has San Diego's only cold brewed coffee? You gotta see their brewing system on this one. Looks like a mad chemist laboratory experiment. And how does the finished product taste? Smooth. Real smooth. Cafe Moto, you are my new favorite coffee house. -
Review from rodney s.
San Diego, CA
9/27/2011
My review focuses on the cafe only:
If you are a passionate about coffee this is your place! Not only do you get coffee brewed from freshly roasted beans (on site) but you get served by very knowledgeable staff. Tom sets the benchmark for customer service. The other chap (who's name I can't remember) is just as helpful and friendly.
The coffee is exceptional and you don't have to settle for the standard auto drip coffee. They are more than happy to prepare a Hario pour over, a Chemex brewed pot or French press. If you'd like a lesson about coffee bean origins or brewing techniques; these gentlemen are more than happy to oblige.
Don't come to Cafe Moto if you just need your quick caffeine fix. Come to Cafe Moto to relax and enjoy the enticing aroma of coffee roasting whilst enjoying the theater of hand prepared coffee. -
Review from Roxy S.
Coronado, CA
2/6/2012
We really liked the feel of this place. Ample parking. not the greatest part of town, but decent enough. Nice atmosphere when you enter, helpful staff, GREAT cup of coffee. Pastries very good. And best of all.. no line! I'd come back anytime.
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Review from Chris G.
San Diego, CA
10/17/2011
This is a rating of the Cafe Moto "Gayo Mountain" organic Sumatra coffee, purchased at Peabody's coffee, SDSU.
A rich and bold aroma awaits you as you open the coffee to prepare for brewing. This is a dark roast, close to an Italian or Vienna roast darkness. The flavor is hearty, with a smooth and only slightly-acidic tone. The organic origins of this fine coffee provide a mellow and aromatic aftertaste.
I have found this coffee to be great as a fresh, black cup of coffee, as well as iced and sweetened. This GM Sumatra is versatile enough with it smoothness to be used as an espresso as well. The quality is long lasting, I have made coffee one day, and refrigerated the leftovers, and it is still great the following afternoon. I recommend getting your hands on a batch of this coffee and see what awaits you! -
Review from Sandi W.
San Diego, CA
9/27/2011 7 Check-ins Here
MOTO Brew and Columbia are my favorite!
Great customer service. -
Review from Kathleen H.
Baltimore, MD
1/3/2012
I went to Cafe Moto seeking tea at the retail store after drinking their English Breakfast many times at The Mission. The tea is reasonably priced, especially if you buy the larger packages, and you can smell each tea in canisters on the main display.
I'm docking stars because when I arrived home, only one of my filters is fine-meshed enough to contain the dustings in the tea. For whole-leaf (and whole-leaf prices), I expect larger leaves and minimal dustings. Otherwise, taste is good. I'll probably be sampling whole-leaf offerings at other SD establishments, though, to see if I can do better. -
Review from Miriam B.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 11/16/2011
I just had the best dang soy latte of my life! No joke. Cafe Moto recently opened their cafe and let me tell you that place is just awesome. I can't rave enough about this local business. Anything and everything related to coffee and tea is here. The staff is knowledgable and the customer service is out of this world. (Thanks Michelle for my generous sample of Chocolate Creme coffee!) As the holidays approach and the madness ensues, do yourself a favor and stop by Cafe Moto for coffee drinks made by the talented baristas (thanks Chase and Tom!) and buy a couple of pounds of coffee for you and those you love! Trust me you will never go anywhere else for for caffeine fix again.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2010
At the recommendation of a friend, I joined the Coffee Of The Month Club at Cafe Moto. Each month… Read more »
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Review from Anthony B.
Redlands, CA
6/21/2011
The coffee didn't kill me, but it didn't thrill me either. It was an average coffee, the kind you get at a donut joint, or from Starbucks.
The staff is nice, and the place is welcoming, so I can understand why regulars like it. It does have wireless, but, honestly, the coffee is just average.Comment from Torrey L. of Cafe Moto 8/26/2011
Is that a dunkin, lindas,rose or donuntopia style? More » -
Review from Scott And Alice S.
San Diego, CA
3/3/2012
The baristas are the most knowledgable and skilled around, the coffee is the best tasting, the best coffee experience!
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Review from Laura S.
San Diego, CA
7/28/2010
Moto rocks my socks. The staff 100% awesome. They help me with every crazy request I have. I have seen them help all their customers with kindness and a smile no matter what kind of person walks through that door, calls them on the phone or asks whatever crazy question.
Not only is the staff amazing, the product is outstanding. The variety of coffees and teas is wonderful, the quality is beyond fantastic, and my customers rave about flavor every time. If that wasn't enough, Moto goes above and beyond with solar energy on the roof, fair trade and organic offerings, and they are knowledgeable about their stuff. They care and it shows.
If I could rate them higher I would. Make that 5 GOLD stars please! -
Review from amanda s.
San Diego, CA
7/26/2011
Best damn iced Mexican Mocha I've ever had. Super smooth. Thanks a bunch Tom! Worth the extra drive to the barrio for sure.
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Review from ivonne c.
5/19/2009
Why drop $3 on a drip coffee at a coffee shop when you can go to the source? It makes more sense to me to just get the beans myself. Cafe Moto is a large supplier of beans and teas to a lot of the local coffee houses and you can go to their facility and purchase directly from them.
The staff is nice, helpful and knowledgeable about what they're selling. Absolutely worth the trek to Logan Heights for it too!
Their organic, Guatemala La Voz (formerly Lake Atitilan) is by far the best coffee I have ever had in my life. I stock up on it and there isn't a house guest that leaves my house raving about its awesomeness once I brew a pot.
If you're a big coffee or tea buff I highly suggest making the trek to their warehouse store, you won't be disappointed. I dropped $20 on 2 lbs of coffee, which saves me tons of money. Not to mention it spares having attitude dished at me by some dude in pants tighter and smaller than mine while handing me a latte. -
Review from Eddie T.
San Diego, CA
3/23/2009
They should call this place Cafe MOFO as in, "These MOFOs know their coffee."
I'll drive the extra few blocks past Ryan Bros. now that I know I can come here. -
Review from jonathan y.
Temple City, CA
12/29/2009
Cafe Moto has been around for quite a while and supplies much of the locally sourced coffee shops in San Diego. If you buy from them wholesale, their prices are way reasonable, and service is great. Their loose leaf tea selection is also pretty good. But! Despite these factors, I have to give them two stars.
I made the drive out to Barrio Logan to check out Cafe Moto at its source. I've had bad experiences with places that use their coffee, but I figured that to give them a fair evaluation I would have to give the warehouse a try.
First, it's good to note that their location isn't a cafe. It's a storefront, cupping area, and roasting premises. No chairs, tables, or mellow music. They do, however, serve you espresso based drinks for free and have samples of their brewed coffee to drink on as you browse the store. The staff is friendly, and the workers are all very accommodating.
Their drip coffee is OK. It's better than Charbucks, but they still roast quite dark and cover up the coffee instead of enhancing and bringing out its potential.
I ordered a double espresso, and to my dismay, it was no bueno! The shot was way overextracted (4 ounces, really?!), and piping hot. Coffee served at its source should best represent Cafe Moto's potential, but this one was disappointing. But, with the right training in coffee preparation, this can be fixed, and I hope that they more rigorously train their employees and wholesale accounts to properly prepare espresso and espresso based drinks. The resources are abundant! (i.e. http://coffeegeek.com). There are, however, other local roasters in San Diego that are doing a great job at delivering quality, well-roasted coffee and really care about proper extraction and preparation like Caffe Calabria, Zumbar Coffee and Tea, and Bird Rock Coffee Roasters. -
Review from Francis P.
San Diego, CA
5/22/2008
Torrey and Kim, what a great tradition you uphold here. From the days of Java on G Street and Gashaus on F to now, you have been providing the good stuff to the purveyors of finer coffee, San Diego-wide.
I remember when the office of Clue? magazine was your neighbor. What a spot that was, and what an awesome smell to come in and work to. I will visit your retail location soon and review that separately.
For now, when I see Cafe Moto on a brew, I know I am in a coffee shop that has every chance of kicking out a great cuppa. Thanks for the quality caffeine, you two. For many years may it continue! -
Review from Julio P.
San Diego, CA
3/10/2010
I love the conversation Jeremy Dehner has with his son in "The Hurt Locker" when he tells him that as you get older, you have a diminishing list of things you truly love. The older you get, the less things you love.
This is true for me because I must be 80 years old judging by the amount of things I regard as "good"....one of these items on the short list is coffee. Its the ying to my yang, the butter to my toast, the lawn to my mower.
I will travel many miles to come have this coffee. I first sampled this coffee at Parkhouse Eatery where they sell it by the pound, it's that good. The place itself is pedestrian enough, nothing special but they know their business and that is a fine caffeine delivery system brought in a delicious, elegant wrapper.
Starbucks gives you convenience. Cafe Moto has the good stuff. It's the difference between going to Mcd's and going to In N' Out.Listed in: Ah, the good life
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Review from Rick D.
San Diego, CA
3/31/2009
I used to own a coffee house and Cafe Moto was my roaster. Torrey Lee, the owner, worked with me to create a unique blend of espresso beans for our coffee house. It was fair trade and organic and delish! It made for great espresso drinks. You can still get that blend under the name "Organic 442" (or by it's original name if you ask someone who's been there a while.. "Bean Bar Blend").
Cafe Moto has been roasting coffee in San Diego since the 60s and they certainly know their stuff. This second generation, family owned business is setting the standard for excellent fair trade, organic coffees.
They've recently been featured in the news for some of their environmentally friendly business practices, including starting a woman owned coffee co-op in Guatemala, installing solar panels on their roof for powering some of their equipment and championing the cause of fair trade, shade grown, bird friendly and organic coffees.
They have a retail store in their Logan Heights roasting facility with a large selection of coffee and espresso beans for sale, along with lots of loose leaf teas, flavored syrups, pre-packaged teas, chocolate covered espresso beans, smoothie mixes, jars, etc... anything you need for your coffee, tea and espresso brewing needs!
I'm a huge fan of Cafe Moto... their products, people and service are excellent whether you're looking for a wholesale account, a good retail store or just a great cup of coffee the next time you're in the Logan Heights area. -
Review from Athena S.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2011
I've been drinking Café Moto coffee at different establishments throughout the city for a while now, but it wasn't until recently that I decided to actually go and check out their store. While I was there, I learned a lot more about Café Moto as a business--besides the fact that they roast wicked-tasting coffee--like their coffees and teas are organic and fair trade, they buy and roast coffee in small batches for freshness, they're all about sustainability and even have solar panels on their roof. I love that Café Moto has a mission and they really stick to it! While I was there, I decided to join their Coffee of the Month Club where they send you a different bag of their coffee to try, every month. So far, my favorites are their Best of Africa blend and their Indo Noir Espresso; just clean and rich coffee goodness!
Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Nanci H.
Encinitas, CA
8/22/2011
My bakery buys from Cafe Moto....they make a custom blend just for us and my customers absolutely love it!
Excellent service. They always accommodate and exceed my sometimes difficult expectations.
They provide USDA Organic, Fair Trade, and Bird Safe..if you can believe it. Their facility is also solar operated. -
Review from Gabe H.
7/2/2009
AMAZING!!! I went so many years of my life drinking coffee and just accepting it for what it was... one was no better than the other... UNTIL I dicovered Cafe Moto... I kid you not... their coffee is amazing.
Also I have recently fallen in love with several of their teas. I recommend Kir Quincy or Blood Orange... both oh so delicious!Listed in: JAVA!!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Erin C.
Kailua, HI
2/8/2007
If you are a tea fanatic then check out Cafe Moto. I found out that Hash House A Go Go buys their tea from these guys. They are located in a strange area, at first glance I thought maybe they weren't open to the public. But they have a great selection. One glitch is that they only sell in 1/2 to 1 lb quantities of tea! I can't use that much personally but the guy working there told me a store called Pannikin sells their products in smaller quantities. The vanilla tea is my fav. http://www.cafemoto.com
Update: I got a note that they now have 4, 8, and 12oz tea for sale. -
Review from Mick G.
9/27/2008
Mmmmmmm ....
Moto Beans are good.
Real good. -
Review from Christina N.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2011
Visited the brand new cafe a couple days ago and had a wonderfully brewed latte served up by Torrey. The space is clean, sleek and bright spot in the neighborhood. I absolutely love the vintage coffee paraphernalia that's showcased by the retail area. Also, it's one of the few shops I've seen with a La Marzocco machine along with baristas who know how to use it. I dig Cafe Moto and I'm glad the new coffee bar is up and running!
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Review from Greg B.
San Diego, CA
9/11/2007 1 photo
Just about every restaurant worth going to in San Diego buys their coffee from Cafe Moto. It's simply the best, most satisfying jet fuel you will ever drink.
Owned and operated by SD locals, Cafe Moto prides itself on its enviro-friendly operation: the whole business is solar powered and has a huge selection of fair trade and organic beans. Most are migratory -bird friendly. Their delivery vans are going biofuel next year.
The roasting plant welcomes you at any time and has a full retail shop to browse.
Very cool and hip -not to mention seriously great coffee. -
Review from Karen L.
San Diego, CA
7/12/2011
Wow! What a perfect latte from Josh! It just can't get any better than that! A big "Thank you" to Jessica for the tour and showing me the roaster of where all the magic happens! Torrey and Kim have created a coffee business that just feels like home! Can't wait to come back for more!
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Review from Danny D.
San Diego, CA
6/17/2011
Solid coffee shop, great service, clean location and even better Chocolate spasm!
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Review from Thomas L.
San Diego, CA
6/14/2011
Been buying from Cafe Moto for nearly 20 years. Best coffee in town and great staff!
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Review from Damien D.
San Diego, CA
6/5/2011 1 photo
The new cafe is a great addition. Best cappuccino in town!
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Review from Darren S.
9/29/2010 1 photo
I too love Moto beans. I have enjoyed their coffee in a few places around town and buy their beans from Siesel's. The Moto Brew is my local rotation of Zumbar Hummingbird and Calabria House blend... my triumvirate of caffeinated goodness.
Listed in: All sorts of caffeine
