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Claire De Lune Coffee Lounge
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Food Desserts Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Desserts [Edit]
2906 University Ave(between 29th St & 30th St)
San Diego, CA 92104
Neighborhood: North Park
(619) 688-9845
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 6:30 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 6:30 am - 12 am
- 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:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dessert, Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
379 reviews for Claire De Lune Coffee Lounge
Review Highlights
"But my gorgeous friend loved her Chai Latte."
(in 27 reviews)
"Was looking forward to live music."
(in 27 reviews)
"The little lofted study/work zone is a rare gem."
(in 63 reviews)
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379 reviews in English
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Review from Jack M.
Rancho San Diego, CA
2/5/2012 10 photos
I stopped by this place by accident. I thought the West Coast Tavern across the street opened at 9 am, but was surprise to see they opened at 10 am for brunch on Sunday morning. So, I came here across the street to kill some time.
This place was busy when I walked in. I did not want to fill up since I was planning to have breakfast across the street later, so I only ordered their fruity flavored black iced tea and a toasted honey wheat bagel with butter and jam. The tea was $1.75 and the bagel was $1.75 as well.
The bagel was terrific and it was loaded with butter and jelly. (see pic) The outside of the bagel had a nice crunch an it was moist in the center. It was a great start to my day. The tea was good as well. I am usually not fond of the fruit flavored teas, but this one was alright. Not to strong in fruit flavor.
The place got busier and busier as the morning progress. They also make scrambles and omelets in the lounge to order. (see pic) I will try one next time. Great place.
I like my JeLLy......Listed in: If it's Coffee You Need, Look…
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Review from Mel B.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
That's one good Mexican Mocha.
Service was great despite the long, long line and only one person manning the cash register and one making the coffee. I've waited much longer at Starbucks, only to have my coffee swiped by some idiot not paying attention.
Open, spacious cafe with tons of seating and a dessert case with some pretty good looking desserts. I saw a few quiches in there too. Next visit, I may actually try something.
Yeah, I'll be back. -
Review from H. S.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2012
What a bummer. I keep getting amnesia and coming back in for a drink only to remember why I should have crossed the street and gone to Starbucks. This is the only independent coffee shop in the world that makes me want to go spend my money at a chain instead.
This place would be way better if the employees cared or worked a little harder/faster. I can't count how many times I've stood in line for infinity. And I'm the only one in line. God help you if there's two people ahead of you and you need to get out of there in less than fifteen minutes. This is NOT an exaggeration. I've timed it.
I think their food and drinks are good, but are not worth the wait.
Also their customer aggression is bizarre. I was with a big group one time where two thirds of our group ordered drinks/snacks. Though it was not busy, they asked the people who didn't order anything to leave. These were all families, mind you! This would never fly at a decent coffee shop. -
Review from Christina G.
San Diego, CA
2/3/2012
Absolutely awful. Repeatedly sold the nastiest excuse for GMO fruit that has been rusting in the fridge for ages! Gross! I'd rather eat cafeteria or prison food, at least the lunch lady smiled at you! Terrible service! They just left my friend's latte sitting on the counter, then nonchalantly offered to heat it up in the microwave...WT?? NO. Horrible attitudes from the crabby owner and her unfortunate employees behind the counter. Disgusting quiche that made me sick. Don't make the same mistake I did. Do not set foot in there, it just likely will ruin your day.
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Review from Atiya T.
San Diego, CA
2/4/2012
Best White Mocha Caramel Steamer ever. it was like joy in a cup. I came in this evening after the place across the street closed at 11. Got treated to some big band music that reminded me of the Big Easy in NOLA. great place lots of places to sit and the service was awesome.
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Review from Heather Anne B.
San Diego, CA
2/2/2012
I don't drink coffee so I don't usually go to coffee places, but my boyfriend has been raving about Claire de Lune and we decided to stop by after dinner. I asked the barista to recommend a non-coffee drink for me and she gave me the peppermint hot chocolate -- amazing! Minus one star though because she asked whether or not I wanted whip cream, and even though I said no they put whip cream on my drink. I would be one thing if I requested no whip and they forgot, but she asked me.
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Review from Jill H.
San Diego, CA
2/6/2012
Very lovely atmosphere, a little loud if you don't like the music playing, but overall, great scene! Love the coffee and desserts, and the prices are reasonable. Hard to find parking, but that's North Park for ya:) Love it!
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Review from Clarissa A.
San Diego, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Huge space and wonderful coffee! I really enjoyed my first visit to Claire De Lune and am very surprised that I had not been there before. The lady that helped me and that made my coffee was very nice. Note: my large hot chai tea latte was PERFECTTTT! There is plenty of street parking and lots of chairs to sit in. They have a little stage and tons of art on the wall. It's a great coffee place. I don't mind the prices at all because they seem reasonable enough compared to most places nowadays. Next time I will try some of their grub. Thanks!
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Review from Toan T.
La Mesa, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice environment. Plenty of places to sit and relax. I ordered the iced vietnamese coffee and it was everything I expected. The sweet condensed milk and the bitter vietnamese coffee. Next time I plan on trying some of the food. It looked really good when I saw people getting their orders.
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Review from Kelly G.
The best way to describe Claire De Lune is that it is quaint & quirky. I came here to hang out with a friend & work on some crafts and we had a good time. The service was decent, not great. Maybe just an off day... But if I'm dining in and you just took my order, it would be great if you could bring me my drink instead of calling out my order when there is no one in line and 3 employees standing around. That was really my only complaint... that the employees were "yelling" a bit too much in the quiet atmosphere where everyone else was being mellow.
There are many different seating areas & all kinds of chairs/couches with a nice mix of desks & living-room style seating. Upstairs small loft area looks neat, but I didn't venture up there. They were playing a good mix of music with many genres and it wasn't too loud-- but I wasn't studying, so it might be a bit loud for that. The bathroom is a unisex room and was pretty clean. Parking was easy on this day and there are plenty of diagonal spots down Kansas St. The ones closest are 2 hour only 8am-6pm, but further down the street are more spots.
Food & Drink: I got the largest size nonfat vanilla latte & huge slice of Quiche Lorraine (see pic) for $11.60. It was a nice lunch and there was a lot of fruit that came with the quiche as well. It wasn't the best latte I've had, but maybe I should try something else next time.
Since I wasn't coming here to get work done, I didn't realize that they don't have free Wifi. So maybe I'll hang out here again, but head somewhere else when I need to get things done.Listed in: Coffee Shops
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Review from Maureen C.
San Diego, CA
12/5/2011
Popped in on a Saturday afternoon for a quick snack and pick-me-up.
Totally cute [and large] space, friendly staff, and tasty sandwiches. A bit on the pricey side (for both coffee and food).
I think 98% of the people in there were either students or teachers. Good vibe of people and music. Easy street parking. -
Review from Alex G.
San Diego, CA
12/10/2011
The coffee was good, the chili was solid.
There is no WiFi, and street parking was 2 hours.
Awesome study loft and tons of room.
It was a little bit of a catch-22, no wifi for my computer, but the radio was too loud to read. Not exactly sure what scene they want, but I will absolutely come back for live music. -
Review from Svetlana V.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Swing dancing at a coffee shop?
Sure! Right at this one!
The place is very spacious and welcoming. -
Review from Marisa J.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
I love it here! Great atmosphere that forces me to study, due to no wifi. Plus the music is great too. Cannot really complain, except for it being a tad pricey.
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Review from Adam G.
San Diego, CA
11/5/2011
I usually come here twice a week for a chai tea with milk....that is my usual there. I loved it. I took a week or two off and didn't come in for a while and went back and ordered my regular chai tea with milk, and I was told that they do not have just chai tea....really?
I asked questions and the poor girls behind the counter just continued to look at me strangely, as if to say "Who would drink just plain chai tea?"
I really do like this place but not being served properly or may be having confused people at the counter truly soured my impression of the establishment. -
Review from Danny W.
7/7/2011
Finding out that Claire De Lune doesn't have complimentary Wifi was like going on a spectacular date with someone only to find out that they're anti oral sex. It doesn't necessarily mean you wouldn't go out with them again, but you'd definitely be more into it if they did.
Even though CDL was really cute, comfortable, made great sandwiches, enjoyed the outdoors, (killer patio) and pretty much had all the qualities one could ask for...seriously...What type of coffee shop doesn't have free Wifi?Listed in: Getting Buzzed, North Park, Let Down's
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Review from Im hungry L.
Sacramento, CA
12/15/2011
Need one of these in every town. This funky coffee house/cafe is full of life and charm. We read about this place, known for its desserts and music on most nites. well, we were in town and decided to stroll the neighboorhood around university and stumbled on the cafe in full swing with "a local dance club" having a grand old time dancing to a great four piece combo. (Sorry forget the name?)
We ordered some coffee and desserts and tucked ourselves away under a large flowing palm frond and joyfully sipped the nite away. The double tea and seasonal cakes were worthy. -
Review from Micheal H.
San Diego, CA
10/13/2011
I have been to coffee shops all over the state, country and world. I have never seen a place as great as this one.
The coffee and other drinks are to die for, and the deserts and food selections are outstanding.
The first time i went here, i was meeting a friend at the Starbucks across the street and they suggested we go to the one with character across the street. Great Move.
The environment is fantastic and the employees are super friendly.
I went there on a friday night last week to enjoy a packed house with a live band, wow.
I am a people watcher, so this place is the perfect place for me to watch all kinds of peoples and have fun.
You must go here at least once in your life. -
Review from Elizabeth R.
San Diego, CA
11/11/2011
Delicious drinks and sandwiches! Try the Turkey Bacon on focaccia and a Funky Monkey. Spacious place w/ great art work displayed. Most of the seating is so old, that I sink into the cushions and can't sit comfortably. Easy to forgive, when there's good music (I've never been here while Britney Spears was playing) to listen to, friendly and efficient staff, a variety of oh so good desserts, and great people watching through the large windows facing the street. Today we saw a pet rat climbing its owner's chest to rest onto a shoulder. (They were lounging in the outside seating area.) The rat later scurried onto the table to eat leftover pastry. Ugh - I'm glad I was done eating!
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Review from Milan M.
San Clemente, CA
12/12/2011
def dig on the 'De Lune! Am a fan fave of this space; dropped in Aug '97 to get my chill workin' and so dig the vibe here! Room has an essence and quality that evokes some serious laid back charm. The Staff are spot on and on point, big ups to all the service they dish. Always a re-energizing spot for me and it boasts a cool live set area with a super cozy living room feel. Stoked to see this joint stay fresh & move forward.
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Review from Jolene H.
Beverly Hills, CA
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Taylor swift and Nickelback in the music mix? Good God, man - what kind of a coffee shop is this?!? Gross music choice!
I went to Claire de Lune yesterday when I was in San Diego because I had to get some writing done and it was in the vicinity of a friend's house. I remembered it from my days living in San Diego and thought it was suitable for a couple hours of writing. Yeah, I guess it's ok for that. I found a table upstairs (wobbly) and sat down with my Iced Tea. I ordered black but it tasted a little weird and was a little too pale to be black. Whatever, it was hot outside so any iced tea would have done, really. One thing I can say is they have a great menu - would have liked to have order a sandwich, but I had just eaten a large brunch.
Really the only thing I didn't like was the god awful music and annoying clientele. I had to listen to some whiny woman complaining about LA for about 30 minutes while I was trying to type. I felt like turning around and saying, listen lady, I'm a LA girl and you need to shut up. But, alas, I didn't. Next time I'm in town and need a writing spot I'll go to one of the Twiggs locations. Love those.
PS I don't think they have wi-fi? I was picking up some bizarre signal that i don't think belonged to the shop. -
Review from Maureen M.
San Diego, CA
6/22/2011
I admit, I'm new to the area and searching for my next City, o'City (Denver) or Late For The Train (Flagstaff). I do my best work in coffee shops, often getting breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack before heading home.
Even though Claire de Lune was a bit empty when I came in (I like to intersperse my work with people-watching), I thought I had found my place. Big couches, cool artwork, a nifty loft. It never even occurred to me that they might not have wi-fi.
EPIC FAIL!
Unfortunately I bought my coffee and muffin before realizing that I would have to go somewhere else. I hate using wi-fi when I haven't purchased something, but here I am sitting outside of Starbucks like a criminal (did I mention that I hate going to chain stores?).
So sad CDL. Let us know when you've entered the 21st century. -
Review from Rachael C.
San Diego, CA
9/26/2011
Cookies are good, other food items are very hit and miss. Sometimes the place is pretty cool other times a tad hipster. Sometimes the music is great and other time Britney Spears is playing...Really depends on when you go. Drink prices are pretty decent and never had a bad cup. People are pretty nice for the most part but parking can be a bitch. Upstais and downstairs seating and outer seating as well (enjoy the passing weirdos)
Not bad for people watching -
Review from Michelle O.
Los Angeles, CA
Only been here once so from what I gathered is that I like how big and opened this place is and how many seats there are. I felt very comfortable here as well. They have art all over the room and a upstairs where you can sit.
The staff is friendly here and the selection is pretty decent as well. I got a coconut latte with soy, yum and thank you! Like some places you can choose what syrup you want and make your own thing. Prices aren't too bad but it is always the more independent places that can be a bit more expensive.
I am just still waiting on finding a place who does a Agave latte.. hint hint to all those coffee places. Only found one place in my beautiful SB. -
Review from Heather R.
San Diego, CA
11/26/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I'm a big fan of the Marble Hot Chocolate, Chai Tea Latte's & the Frosty Mocha's are great with an extra shot of Raspberry! The service is always great, friendly & helpful! Parking can be a problem sometimes but it's worth the hassle : )
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Review from Janet D.
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's just gotten too crowded. Was it ever a relaxing coffeehouse to hang out in? If so, it's not any more. Service was rushed due to the long line...no time for friendly small talk. My caramel latte was good...not bad, not great. Not a very big (or appealing) selection of pastries. Tough to find seating. Considering that parking is a pain in the butt, there are several other places I would choose before I headed to CdL...
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Review from Brad D.
San Diego, CA
9/17/2011
Well, I've only been here once so far--but the place made enough of an impression to warrant a review. A good review at that! I came here on a first date and was pleasantly surprised. For a place I'd never even HEARD of before (how long have they been around?), it was actually really nice.
First off, I'm not a coffee drinker. Not sure why I opted to go to a coffee lounge on a first date, but I digress. I ended up getting the Strawberry Smoothie which was very good. There were Mango and Berry options as well. Funny thing, when I asked what was in the Berry smoothie, the girl replied, "I dunno... Berries?" I had to laugh. From what I glanced at, it seemed like a pretty diverse menu.
The atmosphere was very laid back and I appreciate the amount of space there was. Some places you go into and you just feel cramped and uncomfortable. Not here. With plenty of patio and indoor seating, Claire De Lune's is quite comfortable.
One star I'm deducting is for, as many others have said, the music. Not so much the selection, but the volume. At times it was a little hard to carry on a conversation. The other star comes off for the price--$4.25 for a small smoothie seems a bit pricey to me. Then again, I don't exactly frequent these types of places, so perhaps that's more the norm and I'm just finicky with my money.
Overall, I would totally go again to sample more of their menu and recommend others at least give it a try. -
Review from Patrick H.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
I looked at the website and saw that breakfast was served all day. So I went in to order breakfast, only to find out that isn't actually true. So I ordered the turkey bacon avocado sandwich and spent the time waiting for it to arrive mentally composing a snarky Yelp review in which they automatically lost a star for that, blah blah blah.
Then I ate my sandwich and all negative emotion was instantly purged from my being for the duration of the experience. Even the tomato was amazing. I don't even LIKE tomato. I can't possibly explain how tasty this experience was. -
Review from Mark H.
7/28/2011
What a neat-o cafe! It's a larghe open comfy place with lots of art on the walls, cool thrift shop couches and small tables. In short, just what you hope a neighborhood cafe would be like. If I lived near a place like this, I'd be drinking several cups of coffee a day. Wait, I do that already without living near a place like this...
It's great for friends or couples, but big enough for groups too. I had a fine small americano with 2 shots of espresso, and the extra-conscientious barista even double checked on how much water I wanted. That's what I'm talkin' about! -
Review from Ellen Y.
San Diego, CA
8/20/2011
I like Claire de Lune, but their biggest downfall is that they don't have WiFi. I learned this during the fall of 2010 when I went to study with a friend. No WiFi means no studying and no business, so we went down to Caffe Calabria and that became our regular, weekly spot.
My husband and I went back to CDL recently. The food and coffee were very good. We got the English Muffin sandwich and spinach and mushroom quiche. Both fantastic. My husband got regular coffee and I got the mocha; also both very good. It's a little pricey ($6.50 for one slice of quiche; $5.50 for the sandwich; $3.50 for mocha). The outside seating is nothing great. It looks like of dingy actually. The inside has a cool, comfortable vibe, but we have our doggie so we like to stay outside. -
Review from Chris C.
5/15/2011
I overheard two enthralling conversations here on my last visit. One was about some rumored next-gen version of Tumblr that would let you include more "spoken word" options. The other was a heated discussion concerning which local farmer's market was more authentic (consensus seemed to be Little Italy's).
Yep, you're in hipster central here, though it seemed to attract a much older clientele than many of the other hipster-ish coffee shops I've seen. Also had a higher-than-average percentage of hipster couples engaged in PDA; those comfortable-looking cushions in the windows must be a sore temptation.
Didn't seem to offer wifi, but you could steal the Starbucks across the street if you wanted to. I kind of like not having wifi, so the lack of it is fine with me. Furniture was even more shabby and falling-apart than the usual coffeeshop furnishings, plus several outlets didn't appear to work.
Unfortunately for a coffeehouse, the coffee was bad. I ordered my standard cafe au lait using whatever the house blend of the day was. I suspect it must've come from the KFC down the street. On the other hand, they had a fairly extensive collection of drinks and bites to eat (I saw a number of people getting sandwiches to-go), so I'll give CDL another chance to impress in the future. -
Review from jim d.
San Diego, CA
11/14/2011
It was nothing particularly special, but it was a good experience. We sat outside, which was noisey. The coffee and desert we ordered was good. Their sign said they closed at 10, but the came outside and asked us to leave at 9:45pm. That kind of bothered me :(
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Review from Kenneth A.
San Diego, CA
6/2/2011
So close ...so close to being my favorite cafe. The missing element? No Wi-Fi. Everything else is perfect.
The marble mocha tasted great. The price is decent; what you would expect from any cafe. Service was also really good. The counter girl was very friendly.
The ambiance is cool and trendy. The place feels very welcoming, warm and relaxing. I also love how the place looks. The walls are covered with local art, which leave room for interesting conversations. They have all kinds of different seats and furniture and it makes the place look very unique and interesting. Some of the chairs are incredibly comfy. I also really enjoyed their taste in music (mainly alternative rock) and the volume was set just right, not too loud and not too soft. It's definitely a great place to just hang out and chill with your friends.
The place is aesthetically pleasing. Come for the atmosphere. -
Review from patricia patti p w.
San Diego, CA
3/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Dear Claire De Lune.... you had me at "cheesecake"...
I love this place, delicious breakfasts, cheesecakes on steriods and big comfy cozy chairs. Oh and I love the staff, they are not PMSing hipsters who try to make you feel glad that they are waiting on you.Listed in: I am not cool enough for my…
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Review from Jenn W.
San Diego, CA
11/11/2011
Great coffee. Vanilla Nut is my favorite. They also have great blended coffee drinks. The service is varied depending on who is there which definitely affected my rating.
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Review from trey j.
San Diego, CA
10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
only bumming thing is no free Wi-Fi. Come on you have to catch up!!
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Review from Ernest B.
El Cajon, CA
10/9/2011
Good coffee, great pastries, great sandwiches and great service. Great atmosphere. Only drawback is parking but other than that its great local coffee shop.
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Review from mike n.
San Diego, CA
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
First off the place is setup nicely. I came in to get an iced coffee, ordered a vietnamese ice coffee. Saw that they add half and half......as a filler so that they can put it in a large cup and charge you more...LAME!. I ordered a large and asked that they leave out the half and half b/c it's not how real vietnamese ice coffee is made and i just simply didn't want it. The lady at the looked at me funny and turned around to ask another lady and the blonde lady said "i can't do that, it's simply too expensive for me to do that" WTF!?!?! seriously, all i ask is that you not put the half and half in my drink and you she said no. i didn't ask her to add more espresso or more condensed milk....just no half and half. for that you will never receive my business again. the worse customer service ever!
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Review from Stephanie G.
San Diego, CA
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this place I'm a coffee and tea drinker and this place is very good for both...now to try there food.
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Review from Denise W.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2011
I love this place! But the sofas and chairs need to be fixed with a little more support - it's a workout just to get out of them! :o) Seriously, a grunge/yard sale look and feel is great, but the seating needs to be comfortable too!
