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Lion Coffee - CLOSED
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Desserts Coffee & Tea, Desserts [Edit]
8590 Rio San Diego DrSte 106
(between Camino Del Este & Station Village Way)
San Diego, CA 92108
Neighborhood: Mission Valley
(619) 299-5466
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
26 reviews for Lion Coffee
Review Highlights
"The Vanilla Macadamia and Sumatra are my two favorite's."
(in 6 reviews)
"Great Kona coffee, rich and delicious."
(in 8 reviews)
"They were freshly brewing Toasted Coconut at the time and..."
(in 3 reviews)
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26 reviews in English
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Review from James D.
Lemon Grove, CA
3/20/2010
Awesome staff and of course great coffee. Their Kona 24k my fav. The also have sandwiches and some breakfast treats. I havent tried them but they look tasty :-)
***Their location has moved and is now downtown on 101 Market Street at the Atria building right behind the Ralphs.**** -
Review from Staci J.
McPherson, KS
1/13/2009
O. M. G.
This coffee is great. I bought some Lion coffee while in Hawaii and wept the day that I ran out. Maybe a year passed and I was on my way over to IKEA, via Friar's and I saw a big banner--"LION COFFEE NOW OPEN"
I immediately veered off the road (you know, on the off ramp of course) and raced into the store. I bought a bag of my favorite flavor (vanilla macadamia) and went home to enjoy it, totally forgetting about IKEA. Also, the staff is helpful and knowledgeable.
PS: I have also had their sandwiches. Delicious.Listed in: SD coffee
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Review from Shelli S.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2008
Came here the other day with my pal Michelly-belle, we were about to head to Tuesday Morning for a thorough shopping, but first needed to imbibe on the tasty breakfast sammiches and coffee they serve.
The coffee's got some kick, it's KONA and tasty! I had a caramel somethin-somethin and they offered soy milk, you think everyone does that don't you? I can hear your snide remark now "yeah like we are so in california now Shelli get over the soy ok?"
But you know what snide person?
Starbucks can't even get me non-lactose because it's ALL PREMIXED so you know how I feel about that evil empire African forced slave labor . . . um yeah.
Oh and the service, they were so cute and all excited to be serving us, it was absolutely precious! Michelly-belle said this about the service "overly bubbly accommodating attitude" cause it's true.
Me and girlie took a business card which has to be the coolest one I've ever seen, I need to mention that it tells you how to contact them if you are in Japan, says "from Japan call 0044-2211-2122". Hee hee!
Check out Lion, if you like Kona, and you like independent and you've been known to down a croissant sammich, then go. -
Review from Marie G.
San Diego, CA
11/17/2007
Update 3-9-08:
I'm starting to get anxious, I hope people are taking advantage of Lion Coffee in Mission Valley, and it's variety of fresh brewed coffees and treats! I've noticed they have sign spinners now. Either that's because they're doing well...or NOT. Wahh!
I still love to drop by for my Toasted Coconut and they have a lovely version of the caramel macchiato (no bitterness). Though I do stop at Starbucks when I need overstimulation to help me get thru underwriting crappy home loans.
-------------------------------------------------- --------------------
Oh, my days of hoarding mass quantities of whole bean Lion Coffee when Costco (Mission Valley) has a Lion Coffee vendor on site are over. That distributor has opened a small Lion Coffee place in Mission Valley so now you can have your choice of fresh brewed Lion Coffee, my favorites are the Toasted Coconut, Vanilla Macadamia, and the 24 Karat (which they brew French Press style, so be prepared to wait about 5 mins for that fresh brew).
They also sell all the Lion Coffee here Whole Bean and ground, as well as a few pastries and sandwiches. The barrista on site can whip up espresso based beverages (I'm assuming they're using the Diamond Head Espresso), I tried their version of the caramel macchiato and it was great, no burnt taste (well roasted espresso).
The shop is cute, too, a mix of island feel and modern (with high exposed ceilings). FREE WIFI. It's a little tough to find if you're not familiar with the area, it's close to Pat & Oscar's and Sombreros here in Mission Valley.
I'll give them 5 stars when they start carrying the bottled Lion Coffee beverages (so I don't have to drive up to the Torrance Marukai every month to buy them). Check it out, you'll have a great cup of coffee! They're open most days by 6 a.m. (Goodbye Starbucks, for me) -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2008
Kona coffee. Ghirardelli chocolate. Tropical smoothies. Espresso with condensed milk. Near my work and my apartment.
It's like this place was made for me.
Tried - Mocha - rich and delicious. Lion "POG" smoothie - passion fruit, orange, guava....so refreshing. My favorite fruit combo.
Dying to try - Lion Thai Latte and Lion Thai Mocha Latte
both are espresso with condensed milk - my all time favorite coffee beverage which isn't readily available in mainstream coffee places...I neglected to see it at the bottom of the menu when I ordered. Boo. At least it's an excuse to get back there pronto.Listed in: CLOSED?!
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Review from Jonathan C.
San Diego, CA
9/24/2008
Hands down best iced coffee I've ever had. I don't even need to put cream in this coffee because the flavor alone is awesome. This shop is conveniently located within walking distance of my office and had to stop by here during the lunch break to make it through the day @ work blah! I always go for the small vanilla macadamia iced coffee, no room for cream. One sip and my hand starts to gyrate from the overdose of iced caffeinated goodness.
They also offer wifi here which is an added bonus. I do remember surfing the net while sipping on my iced heaven. Every time I've been in here there hasn't been a big crowd. Cmon peeps try da kona!
cheers -
Review from Heky A.
San Diego, CA
6/3/2009
Lion Coffee is the reason why I became a bit more serious coffee drinker. I can still remember my very first time here. As soon as I walked in, I totally fell in love with the smell! - They were freshly brewing Toasted Coconut at the time and oh man.... the smell was to DIE for!
I used to always buy a cup of coffee from either local coffee shops or Starbucks. But after that smell!!!, I started buying real coffee from Lion's Coffee (My favourite is Vanilla Macadamia) and have been self-brewing at home. Save $ for greater taste coffee!
The staff is also outstanding!! I had a chance to meet the owner as well and when I suggested an idea for the coffee shop, he gave me 10% discount! I hear all the time from other customers how great their sandwiches are.. Definitely will try one next time I visit.
As a college student, free WI-FI here is a big plus for me, and every time I visit, it is never crowded. There are two reasons for 4 star: #1 - is because of the loud music.. Although if you ask nicely, they will turn it down for you =) #2 - They don't open late enough for me. Especially on Sundays, they close at 7pm.
Nonetheless, this is one of my top 2 places to come to enjoy a cup of AMAZING coffee and to study.
~hb.Listed in: where I go to become a…
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Review from mike r.
Los Angeles, CA
9/30/2008
Excellent music, atmosphere and wonderful staff.
Free Wi, Fi, and AMAZING coffee.
I hate a coffee house that charges for Wi FI, are only gives it to exclusive people that belong to a particular phone company.
Lion coffee house offers better coffee that any of the big chains.
If your a coffee drinker, like to have wi fi when you go, and enjoy good music and a nice atmosphere, this place if for you. Did I mention it has AC. -
Review from David T.
San Diego, CA
9/23/2008
I'm surprised with how well reviewed this place is. It is decent, but not worth 4 or 5 stars. It shines for two reasons:
a) The prices are reasonable
b) the coffee is tasty (note that I'm not a coffee aficionado, but I like this stuff)
However, there are many drawbacks.
a) The tea selection stinks. (they don't even carry Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea... pretty standard)
b) the space is a big, hollow box, and is not welcoming
c) It is loud. Probably because of b) above
d) Despite what other reviewers say, this place does not have a lot of electrical outlets. It has 2. And that is for 6 tables and 2 big (uncomfortable) chairs.
e) The pastries look old and store-bought
I don't mean to make it sound so bad, but it isn't anything special. It is average, and I think of 3 stars as the average rating. -
Review from Teo M.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2009
I usually try to refrain from drinking coffee, but when it's this good, how can you resist? Try the kona blend, its amazing! They always have cute girls behind the counter. While the decor is pleasant, I've never been a huge fan of the space they rent here... it's pretty bland.
Anyway, all of that is irrelevant now since they moved to the gaslamp, which is a bit out of the way for me... But since you can't really get coffee this good anywhere else, I may have to make the extra journey...
Oh, and I've been to the Lion coffee in Hawaii too. It's a pretty neat little spot, but it's in a shady part of town on the fringes of Honolulu (filled with dirty warehouses and stuff). Unfortunately, they don't distribute this stuff in outlets all over like they do in Hawaii... but it's definitely worth making the pilgrimage to enjoy their authentic Kona-style blend!! You won't regret it.
Two thumbs up!! -
Review from Josh C.
Seattle, WA
11/29/2008 1 photo
I've got to give this one a meh. I took a chance and I don't imagine I'm going to come back. I definitely need to qualify this a bit though.
The staff here are great. Very friendly, talkative, welcoming. The iced tea I got was really nasty and they replaced it with a chai tea latte for free (I was actually just looking to get a different iced tea but the guy misunderstood me... still, the chai was delish).
The store itself is really neat and colorful and the wifi is pretty good (no disconnects or anything).
But, for some reason, this place chooses to leave a regular local radio station on. The music was OK I guess but terrestrial radio is, like, 40% commercials and it was really distracting (and too loud). I don't know why coffeeshops think they HAVE to have music on, let alone at a strong level. Most people that stuck around were working on something with headphones on, trying to get AWAY from the sound.
All in all, I might swing by again if I was in the area (not that I make it to this strip mall very often), but nothing special here. -
Review from Bruce W.
Austin, TX
7/2/2009
Total joy if you've ever lived in Hawaii and gotten used to drinking Lion daily.
Tucked away in that weird pocket of Mission Valley that is a bit out of your way. Worth it if you know what's up.
I was surprised that the bags of beans weren't more expensive, I was prepared to take a beating on price. Good stuff. -
Review from Ann T.
San Diego, CA
6/21/2008
GREAT SERVICE and GOOD COFFEE! I tried the KONA GOLD and I loved it! I also like the Chocolate and Vanilla Macadamia Nut Flavor. I love my coffee with alot of cream and 2-3 splenda's depending on the size I get. I loved the decor in this place too very welcoming and tropical feel. A must try if you're in the Mission Valley area :)
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Review from Joel G.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2007
pros...it makes my wife happy, need i say more? i love walking in there to hear the hawaiian music playing, so even if is san diego in november it's still cool. read her review!
cons...what took you guys so long? -
Review from Jess F.
San Diego, CA
7/23/2008
I've been here a couple of times and always had very good service. I also like it because it doesn't seem to be jam packed with people all the time. It's a good place to go and just hang out for awhile.
The pastries and cookies are very good. The coffee isn't quite how I like it, but they have so many options that I think if I tried harder I could find something really delicious. -
Review from Michelle T.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2009
You guys, please come to this place. I don't think business is going super well for these guys and this place is really a rare find. Who else knows how to make you (and your significant other's) breakfast sandwiches just right? Who else will suggest an acai bowl when you are sick? That being said, I don't drink coffee (and when i do I have to load it up with flavorings). The atmosphere is chill and laid back, often with Hawaiian music playing in the background. I highly recommend the breakfast sandwich with turkey bacon, egg, and cheddar on a croissant. sooo yum. A perfectly quite, yet delicious place to come when you have a hangover.
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Review from sugar B.
Milpitas, CA
11/15/2008
One of my favorite places to chill for a bit after work, great coffee, awesome cup of hot chocolate, delicious pastries & free wi-fi every day. It's always quiet when i come in, always a place to sit & relax.
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Review from Danielle M.
Del Mar, CA
6/10/2009
The coffee here is great. I am hooked....toasted coconut...mmmm!
This is a cute coffee shop, but it was a little overwhelming coming here for the first time because I didn't know what the heck to get. I will be a regular customer because they have a great selection of coffee beans (kona) to buy and take home. I use a coffee press at home and the coffee is so tasty and smooth. I am not a big coffee drinker, I like foo-foo crap from Starbucks, but the coffee beans from this place taste great with a little cream and sugar and it's a fraction of the calories. -
Review from logovo l.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2009
Good expresso, excellent friendly service. Only thing missing is a bit more of a relaxed ambiance or *something*. They have commercial radio on too loud, and the place doesn't feel too inviting. The sort of place to grab a cup and be on your way.
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Review from Savvy R.
San Diego, CA
9/11/2008
Lion's Coffee is a great place to study for many different reasons. First off, the coffee is excellent and the prices are lower than other coffee places here in Mission Valley. I frequently over hear people rave about the coffee here and how excited they are that there is a San Diego location. The Vanilla Macadamia and Sumatra are my two favorite's. There is a frequent buyer card available, in which you get a free coffee after purchasing 8. With the amount of times I come here to study, I go through those quickly. There is not too much traffic coming in and out, but there are usually a few others so you're not here alone. The wifi internet is reliable and there are accessible outlets to plug your laptop into. I am always happy with the friendly service and study environment! I highly recommend this place to you if you are a student who wants a local and good pace to study.
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Review from Jeanette N.
San Diego, CA
8/22/2009
They DID move. They're now at 101 Market Street downtown. I'd like to write more in my review, but I'm on my way there!
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Review from Kannika V.
San Mateo, CA
3/22/2009
Great Kona coffee, rich and delicious! Friendly staff. Not enough variety in pastries though and sometimes they run out of my favorites. Free wifi, good music, good times!
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Review from Kevin P.
San Diego, CA
9/10/2008
Damn you Lion Coffee, why are you so good! I love the coffee, once you try it you'll never drink anything else, well, er, atleast you won't want to.
I had a friend of a friend turn me on to this place, although she no longer works there, apparently the owner is a weasil, but the coffee is sooo good. Try the 100 Karat, they only use a french press, which a true coffee drinker knows is the best way...no 5 hour old coffee here. It so worth the wait. The lattes are good as well. The only problem is that the don't staff a lot of people so if there is 3 or 4 people in line, plan on waiting. But it is worth the wait. I only wish i could purchase it from somewhere else, as I hate to reward owners who don't respect/take care of their employees. The counter staff is fun and friendly! -
Review from Sheila M.
Chula Vista, CA
12/11/2008
On the rare occasion that I make it up the 805 with time to spare before I have to be at the office, I like to swing by this place to grab a cup of coffee. You don't gotta wait in some long starbucksesque line or pay a hefty price for a cup of Hawaiian goodness. I like the cool Hawaiian music they play and the atmosphere is pretty chill. Free WiFi, too! I had a sandwich once and it was pretty tasty. Mahalo :)
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Review from James J.
San Diego, CA
9/21/2009
I am sooo bummed that these guys left in search of the almighty tourist dollar in the GasLamp. I understand the reasoning; but heck, I would have gladly paid an extra buck or two to keep them here across the street from where i live. Now I have to go back to the crappy coffee/food at Milano
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Review from cliff k.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
9/2/2008
Very friendly service. Good smoothies too if you're a little hungry.
