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Pacific Bean Coffee Co
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
712 1/2 Garnet AveSan Diego, CA 92109
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 273-8918
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 6 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for Pacific Bean Coffee Co
Review Highlights
"And with a choice of regular or chocolate whipped cream."
(in 5 reviews)
"Go check it out, and get a mocha."
(in 12 reviews)
"...a place that serves a good Blended Peanut Butter Mocha."
(in 3 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from norris B.
Wow, it's rare to find a barista as fabulous as Peter. He is the owner and
entrepreneur of this rare gem of a coffee house. I consider myself somewhat of a java aficionado. Outside of Firenze, my favorite espresso restaurant is any three of the Vivace cafes in Seattle. Peter's pour was similar. His selection of roast, the perfect machine, the temperature of the coffee and steamed milk, and his presentation made for a perfect espresso macchiato.
I failed to mention that he was closing and we mentioned to him that we were in search of espresso and asked him for the nearest espresso cafe. He would have nothing to do with sending us away as he felt it was his duty to serve the perfect drink. He also bought the drinks!
Thank you Peter! -
Review from Jenny L.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here because of all the good reviews. I ordered the Aloha mocha and it was just okay. That's a white chocolate and macadamia nut mocha. Sounds amazing, but tasted just like the stuff I could get at McDonalds. I got it blended.
The owner is really nice though. He said if I didn't like my drink, he could make me another one. I didn't want to be a pain in the butt though, so I kept it.
Expensive though. I paid $6 (added $1 for tip just because Peter is really nice). Next time, I'll just go to Starbucks. -
Review from Scott M.
San Diego, CA
8/17/2011
OK, so occasionally I will have an experience so remarkable that I simply can't wait to get to my computer and tell the world. Well, my friends, today I had such an experience. I had just finished breakfast at Kono's (totally awesome- always is.) and in walking back to my car I noticed a sign that said "Worlds Best Mocha". Wow, that's quite an enticement! So, I walked in and ordered myself a mocha. They had quite a variety of different flavors and whatnot, but I elected to just keep it simple and go with just a regular 'ol mocha....can ya dig it?
They only had one size and to my surprise it came to $5.00. OK, that's still a pretty sweet deal for the worlds best mocha. However, when I got back to my car and took a sip of this "worlds best mocha", I was overtaken with utter shock.
Not only was it not even close to the worlds best mocha, it didnt even really taste like a mocha. I'm tellin' ya it was wierd!! So, I waited a couple minutes, even stirred it up a little bit, and sure enough, it still tasted like a McDonalds hot chocolate! I was half tempted to go back and ask for a refund but by that time I was practically on the 5 heading downtown. I have been there before and enjoyed a really good cup of organic coffee, but I gotta tell ya, mochas aren't their thing. -
Review from The M.
La Jolla, CA
12/28/2011
Great spot for genuine coffee from genuine people! The place is like Cheers "where everybody knows your name." it's by the beach and all the locals come around and shoot the breeze! Great place to make quality friends and enjoy a killer mocha! I call that place my office and half of it is outside where you can people watch in the most prime spot:)
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Review from Mitch K.
6/22/2011
Just fyi, all my friend and i had were double espressos. The espressos were not doubles, and they were overly bitter. They were also not cheap, 5 bucks for two espressos.
The service was really nice. Such a friendly, casual environment. The man who made the espresso was really nice and has the cutest little puppy.
I have a feeling based on the other reviews that this is the place to go for sweet flavored latte like beverages. -
Review from Nicki T.
Newport Beach, CA
4/11/2011
Hands down, my favorite place to be! Just steps away from the beach. This has got to be one of the best coffee shops ever. Over the last year Pacific Bean has managed to become my home away from home. I even dream about it, no joke. The service is beyond superior. Peter and Janet are quite possibly, two of the coolest people on the planet. They are hard working, friendly, honest, and very fun to hang around with.
Pacific Bean's signature mochas and homemade whipped cream are to die for. They are great blended, iced and hot. My personal favorite is the Aloha - a white chocolate mocha with macadamia nut syrup and white chocolate whipped cream! With infinite choices for your coffee drinking preferences, you will not be disappointed.
Peter is the master of juggling and the king of the espresso machine having mastered and perfected the art of the cappuccino and macchiato. He does it the right way, unlike Starbucks (a caramel macchiato is NOT warm milk, espresso and caramel stirred in a large cup). "Macchiato" means "stain" in Italian -espresso stained with milk. To top it off, the coffee beans used here are top shelf quality (screw Starbucks).
Pacific Bean also serves bagels, yogurt and acai bowls with fresh fruit, and Janet's home baked goodness (which are...uh-may-zing!). I don't have a sweet tooth, but these fresh muffins, cookies, rice crispy treats and bars are kick @ss! Janet is always happy, friendly and has cute clothes. I always try to pressure her into making quiche (my favorite) or her famous bacon, cheddar, green onion scones. I swear I can't get enough.
The store is a cozy wooden space with a 90 gallon fish tank -bring your kids and they can feed the fishys! There is indoor seating, bar-style seating (excellent for people watching), and outdoor seating with umbrellas for sunny days. I recently moved, but will definitely be back soon to visit Peter, Janet and all the friendly locals. Miss you all!Listed in: The Best of Pacific Beach
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Review from Tony B.
San Diego, CA
6/19/2011
Been coming to this place for years, through several different owners. The place suffered a bit during an in-between period, but is now in the excellent and capable hands of owner and barista-in-chief Peter.
I stop by to get my daily coffee, and often indulge in the amazing fresh baked goods, made by the equally amazing (and cool) Janet.
Find yourself a sidewalk seat, sip your coffee, and watch the world walk by! -
Review from Molly B.
San Diego, CA
12/27/2011
I love going to the Bean, a little neighborhood coffee shop half a block from the pier at the foot of Garnet Street in Pacific Beach. Peter, the proprieter, makes everyone feel welcome and at home. The shop features organic coffees and mochas, though I usually have one of the many teas. I sometimes treat myself to the acai bowl, made with fresh, not frozen, fruit, bananas, blueberries and strawberries as well as hemp granola. It's a winner. The Bean features Janet's baked goodies, made fresh daily.And now, Peter has begun to make homemade croissants. The chocolate croissant is to live for.
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Review from Chrissy G.
San Diego, CA
5/15/2011
Have been here several times - great menu choices. Love how you have the option for each drink on the menu to be hot, cold or blended. And with a choice of regular or chocolate whipped cream. It just has a nice "non commercial" beachy feel. Staff are very friendly.
Wish there was parking for this place. And one other thing I should mention is - they only accept cash. Still worth every frustrating second trying to find parking and then walking. (That also gives you the chance to go and sit by the beach)
: ) -
Review from Grace A.
San Diego, CA
12/10/2011
L.A.M.E. Thats what I have to say. I ordered a mint hot chocolate with whip cream, and my husband ordered some kind of flavored coffee drink. The total some how came out to about $9.. a little expensive in my book, but as long as it tastes good, I'm not complaining. The man handed us our drinks and we continued on our walk. I took off the lid and started eating them whip cream.. tasty, some kind of chocolate flavoring! Soon after I realized it was half whip cream! There was barely any hot chocolate! After I drank my half-cup of hot chocolate, I saw that the bottom of the cup was covered with the hot chocolate mix. It was barely even mixed in.... So their I was... bummed, like a kid who dropped their ice cream cone. I would go back, but only if I was in the area, and I would make sure I actually got what I paid for!
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Review from Lauren K.
San Diego, CA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Once upon a time I was craving coffee. (I know, right, that NEVER happens.) I happened to be walking along Pacific Beach right around twilight, which seems to be the wrong time to look for
a.) Open coffee shops, and
b.) Open fish taco stands.
We will get to the fish taco stands in another review, but for now I must rave about Pacific Bean.
So Pacific Bean was exactly what I was looking for. Local and Open. I originally came in to get your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, plain ole coffee but was quite pleasantly surprised to find a myriad of choices in flavored mochas. I ended up ordering the orange almond mocha with chocolate whipped cream.
Oh......my......pete. It was quite possibly the most delicious drink I have ever had. I sucked it down in minutes and had it not been as sweet as it was, I would have ordered another.
The girl who made my coffee was adorable and pleasant. She actually made me think of all of my favorite friends. What more could you ask for at a small dive coffee shop? Nothing....that's what.
Granted this was my first trip, but I will be back for a second go-round. Judging from other people's reviews I have a feeling it will be equally as pleasant as the first. -
Review from Jaimie H.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2011
I like this place. Small but cozy. A "little Italy" in Pacific Beach.
Great coffee, especially their espresso macchiato (espresso with a hint of milk with foam -- mini-cappuccino).
I wish they would keep more drinks and beverage in stock. They are often out of water bottles, or sodas or other supplies.
Overall I really like the atmosphere. If you want to experience the typical Italian coffee place while sipping a good cup of coffee... this is your place. -
Review from Ilaria P.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2011
This place is awesome!
Great coffee, great mochas and delicious WHIPPED CREAM!
The atmosphere is perfect if you want to relax and have fun, Peter and Janet are incredibly kind and it's always clean!
Love it! :) -
Review from Rae Jo K.
Minneapolis, MN
2/2/2011
My all-time favorite coffee spot. I can't tell you how many times I was bored and drove down to PB to get a delicious mocha and take a stroll on the boardwalk.
I'm not sure if the same guys own it, but they were always super friendly and had great stories to tell (funny and entertaining). I did have a run-in with an old hag who worked there (RUDE), but as it was a couple years ago I hope she is looooong gone.
Their menu is amazing and each drink is absolutely delicious. Their consistency in preparing the same drink over and over again can't be matched by any other small coffee house in the area. Homemade whipped cream, awesome little bistro atmosphere and close proximity to the beach makes this the perfect San Diego coffee house. -
Review from Meagan D.
2/4/2009
This is the place to go when you're craving both chocolate and coffee but not watching your belt line or your wallet.
Most of the drinks are made with heavy cream unless you ask otherwise, which makes them taste awesome but adds a gallion calories. Plus all of the delicious mochas they're known for are about $4.50 which is shockingly more than I even spend at Starbucks.
Regardless, when I want a treat or just want to be bad - Pacific Bean gets my business.Listed in: Tienes Cafe?
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Review from Lety M.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2009
I found a place that serves a good Blended Peanut Butter Mocha!
Its in PB!
Yeah i know what your thinking? "what is Lety doing all the way in PB thats way out of her neck of her woods."
Me and the crew have been going to the pier to walk around and watch the sunset. Before the walk around the beach we like to grab a good up of joe. This time it was hot so Pacific Bean was recommended. A great recommendation i would have to say.
The Barista had to make my drink twice. The first time he was so unsatisfied with the way it turned out he just gave it to us. Then made it again. How amazing two drinks for the price of one. I was very very impressed! They use cafe moto for their espresso and their drip. I love moto!
Ill be coming more often here when im in that neck of the woods.Listed in: Anyone for a Spot of Coffee..
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Review from Oshin K.
San Diego, CA
7/30/2008
I've never sat down here, but when I lived in PB I used to go and grab a mocha of some sort before going down to the dock or to the beach.
The staff is really friendly and god damn they have a wide selection of Mochas. I usually went with the Funky Monkey or the Neopolitan.
I work around here so I should definitely drop by for a cup before work a bit more often :/
I'm still confused as to why there are 2 badass coffee shops in PB of all places. I guess after a night of drinkin miller lite with your bros you need a pick me up. -
Review from Aaron W.
4/16/2007
The thing really going for this place is the huge selection of mochas... everything you can think of. Coconut mocha was the bomb. Also they have chocolate whip cream - tasty!
But my cappucino was quite wet and nothing remarkable.
It is pretty cute in there though. Go check it out, and get a mocha! -
Review from Nicolette S.
San Diego, CA
1/22/2009
Small, but I really like it here. There are so many different drink options that I never know where to start. I hate whipped cream--except here. This is the best whipped cream ever; I was told they make it themselves and add vanilla. Skip breakfast. The one time I ordered breakfast here was because the line at Kono's was so long. But in the time it took them to make it for me, I'm sure I could've been eating already at Kono's.
Come for the coffee. Yum! I'm pretty sure your dog is welcome on the patio. -
Review from C.J. R.
La Jolla, CA
11/12/2008
Wow, I hate people when people gush blindly about a place but this place awesome! I stumbled across it simply walking on the boardwalk by Garnett and the beach.
There were a few tables outside where people were eating. I tend peak at what people are eating and I had to stop.
There was this amazing open faced breakfast sandwich (Dawn Patrol) that look better then anything I had seen in a while. It had fresh guac, peppered bacon, tomatoes with some dark imported bread that was taaasty!
The coffee was really good but the acea is was possibly the best I have had in that area. I need to have it another time before confirming that statement. The line was a little slow but the people that worked there went out of there way to try to make me feel like I was important and it was worth waiting.
I will go back for sure.
Related- to quaint/ beachy breakfast place in PB (out of 5 possible stars)
Venue- 4.5
Service- 5
Food- 4.75
Overall exp- 4.75 Stars
Drawbacks- I have been there twice; one time it was faster then the another time. It was a little slow but but not bad and totally worth the wait. -
Review from S G.
La Mesa, CA
6/15/2011
Love this place! Great place to come and enjoy the sun and read the paper. The coffee is great and the baked goods are amazing! Best cinnamon roll I've had in the SD area and the bacon, chive, cheddar scone was fabulous!!!
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Review from Ric B.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2008
They have a sign that says best Mochas in America, so I figured I would give them a try.
I got a plan old mocha. It was pretty good. Not the best I have ever had, but still it was good. And the people that work there are definitely fun. They have tons of different choices too. I will definitely go back again. -
Review from Jennifer Y.
Los Angeles, CA
4/7/2009
I had a tasty bagel (sesame, in case you were wondering) and they even serve it with a real knife - so environmentally friendly!
Yay!
The Acai bowls looks amazing too. Will have to try one next time! -
Review from Frances Z.
Los Angeles, CA
7/24/2008
I loved it here. All I wanted was some coffee and after walking by this little Mom & Pop place, it looked like a gem.
They had water and bones out front for dogs. Some homeless guy kept walking by and grabbing the dog bones so that was weird.
The lady that made the drinks was extra friendly. They have every mocha you can think of. Seriously, there were like 50 different kinds.
I had an iced Blondie Mocha with CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM. Starbucks doesn't have that!! Talk about living a little. So good, so good. My BF had the White Chocolate and it was just as delish.
It was just adorable!! Definitely going back next time I'm down there. -
Review from Prentice P.
San Diego, CA
12/20/2009
I give this one five stars because it has everything I look for in a quick, go-to, place for warm beverages.
Couldn't get a better location being next to the pier and the beach, and I found this one when I was exploring the area after moving to Pacific Beach.
Upon finding it, I met Peter who is, most of the time, there. He is a super friendly guy, and while I don't drink much coffee, I do love hot chocolates, and he helped me with my selection from one of the MANY different types of hot chocolate they have there.
after pleasant conversation and finding out what I wanted, I went with the Mexican hot chocolate. perfect blend of chocolate, and cinnamon flavor and I will most definitely be back here. As it is I go three or four times every week.
I haven't tried the mocha, but apparently that is what they are known for.
I highly recommend this place, and tell Peter I said "hello".
one sentence review - "I'll tell Peter myself, I am going now" -
Review from Shannon D.
Vista, CA
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
After sprawling the boardwalk looking for a place to get a smoothie, we finally found Pacific Bean Coffee Co. I didn't end up ordering a smoothie, but I did really enjoy their acai bowl. Frozen acai "sorbet" covered with granola, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas - simply amazing! I told the girl working (who was super friendly btw) there that my fiance and I were going to share it, but I had full intention of eating it all myself! It was that good!
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Review from Angela F.
2/23/2010
I absolutely loved this place! I wish I could've transported it home with me. Great location and quirky cute feel. We'd head to Pacific Bean for coffee then go grab a burrito at Kono's.
I tried about 4 different types of coffee drinks and enjoyed each one (I seem to remember being disappointed in a Peanut Butter one, though). The mocha was my favorite. I had an iced coffee, too, which hit the spot on that hot morning.
The barista/cashier chick was super cool. She recognized us (like I said, there were 18 of us invading Pacific Beach) each time one or more of us walked in and was super friendly. She's cute, pierced up, tatted out, dark black hair....whoever you are, thank you for your hospitality and excellent coffee making!
*side note: the homemade baked goodies looked excellent. We never got to try 'em but I saw a loyal following enjoying them...same faces day in and day out so that's a good thing! -
Review from Janelle M.
Seattle, WA
5/15/2009
Pros: AWESOME lattes, plus a huge variety of fun drinks and friendly staff. Probably my favorite coffee shop in SD. See cons.
Cons: THEY ARE NEVER OPEN when I make it out to PB. Anyone know their hours? -
Review from Jason C.
Santa Monica, CA
2/8/2010
Going to Pacific Bean has become a ritual whenever I am visiting friends in Pacific Beach. One of my favorite things to do is head down in the morning and grab myself an iced coffee or mocha and go for a stroll on the pier and along the beach. There's nothing like a good, strong cup of coffee mixed with the ocean air to start the healing process after a long night of partying.
It's a small shop with a few tables inside and out. I often see runners and walkers sitting outside with their pets and Pacific Bean puts out a water bowl and treat jar for the dogs. The staff has always been nothing but friendly and happy to chat.
While Mochas go for about $5, they're outstanding. I've tried about 75% of the flavors and like them all. They have scaled back the breakfast menu quite a bit but I'm there for the coffee and will continue to be every time I'm in the area. -
Review from Jesse K.
San Diego, CA
7/19/2011
I will start by saying that I am fairly hooked on espresso. I have it on most cool days. I also have on most warm days. I have had it from most non-Starbucks places in PB. This place is my favorite. Their coffee tastes the best and that should be enough right? Especially if all I order is a double espresso, slam it down and walk out right? Well this place does offer more. The owners are very friendly and will chat you up if you so desire. They are very dog friendly as well, offering a bucket of dog biscuits out front and water. They have a great sidewalk area to sit and take in the scenery of the Crystal Pier archway. They inside is homey and down to earth. They have a very large selection of mochas. All kinds of creative flavors are offered hot or iced and they have chocolate whipped cream. There is a selection of baked items available. I have not had them but I have heard many people talking about how much they like them. All in all a cool, little coffee place right by the beach.
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Review from Bobbie L.
San Diego, CA
1/7/2010
I love this little coffee shop. The service has always been friendly and latte's are good. And usually, you can walk right past the line at Kono's and get something to eat here.
Great little local coffee shop. -
Review from Paul M.
Santee, CA
1/23/2011
Great coffee! Crappy service!
The board had about 25 choices on it and my wife asked the barista if he had any suggestions as it was our first time here. He threw his hands in the air and said there is a lot of choices as he was completely annoyed with the question and provided little assistance.
The remaining interaction was about the same he seemed completely disinterested in our business. He did make a great cup of coffee but I can get that around the corner at Kona's where I shall go for now on. -
Review from Jerime V.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2009 4 Check-ins Here
have you ever said to yourself " I wish there was a Baskin Robbins for coffee."?
Me neither, But maybe that's why I was so delighted to find it. So many different kinds of mochas it can make your head spin, and make you keep coming back to try out new flavors to make sure you don't miss any.
My recommends:
Banana Gorilla
neopolitan
Black forest
And the peanut butter one....forget what its called....you'll know it when you see it. -
Review from Mel C.
11/6/2008
I was freezing after eating a huge cup of frozen yogurt from Yogurtland and a cup of coffee from Pacific Bean hit the spot. Small coffeeshop- next time I will try their mochas.
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Review from Jon E.
San Diego, CA
2/19/2009
Pacific Bean is a great place to go and work off a hang over. The food is good and so is the coffee. I have been here quite a few times, and have not been disappointed. This place is dog friendly (unlike most places in Pacific Beach) and that makes it even better. The only complaint I have about this place, is that even on the times I have been there when it was slow, it took me a long time to get my drink (upwards of 8 minutes). Having worked in several coffee houses, I find this slightly irritating, because it should really never take more then 3 minutes to make a coffee/ espresso drink. All in all, if you are ever looking for a good breakfast place, or just a place to relax, stop in and check it out. It's totally worth trying.
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Review from David P.
San Diego, CA
6/28/2010
I love Acai and they have good acai but the portions are inconsistent and getting smaller and smaller. They are frequently out of honey which I really like on my acai and today they were out of plastic spoons. What am i supposed to do, eat it with my fingers?? Their phone # doesn't work. I get the feeling that they are on there way out of business.
