I enjoyed the coffee so much at the Coffee Box during my recent stay at the Alila Marea in Encinitas, California that I made a special trip to the source of the coffee, Lofty Coffee, on the drive home.
Best Coffee In Encinitas, California
Down the street from the Alila Marea Beach Resort is a lovely coffee shop called Lofty Coffee, which roasts its beans locally and offers superb espresso-based drinks.
Lofty Coffee Company
90 North Coast – Highway 101, Suite 214
Encinitas, CA 92024
7:00AM – 4:00PM (daily)
+1.760.230,6747
This is a small coffee chain based in San Diego County with a roasting facility just a few doors down on Highway 101.
We were a bit late in leaving the resort and pulled into the lot at 3:57PM, just three minutes before closing time. I ran in to order the drink, sheepishly apologizing (chairs were already stacked and the counter being wiped). One of the baristas quickly silenced me, stating she was happy to make me drinks (moments later, two more stragglers came in behind me).
Roasted coffee to go and fresh pastries are also available.
I decided to push my luck even further by asking my drink to be put in a “real” cup if I promised to down it in 60 seconds (fact: I adore coffee, but I don’t savor it very long – I always down it very quickly), but was told that the coffee shop is still only using disposable cups due to the pandemic (how long will that stupid excuse go on…?)
Oh, the coffee was superb and unlike the young lady at the Alila Marea, this barista was an artist and made beautiful latte art on my flat white. I also ordered an Americano for Heidi.
The coffee was strong, chocolatey, and yet a bit sour, precisely the way I like it.
CONCLUSION
Lofty Coffee will be a new coffee shop I seek out in San Diego and when in North County. The Encinitas location features kind staff and delicious coffee…a far better alternative to Starbucks.
Lofty is good, but mere few miles down the road in Cardiff and you’ll find a superior brew at Zumbar,
Lofty and Zumbar are good, I think Pannikin on Coast Hwy is the best in Encinitas/Leucadia, More local, more history, less trendy IMO. Try it next time!
Thanks for the suggestions – I look forward to trying both places!
I love these coffee posts (even if the volume of my work this week has meant that my coffee runs have been confined entirely to my Nespresso machine)
Of course it’s a better alternative to Starbucks, but pissing in a cup is close as well. When people stop overpaying for simple coffee the world will be a better place. Support your local C-Store with a $1.69 cup of Joe and stop being a fancy lad. Honestly people paying $6.00 for whatever are the major reason why this country is going to hell.
Your kids deserve you putting the extra cash away and no one needs the garbage you are over paying for.
Some people spend money on alcohol – I spend money on coffee. Good coffee is like good wine – it really does make a difference. You could say that I pick my poison.
Fantastic response! People that drink Foldgers are the same that get drunk on wine served on a domestic flight in coach. Good coffee is worth the money and you don’t drink it everyday or several cups. I rather spend $6 on a great latte than on an unhealthy meal at a fast food chain.
Excellent response. People are free to spend their money as they see fit.
Its the beggars in this country, the freeloaders, the idiots that look for handouts that i absolutely hate. If you are going to beg your government to throw some money at you then don’t waste it on overpriced luxury. These beggars are everywhere, at every income level and from both political parties.
Ironsmith next to modern times is by far the best in Encinitas.
Actually Modern Times coffee is pretty amazing too. SD is a coffee lovers paradise. Haven’t even discussed Bird Rock and Mostra, both of whom have won roaster of the year.
Since you like coffee, I invite you to follow me on Instagram at @jittery_eric, an account that exclusively features coffee finds (including those of Coffee Box at the Ailia Marea and Pannikin) with a particular emphasis on coffee shops in Los Angeles.
“Pissing in a cup”? Really? Couldn’t come up with something better? I love a good Latte. Everyone picks their poison.
Debit- what does a great cup of coffee have to do with “begging” as you so rudely put it? Nothing!
Please don’t judge other people. You have no idea what those “idiots” you say are going through. Have you ever talked to someone less fortunate? You should try it. There is nothing better than a great cup of coffee and nice people.
Encinitas is a great place to grow up. I’m going to try Lofty. Thank you Matthew Klint.
Loffty was very good but has really gone down hill ! Market Space is the place to go.