Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Mental Bar – San Diego
The Mental Bar - San Diego
Photo from The Mental Bar
The Mental Bar at a glance
San Diego Encanto
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#70 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#9 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Excellent
8.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
449
Reviews
92.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Customer service
- Quality food
- Relaxing atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Extra charges
- Slow service
- Loud music
The cafe The Mental Bar in San Diego’s vibrant Encanto neighborhood offers you a truly unique experience. You’ll discover a welcoming spot where the great coffee is just the beginning.
This cozy and casual cafe is perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed gathering. With its trendy atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to unwind, whether you’re grabbing a coffee to go or settling in for a while.
You can also enjoy a great tea selection.
Overview: Introducting The Mental Bar
The Mental Bar offers a truly welcoming experience, with many appreciating the attentive staff and the overall relaxing space. It’s a spot where the coffee and other beverages consistently hit the mark, making for a pleasant visit for many patrons.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding extra charges for certain items, and occasional issues with wait time or loud rap music affecting the atmosphere. Despite these points, the positive sentiment generally prevails.
Excellent
8.7
out of 10
449
Reviews
92.2%
Satisfaction
23
negative
12
neutral
414
positive
The Mental Bar achieves a strong overall 8.7 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. This is further supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 92.2% .
With 414 positive remarks against just 23 negative ones out of 449 total opinions, the sentiment is overwhelmingly favorable. Digging deeper, Service (9.1) stands out as particularly strong, alongside the quality of Food (8.8), which includes their popular coffee and other offerings.
The Ambience (8.6) also contributes significantly to the positive experience. The main area for improvement appears to be Value (5), where some find pricing for extras a bit high.
What people like
- Exceptional customer service
- Quality coffee and food
- Relaxing, chill atmosphere
What people don't like
- Unexpected extra charges
- Occasional slow service
- Loud music atmosphere
With a high 9 recommendation score, The Mental Bar is certainly worth considering. It offers a strong combination of excellent service and quality food and drinks in a welcoming setting, making it a solid choice for a relaxed visit.
While some minor issues like extra charges or occasional service delays exist, they don’t overshadow the overall positive experience. If you prioritize a friendly atmosphere and good coffee, this spot is likely to impress.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Mental Bar
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Get ready for a culinary delight, because the food and drinks here are truly excellent! Boasting an impressive score of 8.8 and an outstanding 94.1% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently thrilled. With 224 positive remarks out of 238, patrons frequently praise the delicious food, extensive drink options, unique specialty lattes, and delightful pastries.
Youre in for a treat! That said, a mere 7 negative comments surfaced. A few patrons expressed a desire for more vegan food options, and some weren't fond of the barbeque wings sauce or a boiled egg in their burrito.
These are minor quibbles in an otherwise overwhelmingly positive dining experience.
Food
238
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
7
negative
7
neutral
224
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Diverse drink options
- Unique specialty lattes
What people don't like
- Limited vegan options
- Specific dish dislikes
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was centered around its welcoming atmosphere and quality offerings. I enjoyed their good coffee, specifically the latte and cappuccino, and their pastries, like the croissants, were also a hit. The menu surprised me with its variety of options, even including a "secret" menu.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. They serve the best Chai Tea Latte in town, and the food is great and fresh. The atmosphere is very peaceful.
- drinksThe staff explained everything very well and were helpful with the menu. The food was delicious and the drinks were great! I highly recommend giving this place a try.
- breakfast burritoHad there breakfast burrito this morning, pretty damn good.
- BLTThe BLT is great and filling!
- FoodFood:5
- BLT sandwichThis discrepancy is problematic, as all menu items should ideally be available within the advertised operating hours. Outside of this issue, the BLT sandwich here is very good.
- Lavender Chai Lattetheir Lavender Chai Latte
- PB cookiethe PB cookie is bomb
- blueberry lavender lemonadeblueberry lavender lemonade (so yum!)
Frequently criticized
- barbeque wingsdid not like the flavor of the sauce on the barbeque wings
- boiled eggNot fan of boiled egg in my burrito though.
- caloriesit probably had a million calories
- espresso shotsdisappointing because why would I pay a dollar for extra milk
- sauce on the barbeque wingsdid not like the flavor of the sauce on the barbeque wings
- vegan food optionswish for is that they had more vegan food options
If you're seeking a spot with truly excellent food and a fantastic array of drinks, this place is a must-try. Despite a few minor suggestions for more vegan choices or specific dish preferences, the vast majority of diners leave delighted and satisfied.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly excels! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic 90.1% customer satisfaction, guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, stellar service, and knowledgeable staff. Out of 71 opinions, 64 highlight how the team, including the owners, goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome.
However, a few experiences, just 4 out of 71, mention bad service and slow periods, particularly concerning wait time. While these are isolated, they suggest there might be occasional hiccups in service or business practices that could be improved.
Service
71
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Stellar service
- Attentive owners
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait time
Often praised
- serviceMy mom and I have visited twice now and have been very pleased both times. We will definitely be back for the amazing coffee and amazing service.
- staffThe staff are attentive and you can tell the staff actually seem to get along
- customer serviceThe customer service was exceptional.
- ownersThe owners Tommy and Daneyel are incredible humans
- ServiceService:5
- friendly staffalways friendly staff
- peopleEveryone I meet at or from Mental Bar are kind and thoughtful people.
- Customer Servicetheir Customer Service was unforgettable
- EliannaElianna explained the whole coffee menu to me she is so nice
- Landry and the staffLandry and the staff are super duper too
Frequently criticized
- business practicespoor business practices
- posted hoursinform customers upon arrival that the kitchen closes
- serviceBad service, super slow and rude owner
- wait timewaited 15 minutes for it
If you value a warm welcome and attentive care, this spot is a clear winner. The exceptional staff and owners are a major draw, ensuring a pleasant experience that largely overshadows the rare mentions of slow service. You'll likely leave feeling well-cared for.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 93.8%, its clear most visitors adore the atmosphere. Out of 129 total opinions, a whopping 121 rave about the "vibes, " "atmosphere, " and how "cozy" and "relaxing" the space feels, making it a beloved "local place" to hang out.
However, a few of the 6 negative comments mention concerns about "street parking" and some found the "loud rap music" not to their taste, with one even suggesting a lack of "class. " While these are minor points compared to the overwhelming positives, theyre worth noting if you prefer a quieter, more traditional setting.
Ambience
129
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
121
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, relaxing vibe
- Inviting atmosphere
- Ample seating options
What people don't like
- Loud music concerns
- Limited parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI've had multiple visits lol. There is a two-seated lounge swing near the window, and this was enough for me to give 5 stars for atmosphere lol. But they also get extra credit for having an outdoor seating area.
- vibesthe vibes are kick back and stay awhile
- ambienceThe ambience is like non other.
- musicThey truly put a ton of care into their drinks, making them some of the best in San Diego. Beyond the excellent beverages, it's a very relaxing space with chill music, creating a wonderfully serene environment. I highly recommend it!
- vibeVery chill vibe inside with a community empowerment feel
- ambiancethe ambiance offers a relaxing atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- decorTheir decor is very uplifting and lively too
- placegave us a nice little place to unwind
- coffee shopThis is a nice coffee shop with a good selection of beverages. The staff are always friendly.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere not great. Not every wants to hear loud 🙉 rap music
- classNo class
- diversityNo whites
- rap musichear loud 🙉 rap music while eating
- street parkingThere's only street parking available
If youre looking for a warm, inviting, and community-focused spot with great vibes, this place is definitely worth checking out. Its perfect for relaxing, working, or catching up with friends, though be mindful of potential street parking and the music choice.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 7% of the guests
It seems like the value here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 45.5%. On the bright side, many folks appreciate the well priced latte and find the overall price per person to be quite cost-effective, often landing in the $1–10 range. These positive sentiments come from 5 out of 11 opinions.
However, the value proposition isnt always clear. There are 6 opinions highlighting concerns, particularly around "charges" for "extras" like ice or honey, which some felt were unexpected. Others found certain "prices" to be "way too high" or noted that larger "sizes" didnt always offer better value.
It's definitely something to keep an eye on.
Value
11
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable base prices
- Cost-effective options
What people don't like
- Hidden extra charges
- High prices for some
Often praised
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- cost-effectiveVery cost-effective
- pricelatte was well priced
- price per person$1–10
- pricesReasonable prices
Frequently criticized
- chargesnever told those would cost extra
- cost of extrasdouble-check the cost of any "extras."
- honeyanother $0.50 for two pumps of honey
- icea $0.50 charge for ice
- pricesPrices way to high
- sizesonly difference is the sizes is extra liquid not espresso shots
If youre looking for a quick, affordable bite, you might find some good deals, especially on basic items. But be wary of add-ons and "extras, " as they can quickly inflate your bill. Its worth trying if you're mindful of what you order.
How are the prices at The Mental Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 12 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 12, most diners actually spend in the $1–$10 or $11–$20 brackets, indicating a generally affordable experience with just a few higher-priced options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Cafe in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers good value for a casual bite without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Mental Bar
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Coffee and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent, especially for coffee. It's my go-to place for specialty coffee, and I visit almost every weekend. The service is also great (: .
- specialty coffee10
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
4
Surprise charges for extras
I visited the Mental Health Coffee Shop for a simple tea with ice and honey. To my surprise, when I paid the bill, I was charged an extra $0. 50 for ice and another $0.
50 for two pumps of honey. I was never informed about these additional costs beforehand. Had I known, I likely would have opted out of these add-ons.
This experience left me feeling like there were hidden charges for basic additions to a normal drink. If you plan to visit, it's advisable to double-check the cost of any "extras. "
- ice2
- honey2
- charges1
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Great spot, but coffee wait time
This is one of the best coffee shops in the neighborhood. It's a great place for people looking to meet up or work on their computers. The coffee was okay, but the wait time of 15 minutes was a bit long.
- coffee shops10
- place to meet9
- sit in a computer9
- wait time3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Vibe and Sandwiches!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I came in for a sandwich and left with a great vibe. There were lots to choose from, the place was clean, and the staff were nice.
I definitely recommend it.
- lots to choose from9
- clean9
- nice staff9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Best Chai Tea Latte and Fresh Food!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. They serve the best Chai Tea Latte in town, and the food is great and fresh. The atmosphere is very peaceful.
While the service can sometimes be a little slow during busy periods, the quality in the food and the love in every cup make it worthwhile. I highly recommend this place!
- Chai Tea Latte10
- food9
- atmosphere10
What The Mental Bar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can you expect at The Mental Bar?
At The Mental Bar, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing. You can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, a bar onsite, and gender-neutral restrooms. Outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside.
Does The Mental Bar cater to specific dietary needs and offer family-friendly options?
Yes, The Mental Bar offers vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. For families, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs available, making it a comfortable spot for all ages. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dessert here.
How does The Mental Bar score overall?
The Mental Bar holds a strong overall score of 8.7 . Its Service (9.1), Food (8.8), and Ambience (8.6) are particularly well-regarded, though Value (5) is noted as an area for improvement.
What makes the atmosphere at The Mental Bar special?
Customers frequently praise the relaxing space and chill music , noting the uplifting decor and a general community empowerment feel . It’s designed for unwinding.
Are there any common complaints about The Mental Bar?
Some customers have expressed concerns about extra charges for items like honey or ice. There are also occasional mentions of slow service or loud rap music affecting the atmosphere.