Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Torque – San Diego
Torque - San Diego
Photo from Torque
Torque at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- ☕ Café
€
Price per Person 1 – 10 €
mentioned by 88 of the guests
#47 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#6 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
550
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great coffee
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- Parking issues
- High prices
The café Torque Coffee in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood invites you to discover a truly exceptional coffee experience. You’ll find a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed catch-up.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy cafe also boasts a fantastic tea selection, ensuring there’s something delightful for every palate. It’s a welcoming atmosphere for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Overview: Introducting Torque
Torque offers a highly regarded experience, particularly for its exceptional coffee and the genuinely friendly staff. The inviting ambience, with its modern design and comfortable seating, creates a pleasant environment for visitors.
Customers frequently highlight the commitment to farmer equity and the convenience of no extra cost for alt milk. However, some patrons note that finding parking can be a challenge, and the pricing for certain items is occasionally perceived as a bit steep.
Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment points to a place that delivers on quality and hospitality.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
550
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
22
negative
11
neutral
517
positive
The overall experience at Torque is rated highly, achieving an excellent Restaurant Score of 8.9. This strong performance is reinforced by an impressive Customer Satisfaction rate of 94%, indicating a very happy clientele.
These positive assessments are drawn from a substantial body of 550 customer comments, with 517 positive remarks against only 22 negative ones. Looking closer, the Service (9.6) stands out as exceptional, consistently earning praise for its attentive and knowledgeable staff.
The Food (9) also receives excellent marks, particularly for its diverse coffee options and unique drinks. The Ambience (8.6) is considered very good, creating an inviting space, though Value (6.4) is seen as average, with some concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional coffee quality
- Outstanding, friendly service
- Inviting, modern ambience
- No alt milk upcharge
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Limited seating
- Perceived high prices
Torque presents a compelling offering, particularly for those seeking high-quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. While some aspects like pricing and parking might require a bit of planning, the overall experience is strongly positive, making it a worthwhile destination for a relaxed visit.
With a strong Recommendation Score of 9.1, Torque is certainly worth a visit if you prioritize excellent coffee and attentive service in a pleasant setting. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges and the pricing for certain items, and you’re likely to have a good experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Torque
Food (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 95.2%, its clear the food is a major hit. Out of 272 total opinions, a whopping 259 rave about the quality, delicious coffee, amazing pastries, and thoughtful plant-based options.
Youre in for a treat! However, no place is perfect, and a tiny handful of 5 comments mentioned some minor quibbles. A few found the Thrilli Vanilli drink underwhelming, noted some sour espresso, or felt the breakfast food options were on the smaller side, with one even missing a bit of foam on their drink.
But these are very isolated remarks.
Food
272
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
5
negative
8
neutral
259
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent coffee quality
- Delicious pastries
- Great vegan options
What people don't like
- Sour espresso
- Small breakfast portions
- Lack of foam
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer fantastic coffee and great service to go with it. I was impressed by their wide range of third-wave coffee options and the availability of their own roasts for sale, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- espressoespresso and an iced latte which I tried and were infinitely better
- foodtheir food also looked great
- drinksAndy and Elias really hold it down. It's a must-visit spot with bomb beans and excellent drinks. I highly recommend springing for the single origin espressos.
- Palo Santo latteI got a Palo Santo latte, hot with oat milk
- coffee beansMy experience at this coffee shop was absolutely fantastic! It's an absolute gem for coffee lovers, offering a fantastic selection of fresh-roasted beans that cater to any taste, whether you're a gourmet enthusiast or simply seeking a quality cup. The coffee itself is rich, balanced, and thoughtfully crafted.
- cold brewGreat cold brew. Good flavor not excessive on the caffeine.
- FoodFood:5
- banana breadEverything was great - the food, coffee, and service! The banana bread was amazing; it’s a little small, but oh so good!
- beansAndy and Elias really hold it down. It's a must-visit spot with bomb beans and excellent drinks. I highly recommend springing for the single origin espressos.
Frequently criticized
- Thrilli VanilliThrilli Vanilli which tasted like coffee flavored water
- breakfast food optionsBreakfast food options on the smaller side.
- espressothe espresso was sour
- foambut lacked the little foam
- foodFood:1
If youre looking for incredible coffee, delightful pastries, and solid food options, this place is definitely worth a visit. The overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll be very happy with your choices, especially if you appreciate quality and unique flavors.
Service (9.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Wow, the service here is absolutely stellar! With an impressive score of 9.6 and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 123 positive remarks, patrons consistently rave about the friendly staff, knowledgeable baristas, and attentive service, making everyone feel incredibly welcome.
Whats truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the service. It seems this establishment has truly mastered the art of hospitality, leaving no room for improvement in customer interactions. This consistent excellence is a rare find.
Service
123
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Knowledgeable baristas
- Attentive service
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! They offer fantastic coffee and great service to go with it. I was impressed by their wide range of third-wave coffee options and the availability of their own roasts for sale, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were polite, and the environment was clean and contemporary, making it a great place for studying or chill time. The coffee beans were rich in flavor, and the ginger carrot bread loaf was earthy and rich tasting.
- baristasI enjoyed the drip coffee, which was recommended by the barista, a fresh biscuit, and the banana bread. The baristas were very friendly and knowledgeable. Everything was great - the food, coffee, and service!
- peopleMy experience at this shop was wonderful. I absolutely love the mission and intentions behind it, and I also love the people working there. The coffee is fantastic.
- ServiceService:5
- TaylorTaylor, Michelle, and everyone are simply phenomenal!
- baristathe barista took the time to explain to me how it worked
- customer serviceThe customer service is warm and friendly!
- employeesemployees have always been so kind
- ownerMet the owner and he introduced himself.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If top-notch service is a priority for you, then look no further! This place consistently delivers an outstanding experience, thanks to its incredibly friendly and knowledgeable team. You can expect to feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for from start to finish.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% 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 92.4%, it's clear guests adore the atmosphere. Out of 132 opinions, a whopping 122 rave about the welcoming atmosphere, cool vibe, and thoughtful interior design, making it a beloved neighborhood favorite.
However, a few of the 8 less enthusiastic comments point out some practical snags. Guests occasionally mention limited seating and tricky parking, which can be a bit of a hassle. There were also a couple of notes about the air circulation, suggesting it can get a little stuffy at times.
Ambience
132
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
122
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Cool, unique vibe
- Thoughtful interior design
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Difficult parking
- Stuffy air circulation
Often praised
- atmosphereThe shop boasts a fantastic location on ECB near 35th, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. The interior is modern and tastefully designed, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Coffee and treats were served on ceramic cups and plates.
- vibeTheit signature drinks are to die for! I highly recommend this place for its immaculate vibe, fast service, and nuanced, delicious flavors. They pay homage to Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines alongside more standard espresso and coffee options.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- coffee shopMy experience at this cool, small, local coffee shop was excellent. The service was great, and the coffee was also very good.
- locationcutting edge visionary location of their new shop
- shopEven though Torque isn't officially open yet, it's already showing its personality as a quirky shop with a super-friendly and accommodating staff. What truly shines, however, is the coffee – they serve the best damned coffee in San Diego, seriously.
- vending machineYou have to see their vending machine, it's fun and unexpected!
- decorReally cool decor and retail as well - definite vibe
- environmentMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were polite, and the environment was clean and contemporary, making it a great place for studying or chill time. The coffee beans were rich in flavor, and the ginger carrot bread loaf was earthy and rich tasting.
- spaceVery appealing and inviting space. Comfortable seating
Frequently criticized
- parkingIt was nothing extraordinary, but it was good. I've tried going here a few times before, but parking is difficult to find. Today I found parking, so I stopped by.
- air circulationair circulation can be improved...significantly
- limited seatingthe seating is a bit limited
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- seatsthere aren’t many seats
- stuffyIt gets stuffy in there
- to-go cupsIt’s like a biodegradable one and it kinda falls apart after like an hour
If you're looking for a place with an amazing vibe and a welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potentially limited seating and a bit of a hunt for parking, especially during busy times.
Value (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 and customer satisfaction sitting at 56.5%. Many guests appreciate the commitment to a farmer equity model and the affordable options on offer. Youll often hear praise for their great prices and the fact that they dont upcharge for oat milk or other alt milks, which is a big win for many, based on 13 positive remarks.
However, not everyone finds the value proposition ideal, with 9 negative comments. Some feel it's a bit pricey and not the cheapest coffee spot around, especially noting specific items like an iced latte or pastry can be quite expensive. There are also comments about fluctuating prices and occasional difficulty with parking space, which can impact the overall perception of value.
Value
23
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- No alt milk upcharge
- Supports farmer equity
- Offers great prices
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- High item costs
- Prices fluctuate often
Often praised
- oat milkThe mid-century feeling vibe was very welcoming. I was happy to see tasty vegan treat options available, and even better, there was no markup for oat milk! I will definitely be back again when I visit San Diego next.
- farmer equity modelappreciated their farmer equity model for selling their bulk coffee
- PricingPricing is another area where Torque shines
- affordablehow affordable the coffee, food, and products were
- affordable optionsPeople in City Heights likely won't become regulars at these prices, and this side of the 805 isn't gentrified enough for "Bivouac prices. " I'd rather go to North Park or Normal Heights where there are many more coffee spots with delicious and affordable options.
- alt milkNo extra cost for alt milk.
- farmer equityMy experience at Nanelle & Andy's was amazingly tasty coffee. I was impressed by their commitment to 20% farmer equity and fair employee practices. The overall feeling was one of kindness and quality, and it seems they have it all figured out!
- free street parkingFree street parking
- great pricestop-tier coffee, great prices, and a welcoming atmosphere
- pricesMy experience at this great little coffee shop was fantastic! I was impressed by the delicious homemade vegan food and the great prices. They also offer some super cool drinks.
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices in City Heights is nuts
- cheapest coffee spotnot the cheapest coffee spot in SD
- community issueIt’s a know your community issue
- fluctuating pricesThe bad is the fluctuating prices
- iced latte$9 for an iced latte with flavor
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- pastry8$ for a pastry
- priceA bit pricey
If you prioritize ethical sourcing like their farmer equity model and appreciate not paying extra for alt milk, this place offers good value. However, if you're seeking the absolute lowest prices for every item, be prepared for some menu items to feel a bit steep.
How are the prices at Torque?
On average, you’ll spend around 10 € per person – from 88 guests. That puts the restaurant in the 1 – 10 € category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While many guests enjoy options in the 1 – 10 € range, a good portion also spends between 11 – 20 €, suggesting a nice variety of choices for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 88 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Diego. There are options for a quick, budget-friendly stop, as well as choices if you’re looking to spend a little more on a meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Torque
Price per Person
- 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Coffee Tour and Special Visit!
My experience at this spot was super friendly. The owner, Andy, made our first visit incredibly special by giving us a whole coffee tour. It was a truly memorable experience.
- coffee tour10
- friendly10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Coffee Aficionado's Delight with Brunch Options
My experience at this coffee shop was fantastic, truly a place for real coffee aficionados! I was impressed by the great coffee roasting selections. Beyond coffee, they also offer great breakfast options.
For those looking to extend their visit into brunch, they even have great wine selections. The atmosphere and service were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating. It's also noted as kid-friendly, welcoming even dogs, and offers free street parking, though finding a spot can be somewhat difficult.
Wheelchair accessibility is available. The price per person is between $10–20.
- coffee roasting selections9
- breakfast options8
- wine selections8
- parking space4
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Vegan Coffee Shop with Strong Values
I love this place! It's a local coffee shop with amazing vegan friendly selections, adorable merch & gorgeous local art on the walls. I feel so safe and seen in this space as a bipoc queer femme!
If you’re queer, love coffee, and want to support a local spot that has strong values, definitely check this place out! :)
- vegan friendly selections10
- adorable merch9
- gorgeous local art9
Price per Person
- 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Mixed Drinks, Good Service
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. I ordered the Thrilli Vanilli, which I found to be very poor, tasting like coffee-flavored water with a faint hint of fall spice. However, my friends ordered an espresso and an iced latte, which were infinitely better than my drink and redeemed the overall beverage experience.
Despite the drink disappointment, I will give this place another try. The service was excellent, rated 5/5, and the food received a 4/5. The atmosphere was also rated well at 4/5.
- espresso9
- iced latte9
- service10
- Thrilli Vanilli2
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Cool Vibes and Awesome Espresso!
My experience at this lowkey coffee shop was fantastic! The vibes were the coolest, and the service was great. I was impressed by the awesome espresso selection.
Although I was just stopping by in the area, I'll definitely make a note to revisit next time. I highly recommend the figgy pudding. Thanks, guys!
- vibes10
- service9
- espresso selection9
What Torque offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Quick bite
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Torque Coffee?
At Torque Coffee, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, ideal for a quiet moment or a lively chat. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, and lunch, alongside quick bites. They also offer a great selection of coffee, tea, cocktails, and other alcoholic beverages.
Does Torque Coffee offer accessible options and convenient amenities?
Yes, Torque Coffee is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you’ll also find free Wi-Fi, gender-neutral restrooms, and usually plenty of free street parking. It’s a great spot for kids and even allows dogs.
How does Torque rate overall?
Torque receives an excellent overall Restaurant Score of 8.9, backed by 94% customer satisfaction. Its Service (9.6) and Food (9) are particularly strong, with Ambience (8.6) also scoring well. Value (6.4) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about Torque?
Customers frequently praise Torque’s exceptional coffee, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the inviting, modern atmosphere. The commitment to ethical sourcing and no extra charge for alternative milks are also highly regarded.
Are there any common concerns for visitors to Torque?
Some customers note that parking can be challenging to find, and seating might be limited. A few also mention that certain items can be perceived as pricey, and there have been occasional comments on food consistency.