Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Cali Cafe – San Diego
Cali Cafe - San Diego
Photo from Cali Cafe
Cali Cafe at a glance
San Diego Serra Mesa
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#502 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#46 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
353
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious acai bowls
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited space
The cafe Cali Cafe invites you to experience a delightful quick bite in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Serra Mesa neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxing break.
Known for its great coffee, this spot offers a welcoming environment where you can unwind. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for breakfast, you’ll find a comfortable space to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Cali Cafe
Cali Cafe offers a pleasant experience, often praised for its fresh and full of flavor items, especially their acai bowls and smoothies. Many appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the generally fast and friendly service from the staff.
However, some patrons find the offerings overpriced, particularly the coffee. There are also concerns about occasional horrendous customer service and the perception of it being just a tiny shack with limited amenities.
Good
6.8
out of 10
353
Reviews
64.9%
Satisfaction
103
negative
21
neutral
229
positive
Cali Cafe holds a respectable overall score of 6.8, indicating a generally positive reception. However, customer satisfaction sits at 64.9%, suggesting a somewhat mixed experience for some.
This assessment comes from 353 customer comments, with 229 expressing positive sentiments and 103 highlighting areas for improvement. Diving deeper, Ambience leads with a strong (7.5), creating a pleasant environment.
Food also performs well (7.4), with many enjoying the offerings. Service is rated as average (6.3), while Value (4.4) is where the cafe faces its most significant challenge, indicating room for improvement in pricing perception.
What people like
- Delicious acai bowls
- Welcoming cafe vibe
- Friendly, fast service
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Inconsistent service
- Limited seating/space
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Cali Cafe generally earns a nod for its offerings. It’s a place that delivers on taste and atmosphere for many, making it a worthwhile stop if those are your priorities.
If you’re seeking quality coffee and fresh bowls in a pleasant setting, it’s worth a visit. However, be mindful of the pricing and potential service inconsistencies, especially during busy times.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Cali Cafe
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
Based on 185 comments, the food here generally hits the mark, earning a 7.4 score and a 73% customer satisfaction. Many rave about the delicious açaí bowls, refreshing smoothies, and quality coffee. Guests appreciate the extensive menu variety and how well items are prepared, often calling them amazing and fresh.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some experiences mention coffee being watery and bitter or having a burned coffee taste. There are also comments about drinks being grainy or having unwanted ice crystals, and occasionally, items like muffins seemed past their prime.
These issues suggest some inconsistency in preparation.
Food
185
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
37
negative
13
neutral
135
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious açaí bowls
- Great smoothies
- Quality coffee
What people don't like
- Inconsistent coffee quality
- Texture issues
- Missing food ingredients
Often praised
- coffeeI get my coffee here every morning, and sometimes I grab some food too. The service is fast and friendly, and they offer great coffee and delicious breakfast treats. Taylor, Alex, and Melissa always greet me with a smile and are fun and friendly.
- smoothiesMy experience at this place was wonderful. They serve the best Açaí bowls and smoothies. The ladies working there are always so pleasant.
- foodEverything I ordered was fresh and full of flavor
- menuI enjoyed the great coffee and the friendly staff. I can't wait to go back to try more of the menu!
- acai bowlsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the greatest acai bowls and chai lattes. The easy access to the restaurant is also a significant plus.
- drinksAwesome drinks I loved green gobling smoothie
- açaí bowlThe açaí bowl he ordered is really delicious
- FoodFood:5
- fruitsfruits are sweet!
- iced latteIced latte tasted great. ... tastes just like yummy espresso
Frequently criticized
- coffeeour coffee taste like water and sweet milk
- acai bowlsAs a big fan of acai bowls, I must say this is not the place to get one. For $17 for their medium size (including tip), the mango, pineapple, and peach tasted like they were from those sugary Dole fruit cans.
- pastryThe pastry was soggy and old
- Acai bowlI did not prefer the Acai bowl.
- Irish cream cold brew w/ Almond milkIrish cream cold brew w/ Almond milk for almost $9 wasn’t any better
- Toffee Nut Lattehad the oddest taste - nothing like toffee nut
- Vietnamese iced coffeeVietnamese iced coffee- weaker than a Baby's pinky finga!!!
- Water flavored coffeeWater flavored coffee with a cup of sugar
- bake datethe bake date was 9/23 and it was a cranberry muffin. Personally I think 10 days is too long for a muffin to be kept
- blended frappéwas not well blended so I got large chunks of ice
If you're looking for a spot with a great selection of delicious açaí bowls, smoothies, and coffee, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many items are fantastic, there might be occasional inconsistencies in drink preparation.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers rave about the friendly staff, great service, and the amazing ladies who provide professional service. With 60 positive sentiments out of 105 total, its clear that many leave with a smile, contributing to an average score of 6.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction rate of 57.1%. However, its not always smooth sailing.
About 40 negative comments point to areas needing attention, such as long wait times, occasional rude staff, concerns about poor hygiene, and issues with order accuracy. This suggests a mixed experience for some, despite the somewhat positive overall feedback.
Service
105
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
40
negative
5
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Excellent customer service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude employee attitudes
- Poor hygiene practices
Often praised
- staffThe service is fast and friendly, and they offer great coffee and delicious breakfast treats. Taylor, Alex, and Melissa always greet me with a smile and are fun and friendly. I love starting my morning chatting with them before heading to work.
- serviceIf you want a good taste of coffee, I recommend this shop. The service is very excellent, and I love always coming back here.
- employeesemployees working were super friendly and kind
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceA 10💫 customer service 😃 thank you
- great servicenever received such great service from Alex and his crew
- Barista NatalieBarista Natalie was the best hostess
- SabuShout out to Sabu for helping me out!!
- TaylorTaylor, who was incredibly friendly and attentive
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceAbsolutely horrendous customer service.
- experiencehad an awful experience because of one of the staff members.
- staffShe was not using professional language while doing so.
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely horrendous due to the customer service. I waited 11 minutes without so much as a greeting or acknowledgment. There was only one person ahead of me, and one young lady working the counter.
- Open signFlashing "Open" sign was on.
- acknowledgmentThere was only one person ahead of me, and one young lady working the counter. She took the other customer's order and began preparing it—but never once acknowledged me standing there. I've been to this place several times and never had an experience like this, so it was disappointing, to say the least.
- apologyI was met with the stinkiest of faces. They offered zero apology and only then provided the side items that were supposed to be included according to their menu. It's frustrating when you know the answer to a problem and haven't fixed it, yet you don't treat customers respectfully when they notice it.
- attentionI waited a while for someone to take my order- NADA, ZERO, ZILCH.
- cashier/serversThe cashier/servers could use some customer service training
- door slamThe new employees are extremely rude. They messed up my order, and when I politely informed them, the employee snapped at me, rolled her eyes, and then slammed the door in my face. They also failed to provide the banana I paid for and didn't notify me when my order was ready, leaving it to melt in the sun.
Service here can be a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for the possibility of long waits or less-than-stellar attitudes. If youre willing to take that chance for potentially great service, it could be worth a visit, but dont be surprised if you hit a snag.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 78.8%. Many of the 26 positive comments describe it as a happy place with a cute and inviting vibe, often highlighting its pet friendly nature and awesome location. Its seen as a perfect "chill zone" for enjoying coffee or a summer evening.
However, not everyone is completely sold on the setting. The 7 negative remarks point out that the ambience can feel more like an "outdoor kiosk" or a "tiny shack, " with some customers noting a "lack of seating area. " While charming to some, others felt there wasnt much of a defined atmosphere beyond a simple walk-up spot.
Ambience
33
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Warm, inviting vibe
- Pet-friendly spot
- Awesome location
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Outdoor kiosk
- Lack of atmosphere
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmospherevery welcoming atmosphere
- placeIt is a tucked away wonderful little place !!
- small businessit’s a nice small business
- vibeI had such a great time at this cafe! The place has a warm and inviting vibe, making it a perfect spot to enjoy good coffee. Everything I ordered was fresh and full of flavor, and the service made the experience even better.
- awesome locationthe awesome location
- chill zoneWhy go anywhere else? This place packs a punch with its great quality coffee and chill zone. Love it!
- coffee shopenjoy myself in the coffe shop
- cuteIt’s so cute
- cute little shopSuch a cute little shop
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThere really isn’t an “atmosphere” it’s a walk up shack
- daily walk stopThis was our daily walk stop but not anymore
- locationI'm low-key addicted to their acai bowls. High-key sad they only have one location and no drive-thru. If they expanded, Starbucks better watch their back 🤷♂️.
- open-air$14 CARL! Considering the coffee shop has no seating area and is open-air, this pricing is absurd. Additionally, the coffee didn't taste good either.
- outdoor kioskoutdoor kiosk setting with no other amenities
- seating area$14 CARL! Considering the coffee shop has no seating area and is open-air, this pricing is absurd. Additionally, the coffee didn't taste good either.
- tiny shackserved out of a tiny shack
If youre looking for a casual, pet-friendly spot with a warm, inviting vibe, especially for an outdoor coffee or a quick stop, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. However, if you prefer a traditional cafe with ample indoor seating and a more established setting, you might find it a bit too minimalist.
Value (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.4 and a rather poor customer satisfaction of just 26.7%. Still, 8 positive opinions out of 30 total highlight great prices and product for the price, especially for those who want to support local businesses. However, the majority of the feedback, with 19 negative opinions, tells a different story.
Many feel the offerings are overpriced and pricy, with some finding the cost of items like plant based milks or even being charged for water to really hurt my wallet.
Value
30
Reviews
26%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great product value
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Definitely overpriced
- Charged for water
- Hurts your wallet
Often praised
- priceIt's about the price of getting junk food
- pricesthe prices are very fair
- great pricesthey had great prices!
- local businesssupport local businesses
- product for the priceI absolutely love Cali Cafe! It offers great product for the price. It's the only place I'll go to spend money on a smoothie!
- support local businessesI’d rather pay that and support local businesses 👍
Frequently criticized
- priceWow. Way overpriced.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was okay. The food was acceptable, but I felt the prices should be lower. This is especially true considering it's being served out of a tiny shack with minimal rent, and they source all their supplies from Costco.
- pricingunlikely to return due to pricing
- $10 & changeNOT worth the $10 & change after tip
- 20 bucksI watched her scratch her face and then touch everything without any protective gear, and she did not wash her hands. It felt like 20 bucks wasted.
- almost $9for almost $9 that wasn’t any better
- charged for waterThey charged for water
- coffee pricesThe coffee prices are ridiculously high
- medium butterbeer frappéa bit pricy at $10 for a medium
- medium size$17 for their medium size (with tip)
If youre on a tight budget, you might find the prices here a bit steep, as many customers felt it was overpriced. However, if supporting local businesses is a priority and you dont mind potentially spending a little more, you might still find some items worth the cost.
How are the prices at Cali Cafe?
On average, you’ll spend around 13 per person – from 40 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster around the $1–$10 and $11–$20 ranges, showing a good mix of budget-friendly and mid-range options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 40 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Diego. It offers good value with options for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Cali Cafe
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Life-Changing Chai and Best Smoothies!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The seasonal Pumpkin Pie Chai was literally life-changing, and they serve THE BEST smoothies in town. The food and atmosphere were rated a perfect 5, and service also received a 5.
The price per person was between $10–20, and there was no wait time.
- Pumpkin Pie Chai10
- smoothies10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Exceptional Coffee and Welcoming Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. The atmosphere was very welcoming, and it's clear the staff put their hearts and souls into their craft. From coffee to smoothies and frappes, you will be served the best.
I had one of the best mocha frappes I’ve had in the country. The staff were great, the coffee was great, and it was a great experience every time.
- atmosphere10
- mocha frappes10
- staff10
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Exceptional Service and Quality Coffee
I've been to almost all the coffee shops around San Diego, and I have never received such great service from Alex and his crew. They genuinely care about their customers, and seriously, this is the spot. Why go anywhere else?
This place packs a punch with its great quality coffee and chill zone. Love it!
- great service10
- quality coffee9
- chill zone8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Coffee and Friendly Service!
I had such a great time at this cafe! The place has a warm and inviting vibe, making it a perfect spot to enjoy good coffee. Everything I ordered was fresh and full of flavor, and the service made the experience even better.
A big shoutout to Taylor, who was incredibly friendly and attentive the whole time. You can tell she genuinely enjoys what she does and takes great care of customers. Definitely one of my new favorite spots, I can’t wait to come back!
- coffee9
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Awesome Coffee and Vibe!
My experience at this restaurant was awesome! I love the vibe every time I go. I would recommend it to anyone wanting coffee at a good price too!
- vibe10
- coffee9
- price9
What Cali Cafe offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Seating
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Cali Cafe?
At Cali Cafe, you’ll find convenient parking with both free street parking and a free parking lot, usually offering plenty of space. The cafe is also fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot for your ease.
What can you expect from the atmosphere and offerings at Cali Cafe?
Cali Cafe offers a casual and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxing coffee. You can enjoy breakfast or dessert, and there’s even a kids’ menu, making it good for children. If you’re bringing your furry friend, dogs are allowed outside in the outdoor seating area.
What is this cafe's overall rating and what do customers say about its key aspects?
This cafe has an overall score of 6.8. Customers generally appreciate the Ambience (7.5) and Food (7.4), while Service (6.3) is average and Value (4.4) is an area for improvement.
What are the standout positive aspects of this establishment?
Many customers praise the delicious acai bowls and smoothies, the fresh and full of flavor food, and the fast and friendly staff creating a welcoming atmosphere.
What are the common complaints about this cafe?
Frequent concerns include the perception of overpriced items, particularly coffee, occasional horrendous customer service, and the limited amenities of its tiny shack or walk-up setting.