Highlights
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Great coffee
- Live performances
- Great tea selection
oChef » Lestat’s – San Diego
Lestat's - San Diego
Photo from Lestat’s
Lestat's at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 53 of the guests
#576 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#49 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
6.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
366
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique atmosphere
- Quality beverages
- Friendly personnel
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Value concerns
- Dated decor
The cafe Lestat’s in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood offers a truly unique experience. You’ll find yourself drawn into its cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed evening.
Known for its exceptional coffee and a great tea selection, this trendy spot also delights patrons with regular live music and performances. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or seeking late-night food, Lestat’s provides a welcoming space where you can unwind and enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Lestat's
Lestat’s offers a distinctive atmosphere, often described as a great place to work or relax, with many appreciating its unique vibe. However, some recent experiences suggest a decline in the overall atmosphere and a sense of being rushed.
While the coffee and other drinks generally receive positive remarks, some find the prices a bit steep for the value, and there are mixed feelings about the food quality. The staff can be quite friendly, though occasional negative interactions have been noted.
Good
6.3
out of 10
366
Reviews
61.7%
Satisfaction
120
negative
20
neutral
226
positive
Lestat’s holds an overall score of 6.3 out of 10, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at 61.7%, indicating a mixed reception. This assessment comes from 366 customer opinions, with 226 positive remarks against 120 negative ones.
While the Ambience (7.1) is a clear strong point, and Food (6.5) also performs well, the Service (5.2) and Value (4.3) show room for improvement. Customers frequently praise the unique Ambience (7.1), which contributes significantly to the experience.
The Food (6.5) generally satisfies, particularly the drinks. However, the Service (5.2) receives more varied feedback, and Value (4.3) is often a point of contention, with some finding prices higher than expected.
This suggests a need for consistency in service and a re-evaluation of pricing for certain items.
What people like
- Unique, inviting atmosphere
- Excellent coffee, drinks
- Often friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Perceived poor value
- Outdated interior/vibe
Lestat’s offers a compelling atmosphere and solid beverage options, making it a decent spot for work or casual visits. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider if the pricing aligns with your expectations for value.
With a recommendation score of 6.3, Lestat’s is worth considering if you prioritize a distinct environment and good coffee. Just manage your expectations regarding service consistency and overall value, as these aspects can be a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Lestat's
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Diving into the food and drink scene here, many folks are quite happy, with 80 positive remarks among 122 pieces of feedback. Youll often hear praise for the delicious drinks, great food, and satisfying sandwiches, alongside a nice variety of pastries and even a large vegetarian selection. The overall food experience earns an average 6.5.
However, the experience isnt always perfect, reflected in a mixed 65.6% customer satisfaction and 33 negative comments. Some have noted weak coffee, watered down drinks, or a limited selection of food items. There are also mentions of outdated food and drink quality, suggesting some areas could use a refresh.
Food
122
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
33
negative
9
neutral
80
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious drinks
- Varied food options
- Great baked goods
What people don't like
- Weak coffee
- Watered down drinks
- Limited food selection
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at Lestat's in Normal Heights was a positive one, and I'm glad to see this place still thriving. They serve up excellent coffee and offer a variety of tasty treats and food options. The atmosphere is pleasant, with both indoor seating and outdoor seating available, including a more "chill" area out back.
- drinksThe place is clean, and they have great baristas. The drinks are great too. It's worth it.
- sandwichesThe atmosphere was outgoing and warm, making it a great place to hang out, study, or do homework. The salads and sandwiches were generously sized and very tasty. What truly impressed me was the warm staff who remembered regular customers and their preferences regularly.
- avocado toastI purchased a variety of items, including a hot chocolate, avocado toast, a vegan cupcake, and two lattes. Despite the good food, I was still harassed for “taking up a table during exam week.
- coffee cakeWe each shared a coffee cake
- foodI’ve been coming here for years, and generally, the customer service is on par, and the food is typically pretty good depending on what you get. However, I don’t know if I’m the only one experiencing this, but there have been several times when Matt has been extremely rude and very uninviting.
- good coffeeyou know it's good coffee
- hot chocolateBought hot chocolate
- saladThe atmosphere was outgoing and warm, making it a great place to hang out, study, or do homework. The salads and sandwiches were generously sized and very tasty. What truly impressed me was the warm staff who remembered regular customers and their preferences regularly.
- Avocado Toastthe avocados were ripe for the toast. But it was good.
Frequently criticized
- coffeethe coffee... everything about it is super outdated
- foodthe food, everything about it is super outdated
- London Fogordered a london fog with oat milk and the person gave me a cup of tea with almond milk
- StarbucksStarbucks, which is disgusting
- almond milkused the wrong milk substitute (almond instead of oat)
- avocado toastavocado toast was a little off
- breadI think the bread had been burned and scraped off. The toppings were good, but the bread was lacking. On a positive note, the bagel was good.
- cold brewCold brew is very bitter despite adding vanilla flavor and cream
- drink qualitythe drink quality is just hideous
- drinksdrinks just awful
If youre looking for a spot with a decent variety of food and drinks, especially for coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods, its worth a try. Just be aware that while many find the offerings delicious, some experiences with drink quality or limited selection might disappoint.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, many folks appreciate the friendly staff and great customer service, with shout-outs to specific baristas and even a Matt for making visits enjoyable. Some guests have experienced no wait and even extra love from the team, contributing to 45 positive remarks about their interactions. However, the service here can be a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of just 44.1%.
There are 54 negative comments pointing to instances of bad customer service, rude service, and issues like closing early or long wait times. This brings the overall service score to an average 5.2.
Service
102
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
54
negative
3
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Great customer service
- No wait
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Bad customer service
- Early closures
Often praised
- staffIt's a great place to get work done while enjoying coffee and a bite to eat. They offer free, high-speed WIFI, plenty of seating, and have friendly staff.
- serviceThe service and vibe of Lestat's is great
- MattI visited this place with my boyfriend and we had a great coffee time take out with Matt. He’s hilarious and we loved to chat with him. Matt, thank you for making our night so much fun!
- customer serviceThe customer service he provides is unmatched
- baristasMy experience at Lestats was very relaxing and warm. The place is clean, and they have great baristas. The drinks are great too.
- friendly staffAdditionally, the iced chai was a bit watered down, lacking the usual flavor I expect from iced chai at most places. Despite these points, the friendly staff and people made for a decent visit.
- ServiceService:Dine in
- baristaThe barista didn't seem put out by any special requests or orders.
- barista AmberMy barista Amber was charming, helpful, and skilled
- buzzer systemBefore we would have a buzzer to let us know our food was ready
Frequently criticized
- staffNow you have people that look like they don’t even want to be there
- customer serviceI was caught off guard and confused. I’ve been in the customer service industry for 15 years; Matt needs to work on his customer service. I’m not sure if he and his brother own it (because if you look at the few owner replies on these reviews, you can see how unprofessional their response is), but there’s no reason to treat any customers like that.
- serviceservice was ok. When taking customers order, one should cease all back counter conversations until order is complete.
- employeeHe warned us they might close early...asked us to basically promise we wouldn’t invite “30 other people.”
- baristaWe came in around 8 pm for hot chocolate, but the barista told us we couldn’t sit down even though the shop doesn’t close until 10: 30 pm. His explanation was that he had to mop, even though there were three open tables and more than 10 seats available.
- outside foodone employee “forbid” that we bring in outside food
- Customer serviceCustomer service is not a thing here apparently.
- MattI’ve been coming here for years, and generally, the customer service is on par, and the food is typically pretty good depending on what you get. However, I don’t know if I’m the only one experiencing this, but there have been several times when Matt has been extremely rude and very uninviting. On one occasion, I went to do some work and grab a coffee an hour and a half before the Adams location closed.
- ServiceI purchased a variety of items, including a hot chocolate, avocado toast, a vegan cupcake, and two lattes. Despite the good food, I was still harassed for “taking up a table during exam week. ” The staff's attitude ruined the vibe.
- attendantThe attendant was closing at 10:30 and rushing me out
Service here is a real toss-up; you might encounter incredibly friendly staff or face frustrating rudeness and early closures. If youre feeling lucky and prepared for potential inconsistencies, give it a try, but dont expect consistently stellar interactions.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.1 and boasting a 74.6% customer satisfaction! With 97 positive remarks out of 130 total, guests often praise the versatile indoor and outdoor seating, chill atmosphere, and cool artwork. It's seen as a welcoming, homey spot perfect for work, study, or just relaxing.
However, 26 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some find the furniture quite beat up, the space can get loud, and there are occasional mentions of unpleasant smells or lackluster lighting. These issues suggest a need for some refreshing touches to maintain its charm.
Ambience
130
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
26
negative
7
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Versatile seating options
- Welcoming, chill vibe
- Local art & entertainment
What people don't like
- Worn-out furniture
- Can be loud
- Occasional bad smells
Often praised
- atmosphereAt first, we thought he was joking, especially since the sign near the door says “Lestat’s additional seating – Enter here. ” I’ve been coming to Lestat’s for years and have always appreciated the atmosphere, but this was by far the rudest interaction I’ve had here. It was disappointing to be turned away when the café was clearly open and seating was available.
- vibeThe service and vibe of Lestat's is great
- artespecially the art and local stuff posted around the place
- great placeGreat place to get work done
- placeAwesome low key place to sit
- plenty of seatingThe restaurant offers delicious drinks with tons of options. The food was great, and there was plenty of seating, yet it still felt intimate. I will definitely be back.
- spaceI had a wonderful experience here! There was loads of space, which meant I felt no guilt about drinking a cup of coffee over 2 hours while watching YouTube 😃. As someone visiting from New Orleans, I was looking for a place to chill, and this spot truly felt like a typical New Orleans coffee shop.
- venuethe venue, people and vibe is hip
- vibesGreat vibes
- Adams Ave experienceThis is an awesome low-key place to sit and have a coffee or food. It's a must-go for the true Adams Ave experience in San Diego.
Frequently criticized
- atmospheredidn't feel the cozy welcome atmosphere
- vibethe vibe... everything about it is super outdated
- 24 hoursMy experience was disappointing because the coffee shop is no longer open 24 hours. I'm an essential worker who didn't get downtime during lockdown and I deserve a decent espresso-based drink on my way to work at 5 am.
- Wi-Fiweaker Wi-Fi compared to other locations
- air conditioningair conditioning now and it sprays mist all over people
- buildingMy experience at this restaurant has unfortunately declined since it was purchased. They've closed down half of the building and increased prices. Previously, the WiFi was free, but now it requires a purchase.
- cafe and furnitureCafe and furniture could use some love
- decorationthe decoration is kinda lackluster
- energyBlocking the exit while trying to get us out pretty much sums up the energy here.
- furniturethe furniture is very beat up
If you're looking for a versatile spot with a generally good vibe for working, studying, or just chilling, this place is worth a visit. Just be prepared that some areas might feel a bit worn, and it can get lively.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers appreciate the affordable prices and find the price per person to be quite reasonable, especially for drinks. With 4 positive opinions noted, there's a sense that some offerings are genuinely fair. However, the overall score sits at an average 4.3, suggesting a mixed bag.
On the flip side, a significant number of guests, with 7 negative opinions out of 12 total, express concerns. Many feel prices have increased, leading to poor value for money. Specific cost issues like an outrageous oat milk upcharge and newly paid WiFi are frequently mentioned as dealbreakers, contributing to a poor 33.3% customer satisfaction.
Value
12
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Fair prices
What people don't like
- Rising prices
- Poor value
- Unexpected costs
Often praised
- affordableWould I come back? Yes, because their drinks are very good and affordable.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesFair prices
Frequently criticized
- pricesIt was our first time trying Lestat's. Not sure if it was the day or the norm, but it was less than I expected, and the prices were incredibly more than expected. We paid $50 for a sandwich, salad, and a few drinks.
- CostCost me $15 for nothing
- WiFiWiFi used to be free. Now, it requires a purchase.
- oat milk upchargeoutrageous $1.10 upcharge for oat milk
- pricecoffee is weak and overpriced
- valueI have a feeling that its desolate atmosphere has much to do with its prices. I don't know that I will pay for the value we received again.
So, is it worth your money? While some find specific items like drinks affordable, many are put off by rising prices and unexpected charges. Be mindful of potential upcharges; otherwise, you might find the overall value disappointing.
How are the prices at Lestat's?
On average, you’ll spend around $13 per person, based on 53 guests. That places this Cafe in the $11–$20 price range, which is comfortably mid-range. Interestingly, a significant number of diners (26) found options in the even more budget-friendly $1–$10 category, while another 21 reviews landed in the $11–$20 bracket.
This shows prices tend to cluster towards the more affordable side, offering good value.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 53 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Given it’s a Cafe, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mix of affordable and mid-range options, making it accessible for various budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Lestat's
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Lestat's: A Hip Community Hub
Lestat's on Adams Avenue is more than just a place; it's a state of mind. It easily fits into the vibrant communities of Greenwich Village, Capitol Hill, Haight-Ashbury, and East 6th Street. The baristas are not only nice but also easy on the eyes.
I had the opportunity to be the house photographer for Comedy Heights, hosted in Lestat's entertainment venue. Al Gavi and Maria Herman put on a weekly top-notch show there. Word has it that Jason Mraz even performed to nearly 300 people at Lestat's.
In summary, the venue, people, and vibe are hip without being pretentious. It's an inclusive, affordable, and respectful establishment. To truly grasp the value of a place like Lestat's, just imagine Adams Avenue in Normal Heights without it – you get it!
I hope to see you there.
- baristas8
- entertainment venue9
- top-notch show10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Service and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I visited the night before Thanksgiving and found the place empty with only one employee working. He seemed reluctant to serve us, warning us about potential early closing and even asking us to promise not to bring a large group.
This made me question the establishment's appeal, especially since they no longer serve quiche. The employee, who has worked there for 23 years, gave off a vibe that felt like a peak 2009 arrogant-yuppy-coffee-shop. To top it off, as my friend and I were leaving, he stood in front of the door, blocking the exit while vaping.
This interaction summed up the overall energy of the place. An edit notes another review mentioning an employee with a shirt stating "The God of Man is a Failure, " which I'm almost certain was the same person. If you're looking for a cup of coffee with a side of existential hopelessness, this might be your spot, but I won't be returning.
- coffee5
- employee2
- vibe2
- energy1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Comedy Venue with Good Food and Service
My experience at Comedy Heights was a great venue to see comedy. I enjoyed sipping a cup, and having a sandwich or dessert. The cool vibe and friendly and helpful staff made for a pleasant visit.
Thank you!
- comedy9
- vibe8
- staff9
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Discrimination or Bad Service?
I visited this location and was told to leave by a new worker because I only had free water at my table while charging my phone. This was particularly frustrating as others were doing the same thing. I'm left wondering if this was discrimination or just bad customer service.
Either way, I won't be back.
- free water5
- charging my phone5
- new worker2
- bad customer service2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Miss this coffee shop!
This coffee shop is what I miss the most about SD. I had a great experience with good food and good coffee. The unbeatable hours were also a major plus.
The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5. There was no wait, and the noise level was moderate. They have a large vegetarian selection, and it's somewhat recommended for vegetarians.
- good food9
- good coffee9
- unbeatable hours10
What Lestat's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Late-night food
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Lestat's in Normal Heights?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Lestat’s. It’s a great spot to enjoy live music and performances while savoring a great coffee or tea, making it ideal for both quick visits and longer stays.
What dining options and services does Lestat's offer?
Lestat’s offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, along with quick bites and late-night food. You can choose from dine-in, takeout, or enjoy outdoor seating, where dogs are also welcome.
How does Lestat's generally perform according to customer feedback?
Lestat’s holds an overall score of **6.3**, indicating an average performance. Customers particularly appreciate the **Ambience** (7.1) and **Food** (6.5), while **Service** (5.2) and **Value** (4.3) show areas for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Lestat's?
Many customers praise Lestat’s for its unique and inviting atmosphere, often highlighting it as a great place to relax or work. The coffee and other drinks are also frequently mentioned as strong points.
What are some common concerns customers have about Lestat's?
Common concerns include inconsistent service, particularly regarding staff interactions, and a perception that prices are high for the value received. Some also note that the interior and vibe can feel outdated.