Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Subterranean – San Diego
Subterranean - San Diego
Photo from Subterranean
Subterranean at a glance
San Diego Burlingame
- ☕ Café
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#590 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#50 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
6.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
96
Reviews
55.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Açaí bowls
- Friendly staff
- Outdoor seating
Frequently criticized
- Drink quality
- High prices
- Service issues
The cafe Subterranean Coffee Drive thru in San Diego’s Burlingame neighborhood is your go-to spot for a quick caffeine fix. You’ll find great coffee here, perfect for starting your day or a midday pick-me-up.
This casual and trendy cafe offers a convenient drive-through service, making it easy to grab your favorite brew on the go. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or just a delicious cup of coffee, this spot has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Subterranean
Subterranean offers a mixed experience, particularly noted for its açaí bowls and generally friendly service. It presents itself as a charming spot with a convenient drive-thru, making it an easy stop for a quick bite or drink.
However, some visitors have found the overall value to be a concern, with certain coffee items not meeting expectations. There have also been occasional remarks about inconsistent drink quality and service, suggesting areas for refinement.
Good
6.1
out of 10
96
Reviews
55.2%
Satisfaction
37
negative
6
neutral
53
positive
Subterranean holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.1, indicating an average performance. Customer Satisfaction stands at 55.2%, reflecting a mixed reception among its patrons.
With 96 customer remarks, including 53 positive and 37 negative, there’s a clear picture of what works and what needs attention. The Ambience (6.7) and Service (6.6) generally receive favorable feedback, suggesting a pleasant environment and helpful staff.
However, Food (5.9) is seen as average, with some items shining while others disappoint. The Value (4.3) is a notable area for improvement, often perceived as less competitive.
What people like
- Great Açaí Bowls
- Friendly Staff
- Charming Outdoor Seating
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Drink Quality
- Poor Value Perception
- Service Inconsistencies
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, Subterranean is a place with potential, particularly if you’re seeking a well-made açaí bowl or a pleasant outdoor spot. It’s worth considering for those specific strengths.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in drink preparation and the perceived value. If you prioritize these aspects, you might find the experience less satisfying.
It’s a spot to try with specific expectations in mind.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Subterranean
Food (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to food and drinks, many customers rave about the delicious açaí bowls and specialty beverages. Folks particularly love the Mexican Mocha, iced strawberry white mocha, and Iced Brown Sugar Lattes, often finding them perfectly balanced. With 26 positive comments, theres definitely some tasty stuff to discover here!
However, the experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a score of 5.9 and a customer satisfaction of 52%. Some found the coffee terrible, describing it as over-roasted or watered down, and pastries sometimes lacked freshness. These 22 negative remarks suggest inconsistency, especially with basic coffee.
Food
50
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious açaí bowls
- Great specialty drinks
- Fresh spinach croissant
What people don't like
- Terrible coffee quality
- Watered-down drinks
- Stale pastries
Often praised
- acai bowlsWe decided to give Subterranean a try because Rad Habits didn't have acai or smoothies this morning, and I'm so glad we did. They have great acai bowls and friendly service. Plus, they have a drive thru!
- açaí bowlMy favorite spot for açaí in SD! Love the classic açaí bowl and subterranean makes the most authentic version I’ve seen in the area :)
- coffeeserves one delicious sweet fresh coffee!
- Açaí Bowlamazing looking Açaí Bowl
- Drifter açaí bowlMy favorite is the drifter açaí bowl
- Iced Brown Sugar Latte'sThere's also plenty of outdoor seating available on both sides. We ordered two Iced Brown Sugar Latte's, and both of us absolutely loved them. They are flavored with brown sugar and cinnamon and were perfectly balanced – not overly sweet at all.
- Mexican Mochathey have the best Mexican Mocha I’ve tried hands down!!
- authentic versionMy favorite spot for açaí in SD! Love the classic açaí bowl and subterranean makes the most authentic version I’ve seen in the area :)
- açaí bowlsthe açaí is just to die for
- blended mochathis little shop has a blended mocha that is absolutely insane!
Frequently criticized
- chai tea latteMy experience at this restaurant was definitely a mess. I ordered a chai tea latte, but it came out lukewarm and with entirely too much milk, completely lacking any chai taste. For a $6 drink, I'm not going back for a second chance.
- coffeethe coffee is terrible. Over-roasted, far too acidic
- Americanoit was so sour I couldn't even finish it
- açai blendwaaay too much açai blend
- bagel with cream cheesehad not put cream cheese on both slices
- clumps of powdered chocolate mixfull of clumps of powdered chocolate mix
- drinksmost watered down drinks with burnt espresso
- egg and bacon empanadasThe pastries however don't look or taste fresh.
- espressoThe staff member seemed completely uninterested and irritated by our presence. To make matters worse, the drinks were watered down with burnt espresso. Despite working in the coffee business myself and understanding the effort involved, this was a significant letdown.
- flavored waterdrinks that have been little more than flavored water
If you're craving a fantastic açaí bowl or a unique specialty drink like their Mexican Mocha, this spot is definitely worth a try. However, if your main mission is a consistently excellent cup of coffee or fresh pastries, you might find the experience a bit hit-or-miss.
Service (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to service, many folks have had some really pleasant experiences here! Guests often rave about the friendly service and kind employees, with many appreciating the helpful staff and the convenience of the drive thru. Out of 22 opinions, 14 were positive, highlighting how often the team goes above and beyond, like Paola who helped a customer with a fresh croissant.
However, its not always smooth sailing. The service score sits at an average 6.6, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.6%, suggesting theres room for improvement. Some customers have faced long wait times, inconsistent service, and even quality control issues, with 7 opinions mentioning these frustrations, like drinks not being made right or feeling irritated by a staff member.
Service
22
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Good customer service
- Convenient drive-thru
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service
- Quality control issues
Often praised
- serviceWe decided to give Subterranean a try because Rad Habits didn't have acai or smoothies this morning, and I'm so glad we did. They have great acai bowls and friendly service. Plus, they have a drive thru!
- customer serviceI really appreciated the customer service and yummy drink!!
- drive thruyou could even drive thru if needed
- staffI paid $14 for a meager amount of toppings and an overwhelming 90/10 ratio of açai blend to toppings. The only positive aspect was the decently polite staff, which earned it 2 stars.
- PaolaThanks to Paola for helping me. She heated up the croissant and it was fresh and packed with spinach.
- friendly servicefriendly service
- kind employeestwo super kind employees working
- local businessSupport local business
- peopleThe people here are friendly and helpful.
Frequently criticized
- girl workinggirl working seemed like she did not care at all and was irritated
- inconsistent serviceInconsistent service
- long waitapologized for the long wait
- one drink rightneeded to make one drink right and somehow messed that up
- quality control issuesThere is some quality control issues at the business
- timeNot worth the ... time
- waiting timeTook 20 minutes to get a bagel
If youre looking for a quick, friendly interaction, especially via the drive-thru, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared that service can sometimes be a bit inconsistent, so if you're in a rush, you might want to manage your expectations.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
This spot generally offers a good vibe, scoring a solid 6.7 for ambience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68.8%. Many appreciate the charm, with 11 positive remarks out of 16 total comments. Guests love the outdoor seating and the feel of a small business, often describing it as a cute little coffee stand in a convenient location.
However, not everyone is completely won over, with 3 comments noting some drawbacks. Some found the seating less than ideal, specifically mentioning it being next to a parking lot under construction. There were also concerns about hygiene, with mentions of flies inside the pastry display, which can definitely detract from the overall experience.
Ambience
16
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cute little spot
- Outdoor seating
- Small business vibe
What people don't like
- Flies inside display
- Seating by construction
Often praised
- outdoor seatingPlenty of outdoor seating on both sides
- convenient locationconvenient location
- cute little coffee standabsolutely love this cute little coffee stand
- cute little spotIt’s such a cute little spot
- drive thru and walk upfact that they have drive thru and walk up here
- little yellow buildingsuper cute. Love the little yellow building
- outdoor seating areaMy favorite is the Drifter açaí bowl, but I’ve had them all and they’re all soooo yummy! It’s such a cute little spot for breakfast to go, or you can sit down in their cute little outdoor seating area. Love it!
- seating areanice seating area next to the sidewalk
- small businessI like going to a small business that isn't a chain
- vibesgood vibes in South Park
Frequently criticized
- flies insideThe service can be inconsistent, and I've often received drinks that were little more than flavored water. I've also sometimes noticed flies inside the pastry display, which was particularly noticeable in the summer.
- pastry displayThe service can be inconsistent, and I've often received drinks that were little more than flavored water. I've also sometimes noticed flies inside the pastry display, which was particularly noticeable in the summer.
- seatingAll seating is outside next to a parking lot under construction.
If you're seeking a charming, convenient spot with outdoor seating and a local feel, this place is worth a try. Just be mindful that the seating might be rustic, and some have noted hygiene concerns, particularly with flies near the pastry display.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots, with some customers finding it one of the more decent priced coffee spots and even tasty and affordable. These 2 positive comments, using terms like decent priced and affordable, contribute to an average score of 4.3. However, the overall customer satisfaction is a poor 25%, indicating a significant disconnect.
On the flip side, the majority of the 5 negative comments paint a different picture, with many feeling its not worth the $ and a bit overpriced for coffee. Specific complaints mention a $6 drink being disappointing and even spending $40 just to literally not be able to drink our coffee. Terms like price and more pricey' frequently popped up, suggesting value is a real concern.
Value
8
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
5
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Decent pricing
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Overpriced drinks
- Not worth price
- Poor value
Often praised
- affordabletasty and affordable
- decent pricedone of the more decent priced coffee spots
Frequently criticized
- pricemore pricey
- $40spent $40 just to literally not be able to drink our coffee
- $6 drinkI ordered a chai tea latte, but it came out lukewarm and with entirely too much milk, completely lacking any chai taste. For a $6 drink, I'm not going back for a second chance.
- coffeeA bit overpriced for coffee
If youre weighing the value, proceed with caution. While a few items might seem affordable, many customers found the overall pricing, especially for drinks, to be disappointing. It might not be the best spot if youre looking for great bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Subterranean?
On average, you’ll spend around 7 per person – from 14 guests. That puts this Cafe squarely in the $1–$10 category. For a Cafe in San Diego, that’s quite budget-friendly, maybe even a steal!
Most diners (10 out of 14) are happily spending in that lower $1–$10 range, showing prices definitely cluster around the more affordable end of the spectrum.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering it’s a Cafe, we think the pricing here feels very fair. It offers a great value for those looking for an affordable bite in San Diego.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Subterranean
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Spot for Pastries and Coffee
This is a nice small shack in South Park. They offer outdoor seating and a convenient drive-thru option. The establishment provides all your morning essentials, including pastries, coffee, smoothies, and more.
The staff here are friendly and helpful. I tried the spinach croissant, and thanks to Paola for her assistance. She heated it up, and it was fresh and generously filled with spinach.
I recommend checking out this spot if you're in the area.
- spinach croissant9
- people9
- Paola9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Worse than Kirk's, overpriced and bland
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, especially when compared to its predecessor, Captain Kirk's. The food was worse, the prices were higher, and the menu lacked charm, feeling rather meh. I paid $14 for a meager amount of toppings and an overwhelming 90/10 ratio of açai blend to toppings.
The only positive aspect was the decently polite staff, which earned it 2 stars.
- staff7
- food2
- price2
- menu2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing Bagel Experience
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. There were no other orders, yet it took 20 minutes to receive a bagel with cream cheese. When it was finally called out, the cream cheese was only on one slice.
It was not worth the price or the time. I still tipped because they might have been having a bad day, but I would not recommend this place.
- bagel with cream cheese2
- waiting time1
- price2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Lukewarm Chai, Too Much Milk
My experience at this restaurant was definitely a mess. I ordered a chai tea latte, but it came out lukewarm and with entirely too much milk, completely lacking any chai taste. For a $6 drink, I'm not going back for a second chance.
- chai tea latte2
- $6 drink2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Disappointing Coffee and Service
My experience was incredibly disappointing. I had some of the worst coffee I’ve ever tasted. The staff member seemed completely uninterested and irritated by our presence.
To make matters worse, the drinks were watered down with burnt espresso. Despite working in the coffee business myself and understanding the effort involved, this was a significant letdown. We spent $40 and couldn't even drink our coffee.
- coffee1
- girl working1
- drinks2
What Subterranean offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Breakfast
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Brunch
- Seating
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What convenient service options does Subterranean Coffee Drive thru offer?
For your convenience, Subterranean Coffee Drive thru provides a range of service options. You can utilize their efficient drive-through, opt for delivery or takeout, or even enjoy curbside pickup. If you prefer to stay, dine-in and outdoor seating are also available for a relaxed experience.
Is parking and accessibility easy at Subterranean Coffee Drive thru?
Yes, parking is generally easy at Subterranean Coffee Drive thru. You’ll usually find plenty of free street parking or spaces in their free parking lot. For accessibility, the cafe offers a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated parking lot, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall verdict on Subterranean?
Subterranean has an average Restaurant Score of **6.1**. While **Ambience** (6.7) and **Service** (6.6) are generally well-regarded, **Food** (5.9) is mixed, and **Value** (4.3) is a weaker point.
What are Subterranean's standout menu items?
Many customers praise Subterranean for its **açaí bowls**, often described as authentic and delicious. The Iced Brown Sugar Latte’s and Mexican Mocha also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common complaints about Subterranean?
Some patrons have noted inconsistencies in drink quality, with issues like lukewarm chai or burnt espresso. The perceived **value** for money is also a recurring concern for certain items.