Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Daily Grind – San Diego
The Daily Grind - San Diego
Photo from The Daily Grind
The Daily Grind at a glance
San Diego Mid-City
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 86 of the guests
#295 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#28 Café out of 65 in San Diego
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
416
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Good food
- Great atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Slow service
- Parking issues
- Greasy dishes
The café The Daily Grind in San Diego’s vibrant Mid-City neighborhood is a true gem for anyone seeking a delightful coffee experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, making it an ideal retreat.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy cafe offers a quiet escape whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy quality beverages and food.
Overview: Introducting The Daily Grind
The Daily Grind offers a welcoming spot where many find the `food` to be consistently satisfying, often praised for its variety and generous portions. The `staff` frequently receives commendation for being `friendly` and attentive, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.
However, some patrons have noted occasional challenges with `service` speed and `parking` availability. While the overall `atmosphere` is generally well-regarded, a few experiences point to minor inconsistencies that might affect a visit.
Good
7.7
out of 10
416
Reviews
78.4%
Satisfaction
77
negative
13
neutral
326
positive
The Daily Grind achieves a solid overall score of 7.7, reflecting a generally positive experience for its patrons. This is further supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 78.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 416 customer remarks, with 326 positive and 77 negative observations. Looking closer, `Food` (7.9) and `Ambience` (7.8) stand out as particular strengths, frequently earning high marks.
`Service` (7.3) also performs well, though some comments suggest room for improvement in efficiency. `Value` (6.8) is seen as acceptable, though it’s the lowest-scoring topic, with some finding prices a bit high for the quality.
What people like
- Consistent good food
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly, attentive staff
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Parking difficulties
- Greasy food concerns
With a strong recommendation score of 8, The Daily Grind is certainly worth considering if you’re seeking a place with reliable food and a pleasant setting. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal where a friendly face and a good atmosphere are priorities.
However, be prepared for potential waits during busy periods and consider alternative transport if parking is a concern. While the food generally impresses, some specific dishes might be inconsistent.
It’s a good local option, but managing expectations around service pace and parking will enhance your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Daily Grind
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a great 82.6%, its clear many diners are happy. Out of 207 comments, 171 rave about the deliciousness, often praising the fresh ingredients, home-cooked food, great coffee, and big portions that leave you feeling satisfied.
However, not every bite is perfect. There were 28 less enthusiastic remarks, with some mentioning food being greasy or stale, lacking flavor, or even being burnt. While these instances are fewer, they suggest some inconsistencies in execution that might occasionally pop up.
Food
207
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
28
negative
8
neutral
171
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients used
- Home-cooked meals
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Greasy/stale food
- Food lacks flavor
- Items burnt
Often praised
- foodI've been coming here for years and can attest to the most consistent food and prices in San Diego. The food is consistently great, and the prices are unbeatable.
- coffeeCoffee was great, even just three regular cup of joe was smooth and flavorful.
- breakfastI had a wonderful time and received amazing service from Jordan. Thank you for a wonderful breakfast, I will definitely be back!
- Mexican mochaThe Horchata cold brew and a Mexican mocha and they were freaking delicious.
- breakfast spotI randomly ordered here on DoorDash for my birthday, and now it's my favorite breakfast spot to go. The chef does a great job!
- pancakesMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding! I hands down had the best pancakes and the best chicken fried steak. The place itself is cute, and the service was great.
- CoffeeThey have like 10 different kinds; My favorite being the Irish Benedict with corn beef hash. 😋 Coffee is also great. Pro-tip: Get here before the college kids wake up and you won't have as much of a wait.
- chicken fried steakI got the best chicken fried steak I've ever had side from home cooking
- food tastefood variety and taste were both excellent
- portionsIt has a cafe style, quaint and neighborhood feel. The food was very good and the portions were generous. I appreciated that all ingredients were fresh and the chef clearly cared about his cooking.
Frequently criticized
- foodI tried their egg sandwich and California omelette, and both were very greasy and oily. Given the price point of $20–30 per person, I wouldn't recommend this place as you can find much better food elsewhere for the same cost. The service and atmosphere were rated a 4 out of 5, but the food score was a low 2.
- California omeletteVery greasy and oily
- Grind sandwichWe had the Grind sandwich. Extremely greasy and stale.
- breakfast itemsevery item was burnt to a crisp
- egg sandwichVery greasy and oily
- flavorThe food had no flavor.
- food qualitythis some thrown together whatever
- food temperatureHowever, I'm only giving it four stars because despite being seated quickly, it took 40 minutes to receive my food, and only after I inquired. When the food finally arrived, it was barely warm and had to be reheated. To add to the issues, my sourdough toast was forgotten.
- fruit sideAlso, the staff seemed under-resourced, and the restaurant felt expensive for what we got. I was also disappointed by the $4 upcharge for a fruit side with my breakfast sandwich since the fruit was mostly overripe watermelon and some off-tasting cantaloupe. The number of flies inside and out was also a big turn-off, and parking was a real hassle.
- greasy and staleExtremely greasy and stale.
If you're looking for a spot with generally delicious, hearty, and fresh options, especially for breakfast, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that a few experiences mention inconsistencies in preparation, so keep an eye out for those.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a 7.3 score indicating a good experience for many. Customers frequently praise the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive servers, often singling out individuals like waitress/barista Ruby or waiter Dulce for their excellent care. With 74 positive remarks out of 106 total, its clear many guests feel well looked after.
However, the customer satisfaction of 69.8% suggests a mixed bag, with some guests encountering issues. There are 31 negative comments highlighting concerns like long waiting times, feeling ignored, and occasional slow service. A few even mentioned a rude guy' or a general lack of coordination, indicating that consistency can be a challenge.
Service
106
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
31
negative
1
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick service
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Feeling ignored
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceIt felt like it had been reheated many times, as if we were eating leftovers. While the atmosphere was okay and the service was good, the food left us with a terrible stomachache. I do not recommend this place at all.
- staffThis place is a favorite for my husband and I! We eat there like once a week, and the staff always remembers us and treats us like friends and family. Love them!
- customer servicethe customer service was excellent
- friendlyMy husband and I absolutely love this place! It has a wonderful family atmosphere and the staff are incredibly friendly. We make sure to visit every time we're in town, as we have many cherished memories there.
- ownerThe sweetest older lady who I assume was the owner made our experience wonderful
- recommendationsgave us recommendations, which were amazing.
- service staffThe entire service staff was great, attentive and friendly.
- ConversationConversation
- Ms. FreidaMs. Freida is the best
- ServiceService:4
Frequently criticized
- serviceOn a positive note, my boyfriend's steak omelet was a winner! The biggest issue was the service; no one checked on us for the entire meal. We would have ordered more coffee, ran out of water and napkins, and our side orders of toast and fruit were forgotten.
- waiting timewaited..waited and waited until I believe the owners wife brought me the menu. Then I waited...waited...and waited.
- customer serviceowner or who ever is at the cashier, is one person should not have anything to do with customer service
- waiterwaiter would come and stand directly in between the table next to us and our table yet would give us his back
- ServiceService yes a little 🐌
- condiments trayput condiments tray ... by default, customers shouldn’t be requesting it
- cooksthe cooks. They don't know what they're doing
- coordination and communicationlack coordination and communication with the kitchen
- dishes deliverydishes were delivered to the table at different times
- drink refillsno follow-up to refill coffee and other drinks
If youre looking for a place with a generally warm and efficient team, this spot is often a hit. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less attentive moments, especially during busy periods. Its worth trying if you value friendly interactions, but manage your expectations for speed.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, with a good score of 7.8 and a solid 80% customer satisfaction! Out of 85 opinions, 68 rave about the welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently praise the family atmosphere, homey feel, and cozy atmosphere, often enjoying the outdoor seating and cleanliness.
It sounds like a truly inviting spot! However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 13 opinions point out a few snags. Some folks found parking to be a hassle, while others were bothered by a loud musician or even flies.
A few even mentioned dirty tables, ' suggesting some minor upkeep issues.
Ambience
85
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
68
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family, homey atmosphere
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Clean, outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Challenging parking
- Flies present
- Loud music/noise
Often praised
- atmosphereThis is a really nice little spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. It's very quiet but the food is great (I love the raspberry iced tea). The service can be a little slow, but it's family owned so sometimes they have an older employee working the tables so don't blame them too much.
- placeThe place had a nice atmosphere
- outdoor seatingmy party chose outdoor seating.
- cleanlinessIt’s my first time at this cozy cafe and I loved it! It’s family owned, has a great atmosphere, is clean, and the service was with a smile. The food was also excellent.
- family environmentThe food was amazing, truly like a home-cooked meal, and not fast food at all. The family environment made it feel very welcoming. I especially want to highlight Ms.
- locationlocation right off the main road is super convenient
- vibeEspecially when Diner of the Year performs music. Such a vibe.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- San Diego stylevery much a San Diego style restaurant
- Very cleanVery clean.
Frequently criticized
- parkingI was also disappointed by the $4 upcharge for a fruit side with my breakfast sandwich since the fruit was mostly overripe watermelon and some off-tasting cantaloupe. The number of flies inside and out was also a big turn-off, and parking was a real hassle. Despite that, I would try it again, but maybe I'd do take out.
- dirty tablesit down at a dirty table
- fliesnumber of flies inside and out was also a big turn-off
- foul languageThe food was great and the wait staff were excellent. The only downside was having to listen to some foul language from two people standing by their cars, just two feet from where we sat. Parking is the worst part about this place.
- green plantsconsider upgrading green plants, entry front
- musicianthe musician playing on the patio was too loud
- parking lotparking lot was not that spacious
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- sticky honeystill sticky honey all over the surface
If youre looking for a warm, inviting spot with a great outdoor vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and keep an eye out for minor cleanliness issues, especially if youre sensitive to those things.
Value (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 6.8 and a respectable customer satisfaction of 72.2%. Based on 18 comments, the majority, 13 of them, highlight that the prices are often decent prices or even great prices, making it feel worth the money and worth it for many diners. However, not everyone agrees, with 5 comments suggesting that the prices can feel a bit high for the quality received.
Some felt the meal was expensive for what they got, implying that for the same price, better options might be available elsewhere, leaving a few feeling it wasnt quite worth it'.
Value
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Decent, great prices
- Worth the money
- Good price-performance
What people don't like
- Expensive for quality
- Prices too high
Often praised
- pricesThe food was delicious, and they were very accommodating to a switch I requested with my breakfast order. The place had a nice atmosphere, with friendly employees and reasonable prices. I would certainly stop in again if I'm in that area.
- pricefor the price is well worth it
- $3.95for only $3.95!!!
- decent pricesThe waitress was nice and the food was good. I appreciated the quick service and decent prices. It's a smaller café with limited parking, but it wasn't busy when I visited, so I didn't have trouble finding a spot.
- great pricesFreida, who was the best. The great prices were also a significant plus.
- price-performance ratioDas Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis war sehr gut
- worth itit's definitely worth it
- worth the moneyis worth the money
Frequently criticized
- pricesame price anywhere you can find much better food
- meali ended up paying for my whole meal
- pricesThe prices are quite high for the quality of the food
Overall, the value here is generally good, with many finding the prices reasonable and worth it. Its a solid choice if youre looking for decent pricing. However, be aware that some diners felt the price didnt always match the quality of their meal'.
How are the prices at The Daily Grind?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 86 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.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners (a whopping 58 out of 86!) find themselves in that sweet spot of $11–$20. So, while there are a few cheaper and a few pricier options, the majority of experiences align right with that mid-range expectation.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 86 reviews.
How this Cafe stacks up against similar spots in San Diego for value.
Overall, for a Cafe, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a solid mid-range option where you know what to expect without any big surprises.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Daily Grind
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Delivery
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Favorite Breakfast Spot!
I randomly ordered here on DoorDash for my birthday, and now it's my favorite breakfast spot to go. The chef does a great job!
- chef10
- breakfast spot10
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Excellent Service and Food Choices
My experience at this restaurant was marked by EXCELLENT service from the staff. The menu offered a wide variety of choices, ensuring there was something for everyone. The food arrived timely, fresh, and hot, which was greatly appreciated.
- service10
- menu9
- food choices9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
8
Best Omelet in San Diego, But Inconsistent
My experience at this restaurant has been a tale of two visits. On my first visit, I had the best vegetarian almond omelet I've ever had in San Diego. It was so amazing that I went back, and it was still freaking amazing.
However, on a subsequent visit, something went wrong. It wasn't the same, and while it was still fresh and amazing, there were issues. When your omelet leaks on you from the veggies, it suggests the cooks don't know what they're doing.
I don't like that one day I received the freshest, best omelet, and on another, everything went wrong. It's amazing on a good day, truly the best one you can get in San Diego. They call it the 'Garden Something.
' You should check it out.
- vegetarian almond omelet10
- fresh and amazing9
- freshest best omelet10
- omelette leaks2
- cooks3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Brunch with Great Service!
Went for a spur-of-the-moment brunch date on a Sunday morning. Initially, I was a bit confused about parking, thinking there wasn't any because it's adjacent to Soapy Joe's, but they do have parking. We chose outdoor seating and there was no wait.
The staff immediately greeted us and took our orders, offering amazing recommendations. The Horchata cold brew and Mexican mocha were absolutely delicious. I ordered a croissant sandwich, and while I forgot to take a picture because it was so good, the accompanying potatoes were also really tasty, seasoned with something I couldn't quite identify but were "freaking tasty" home potatoes.
The staff was super pleasant, earning an 11/10. Definitely going again!
- Horchata cold brew10
- Mexican mocha10
- croissant sandwich10
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Food, Terrible Service Recovery
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The food was good, earning a 4 out of 5. However, the service was a significant letdown.
Our waiter accidentally spilled hot syrup all over my arms and clothes. While I understand that mistakes happen, the restaurant's response was inadequate. They offered an apology but did nothing to compensate for the incident, leaving me to pay for the entire meal with my outfit stained and my arms sticky.
The server herself was nice, but the establishment's failure to make things right was disappointing.
- food8
- waiter2
- service recovery1
- meal2
What The Daily Grind 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
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and service options can you expect at The Daily Grind?
At The Daily Grind, you’ll find a cozy, casual, quiet, and trendy atmosphere perfect for relaxing or catching up. You can enjoy your visit with various service options including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and convenient delivery.
Does The Daily Grind offer healthy and family-friendly dining options throughout the day?
Absolutely! The Daily Grind provides a range of healthy and vegetarian options, alongside quick bites, coffee, and tea. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with seating available. Plus, it’s good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs.
How does The Daily Grind rate overall?
The Daily Grind holds a good overall score of 7.7 with good customer satisfaction at 78.4%. Its strengths lie in `Food` (7.9) and `Ambience` (7.8), followed by `Service` (7.3) and `Value` (6.8).
What do customers enjoy most about The Daily Grind?
Many patrons appreciate the `friendly` and `attentive staff`, the `cozy atmosphere`, and the `consistent food` quality, often highlighting dishes like their breakfast items and coffee.
Are there any common complaints about The Daily Grind?
Some customers have noted `slow service` and `waiting times`, as well as occasional issues with `parking` and food being `greasy` or `lacking flavor`.