Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Up2You – San Diego
Up2You - San Diego
Photo from Up2You
Up2You at a glance
San Diego Kearny Mesa
- 🍰 Dessert Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 28 of the guests
#534 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 Dessert Restaurant out of 1 in San Diego
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
419
Reviews
62.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- delicious desserts
- cozy atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- value concerns
- inconsistent service
The cafe Up2You is a delightful Dessert Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Kearny Mesa neighborhood. You’ll discover a haven for those with a sweet tooth, renowned for its great dessert offerings.
It’s a perfect spot to unwind, grab a quick bite, or enjoy a late-night treat in a cozy and casual setting. You can also enjoy their great coffee and extensive tea selection.
Overview: Introducting Up2You
Up2You offers a generally pleasant experience, particularly noted for its inviting atmosphere and a wide array of appealing desserts. Many appreciate the cozy vibe, making it a comfortable spot to unwind or socialize.
However, some visitors have raised concerns regarding the overall value for money and occasional inconsistencies in the service. While the food often receives praise, these aspects can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
6.6
out of 10
419
Reviews
62.3%
Satisfaction
126
negative
32
neutral
261
positive
Up2You registers an overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 62.3%. This assessment is drawn from 419 customer opinions, comprising 261 positive and 126 negative remarks.
The Food (6.7) is a strong point, frequently highlighted by patrons, while the Ambience (7.6) also stands out as a significant positive. Conversely, Service (5.4) appears to be a more inconsistent area, hovering around average.
The most notable challenge lies with Value (3.9), which customers often perceive as needing improvement. This suggests that while the setting and culinary offerings are generally well-received, the pricing structure and service delivery could benefit from closer attention.
What people like
- Delicious desserts
- Cozy atmosphere
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Value concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Parking difficulties
Up2You is a solid choice if you’re primarily seeking a pleasant environment and a satisfying dessert experience. With a Recommendation Score of 7, it suggests that many find it worth a visit, especially for its unique sweet treats and inviting atmosphere.
However, be mindful of potential issues with value and service consistency. If you prioritize these aspects above all else, you might find it a mixed bag.
It’s best approached as a casual spot for a sweet indulgence rather than a full-service dining destination.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Up2You
Food (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a delightful array of choices that truly shine! With 152 positive remarks out of 242 total, customers frequently praise the unique dishes, amazing desserts, and the ever-popular honey toast and crepe cakes. The presentation is often highlighted as beautiful, and the flavors are consistently described as unique and delicious, making for a solid dining experience.
However, the food experience isnt without its bumps, reflected in a 62.8% customer satisfaction rating. Some diners have noted issues with "crepe cake" quality, inconsistent "food temperature, " and a "chalky taste" in certain items. There are also mentions of "small portions" and some desserts being "sickeningly sweet, " suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Food
242
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
67
negative
23
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique dishes
- Amazing desserts
- Beautiful creations
What people don't like
- Inconsistent crepe cake
- Poor food temperature
- Small portions
Often praised
- dessertsI almost wanted to rate 4 stars just because there are so many choices that it's almost anxiety-provoking to stare at their menu and I'm always afraid of building a lack-luster mess, but then realized that's a me issue and not them issue. Luckily enough, every dessert I've built so far has come out amazing. Will be back with the sweet-tooth.
- foodIt's a true San Diego gem and a hip Vietnamese cafe that I'd recommend stopping by when you're in the mood for something sweet. Although they are utterly busy most of the time, their service is speedy and the food is flavorful at best.
- honey toastI love coming here for honey toast. I don’t know any other places that serve honey toast, so I come here when I crave it because it is so delicious. If you’ve never tried honey toast, it’s basically sweet toast with butter that is warm with toppings like ice cream, fruits, etc.
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the place to be with good vibes, good coffee, and a great atmosphere. Even though I live in OC, I will definitely be coming back!
- dessertThis is a good place to get boba, have toast, eat dessert, study, and have fun. I particularly enjoyed their claw machines and games!
- drinksThey also played the same Taylor Swift song for over 15 minutes until I mentioned it, after which they thankfully changed it. However, the desserts are definitely worth it, the crepes are tasty, and so are the drinks.
- toastThis is a good place to get boba, have toast, eat dessert, study, and have fun. I particularly enjoyed their claw machines and games!
- crepeThe crepe was better!
- FoodFood:5
- Vietnamese coffeeMatcha is my favorite, and their banana matcha was incredibly good. I also ordered the crepe, honey toast, and Vietnamese coffee to go. The food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated a 5.
Frequently criticized
- drinksI kid you not, my boyfriend waited in line and he did not pick up our order until 9: 15, even though he got in line at 8: 25 and we received our email confirmation at 8: 35! By this time, my drinks had been sitting out for a while and my brownie was cold and hard as a rock! I had to come home and place it in the microwave for a minute for it to soften up, and it was not worth it at all.
- ice creamWe drove from La Jolla to have an ice cream and were there at 11: 49 AM. The lady behind the register informed us that the kitchen closes at 10: 45 AM and she couldn't even give us a scoop of ice cream as the register was closed. We will never coming back.
- beveragesHopefully the food is much better than drinking their sugary sippy cups. I mean beverages.
- brownieI kid you not, my boyfriend waited in line and he did not pick up our order until 9: 15, even though he got in line at 8: 25 and we received our email confirmation at 8: 35! By this time, my drinks had been sitting out for a while and my brownie was cold and hard as a rock! I had to come home and place it in the microwave for a minute for it to soften up, and it was not worth it at all.
- churrosMy churros was cold and hard.
- creamThe cream isn’t fresh
- crepeIt's whatevers. I've just had much better crepes.
- dessertgave our dessert completely upside down where the cream of the dessert was smashed
- dessertsIf it were up to me, I would not recommend any of the desserts or drinks at Up2You Cafe. Despite being surrounded by dessert and boba places, it's amazing how this place can even stay in business, especially when they are serving sub-par "puffle waffles" and "boba".
- mango smoothieMy experience involved ordering a mango smoothie and a winter melon milk tea. The fruit in the smoothie was still frozen, and it appeared that it wasn't blended very well.
Overall, with a score of 6.7, the food here is generally good, especially if you're seeking creative and delicious desserts. While some items might miss the mark, the unique offerings and standout sweet treats make it worth a visit for those with a sweet tooth.
Service (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have experienced a pleasant visit, often praising the friendly staff, prompt service, and great customer service. Guests frequently mention efficient cashiers and quick order delivery, with desserts coming out quickly and drinks ready in a timely manner. It seems some employees are truly passionate about creating a great experience.
Despite the positives, the overall service experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in a customer satisfaction of 44.7% and an average score of 5.4. With 35 negative comments out of 76 total, some patrons faced poor customer service, long waiting times, and concerns about staff hygiene. Unapologetic attitudes from employees and even dropped orders were also reported, suggesting inconsistency.
Service
76
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
35
negative
7
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Prompt service
- Efficient order
What people don't like
- Poor customer service
- Long wait times
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceThe food was so tasty and delicious. I was also impressed with the super quick service. The place itself is so cute, making it a great spot for taking pictures.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive, especially with their great desserts! I must say the staff is so friendly, and the order comes out quick. We loved their ice creams and their drinks are great too.
- ServiceService:5
- Friendly staffFriendly staff
- Prompt servicePrompt service and friendly staff
- cashierthe cashier was very efficient at taking orders
- desserts come out quicklythe desserts come out quickly
- drink ready timemy drink was ready in about 2 minutes
- employeesthe employees are super welcoming
- foodGot our food within 20 minutes
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service has always been OK. If it wasn’t for their desserts, I wouldn’t go back.
- customer servicecustomer service is a bit... interesting?
- employeesher and the other girl In the red tshirt were laughing and looking at me
- online orderDespite being surrounded by dessert and boba places, it's amazing how this place can even stay in business, especially when they are serving sub-par "puffle waffles" and "boba". The first time I tried to make an online order for a "puffle waffle", they cancelled my order even though the order was placed 10 minutes before their last call, which is 10: 30pm. The second time I made an online order, I was even more disappointed than the first time.
- apologizeI went to pick up the order and the girl working at the counter DROPPED my order as she was taking it out from behind the counter. She didn't even apologize and just picked it up and handed it to me. My disappointment didn't end there.
- attitudeIf they had a better attitude and service for the inconvenience
- claw machinethe claw machine scammed
- clean my own tableI had to clean my own table
- cleaningNunca limpiaron
- crepe ordersdont take any crepe orders after 9:30pm
If youre considering a visit, be aware that service can be a bit inconsistent. While you might encounter friendly and prompt staff, theres also a chance of longer waits or less-than-stellar interactions. It's a bit of a gamble, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits all the right notes, earning a 7.6 score, which is quite good! Customers are clearly happy, with satisfaction at a strong 81.6%. Many love the cleanliness, seating options, and the fun arcade games that contribute to a youthful vibe.
With 71 positive remarks out of 87, its clear this place has a great atmosphere. However, a few guests (14 opinions) did point out some areas for improvement. "Parking" can be a challenge, and the spot can get "crowded" and "loud" at times.
There was even a specific mention of repetitive "music, " suggesting that while the vibe is generally good, its not always perfect.
Ambience
87
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
14
negative
2
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean environment
- Fun games
- Lively atmosphere
What people don't like
- Limited parking
- Can get crowded
- Loud at times
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere is astonishing and so welcoming
- placeGreat place to grab a dessert and boba and get some work done
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- board gamesIt was quite packed when we went, most of us got their matcha, milk teas, or teas. My group and I really liked their assortment of board games and claw machines that elevated the cafe's cozy vibe. Hopefully the food is much better than drinking their sugary sippy cups.
- claw machinesIt was quite packed when we went, most of us got their matcha, milk teas, or teas. My group and I really liked their assortment of board games and claw machines that elevated the cafe's cozy vibe. Hopefully the food is much better than drinking their sugary sippy cups.
- gamesThey have games here
- musicheard the music on a good vibe
- seatingIt's definitely a portion for more than one person, though I made it a single serving. The place offers games and plenty of seating, making it a fun spot to hang out or study!
- vibeI love the vibe here.
- Hand sanitizerHand sanitizer is located in the entry way
Frequently criticized
- parkingbe on the lookout for parking as it is a bit on high demand
- ParkingSuper busy but they made our dessert quickly. Parking is rough so make sure you plan accordingly. Other than that, 10/10!
- Parking spacesParking spaces are limited
- crowdedIt was very crowded
- eating insideeating inside where food is prep
- hang aroundIt gets one star for the somewhat nice atmosphere and decor. Honestly, it didn't make me want to hang around, and I can't imagine coming here to study or hang out for a while.
- loudIt does get loud since lots of students just hang out there
- musicplayed the same Taylor Swift song for 15+ mins
- parking spacesSmall amount of parking spaces available
- place cleanlinessPlace could be a little cleaner
If you're looking for a lively spot with a fun atmosphere, plenty of seating, and games, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for potential parking woes and a bustling environment, especially during peak hours.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, some customers found the experience quite pleasant, noting that the prices are fair and offering good prices. A few even felt the pricing was reasonable, with some reviews praising the prices as great overall. This positive sentiment comes from 4 customer remarks.
However, the overall picture for value is a bit challenging, with a score of just 3.9, which is considered poor. Customer satisfaction also sits at a low 28.6%, indicating significant room for improvement. Many felt things were overpriced or a waste of money, often finding items on the costlier side.
With 10 negative comments out of 14 total, it seems many customers felt the price didn't match the experience.
Value
14
Reviews
28%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fair prices
- Good pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Not worth money
- Costly side
Often praised
- good pricesgood prices
- pricesprices were great
- prices are fairprices are fair
- pricingreasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- waste of moneyI ended up throwing it away because the edges were still hard. This place is a waste of time and money and although I hate leaving bad reviews for small businesses, especially during these difficult times, I just feel that the owners should have set a system in place by now. This happens every single time and they ask you to wait in line despite having ordered online to avoid the wait times.
- costlier sidefound it on little bit costlier side
- false advertisementThis place is false advertisement
- moneyMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. The Dubai chocolate strawberries were pretty bland and not worth the money. Even after spending over $50, when I asked for a cup of water, I was directed to a tiny cup that could barely hold anything.
- overpricedThe customer service was poor, as I had to clean my own table. Furthermore, the portions were small and the prices were overpriced.
- priceHowever, I found their vanilla ice cream to be of lower quality, comparable to 'Thrifty ice cream'. This made the overall experience feel not entirely worth the price.
- pricesAlso the prices were somewhat high for the area
- slice of cake$10 for a slice of cake is tax
- waste of timeI ended up throwing it away because the edges were still hard. This place is a waste of time and money and although I hate leaving bad reviews for small businesses, especially during these difficult times, I just feel that the owners should have set a system in place by now. This happens every single time and they ask you to wait in line despite having ordered online to avoid the wait times.
If youre very budget-conscious, you might find the value here disappointing, as many felt it was overpriced for what you get. While a few found the prices fair, the overall sentiment suggests you might not feel youre getting your money's worth.
How are the prices at Up2You?
You’re looking at roughly $14 per person – reported by 28 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Dessert Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of the recent reviews show prices clustering right in this $11–$20 sweet spot, indicating a consistent pricing experience.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 28 most recent reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
For a Dessert Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for a nice treat without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Up2You
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
False Advertisement and Claw Machine Scam
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to false advertisement. The chocolate sphere I was expecting was not on the menu. Additionally, the claw machine experience felt like a scam, as we had a video showing the item in the claw, only for it to drop.
This was a dine-in service.
- false advertisement2
- chocolate sphere2
- claw machine1
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Sweet Cravings Fulfilled!
My experience at this restaurant was great! It's the original spot for delicious brick toast. They offer a wide variety of dessert options, ensuring there's something for everyone, just as the name suggests – it's up to you to satisfy your sweet cravings.
While parking can be a bit challenging, that's typical for the entire Convoy food district.
- brick toast9
- dessert options9
- parking4
Service Intent
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Pokemon-themed family fun!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with my kids. The menu offered a great variety of smoothies, milk, and fruit tea options. We also enjoyed the unique Pokemon vending machine.
We attended a Pokemon training event with my children, and we all thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- menu9
- smoothies9
- Pokemon vending machine9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great place and awesome Napoleon!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially during a Pokemon event. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the "Napoleon" dish was awesome! The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect score.
- atmosphere10
- Napoleon10
- Food10
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Experience, Waste of Money
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. We ordered the brownie, churros, milk tea, and a coffee for almost $35. Unfortunately, it felt like a complete waste of money.
The brownie and ice cream, priced at $10, were not worth it due to a chalky taste and a very small scoop of ice cream. I found the milk tea to be significantly better at 85 degrees. We were bummed about wasting our money, especially after seeing positive reviews that gave us hope.
It was a huge upset, but at least we know now.
- brownie2
- ice cream2
- milk tea2
What Up2You offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Seating
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Up2You Cafe?
At Up2You Cafe, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying your dessert or coffee. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or late-night food, offering comfortable seating. The cafe is also good for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
Does Up2You Cafe offer convenient services and accessibility?
Yes, Up2You Cafe provides various service options including onsite services, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and delivery. You’ll also find free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The cafe is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Up2You?
Up2You holds an average overall score of 6.6. Customers generally appreciate the Food (6.7) and Ambience (7.6), but opinions are more mixed regarding Service (5.4) and Value (3.9).
What do customers enjoy most about Up2You?
Patrons frequently praise the delicious desserts, including honey toast and crepes, and the welcoming, cozy atmosphere often enhanced by board games and comfortable seating.
What are some common criticisms about Up2You?
Common complaints include concerns about value, with some finding items overpriced, and occasional inconsistencies in service. Parking can also be a challenge for visitors.