Spilling the Beans on the Best Coffee in San Diego – National Coffee Day is Sept. 29!

Get jazzed because Friday, September 29th is National Coffee Day! Whether you prefer to start each day with a warm cup of black coffee or you’d rather order your java sugary and iced, this day is the perfect way to honor all that coffee does for us. From pulling you out of an afternoon slump, to serving as a casual date idea, celebrate National Coffee Day at these San Diego hot spots. Start your morning out with a jolt at Spill the Beans in the Gaslamp District. This coffee and bagel shop proudly and exclusively serves Dark Horse Coffee, a San Diego local roaster. Try the house favorites, Mr. Ed and One Trick Pony or keep it basic with an espresso, cappuccino or latte. Although Spill the Beans has only been open for a little over a month, its already become the go-to place to start your mornings.  The Dude’s favorite beverage has undergone a little transformation at True North Tavern in North Park. The Dude’s classic White Russian has gotten a San Diego hipster twist. The mixologists over at True North have created The Lil’ Dude Abides. Made with fugu horchata vodka, Kahlua, modern times cold brew coffee, fresh cream and cinnamon. What would The Dude think of his iconic cocktail becoming a craft cocktail? Well, it’s a very complicated case, Laurie. You know, a lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous. And, uh, a lotta strands to keep in his head, man. Lotta strands in old Duder’s head. Spend National Coffee Day at Fig Tree Café, a garden-style haven nestled in Liberty Station. Slink into a cozy nook on their charming patio, adorned in blooming planters and climbing vines, as you sip on a freshly made Affogato, crafted from Patron XO Café, espresso, cream and cinnamon. A delightful and intricate melding of rich flavors, this classic Italian delicacy makes the perfect National Coffee Day treat. If a boozy pick-me-up is in order, Breakfast Republic in Ocean Beach offers their signature Heart Palpitation, a bold morning concoction prepared with Selvarey Cacao Rum, Breakfast Republic Cold Brew, cane sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and orange oils. Intricately balanced with zest-infused chocolate and nutmeg flavor notes, this cocktail aims to please the city’s coffee connoisseurs. Rise and shine with Carlsbad Village’s newest and most exciting venue, Park 101. This multi-level dining complex, with community dining and lounging, also has a grab-and-go Deli & Dough menu. Each morning, they’re serving up doughnuts, acai bowls and smoothies, breakfast burritos and Café Virtuoso coffee.  Deal Alert! The Duck Dive, just steps from the sand on Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach, is prepared to truly honor National Coffee Day with an all-day special on Irish Coffees. From 9:00 a.m. to close, they will be serving $5 Irish Coffees, made with Jameson Irish Whisky, hot coffee, brown sugar and cream.  Freebie Alert! San Diego’s newest coffee haven, Coava Coffee Roasters, will be pouring their world-class single-origin cold brew for FREE ALL DAY this Friday! The Portland-born coffee purveyors opened doors to their first San Diego location earlier this month, bringing their award-winning speciality coffee to the heart of downtown’s Civic District. Celebrate National Coffee Day with the new neighbors in town and enjoy a cup of their cold brew on-tap, on the house!  The dual concept coffee shop and retail space at Moniker General recently added a third element to their already insta-worthy shop with the addition of their new cocktail menu at The Bar. Incorporating their National Coffee Day celebrations into both beverage concepts, the day-time coffee shop will be pouring their house-brew drip coffee for free from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., while The Bar mixes up boozy blend of Irish Cream, coffee liqueur, and shaved chocolate ganache. The Bar’s coffee cocktail will be served all day from 12:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Located in Seaport Village, Upstart Crow Bookstore & Coffeehouse has been in business for more than 30 years, making it an idyllic staple for locals and visitors from around the country.  Named after an insulting label placed on William Shakespeare by a competing playwright, Upstart Crow is filled with hundreds of interesting an unique gifts, wonderful books, and of course, the fine aroma of freshly-brewed coffee. Guests can make themselves at home on one of the comfy, eclectic chairs scattered around the store, and sip on a perfect cup of cappuccino, ice-blended mocha, or one of the dozens of pastries. A great option for coffee lovers who want a side of ambiance.  Looking for a cafe with an atmosphere that’s as delicious as their locally-sourced coffee? Halcyon in East Village is your place for open air seating, carefully-crafted food and strong brews! Choose from their extensive list with options such as Espresso, Americanos, Macchiatos, Frappes and more. Not to mention, the cafe just expanded with their B-side bar that’s full of entertainment such as giant jenga, corn hole, checkers and old-school board games.   Deal Alert! Pappalecco Cafe is offering $2 cappuccinos from open to 11:00 a.m. on National Coffee Day to celebrate and share some Italian coffee traditions with San Diego. Pappalecco is a local Italian coffee, pastry and dining destination—serving organic coffee with a blend of beans roasted right here in Temecula!   The Coffee Hub in Point Loma is a bicycle-themed coffee bar and cafe serving up great food and delicious coffee. The shop uses locally roasted coffee for a variety of specialty drinks including espressos, lattes, hot coffee and cold brew. Grab your bike and head to the Coffee Hub to start your day!           Rather stay home for your coffee fix? VitaCup is helping coffee lovers hack their morning routine by offering vitamin-infused coffee and tea pods. VitaCup’s brews make it convenient to be healthy with essential vitamins that have been shows to support adrenal health and weight loss, boost mood and reduce inflammation.Each of their six tasty flavors feature a signature vitamin blend of B1, B5, B6, B9, B12, D3 and antioxidants. Flavors include French Roast, French Vanilla, Gourmet Breakfast Blend, Gourmet House Blend, Gourmet Decaf Blend and Green Tea, adding a mix of the trending Matcha and Moringa.